The outside air intakes f or the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep this
area clear of leaves and other debris.
Thesystemshouldbeleftinfresh
air mode under almost all conditions.
Keeping the system in recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C of f ,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to recirculation mode when
driving through dusty or smoky
conditions, then return to fresh air
mode.
This button turns the rear window
def ogger of f and on (see page ).
Use the mode control buttons to
select the vents air flows from. Some
air will f low f rom the dashboard
corner vents in all modes.Air flows from the center
and corner vents in the dashboard.
Airf low is divided between
the vents in the dashboard and the
f loor vents.
Air f lows f rom the f loor
vents. When you select , the
system automatically switches to
f resh air mode.
Airf low is divided between
the f loor vents and def roster vents at
the base of the windshield.
Air f lows f rom the def roster
vents at the base of the windshield.
When you select or ,
the system automatically switches to
f resh air mode and turns on the A/C
(if equipped). The system automatically
turns on the A/C, selects , and
switches to recirculation mode. Each
indicatorinthebuttonisonwhen
the MAX A/C is turned on.
The f low-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear side
panels.
Set the temperature to the lower
limit.
Make sure the A/C is of f .
Select and fresh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
1.
2.
3.
4.
74
If equipped
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Rear Window Def ogger Button
Mode Control MAX A/C Button
Ventilation
Features
109
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2008 Civic Sedan
The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes bef ore you
f eel warm air coming f rom the
system.Select .
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control dial.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page ). If it moves near the red zone,
turn of f the A/C until the gauge
reading returns to normal.
Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The indicator in the button
comesonwhenafanspeedis
selected.
Make sure the temperature is set to maximum cool.
Select .
If the outside air is humid, select
recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select f resh air mode.
Set the f an to the desired speed.
you can
cool it down more rapidly by partially
opening the windows, turning on the
A/C, and setting the fan to
maximum speed in f resh air mode.
To cool the interior with MAX A/C:
Set the f an to the desired speed.
Select MAX A/C.
The system automatically turns on
the A/C, selects , and
switches to recirculation mode.
Make sure the temperature is set
to maximum cool. Turn the fan on.
If the A/C is of f , turn it on (if
equipped).
Select and fresh air mode.
Adjust the temperature to your
pref erence.
Air conditioning, as it cools, removes
moisture from the air. When used in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry and
can prevent the windows f rom
f ogging up.
This setting is suitable f or all driving
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2. 1.
2.
3.1.
2.
3.
4.
67
If equipped If the interior is very warm,
Vents, Heating, and A/C
Using the Heater
Using the A/C Dehumidif y the Interior
110
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2008 Civic Sedan
To remove f og f rom the inside of the
windows:Set the f an to the desired speed, or
high f or f aster def rosting.
Select . When you select , the system automatically
switches to f resh air mode and
turns on the A/C (if equipped).
The A/C indicator will not come
on, if it was previously of f .
Adjust the temperature so the
airflow feels warm.
Select to help clear the
rear window.
To increase airf low to the
windshield, close the corner vents. To clear the windows f aster, you can
close the dashboard corner vents by
rotating the wheel next to each vent.
This sends more warm air to the
windshield def roster vents. Once the
windshield is clear, select f resh air
mode to avoid f ogging the windows.
For your saf ety, make sure you have
a clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving.
Turning the f an speed control dial all
the way to the left shuts the system
of f .
Keep the system of f f or short
periods only.
To keep stale air and mustiness
f rom collecting, you should have
the f an running at all times.
When you switch to , f rom
or , the A/C stays on.
This helps prevent the windows f rom
rapidly f ogging up when the air is
suddenly routed away f rom the
windshield. If you want to turn the
A/C off, press and release the A/C
button twice. The indicator in the
buttoncomesonandthengoesoff.
Select . When you select , the system automatically
switches to f resh air mode and
turns on the A/C (if equipped).
