1999 HONDA CIVIC COUPE Owners Manual

Automatic Transmission (CVT)

4. Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release slot.
5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on theshift lever and move the shift lever
out of Park to Neutral. RELEASE BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
6. Remove the key from the shift lock release slot, then reinstall the
cover.
Depress the brake pedal andrestart the engine.
If you need to use the Shift Lock Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Honda dealer. Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
On HX model

Honda's Continuously Variable
automatic transmission's unique design provides a smooth, constant
flow of power. It is electronically controlled for more precise operation
and better fuel economy.

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Automatic Transmission (CVT)

Shift Lever Position Indicator
This indicator on the instrument panel shows which position the shift
lever is in.
The "D" indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid accelera-
tion and have the transmissionchecked by an authorized Honda
dealer as soon as possible. Shift Lever Positions
The shift lever has six positions. It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, S, L, N or R, press firmly on the
brake pedal and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal.

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Automatic Transmission (CVT)

Park (P) — This position mechani-

cally locks the transmission. Use

Park whenever you are turning off or
starting the engine. To shift out of

Park, you must press on the brake

pedal, have your foot off the accelera-

tor pedal, and press the release

button on the side of the shift lever.
If you have done all of the above andstill cannot move the lever out of

Park, see Shift Lock Release on page
144.
You must also press the release
button to shift into Park. To avoidtransmission damage, come to a
complete stop before shifting intoPark. The shift lever must be in Park
before you can remove the key from the ignition switch. Reverse (R) — To shift from Re-
verse to Park, see the explanation under Park. To shift to Reverse from
Neutral, come to a complete stop
first. Press the release button before shifting into Reverse from Neutral.
Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop briefly with
the engine idling. Always shift to Park position if you need to leave the
vehicle for any reason. Press on the brake pedal when you are movingthe shift lever from Neutral toanother position.

CONTINUED

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Automatic Transmission (CVT)

Drive (D) — Use this position for
your normal driving. The transmis- sion automatically adjusts to keep
the engine at the best speed for
driving conditions. To help the engine warm up faster, the transmis-
sion will select ratios that allow the
engine to run at higher speeds when

it is cold.
Second (S) — Selecting Second
shifts the transmission into a lower
range of ratios for better accelera-
tion and increased engine braking. Use Second when you are goingdown a steep hill, or in stop-and-go
driving.
Low (L) — To shift to Low, press
the release button on the side of the shift lever. Use Low to get more
power when climbing, and for maximum engine braking when
going down steep hills.
For faster acceleration when in D, S
or L, the transmission will
automatically "kick down" to a lower range of ratios when you push the
accelerator pedal to the floor. Maximum Allowable Speeds
The CVT shifts automatically to maintain proper engine speed in anyshift position.
When the vehicle reaches the maximum speed in any shift position,
you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter (112
mph, 180 km/h) in the engine's computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the speed below the maximum.

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Parking

Always use the parking brake when
you park your car. The indicator on the instrument panel shows that theparking brake is not fully released; it
does not indicate that the parking
brake is firmly set. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly or your
car may roll if it is parked on an
incline.

If your car has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission inPark. This keeps the car from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission — making it easier to
move the shift lever out of Park
when you want to drive away. If the car is facing uphill, turn the
front wheels away from the curb. If
you have a manual transmission, put it in first gear.
If the car is facing downhill, turn the
front wheels toward the curb. If you
have a manual transmission, put it in reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes. Parking Tips Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed. Turn off the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you. Lock the doors with the key or the
remote transmitter.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on

fire.

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The Braking System

On
DX,
HX
and
EX in
the
U.S., DX
and

EX models in Canada

All Civics are equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on
the brake pedal.

(On the Si model in the U.S., SiR model
in Canada)

Your Honda is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing themto build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind

you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brake Wear Indicators
The front disc brakes on all models have audible brake wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."
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The Braking System
Brake System Design
The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits.Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking at two wheels.
Anti-lock Brakes
(Optional)

ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding during
hard braking, allowing you to retainsteering control. When the front tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straight ahead even though you turn
the steering wheel. The ABS helps to prevent lock-up and helps you retainsteering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much faster than a person can do it.
You should never pump the brake pedal, this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."

CONTINUED

Driving

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The Braking System

You will feel a pulsation in the brakepedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is normal, it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before youactivate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
Important Safety Reminders

ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the car, it
only helps with steering controlduring braking. You should always
maintain a safe following distance
from other vehicles.
ABS will not prevent a skid that results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe, prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer intooncoming traffic or off the road. A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel orsnow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
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