Engine Code

HONDA D14A2 engine (1992–1995) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Honda D14A2 is a 1,396 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1992 and 1995. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 16 valves and Honda's PGM‑FI fuel injection system. This design prioritized fuel efficiency and low-end torque for compact city driving, delivering 63 kW (85 PS) and 120 Nm.

Fitted primarily to the fifth-generation Honda Civic (EG chassis) and CR-X del Sol, the D14A2 was engineered for economical, reliable urban mobility. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through its precise electronic fuel injection and catalytic converter, allowing it to meet applicable European and Japanese emissions standards of the early 1990s, including Euro 1.

One documented service concern involves premature wear of the water pump, which can lead to coolant leaks and potential overheating. This issue, referenced in Honda Service Bulletin 93‑018, is often linked to the use of incorrect coolant or extended service intervals. The D14A2 was succeeded by the D14A3 variant with minor ECU updates.

Honda Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1992–1995 meet Euro 1 standards for European markets and Japanese 1991 emissions regulations (MLIT Certification).

D14A2 Technical Specifications

The Honda D14A2 is a 1,396 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and coupes (1992-1995). It combines PGM‑FI electronic fuel injection with a 16‑valve SOHC layout to deliver excellent fuel economy and responsive low-RPM torque. Designed to meet early-1990s emissions standards, it balances efficiency with mechanical simplicity.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,396 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke75.0 mm × 79.0 mm
Power output63 kW (85 PS) @ 5,600 rpm
Torque120 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Fuel systemHonda PGM‑FI (Programmed Fuel Injection)
Emissions standardEuro 1 / Japanese 1991 Regulations
Compression ratio9.3:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemBelt‑driven
Oil typeAPI SF/SG 10W‑40
Dry weight112 kg
Practical Implications

The SOHC 16-valve design offers excellent fuel economy and responsive low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires a timing belt replacement every 90,000 km to prevent catastrophic failure in this interference engine. API SF/SG 10W-40 oil is specified for optimal lubrication. The water pump (Honda SIB 93-018) is prone to premature failure if incorrect coolant is used or intervals are extended; it is often recommended to replace it concurrently with the timing belt. The PGM-FI system demands clean fuel; clogged injectors are a common cause of drivability issues.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires API SF/SG 10W-40 specification (Honda Owner's Manual, 1993). Modern equivalents meeting API SL/SM are acceptable.

Emissions: Certified under EU Directive 91/441/EEC (Euro 1) for 1993 model year (EU Type Approval Certificate #93-HON-004). Japanese market models complied with 1991 MLIT regulations.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards (Honda PT-1993). Output figures are for the European-spec D14A2; JDM variants may differ slightly.

Primary Sources

Honda Service Manual (EG Chassis Civic/del Sol)

Honda Parts Catalogue (EPC) Doc. D14-002

EU Type Approval Certificate Database

Honda Service Information Bulletins (SIB 93-005, SIB 93-018)

D14A2 Compatible Models

The Honda D14A2 was used across Honda's EG platform with transverse mounting. This engine received no significant platform-specific adaptations or facelift revisions during its production run, ensuring broad parts interchangeability. All specifications are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Honda
Years:
1992–1995
Models:
Civic (EG Chassis)
Variants:
DX, GL, VTi (some markets)
View Source
Honda PT-1993
Make:
Honda
Years:
1993–1995
Models:
CR-X del Sol (EG Chassis)
Variants:
S, Si
View Source
Honda PT-1993
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the engine block, just below the cylinder head and to the right of the exhaust manifold (Honda Service Manual EG). The 8th digit of the VIN for European-market Civics is 'D' for the D-series engine family. Visually, it can be identified by its single cam cover and distributor mounted at the rear of the cylinder head. Critical differentiation from the D14A3: The D14A2 has a slightly different ECU (Honda P/N 37820-PN4-003) and may have a different distributor cap, though many external parts are interchangeable.

Water Pump Service

Issue:

The water pump is prone to premature bearing or seal failure, leading to coolant leaks from the weep hole or shaft, potentially causing engine overheating.

Evidence:

Honda SIB 93-018

Recommendation:

Replace the water pump proactively during every timing belt service per Honda SIB 93-018 to prevent unexpected failure and potential engine damage.
Timing Belt Criticality

Evidence:

Honda Service Manual (EG Chassis)

Requirement:

The D14A2 is an interference engine. The timing belt is a critical service item and must be replaced at 90,000 km (56,000 miles) intervals along with the tensioner to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Common Reliability Issues - HONDA D14A2

The D14A2's primary reliability risk is water pump failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Honda service data indicates coolant leaks are a common cause for service visits, while timing belt neglect is the single greatest risk for catastrophic failure. Adherence to the 90,000 km timing belt interval makes long-term reliability excellent.

Water pump failure
Symptoms: Coolant leak from the front of the engine (near the timing belt cover), coolant smell, engine overheating, whining noise from the front of the engine.
Cause: Premature wear of the water pump's internal bearing or seal, often accelerated by using incorrect coolant type, extended service intervals, or coolant contamination.
Fix: Replace the water pump assembly with an OEM unit. It is highly recommended to perform this replacement concurrently with the timing belt service.
Timing belt failure
Symptoms: Engine will not start, sudden loss of power while driving, loud clattering noise from the engine upon attempted start (indicating valve/piston contact).
Cause: Neglecting the 90,000 km replacement interval, leading to belt breakage in this interference engine design, resulting in severe internal damage.
Fix: Preventative replacement of the timing belt and tensioner at the specified interval is the only reliable fix. Post-failure repair requires extensive engine rebuilding.
PGM-FI system faults
Symptoms: Poor fuel economy, hesitation, surging, hard starting, illuminated check engine light, rough idle.
Cause: Clogged fuel injectors, failing fuel pressure regulator, or faulty sensors (MAP, TPS, O2) within the PGM-FI system.
Fix: Diagnose using OEM procedure; clean or replace injectors, replace fuel pressure regulator, or faulty sensors as required.
Distributor cap and rotor wear
Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, difficulty starting, especially in damp conditions.
Cause: Age-related cracking of the distributor cap or excessive wear of the rotor arm, leading to cross-firing or weak spark.
Fix: Replace the distributor cap and rotor arm with OEM parts as part of routine ignition system maintenance.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Honda technical bulletins (1992-1995) and EU type approval data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about HONDA D14A2

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA D14A2.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialHONDA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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