The A/C indicator will not come
on, if it was previously of f .
Select .
Set the f an and temperature
controls to maximum level.
5. 1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Vents, Heating, and A/C
To Def og and Def rost
T o Remove Exterior Frost or Ice
From the WindowsTo Turn Everything Off
Features
111
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Shif t up
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th4th to 5th
5th to 6th
When slowing down, you can get
extra braking f rom the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe
speed and prevent your brakes f rom
overheating while going down a
steep hill. Bef ore downshif ting,
make sure the engine speed will not
go into the tachometer’s red zone in
the lower gear.
Your vehicle is equipped with an
aluminum shif t lever. If you leave the
vehicle parked outside f or a long time on a hot day, be caref ul bef ore
moving the shift lever. Because of
the heat, the shift lever may be
extremely hot. If the outside
temperature is low, the shif t lever
f eels cold.
Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you good
f uel economy and ef f ective
emissions control. The f ollowing
shif t points are recommended:
Shif t up
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th4th to 5th Normal acceleration
15 mph (24 km/h)
27 mph (43 km/h)
39 mph (63 km/h)
53 mph (85 km/h) Normal acceleration
17 mph (27 km/h)
29 mph (47 km/h)
37 mph (60 km/h)
43 mph (69 km/h)
49 mph (79 km/h)
With 5-speed manual transmission With 6-speed manual transmission
On Si model
Recommended Shif t Points
Manual T ransmission
200
Rapid slowing or speeding up
can cause loss of control on
slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.
Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.
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2008 Civic Sedan
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.This f ilter removes the dust and
pollenthatisbroughtinfromthe
outside through the heating and
cooling system.
If your seat belts get dirty, use a sof t
brush with a mixture of mild soap
and warm water to clean them. Do
not use bleach, dye, or cleaning
solvents. Let the belts air dry bef ore
you use the vehicle. The floor mats that came with your
vehicle hook over the f loor mat
anchors. This keeps them f rom
sliding f orward and possibly
interf ering with vehicle operation.
If you remove the driver’s f loor mat,
make sure to re-anchor it when you
putitbackinyourvehicle.If you use non-Honda f loor mats,
make sure they f it properly and that
theycanbeusedwiththefloormat
anchors. Do not put additional f loor
mats on top of the anchored mats.
Have your dealer replace the filter
when this service is indicated by a
maintenance message on the
inf ormation display. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air, or if the f low f rom
the heating and cooling system
becomeslessthanusual.
If equipped
On models with A/C
Floor Mats
Dust and Pollen Filter
Cleaning the Seat Belts
Cleaning the Seat Belts, Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter
250
LOOP
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Î
CONT INUED
Doors.
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .81
.....................
Auto Door Locking .81
.................
Auto Door Unlocking .83
..............
Locking and Unlocking .79
......................
Power Door Locks .80
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .295
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission .199
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .195
....................................
Economy .186
..................................
Guidelines .196
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .250
..............................
Economy, Fuel .186
............
Emergencies on the Road .265
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .273
...........
Brake System Indicator .279
................
Changing a Flat Tire .267
.....
Charging System Indicator .277
..................
Checking the Fuses .280
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .277
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .278 ..................
Overheated Engine .275
.........................
Emergency Brake .103
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .286
............
Emergency Trunk Opener .87
.......................
Emissions Controls .300
........................
Emissions Testing .303
Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge .67
......
Engine Speed Limiter .201, 204
Malf unction Indicator
......................................
Lamp .278
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .65, 277
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .232
...............................
Overheating .275
............................
Specif ications .292
.......................................
Starting .198
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .181
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .300
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .51
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .16
...................................
Fan, Interior .108 .........................................
Features .107
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .181
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .250
...............................................
Oil .234
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level .241
................................
Shif ting the .199
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .267
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .240
..........................................
Brake .242
.........................................
Clutch .243
...................................
Locations .230
..............
Manual Transmission .241
..........................
