
You can use the instrument panel
brightness control buttons to adjust
the illumination of the audio system
(see page ). The audio system
illuminates when the parking lights
are on, even if the radio is of f .
You can select the background
screen to display the sound level.
There are three screen modes: level
(the sound level is shown with the
vertical bars), spectrum analysis (the
sound level appears as ripples of
water), and off. Each time you touch
the background icon, the display
changes.
You can also select the icon with the
joystick. Move it up and down to
move the highlighting and scroll
through lists. Select the icon, then
move the joystick to lef t or right to
change the setting.
This f unction is set to MID as the
def ault setting when the vehicle
leaves the f actory. If you f eel the
sound is too loud, choose low. If you
f eel the sound is too quiet, choose Hi.
The system will return to the audio
display about 10 seconds af ter you
stop adjusting a mode. 74
A udio System L ighting
Screen Mode
A djusting the Sound (Models with navigation system)
Features
169
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Once the security system is set,
opening either door without using
the key or the remote transmitter,
the hood, or the trunk will cause the
system to alarm. It also alarms if the
audio unit is removed f rom the
dashboard or the wiring is cut.
The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables f rom thef t.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights, parking lights, side
marker lights, and taillights f lashes if
someone attempts to break into your
vehicleorremovetheradio.This
alarm continues f or 2 minutes, then
the system resets. To reset an
alarming system before the 2
minutes have elapsed, unlock the
driver’s door with the key or the
remote transmitter.
The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, hood, and trunk. For the
system to activate, you must lock the
doors f rom the outside with the key,
lock tab, door lock switch, or remote
transmitter. The security system
indicator on the instrument panel
starts blinking immediately to show
you the system is setting itself . The security system will not set if
the hood, trunk, or either door is not
f ully closed. If the system will not set,
turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position, and check the
indicators on the instrument panel.
Close either door or the trunk
indicated on the display. Check the
hood visually since it is not part of
the display, and shut it if necessary.
With the system set, you can still
open the trunk with the master key
(U.S. LX model) or the remote
transmitter (U.S. EX, EX-L and Si
models) without triggering the alarm. The alarm will sound if the trunk
lock is f orced, or the trunk is opened
with the trunk release handle or the
emergency trunk opener.
Use the remote transmitter
to quickly check that the hood, the
trunk, and both doors are closed.
Push the lock button twice within 5
seconds. There should be an audible
conf irmation beep.
Do not attempt to alter this system
or add other devices to it.
If equipped
Security System
Features
223
NOTE:
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
Except Si
Si
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With a linked phone, HFL allows you
to send and receive calls in your
vehicle without holding the phone.
The HFL system has a help f unction
to provide instructions f or pairing a
phone, or give hints on how to
operate HFL properly. If your
response or command is not correct,
or the system cannot recognize a
command, the HFL system will give
you an appropriate command or play
the help prompt.HFL can store up to 50 names and
phone numbers in its phonebook.
Withalinkedphone,youcanthen
automatically dial any name or
number in the phonebook.
Your vehicle’s HFL system has the
cellular phonebook import f unction.
This allows you to import your
cellular phonebook to HFL. Using
the navigation system, you can make
acalldirectlyandstoreadesired
number in HFL f rom the list shown
on the navigation display. For
more inf ormation on how to import
the phonebook, see page . To
make a call, see page . Your phone may not have
phonebook import f unction. Visit ,orcallthe
HandsFreeLink
consumer support
at (888) 528-7876. In Canada, call
(888) 9-HONDA-9. You can see your
phone’s owner’s manual f or
inf ormation.
The HFL microphone is on the
ceiling, between the spotlights. The
microphone is shared with the
navigation system.
HFL and the navigation system have
separate voice recognition systems.
When HFL is in use, a voice
command f or the navigation system
will not be recognized even if you
press the navigation Talk button. In
this case, you will hear two short
beeps, and the HFL system has no
prompt.
You can also store the desired
number to the HFL phonebook
directly f rom your cell phone using
the receive contact f unction in HFL.
252
242
handsf reelink.honda.com
BluetoothHandsFreeL ink
Incoming/Outgoing Calls
Help Assistance Phonebook
Microphone
228
NOTE:
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Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make your vehicle unsaf e. Bef ore
you make any modif ications or add
anyaccessories,besuretoreadthe
f ollowing inf ormation.
Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle, or improve its perf ormance.
These accessories have been
designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.
Although non-Honda accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability.When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and
tire pressure monitoring system (if
equipped).Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags. 364
A ccessories and Modif ications
A ccessories
Bef ore Driving
273
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that the trunk is f ully
closed. When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
1.
2.
14
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
11.
10.
55
93
106 76
Preparing to Drive
Driving
281
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If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.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.
Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
Lock the doors.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Turn of f the lights.
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.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
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.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear.
On vehicles with security system
Parking T ips
Parking
290
Never install a sunshade between the
upper and lower meters on the
instrument panel. If you do, you could
cause heat damage to the upper meter
on a very hot day.
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Your vehicle is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on the model. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
On vehicles with vehicle stability
assist (VSA) system, the emergency
brake assist system increases the
stopping f orce when you depress the
brake pedal hard in an emergency
situation.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, f uel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, conf using
drivers behind you.
Braking System
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Driving
291
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2009 Civic Coupe

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions f or simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself .......................
Maintenance Saf ety .302
....................
Maintenance Minder .303
..............................
Fluid Locations .310
........................
Adding Engine Oil .312
.......
Recommended Engine Oil .312
..............................
Synthetic Oil .313
................
Engine Oil Additives .313
Changing the Engine Oil and
...........................................
Filter .314
..............................
Engine Coolant .316
....................
Windshield Washers .319
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .320
........
Manual Transmission Fluid .321
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid .322
....................
Power Steering Fluid .323
.............................................
Lights .324
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts .331
.....................................
Floor Mats .332
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .333
.................................
Wiper Blades .333
...............................................
Tires .335
...................
Checking the Battery .345
.............................
Vehicle Storage .347
395
Maintenance
Maint enance
301
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