2006 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN 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 .218
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .219
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .223
................................
Jump Starting .225
..............
If the Engine Overheats .226
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .229
..........
Charging System Indicator .229
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .230
...............
Brake System Indicator .231
..............................................
Fuses .232
..............................
Fuse Locations .235
......................
Emergency Towing .237
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
217
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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 the START (III)
position, 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 .
163 232
237
76
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
224
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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. 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 the temperature gauge reading
stays at the red mark, turn off the
engine.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral
(M/T) or Park (A/T), and set the
parking brake. Turn of f all the
accessories, and turn on the
hazard indicator.
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 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.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
237
CONT INUED
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
227
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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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.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.
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.
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. 8.
9. 10.
11.
7.
237Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
228
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.
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 f ully
release the parking brake.
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 ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
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. 198
237Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
231
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. Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle: If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to neutral.
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).
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
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.
Manual Transmission:
Automatic Transmission:
CONT INUED
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 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 (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.
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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 switched in the
ACCESSORY (I) position 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 run down
the battery.
Emergency Towing
238
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.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.
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Î
CONT INUED
..............................
Economy, Fuel .154
............
Emergencies on the Road .217
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .225
...........
Brake System Indicator .231
................
Changing a Flat Tire .219
.....
Charging System Indicator .229
..................
Checking the Fuses .232
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .229
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .230
..................
Overheated Engine .226 ...........................
Emergency Brake .97
......................
Emergency Flashers .72
......................
Emergency Towing .237
............
Emergency Trunk Opener .84
.......................
Emissions Controls .248
.............
Emissions Testing, State .250
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .66
......
Engine Speed Limiter .165,168
Malf unction Indicator
......................................
Lamp .230
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .64,229
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .191
...............................
Overheating .226
............................
Specif ications .242
.......................................
Starting .163
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .150
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .247
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .18
Doors
.
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .79
.....................
Auto Door Locking .79
.................
Auto Door Unlocking .81
..............
Locking and Unlocking .78
......................
Power Door Locks .78
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .244
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission .164
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .7
...........................................
Driving .161
....................................
Economy .154
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .206
...................................
Fan, Interior .102
.........................................
Features .101....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .151
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .206
...............................................
Oil .192
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level .197
................................
Shif ting the .164
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .72
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .219
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .196
..........................................
Brake .198
.........................................
Clutch .198
...................................
Locations .190
..............
Manual Transmission .197
..........................
Power Steering .199
..................
Windshield Washer .195
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .139
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .90
..........................
Four-way Flashers .72
............................
Front Airbags .11,26
Index
F
EINDEX
III
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