2011 HONDA CIVIC emergency towing

The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will af f ect your
vehicle’s handling and perf ormance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
Foryoursafetyandthesafetyof
others,taketimetopracticedriving
maneuvers bef ore heading f or the
open road, and f ollow the guidelines
below.Maketurnsmoreslowlyandwider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
canhitorrunoversomethingthe
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance f or braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknif e or turn over.
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red (Hot) mark, turn the air
conditioning of f , reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
f requently while going up a hill, shif t
to D .If youmuststopwhenfacinguphill,
use the f oot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed, and shif t down to second
gear. Do not ‘‘ride’’ the brakes, and
remember, it will take longer to slow
downandstopwhentowingatrailer.
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits f or vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the D position
when towing a trailer on level roads.
D is the proper shif t lever position
to use when towing a trailer in hilly
terrain. (See ‘‘ ’’ in the
f ollowing column f or additional gear
inf ormation.) Your vehicle is not designed to be
towed behind a motor home. If your
vehicle needs to be towed in an
emergency, see page .
349
3
3
Driving Saf ely With a T railer
Towing Your Vehicle
T owing Speeds and GearsMaking T urns and Braking
Driving on Hills
Driving on Hills
Towing a Trailer
278
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire . 328
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 329
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 334
................................
Jump Starting . 336
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 338
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 340
..........
Charging System Indicator . 340
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 341
...............
Brake System Indicator . 342
..............................................
Fuses . 343
..............................
Fuse Locations . 347
......................
Emergency Towing . 349
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
327
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If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. Seeon page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to
on page .
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
f rom a booster battery (see page
).
79
322
256
336
343
349Emergency
Towing
Starting the
Engine
T he Starter Operates Normally
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
335
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Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark. Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see on page ). 7. 8. 9.
3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11.
243 349
349
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
339
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Main Menu

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. 300
349Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
342
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.
Release the parking brake.
Shif t to the D position and hold f or
5 seconds, then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Manual transmission:
Automatic transmission:
CONT INUED
Flat -bed EquipmentWheel-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
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
349
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.
Main Menu

Do not tie down the vehicle at an
angle that would allow the towing
cables to contact the vehicle’s f ront
bumper. To avoid possible damage,
protect the f ront bumper with tape.
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Emergency T owing
350
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.
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Î
CONT INUED
Doors.
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 83
.....................
Auto Door Locking . 83
.................
Auto Door Unlocking . 85
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 81
......................
Power Door Locks . 82
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 357
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission . 257
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 253
....................................
Economy . 244
..................................
Guidelines . 254
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 310
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 244
............
Emergencies on the Road . 327
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 336
...........
Brake System Indicator . 342
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 329
.....
Charging System Indicator . 340
..................
Checking the Fuses . 343
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 340
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 341 ..................
Overheated Engine . 338
.........................
Emergency Brake . 105
......................
Emergency Flashers . 76
......................
Emergency Towing . 349
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 89
.......................
Emissions Controls . 363
........................
Emissions Testing . 366Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 70
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 259, 262
Malf unction Indicator
......................................
Lamp . 341
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 65, 340
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 290
...............................
Overheating . 338
............................
Specif ications . 354
.......................................
Starting . 256
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 238
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 363
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 51
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 16
...................................
Fan, Interior . 110 .........................................
Features . 109
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 239
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen . 310
...............................................
Oil . 292
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 299
................................
Shif ting the . 257
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 76
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 329
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 298
..........................................
Brake . 300
.........................................
Clutch . 301
...................................
Locations . 288
..............
Manual Transmission . 299
..........................
Power Steering . 301
..................
Windshield Washer . 297
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception . 199
........................................
Fog Lights . 74
...........................
Folding Rear Seat . 97
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 76
..............................
Front Airbags . 9, 24
Index
F
E
INDEX
III
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