Page 122 of 231

Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
schedule. See(see page
).
an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses f uel. Try to maintain a constant speed.
Everytimeyouslowdownand
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
fuel.Usethecruisecontrolwhen
appropriate.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Usethefresh-air
ventilation when possible.
Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering and
hard braking use more f uel.
Always drive in the highest gear
possible.
You may find that your Civic Hybrid’s
unique combination of an engine and
an electric motor has driving
characteristics that are somewhat
dif f erent f rom what you are used to.
Shif t Up and Shif t Down indicators
(5-speed manual transmission only)
on the instrument panel show when
to shif t to a higher or lower gear. By
shifting as soon as the indicator
comes on, you will keep the engine
operating in its most economical
range.
Engine oil also af f ects f uel
economy. The f uel ef f icient, low-
viscosity 0W-20 oil recommended
f or your Civic Hybrid is
f ormulated to help the engine use
less f uel. This oil is available at
your Honda dealer.
The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
mileage and reduces the chance of
corrosion. 146
For example,
CONT INUED
Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving119
Page 131 of 231
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicator lights in
the instrument panel (see page
).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your vehicle.
1.
2.
3. 4.
9.
8. 7. 6. 5. 14
69 51
77
81
Preparing to Drive
Driving128
Page 136 of 231
Honda’s Continuously Variable
Transmission’s unique design
provides a smooth, constant f low of
power. It is electronically controlled
f or more precise operation and
better f uel economy.These indicators on the instrument
panel show which position the shif t
lever is in.The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to ON (II). If it
f lashes while driving (in any shif t
position), it indicates a possible
problem in the transmission. Avoid
rapid acceleration and have the trans-
mission checked by a Honda dealer
as soon as possible.
Continuously Variable
T ransmission (CVT )
Shif t L ever Position Indicators
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Driving133
Page 188 of 231
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to on page . Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
71
129 199
194
If theEngineWon’tStart
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed185
Page 226 of 231

CONT INUED
..............................
Washer Level .56
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel . 53
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .34
Inf ant Seats ......
LATCH Anchorage System . 37
...........................
Lower Anchors .37
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 41
...................
Inf lation, Proper Tire . 170
..................
High Speed Driving . 170
.........................
Normal Driving .170
...................................
Inside Mirror .81
.............................
Inspection, Tire .171
........................
Instrument Panel .2 ,51
................
Instrument Panel Lights . 53
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 67
.................................
Interior Lights .83
........................................
Introduction .i
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle . 180
.......................................
Jack, Tire .179
................................
Jump Starting .186 ..................................................
Keys .70
.......................
Label, Certif ication .202
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 66
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 14,19
...........
LATCH Anchorage System . 37
Lights ....................
Bulb Replacement .161
.......................................
Indicator .53
.........................................
Parking .54
..................................
Turn Signal .56
.....................................
Load Limit .124
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 72
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 72
............................
Fuel Fill Door .115
.................................
Power Door .73
...........................................
Trunk .74
........................
Low Coolant Level .118
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .56
................................
Lower Anchors .38
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 130 ...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 54,190
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 204
.........................................
Luggage .123
...
Luggage Cover (Cargo Cover) . 123
..................................
Maintenance .143
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 146
.................................
Record .149-150
......................
Required Indicator .58
..........................................
Saf ety .144
.............................
Schedule .145-148
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 54,191
...................
Manual Transmission . 130
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 158
...............................
Meters, Gauges .59
..........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .81
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 122
Index
M
J K
L
V