2011 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID brakes

Your vehicle is equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist
helps reduce the ef f ort needed on
thebrakepedal.TheABShelpsyou
retain steering control when braking
very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, reduces their ef f ectiveness and
reduces brake pad lif e. In addition,
f uel economy can be reduced. It also
keeps your brake lights on all the
time, conf using drivers behind you.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.
Your vehicle is equipped with an
advanced hydraulic booster.
The advanced hydraulic booster has
some f eatures.
This f eature enables you to press the
brakepedalwithlessforcebythe
help of hydraulic pressure in the oil
pressure pump.This f eature controls the braking
pressure appropriately, coordinating
with the regenerating brake of the
IMA motor.
When you release the brake pedal
while the Auto Idle Stop f unction is
activated, this f eature keeps the
braking pressure until the engine
starts, and prevents the vehicle from
dropping back.
This f eature helps you apply the
brakes with less f orce during an
emergency braking situation.
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.
Power-Assist Cooperative Control with Regenerative
Brake
Creep Aid System
Brake-Assist
Braking System
Driving
267
Main Menu

The electronic brake distribution
(EBD) system, which is part of the
ABS, also balances the f ront-to-rear
braking distribution according to
vehicle loading.
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. The anti-lock brake system (ABS)
helpspreventthewheelsfrom
locking up, and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much f aster than a
person can do it.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforetheABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
If this indicator comes on, the anti-
lock f unction of the braking system
has shut down. The brakes still work
like a conventional system, but
without anti-lock. You should have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
If the ABS indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as shown on
page .
326
You should never pump the brake pedal.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Braking System Design
Brake Pad Wear Indicators ABS Indicator
268
Main Menu

If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.It only helps with steering
control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
326 Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
269
Main Menu

When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA Activation indicator blink.
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e, and turn of f the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.The main f unction of the
VSA system is generally known as
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The system also includes a traction
control f unction.
The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surf aces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. There may also
be some noise f rom the VSA
hydraulic system. You will also see
the VSA activation indicator blink.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety. If the low tire pressure indicator or
TPMS indicator comes on, the VSA
system automatically turns on even if
the VSA system is turned of f by
pressing the VSA OFF switch (see
page ). If this happens, you
cannot turn the VSA system of f by
pressing the VSA OFF switch again.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
271
If equipped
On U.S. modelsVSA A ctivation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
Vehicle St ability A ssist (VSA), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
270NOTE:
Main Menu

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Ì Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate light monthly. See
page .
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display.
U.S. Vehicles:
245246
291
303 293
292
Maintenance Minder
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
282
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Main Menu

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Ì Ì
Ì
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Maintenance Minder
283
:
TM
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
If the message ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Independent of the maintenance messages on the information display,
replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
NOTE:
282
: Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
AB
Symbol
Symbol
12 3 4 5
Maintenance Minder
Main Menu

CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories . 250
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.......................................
Position) . 80
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 101
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 285
.............................
Airbag (SRS) . 10, 22
...
Airbags, Additional Information . 22
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 33
..........
AdvancedAirbagSystem .26
.............................
Airbag Service . 32
How the Passenger Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works . 31
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works . 31
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 30
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work . 24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 28
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
Work . 30
........................
SRS Components . 22
..............
Air Conditioning System . 104
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 304
......................................
Antif reeze . 288 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 59, 268
...................................
Operation . 268
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 209
Anti-thef t Steering Column
..........................................
Lock . 80
........................................
Armrest . 95
................................
Audio System . 110
.....
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 82
.........................
Auto Door Locking . 82
.....................
Auto Door Unlocking . 85
........................
Auto Idle Stop . 264, 265
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 214
.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) . 260
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .338
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 291
.......................................
Shif ting . 261
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 260
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 261
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 263 Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 62, 324
............................
Jump Starting . 319
..............................
Maintenance . 308
............................
Specif ications . 339
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 241
....................................
Belts,Seat .9,19
...........................
Beverage Holder . 101
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 268
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 242
....................
Bulb Replacement . 296
...........................................
Fluid . 292
...................
Pad Wear Indicator . 268
.........................................
Parking . 99
...........
System Indicator . 58, 63, 326
.............................
Braking System . 267
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 242
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 75
Index
A B
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