2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID IMA

203
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Continued
Driving
ShiftingChange the shift position in acco rdance with your driving needs.■
Shift lever positions
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in
(P
.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
( N
while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.
Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine
Reverse
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for normal driving
Drive (S)
Used for:●Better acceleration●Increased engine braking●Going up or down hills
Release Button
Low●Used to further increase engine
braking●Used when going up or down hills●Used when IMA battery is low

212
uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Driving
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equippe d with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combine d with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illumi nated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including
the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.

218
uuParking Your Vehicle uAuto Idle Stop
Driving
Auto Idle StopTo help maximize fuel economy, Auto Idle Stop shuts off the engine when the
vehicle comes to a stop, depending on environmental and vehicle operating
conditions. The AUTO STOP indicator blinks at this time.
The engine then restarts once the vehicle is
about to move again, and the indicator goes
off.
If the driver’s door is opened while the
indicator is blinking, a buzzer sounds to notify
you that the Auto Idle Stop function is in
operation.
1Auto Idle Stop
The duration of the Auto Idle Stop operation:•Increases in the ECON mode, compared to when
the ECON mode is off, with climate control in use. •Decreases if you operate the wiper and climate
control simultaneously.
AUTO STOP
Indicator

Continued
219
uuParking Your Vehicle uAuto Idle Stop
Driving
The vehicle stops with the shift lever in
(D
and the brake pedal depressed.
■
Auto idle stop does not activate when:
• The low temperature indicator is on.
• The IMA battery charge is low.
• The bars of the electric motor power flow monitor do not move when
accelerating or decelerating.
• The transmission fluid temperature is low.
• The vehicle comes to a stop again before the vehicle speed reaches 9 mph
(15 km/h) after the engine starts.
• Stopped on a steep incline.
• The shift lever is in a position other than
(D
or
(N
.
■
Auto idle stop may not activate when:
• Even if the set temperature and the actual interior temperature are around the
same ambient conditions (strong sun light, high or low temperature etc) can
prevent Auto Idle Stop from activating.
• The vehicle is stopped by braking suddenly.
■
Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
1Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
The brake pedal is depressed, and the vehicle slows
down to a speed below 6 mph (10 km/h).

220
uuParking Your Vehicle uAuto Idle Stop
Driving
The brake pedal is released.■
The engine restarts even if the brake pedal is depressed when:
• The shift position is changed to
(R
or
(L
.
• The accelerator pedal is depressed.
• The pressure to the brake pedal is reduced and the vehicle starts moving while
stopped on an incline.
• The IMA battery charge becomes low.
• The low temperature indicator comes on.
• Ambient conditions that may differentiate the interior temperature from the set
temperature can also be the cause to start the engine.
■
The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

227
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 228
Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 229Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 230
Maintenance Minder™ .................... 231
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 235Opening the Hood ........................... 236
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 237
Oil Check ......................................... 238
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 239Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 240
Engine Coolant ................................ 242
Transmission Fluid ............................ 244
Brake Fluid ....................................... 245
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 246
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 247
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 252Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 254
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 255
Tire Labeling .................................... 255
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 257Wear Indicators................................ 259 Tire Service Life ................................ 259
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 260
Tire Rotation .................................... 261
Winter Tires ..................................... 262
12 Volt Battery .................................. 263
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Battery ....................... 264
Climate Control System Maintenance ...... 265Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 266
Exterior Care.................................... 268

229
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conc eivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the 12 volt
battery or compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
u Make sure to let the engine and exhau st system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
• Do not touch the IMA battery and wiring (orange).■
Maintenance Safety
■
Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow th e inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly fol low maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.

233
uuMaintenance Minder™ uTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
2345
Maintenance Minder
Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If a message “SERVICE” does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
*2: If you drive primarily in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●
Replace engine oil
*1
B
●
Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●
Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary
●
Check parking brake adjustment
●
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
●
Inspect suspension components
●
Inspect driveshaft boots
●
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
●
Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
●
Inspect exhaust system
#
●
Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●
Rotate tires
2
●
Replace air cleaner element
*2
●
Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●
Inspect drive belt
3
●
Replace transmission fluid
4
●
Replace spark plugs
●
Inspect valve clearance
5
●
Replace engine coolant