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. If the ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
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 f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. 310
358Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
351
Canada
U.S.
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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.
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).
Start the engine.
Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shif t lever through all its
positions.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Release the parking brake.
Turn of f the engine.
Shif t to D position f or 5 seconds,
then to N.
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 T owing
358
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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Quality grades can be f ound where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger car tires must conf orm
to Federal Saf ety Requirements in
addition to these grades.The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specif ied government
test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-
half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded
100. The relative perf ormance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart signif icantly f rom the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and dif f erences in
road characteristics and climate.
The traction grades, f rom highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on
specif ied government test surf aces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
perf ormance.
Warning: The traction grade
assignedtothistireisbasedon
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
The tires on your vehicle meet all
U.S. Federal Saf ety Requirements.
All tires are also graded f or
treadwear, traction, and temperature
perf ormance according to
Department of Transportation
(DOT) standards. The f ollowing
explains these gradings.
Unif orm T ire Quality Grading
T readwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A T readwear T raction
DOT T ire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
T echnical Inf ormation
367
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Honda dealership personnel are
trained prof essionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisf action, please discuss it with
the dealership’s management. The
service manager or general manager
can help. Almost all problems are
solved in this way.
If you are dissatisf ied with the
decision made by the dealership’s
management, contact Honda
Customer Service.
U.S. Owners:Canadian Owners: When you call or write, please give
us this inf ormation:
Vehicle Identif ication Number
(see page )
Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle
Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands: 362
Cust omer Service Inf ormat ion
378
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
1919 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, California 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 999-1009Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto (416) 287-4776
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 620-7546
Customer Relations
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T he publications shown below can be purchased f rom Helm
Incorporated. You can order by phone or online:Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only)
Go online at
If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc.
at 1-800-782-4356.
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures f or
repair to engine and chassis components. It is written
f or the journeyman mechanic, but it is simple enough
f or most mechanically inclined owners to understand.
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth
troubleshooting inf ormation f or each electrical circuit
in your vehicle.
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
(U.S. only)
Authorized Manuals
Authorized Manuals
381
Form Description
2006-2009 Honda Civic 2/4 Door Service Manual 2006-2009 Honda Civic 2/4 Door
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
2006-2009 Model Series Honda Civic 2/4 Door Body Repair Manual
2009 Honda Civic 4 Door Owner’s Manual 2009 Honda Civic
Navigation System Owner’s Manual
2009 Honda Civic Honda Service History
2009 Honda Civic 4 Door Quick Start Guide Order Form for Previous Years-Indicate Year and Model Desired
Publication
Form Number 61SNA08
61SNA08EL
61SNA30
31SNA630 31SNA820
31SNAM30 31SNAQ30 HON-R
www. helminc. com
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 257
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.......................................
Position) . 80
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 108
..................
Active Head Restraints . 96
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 301
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 21
...
Airbags, Additional Information . 21
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 32
..........
AdvancedAirbagSystem .26
.............................
Airbag Service . 31
How the Passenger Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works . 30
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works . 30
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 29
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work . 24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 27
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
Work . 29
........................
SRS Components . 21
..............
Air Conditioning System . 110
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 325 ......................................
Antif reeze . 304
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 60, 276
...................................
Operation . 276
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 205
Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock . 80
............................................
Armrest . 97
................................
Audio System . 114
.....
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 83
.........................
Auto Door Locking . 83
.....................
Auto Door Unlocking . 85
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 19
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 208
..............
Automatic Transmission . 270
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 365
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 308
.......................................
Shif ting . 270
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 270
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 271
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 273
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack . 204 Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 65, 349
............................
Jump Starting . 344
..............................
Maintenance . 332
............................
Specif ications . 366
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 247
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,18
.........................
Beverage Holders . 108
.......
Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink. 211
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 276
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 248
....................
Bulb Replacement . 315
...........................................
Fluid . 310
.................
Pad Wear Indicators . 275
.......................................
Parking . 105
.................
System Indicator . 59, 351
.............................
Braking System . 275
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 248
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 75
Index
A B
INDEX
I
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Î
Bulb Replacement..........................
Back-up Lights . 315
..............................
Brake Lights . 315
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 314
.........
Front Turn Signal Lights . 314
.........................
Headlights . 312, 313
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 317
..........................
Parking Lights . 314
.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 315
..........
Rear Turn Signal Lights . 315
............................
Specif ications . 365
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 312 ...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 74
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 380
........................
Def og and Def rost . 113
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 76
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 113
....................................
Dimensions . 364
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 73
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 308
..................................
Engine Oil . 251
..........................
Directional Signals . 73
Disc Brake Pad Wear
...................................
Indicators . 275
............................
Disc Player . 125, 161
..................
Display Change Button . 66
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 304
.........................................
Card, PC . 170
............................
Capacities Chart . 365
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 51
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 259
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
..............................
CD Player . 125, 161
..................................
Ceiling Light . 106
........................
Certif ication Label . 362
............................................
Chains . 331
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 337 Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 302
......................................
When to . 291
...
Charging System Indicator . 65, 349
..............
Check Fuel Cap Message . 69
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 265
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 33
Child Seats
.............
LATCH Anchor System . 42
...........................
Lower Anchors . 42
................
Tether Anchor Points . 45
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 82
.........................
Clock, Setting the . 206
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 311
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 372
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 266
..............................
Compact Spare . 336
.................
Console Compartment . 108
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 378
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 304
....................................
Checking . 253
.........................
Proper Solution . 304
...................
Temperature Gauge . 70 Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System . 372
............
Cruise Control Operation . 208
....
Customer Service Inf ormation . 378
Index
C D
II
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Î
CONT INUED
Seat Belts...................
System Components . 18
...............
Use During Pregnancy . 16
...
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 14
........................
Seats, Adjusting the . 93
............................
Security System . 207
...............................
Serial Number . 362
...........................
Service Intervals . 291
...........................
Service Manual . 381
.........
Service Station Procedures . 249
..........................
Setting the Clock . 206
...
Shif t Lever Position Indicators . 270
........................
Shif t Lock Release . 273
................................
Side Airbags . 9, 27
..........................
Of f Indicator . 30, 60
..................
Side Curtain Airbags . 9, 29
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
......................
Replacement . 314, 315
...............................
Signaling Turns . 73
.....................................
Snow Tires . 331
................................
Sound System . 114
Spare Tire
......................................
Inf lating . 336
............................
Specif ications . 366
....................
Specif ications Charts . 364
................................
Speed Control . 208 Speed-sensitive Volume
.......
Compensation (SVC) . 119, 159
.......................................
Spotlights . 106
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 21
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 32
..........
AdvancedAirbagSystem .26
.............................
Airbag Service . 31
How the Passenger Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works . 30
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works . 30
How the SRS Indicator .......................................
Works . 29
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work . 24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 27
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
Work . 29
........................
SRS Components . 21
.............................
SRS Indicator . 29, 60
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 80
.......................
Starting the Engine . 266
In Cold Weather at High
..................................
Altitude . 266
................
With a Dead Battery . 344
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 347 Steering Wheel
..................................
Adjustment . 77
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 80
...................
Stereo Sound System . 114
....................
Storing Your Vehicle . 334
Supplemental Restraint
..................................
System .9,21
......................................
Servicing . 31
.........................
SRS Indicator . 29, 60
...................
System Components . 21
.........................................
SVC . 119, 159
..................................
Synthetic Oil . 301
Taillights, Changing
..................................
Bulbs . 315, 316
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 335
Index
T
INDEX
VII
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