2012 HONDA CIVIC COUPE Owners Manual

9
Gauges and Displays
Instrument Panel
Gauges
Fuel Gauge Fuel Gauge
The quantity of fuel remaining in the tank is
calculated based on the pressure and temperature
of the natural gas in the fuel tank.
The gauge, average fuel, range, and instant fuel
economy show more or less than the actual
amount. The tank temperature, fill method, and
ambient conditions may affect the pressure and
temperature of the natural gas.
You can choose whether to reset trip A and average
fuel economy A when you refuel, using the multi-
information display.
Refueling a small amount of gas may not trigger trip
A and the average fuel economy to reset.
FUEL LID OPEN
Displays the amount of fuel left in the fuel
tank.
The lower ‘‘F’’ mark indicates a full tank at a
fill pressure of 3,000 psi.
The upper ‘‘F’’ mark indicates a full tank at a
fill pressure of 3,600 psi.
If the fuel receptacle lid is open, the fuel gauge blinks when you turn the ignition
switch to ON
II.
It stops blinking when you close the lid.
How to Refue l
 P. 13
Upper "F" Mark
Lower "F" Mark
Fuel Gauge
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Before Driving
10
Driving
Storing Cargo in the Trunk
Do not put large, heavy or pointed objects in the trunk. When storing items,
properly secure them so that they do not move around while driving. The fuel
tank is located in the trunk, and although a partition separates the tank from the
cargo space, large items or loose items can damage the fuel tank and fuel system
components.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.
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2012 Civic Natural Gas Vehicle

11
When Driving
Continued
Driving
Starting the Engine
Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and
in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet
(2,400 meters).
When doing so, turn off all electrical accessories
(the lights, heating and cooling system, and rear
defogger) in order to reduce battery drain.
If you regularly drive in very cold weather (below
-4°F [-20°C]), consider having an engine block
h e a t e r.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you
can smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have
your vehicle checked by a dealer. There may be a
problem with the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
N, it is safer to start it in P.
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2012 Civic Natural Gas Vehicle

When Driving Starting the Engine
12
Driving
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON II without
depressing the accelerator pedal.
You may hear a click from the in-tank fuel
shut-off valve.
4. Turn the ignition switch to START III
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
III for more than 15
seconds.
If the engine does not start right away, wait for at

•least 10 seconds before trying again.
If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,

•wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step
4 while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine’s fuel system is disabled. Immobilizer Syste m

 P. 112, Owner’s Manual
After extended storage: If you ever parked your
vehicle for an extended period, open the trunk for
several minutes before starting the engine to allow
any natural gas vapors that may have accumulated
to dissipate.
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2012 Civic Natural Gas Vehicle

13
Refueling
Continued
Driving
Fuel Information
Only fuels that can be used
NFPA-52 and SAE J1616 standards
Use of a fuel that does not meet these standards can cause a decrease in engine
power and damage the emission controls.
Fuel tank capacity: 7.2 gasoline gallon equivalent (3,000 psi)
8.0 gasoline gallon equivalent (3,600 psi)
How to Refuel
There are two methods of refueling:
Fast filling
It takes about three to five minutes to fill up the fuel tank. This method is usually
available at stations designed to refuel natural gas vehicles.
During fast filling, the natural gas is warmed, causing the pressure in the tank to
rise and reduces the amount of fuel you can put in.
Slow filling
It takes about an hour and a half per GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) to fill up
the fuel tank. This method can be done using a vehicle refueling appliance.
Fuel Quality and Home Refuelin g

 P. 3
Fuel Information
For information on the locations of the CNG fuel
stations:
49 States: Visit either
http://
w w w
.
afdc.energy.gov/ afdc/fuels/natural_gas_ locations.html ,

or
www.
cngprices.com.
Or call Gas Vehicle Coalition at (202) 824-7360.
California: Visit www.cngvc.org.
How to Refuel
WARNING
Compressed natural gas is flammable and
highly explosive. You could be killed or
seriously injured if leaking natural gas is
ignited.
If you suspect a leak, have your vehicle
immediately inspected and repaired by an
authorized dealer for your CNG vehicle.
NOTICE Using fast fill equipment at temperature below -4°F
(-20°C) may damage the fuel system, potentially
causing a leak.
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2012 Civic Natural Gas Vehicle

Refueling How to Refuel
14
Driving
Refueling Procedure Example How to Refuel
Always observe all safety recommendations and
operating instructions on the refueling equipment.
Use a fuel filler nozzle that complies with ANSI/AGA
NGV-1-2008 standards.
The CNG filler nozzle mechanism may vary by
service station. Each nozzle standard has different
maximum pressure:P24

•－ 2,400 psi (16,500 kPa)
P30

•－ 3,000 psi (20,700 kPa)
P36

•－ 3,600 psi (24,800 kPa)
The refueling steps shown in this manual are the
typical fast fill refueling procedure. You may need
to go through different steps at a station with slow
fill equipment or other types of equipment. Always
follow the instructions provided on site.
1. Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the
r e a r.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Push on the fuel receptacle lid release
handle at the foot of the driver’s seat.
The fuel receptacle lid opens.
4. Remove the receptacle dust cap from the
fuel receptacle.
Clean off any dirt or debris around the
fuel receptacle.
5
. Securely connect the CNG fill nozzle to the
fuel receptacle.
Push
Fuel Receptacle
Receptacle
Dust Cap
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Refueling How to Refuel
15
Driving
How to Refuel
If you hear or see fuel/vapor leaking from the
nozzle-receptacle connection, stop refueling
immediately. Turn off the refueling station, remove
the nozzle, reconnect it to the receptacle, and begin
refueling again. Dirt or debris adhered to the inside
of the fuel receptacle can cause a gas leak. Remove
dirt or debris with a clean, dry rag from the CNG
filler nozzle.
If it continues to leak, have an authorized CNG
dealer inspect the sealing O-ring in the fuel
receptacle. It may be missing, damaged, or worn.
If you are not sure how to operate the refueling
station, ask for assistance.6. Turn the lever until the arrows on the
nozzle point to each other, then follow
the instructions on the refueling station to
begin refueling.
While refueling, you may hear a chattering
sound. This is normal.
7. Refueling will stop automatically when the
tank is full. Follow the instructions on the
refueling station to turn it off.
8. Disconnect the CNG fill nozzle from the
fuel receptacle by slowly turning the lever
on the nozzle 180 degrees.
You may hear a brief hissing sound as a
small amount of gas escapes, and may
detect a slight gas odor. This is normal.
9. After filling, replace the receptacle dust
cap on the fuel receptacle securely.
Shut the fuel receptacle lid by hand.
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2012 Civic Natural Gas Vehicle

Maintaining the Fuel System
16
Maintenance
Your vehicle’s fuel system must be maintained and repaired by an authorized Civic
Natural Gas dealer or a certified NGV technician. The fuel system has no user-
serviceable parts, and its components must not be modified.
See instructions on fuel container for inspection and service life.
Maintaining the Fuel System
Service Pressure: 3,600 psi (24,800 kPa)
CNG Label Locations
 P. 4
WARNING
Tampering with, or improperly
maintaining the high-pressure fuel system
can cause a dangerous condition in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Never attempt to modify the fuel system,
and always have fuel system maintenance
performed by an authorized CNG dealer,
or a qualified NGV technician.
Indoor Vehicle Storage
If you store your vehicle indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation. We
recommend that you also install a natural gas leak detector.
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2012 Civic Natural Gas Vehicle