2006 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID emergency towing

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .216
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .217
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .221
................................
Jump Starting .223
..............
If the Engine Overheats .225
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .227
..........
Charging System Indicator .228
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .229
...............
Brake System Indicator .230
..............................................
Fuses .231
..............................
Fuse Locations .235
......................
Emergency Towing .237
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
215
——y

y
(#y
y

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? Refer to
on page .
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page ). If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
165
231 237
59
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
222
——y

y
(#yy

The reading on the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indicationmaybethetemperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming from under the hood. Safely
pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Park, and
set the parking brake. Turn off all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning indicators.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood, turn
off the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood. 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 reading comes down to the
midpoint, then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge reading
stays at the red mark, turn off the
engine.
Look for 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 (see on page ).
1.
2. 3.
4.
5.
237
CONT INUED
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
225
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
reading at the red mark can cause
serious damage to the engine.
——y
y
(#yy

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
you do not find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark. Using
gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After 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 there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
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. 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.
7. 6.
10.
11.237
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
226
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.
——y

y
(#yy

If the ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
However,
if the brake pedal does not
feel 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 feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it to wed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
The
brake system
indicator normally
comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position and as a reminder to
check the parking brake. It will stay
on if you do not fully release the
parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal.
If it does, check the brake fluid 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. If the brake system indicator
(amber) comes on with the parking
brake system indicator (red) with
the parking brake released, there
may be a malfunction with the
power-assist f eature. When the
power-assist f eature malf unctions,
the brake indicator (red) comes on
and a buzzer sounds f or a second.
The power-assist f eature may stop
when the brake ef f ect is weak. Stop
your vehicle immediately at a saf e
place and contact a dealer.
196
237Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
230
Canada
U.S.
——y
y
(#yy

µ
µ
CONT INUED
If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
ShifttoD,thentoN.
Turn of f the engine.
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).
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
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.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront) and lif t them
of f the ground. The other two tires
remain on the ground. The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
Wheel-lif t Equipment
Flat -bed Equipment
T his is an
acceptable way to tow your
vehicle. This is the best way to trans-
port your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
237
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.
——y
y
(#yy

Emergency Towing
238
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
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.
——y

y
(#y
y

Î
CONT INUED
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .244
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .163
....................................
Economy .154
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .204
..............................
Economy, Fuel .154
............
Emergencies on the Road .215
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .223
...........
Brake System Indicator .230
................
Changing a Flat Tire .217
.....
Charging System Indicator .228
..................
Checking the Fuses .213
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .227
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .229
..................
Overheated Engine .225
...........................
Emergency Brake .94
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .237
............
Emergency Trunk Opener .86
.......................
Emissions Controls .247
.............
Emissions Testing, State .250
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .67 ..............
Engine Speed Limiter .168
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp .62, 229
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .62, 227
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .189
...............................
Overheating .225
............................
Specif ications .242
.......................................
Starting .165
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .247
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .16
...................................
Fan, Interior .101
...........................................
Features .99
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .151
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .204
...............................................
Oil .190
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .217
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .195
..........................................
Brake .196 ..................
Windshield Washer .194
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .139
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
..............................
Front Airbags .9,21
.................................................
Fuel .150
......................
Fill Door and Cap .151
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement .150
...............................
Oxygenated .150
........................
Reserve Indicator .61
........................
Tank, Filling the .151
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .231
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving .154
..........................................
Gasohol .150
.........................................
Gasoline .150
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator. 61
...........................................
Gauge .66
................
Octane Requirement .150
........................
Tank, Filling the .151
................
Gas Station Procedures .151
Index
F
E
G
INDEX
III
——y
y
(#yy