µ
You’ll f ind many saf ety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with airbags,
make sure you and your passengers
always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly (see page ).
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse withevery additional drink. So don’t drink
and drive, and don’t let your f riends
drink and drive, either.
Excessive speed is a major f actor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
f aster than is saf e f or current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Inf ants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to f ollow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat, not the front seat. Infants and
smallchildrenshouldberestrained
in a child seat. Larger children
should use a booster seat and a lap/
shoulder belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat
(see pages ).
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical f ailure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition f requently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance (see page ).
14
3451
289
Important Saf ety Precautions
Always Wear Your Seat Belt Control Your Speed
K eep Your Vehicle in Saf e
Condition
Don’t Drink and Drive
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
Restrain All Children
6
\f—\f—
y\f
y
(#\fy\f\f
y
2009 Civic Hybrid
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
Î
The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or the Canadian models are noted in the text.
Optional in U.S.
1:
2: If equipped
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
57
TRUNK-OPEN
INDICATOR
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
INDICATOR LIGHTS ON
INDICATOR
(P.60)
(P.60)
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
(P.60)
(P.60)
CRUISE MAIN
INDICATOR (P.61)
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR (P.61)
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
IMA SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.62)
AUTO IDLE STOP INDICATOR
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P.61)
(P.62)
(P.63)
(P.63)
(P.59)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) INDICATOR
(P.60)
(P.62,196,197)
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP
(P.30,59)
SIDE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATORBRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
(AMBER)
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
(EPS) INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR (RED)
DOOR-OPEN INDICATOR
(P.60)
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR
MAINTENANCE MINDER
INDICATOR
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) INDICATOR (P.59)
(P.30,58) (P.61)(P.18,58)
(P.61)
(P.62,335)
(P.62,336)
(P.62,337) (P.58,338)
(P.64)
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM
INDICATOR VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
(P.64)
1
1
2
2
\f—\f—
y\f\fy
(#\fy\f\fy
2009 Civic Hybrid
If this indicator comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position and the parking brake is
released, it means there is a problem
with a circuit. Have your vehicle
checked by your dealer.
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
inf ormation, see page .
This indicator also comes on with
reduced brightness when the
daytime running lights (DRL) are on
(see page ).This indicator reminds you that the
exterior lights are on. It comes on
when the light switch is in either the
or position. If you turn the
ignition switch to the ACCESSORY
(I) or the LOCK (0) position without
turning of f the light switch, this
indicator will remain on. A reminder
chime will also sound when you open
the driver’s door and remove the key
from the ignition switch.
This indicator comes on if the trunk
lid is not closed tightly.
This indicator comes on if any door
is not closed tightly. This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on while driving,
it indicates that one or more of your
vehicle’s tires are signif icantly low
on pressure.
If this happens, pull to the side of the
road when it is safe, check which tire
has lost the pressure, and determine
the cause. If it is because of a flat tire,
replace the flat tire with the compact
spare (see page ), and have the
f lat tire repaired as soon as possible.
If two or more tires are underinf lated,
call a professional towing service
(see page ). For more
inf ormation, see page .
74
75 325
345 324U.S. models only
Instrument Panel Indicators
‘‘Daytime Running
Lights’’ Indicator
High Beam Indicator Lights On Indicator
Trunk-open Indicator
Door-open IndicatorLow Tire Pressure
Indicator
60
\f—\f—
y\f\fy
(#\fy\f\fy
2009 Civic Hybrid
This indicator comes on as a
reminder that you must ref uel soon.
This indicator goes of f when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service. This indicator reminds you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance. The
maintenance main items and sub
items will be displayed in the
inf ormation display. See page f or
more inf ormation on the
maintenance minder.
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button (see
page ).
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page
f or inf ormation on operating the
cruise control.
This indicator comes on when the
washer f luid level is low. Add washer
fluidwhenyouseethisindicator
come on (see page ).
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If this indicator comes on and stays
on at any other time, or if it does not
come on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, there
is a problem with the TPMS. With
this indicator on, the low tire
pressure indicator will not come on
when a tire loses pressure. Take the
vehicle to your dealer to have the
system checked.
When the indicator comes on, there
are about 1.9 US gal (7.5
)of fuel
remaining in the tank.
When the reading reaches E, there is
a very small amount of f uel in the
tank.
216
216
302 289
Canadian models only
U.S. models only
Instrument Panel Indicators
Low Fuel Indicator
Maintenance Minder
Indicator
Cruise Main Indicator
Cruise Control Indicator
Washer Level Indicator
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (T PMS) Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
61
——
yy
(#yy
2009 Civic Hybrid
Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make it unsaf e. Bef ore you make any
modif ications or add any accessories,
be sure to read the f ollowing
inf ormation.
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. Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
the proper operation of your
vehicle.
Do not install accessories on the
side pillars or across the rear
windows. Accessories installed in
theseareasmayinterferewith
proper operation of the side
curtain airbags.
Bef ore installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the f inal installation.
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). 339
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
262
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.
\f—\f—
y
\f\f\fy
(#\fy\fy
2009 Civic Hybrid
Î
Î
Some examples are:
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components with
non-Honda components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer.Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety features can make the
systems inef f ective.
Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) .
Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
af f ect the handling and stability.
Lowering your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy. : If equipped
Modif ying Your Vehicle
A ccessories and Modif ications
Bef ore Driving
263
\f—\f—
y
\f\f
y
(#\fy\fy
2009 Civic Hybrid
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ).
1.
2.
3.
8. 7. 6. 14
9.
4.
5.
57
10.
315 91
98 77
Preparing to Drive
270
——
y
y
(#yy
2009 Civic Hybrid
When the low tire pressure indicator
is on, one or more of your tires is
signif icantly underinf lated. You
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure as indicated on
the vehicle’s tire inf ormation placard.
If you think you can saf ely drive a
short distance to a service station,
proceed slowly, and inf late the tire to
the recommended pressure shown
on the driver’s doorjamb.
If the tire is f lat, or if the tire
pressure is too low to continue
driving, replace the tire with the
compact spare tire (see page ).
If you cannot make the low tire
pressure indicator go out af ter
inf lating the tires to the specif ied
values, have your dealer check the
system as soon as possible.Driving on a signif icantly under
inf lated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinf lation also reduces f uel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
af f ect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Becausetirepressurevariesby
temperature and other conditions,
the low tire pressure indicator may
come on unexpectedly.
Each tire has its own pressure
sensor (not including the spare tire).
If the air pressure of a tire becomes
signif icantly low while driving, the
sensor in that tire immediately sends
a signal that causes the low tire
pressure indicator to come on.
Your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that turns on every time you start the
engine and monitors the pressure in
your tires while driving.
324
U.S. models onlyLow Tire Pressure
Indicator
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
282
\f—\f—
y
\f\fy
(#\fy\fy
2009 Civic Hybrid