Power Steering .243
..................
Windshield Washer .239
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .166
...........................
Folding Rear Seat .95
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
..............................
Front Airbags .9, 24
Index
F
E
INDEX
III
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2008 Civic Sedan
.................................................
Fuel .180
......................
Fill Door and Cap .181
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement .180
...............................
Oxygenated .181
........................
Reserve Indicator .64
........................
Tank, Filling the .181
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .280
.................
Jacking up the Vehicle .268
.......................................
Jack, Tire .267
................................
Jump Starting .273
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving .186
.........................................
Gasoline .180
...............
Fuel Reserve Indicator .64
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement .180
........................
Tank, Filling the .181
................
Gas Station Procedures .181
Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature .67
...............................................
Fuel .67
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission .202
..............
Manual Transmission .199
......................................
Glove Box .106 .............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs .244
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers .74
Headlights
........................................
Aiming .244
............
Daytime Running Lights .73
..................
High Beam Indicator .61
........................
Reminder Beeper .72
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs .244
...................................
Turning on .72
..............................
Head Restraints .92
.............................
Heated Mirrors .103
.....................
Heating and Cooling .108
.............
High Altitude, Starting at .198
.................
High-Low Beam Switch .72
..............
High-mount Brake Light .249
.......................
Hood, Opening the .182
..............................................
Horn .4,70
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle .290
Ignition
..............................................
Keys .76
...........................................
Switch .78 ............
Timing Control System .301
.........
Important Safety Precautions .6
.........
Indicators, Instrument Panel .59
...............................
Inf ant Restraint .38
Inf ant Seats
.............
LATCH Anchor System .42
...........................
Lower Anchors .42
................
Tether Anchor Points .45
Inf lation, Recommended Tire ...................................
Pressures .255
........................
Inf ormation Display .66
.................................
Inside Mirror .102
.............................
Inspection, Tire .256
............................
Instrument Panel .57
................
Instrument Panel Lights .59
........
Instrument Panel Brightness .73
..............
Instruments and Controls .55
...............................
Interior Lights .104
........................................
Introduction .i
Index
H
I
G
J
IV
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2008 Civic Sedan
Î
CONT INUED
..................................................
Keys .76
.......................
Label, Certif ication .290
.................
Lane Change, Signaling .72
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts .14, 19
.................
LATCH Anchor System .42
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .244
.......................................
Indicator .59
.........................................
Parking .72
..................................
Turn Signal .72
....................................
Load Limits .192
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) .78
Locks
.......
Anti-thef t Steering Column .78
............................
Fuel Fill Door .181
.................................
Power Door .80
...........................................
Trunk .86
........................
Low Coolant Level .185
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .64
................................
Lower Anchors .42
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a .199 ...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .65, 277
Low Tire Pressure
.............................
Indicator .63, 212
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart .293
...................
Neutral Gear Position .203
..................
New Vehicle Break-in .180
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds .200 ...................
NOTICE, Explanation of .i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication .290
..................................
Maintenance .221
................................
Minder .223-229
.........................
Minder Indicator .65
...
Owner Maintenance Checks .228
..........................................
Saf ety .222
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .278
...................
Manual Transmission .199
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .241
...............................
Meters, Gauges .66
...................
Methanol in Gasoline .181
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .102
.......................................
Moonroof .100
...........................
MP3/WMA .125, 145 ...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline .180
.........................................
Odometer .66
...............................
Odometer, Trip .67
Oil
........................
Change, How to .234
......................
Change, When to .223
......................
Checking Engine .183
..............
Pressure Indicator .65, 277
.......
Selecting Proper Viscosity .232
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) .78
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
....................................
Recovery .300
............................
Outside Mirrors .102
....
Outside Temperature Indicator .68
....................
Overheating, Engine .275
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks .228
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .181
Index
M
N O
K
L
INDEX
V
—
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2008 Civic Sedan