2007 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 .256
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .257
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .261
................................
Jump Starting .263
..............
If the Engine Overheats .265
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .267
..........
Charging System Indicator .267
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .268
...............
Brake System Indicator .269
..............................................
Fuses .270
..............................
Fuse Locations .274
......................
Emergency Towing .276
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
255

In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even faster
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? 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 ). Ifyoufindnothingwrong,youwill
need
a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
on page .
77
190 270
276
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
262

Put the radiator cap back on
tightl y. Run the engine, and check
the temperatu re gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
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 temperatu re
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
th en continue driving.
If the temperatu re gauge 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 find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you don’t find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark. 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.
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.
7.
8. 9.
3.
4.
5.
6. 10.
11.
276
181 276
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
266
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.

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
norm ally 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 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. 234
276Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
269
Canada U.S.

µµ
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.
Turn of f the engine. ShifttoD,thentoN.
Start the engine.
Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the f ront tires and lif t them of f
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. With the f ront wheels on the ground,
do not tow the vehicle more than 50
miles (80 km), and keep the speed
below35mph(55km/h).
Manual transmission:
Automatic transmission:
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
T his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
276
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.

Do not tie down the vehicle at an
angle that would allow the towing
cables to contact the vehicle’s f ront
bumper. To avoid possible damage,
protect the f ront bumper with tape.
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Emergency Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
277
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.

Î
CONT INUED
Doors.
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .81
.....................
Auto Door Locking .81
.................
Auto Door Unlocking .82
..............
Locking and Unlocking .79
......................
Power Door Locks .80
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .284
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission .191
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .187
....................................
Economy .181
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .242
..............................
Economy, Fuel .181
............
Emergencies on the Road .255
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .263
...........
Brake System Indicator .269
................
Changing a Flat Tire .257
.....
Charging System Indicator .267
..................
Checking the Fuses .270
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .267
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .268
..................
Overheated Engine .265 .........................
Emergency Brake .100
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .276
............
Emergency Trunk Opener .87
.......................
Emissions Controls .287
.............
Emissions Testing, State .290
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .67
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 193, 196
Malf unction Indicator ......................................
Lamp .268
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 65, 267
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .224
...............................
Overheating .265
............................
Specif ications .282
.......................................
Starting .190
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .177
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .287
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .51
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .16
...................................
Fan, Interior .106
.........................................
Features .105 ....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .177
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .242
...............................................
Oil .226
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level .233
................................
Shif ting the .191
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .257
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .232
..........................................
Brake .234
.........................................
Clutch .235
...................................
Locations .222
..............
Manual Transmission .233
..........................
Power Steering .235
..................
Windshield Washer .231
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .163
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .93
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
..............................
Front Airbags . 9, 24
Index
F
EINDEX
III

Î
Î Î Î ÎTechnical Descriptions
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .284
.....
Emissions Control Systems .287
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .177
..........
State Emissions Testing .290
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter .289
.................................
Tire Labeling .286
.......................
Temperature Gauge .67
.....................
Tether Anchor Points .45
............................
Thef t Protection .170
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 289
..........................
Time, Setting the .169
....................................
Tire Chains .251
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 257
.........................
Tire Inf ormation .284
...............................................
Tires .245
..............................
Air Pressure .246
.........................
Checking Wear .247
..........................
Compact Spare .256
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 284
......................................
Inf lation .246
..................................
Inspection .247
..............................
Maintenance .248
...................................
Replacing .249
......................................
Rotating .248 ...........................................
Snow .250
............................
Specif ications .283
................................
Tire Chains .251
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 257
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .204
..................
Emergency Towing . 276
...........................
Traction Devices .251
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .232
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .233
..................
Fluid Selection . 232, 233
..............
Identif ication Number . 280
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 194
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 191
...................................
Treadwear .284
.......................................
Trip Meter .67
................................................
Trunk .87
........................................
Opening .87
...................
Open Monitor Light . 62
....................................
Turn Signals .72 Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .255
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 279
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .176
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 228
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
................................
Vanity Mirror .102
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 185
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .282
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 280
.............................
Vehicle Storage .254
.................................................
VIN .280
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .225
Vehicle Stability Assist ............................
(VSA) System .202
............
Ac tivation Indicator . 62, 202
..................................
Of f Switch .203
.................
System Indicator . 62, 203
Index
U
V
W
VIII