2005 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK towing

If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb, and put the transmission in
f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and put the transmission in
reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer, attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Lock the doors.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area, or take them
with you.
Turn of f the lights.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
Towing a Trailer
Parking T ips
Parking
Parking, Towing a Trailer
126
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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.There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly(seepage ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to
on page . If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
123 65 181
186
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
172
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Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running, and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral,
and set the parking brake. Turn
of f the all accessories, and turn on
the hazard warning indicators.
1. 2.3. 4. 5. 6.
186
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
175
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
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Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
8. 9.
10. 11.
7.
186Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
176 Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeon page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. The brake system indicator
normally comes on when
you turn the ignition switch
to ON (II), and as a
reminder to check the
parking brake. It will stay
on if you do not f ully
release the parking brake.
144 186Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
179
Canada
U.S.
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If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
Thereareonlytwowaystotowyour
vehicle. If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do the f ollowing:
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to Neutral.
With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront or rear) and lif t
them of f the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
This is the best way to trans-
port your vehicle.
T his is
an acceptable way to tow your
vehicle.
Emergency T owing
186 Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the f ront wheels of f
the ground.
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.
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If you decide to tow your vehicle
with all f our wheels on the ground,
make sure you use a properly-
designed and attached tow bar.
Prepare the vehicle for towing as
described above, and leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I) so
the steering wheel does not lock.
Make sure the radio and any items
plugged into the accessory power
socket are turned of f so they do not
rundownthebattery.
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
187
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
f reely bef ore you begin towing.
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CONT INUED
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 4, 50
................
Daytime Running Lights . 61
Daytime Running Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 53
...........
Dead Battery, What to Do . 173
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 204
..........................
Def og and Def rost . 89
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 62
................
Def rosting the Windows . 89
....................................
Dimensions . 192
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 61
Dipstick
..................................
Engine Oil . 113
..........................
Directional Signals . 61
Disabled, Towing Your Vehicle
..................................................
If . 186
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 127
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 140
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 67
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 194
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission . 124 ...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving . 121
....................................
Economy . 114
.....................................
Fan, Interior . 87
.............................................
Feature . 85
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 111
Filter
...............................................
Oil . 139
Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 143
................................
Shif ting the . 124
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 114
......
Electric Power Steering (EPS) . 55
............
Emergencies on the Road . 165
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 173
...........
Brake System Indicator . 179
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 167
.....
Charging System Indicator . 177
..................
Checking the Fuses . 181
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 177
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 178
..................
Overheated Engine . 174
...........................
Emergency Brake . 80
......................
Emergency Flashers . 62
......................
Emergency Towing . 186
.......................
Emissions Controls . 196Engine
.........................
Adding Coolant . 141
.........................
Break-in Period . 110
Coolant Temperature
.......................................
Gauge . 58 .............................. 171
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp . 52, 178
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 52, 177
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 138
...............................
Overheating . 174
............................
Specif ications . 192
.......................................
Starting . 123
...................
Engine Speed Limiter . 125
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 196
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 47
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 18
If it won’t start
Index
E
F
D
INDEX
III
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