2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID steering

215
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."■
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■
ABS
1 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

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

249
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uFront Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Turn the steering wheel all the way to the
opposite side from the light being replaced.
Passenger side: Turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Driver side: Turn the steering wheel to the
right.
2. Remove the holding clips, and pull the inner
fender back.
3. Turn the socket to the left and remove it,
then remove the old bulb.
4. Insert a new bulb.Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator Light BulbsDoor mirrors have the side turn lights. Have an authorized Honda dealer inspect and
replace the light bulbs.Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Light:
28/8 W
1Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Light Bulbs
When removing the clip, inser t a flat-tip screwdriver,
then lift and remove the clip.
Insert the clip with the pin raised, and push until it is
flat.
Clip
Push until the
pin is flat
Clip Inner
FenderBulb Socket

262
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked ”M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the
law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
• Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer's instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1030
1Winter Tires
NOTICETraction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
3
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruc tions in this owner's
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.

273
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatChanging a Flat TireIf a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or
replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground.
2. Put the shift lever in
(P
.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
.
1Changing a Flat Tire
Follow compact spare precautions:
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
U.S. models only

287
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehic le using engine braking.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with EPS.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada (Red)
1 If the EPS Indicator Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

INDEX
305
INDEX
INDEX
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 215
Accessories and Modifications ................ 226
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 134
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 242
Engine Oil ............................................... 239
Washer ................................................... 246
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 237
Adjusting Front Seats.............................................. 126
Head Restraints ....................................... 128
Headlights .............................................. 247
Mirrors.................................................... 125
Steering Wheel ....................................... 124
Temperature ............................................. 86
Air Conditioning Sys tem (Climate Control
System) .................................................... 137
Changing the Mode................................ 137
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 138
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 265
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 137
Sensor .................................................... 139
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 137
Air Pressure ...................................... 254, 295
Airbags ....................................................... 39
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 45
After a Collision ........................................ 43
Airbag Care .............................................. 53
Event Data Recorders ................................ 24 Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 42
Indicator ........................................ 50, 73, 77
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 51
Sensors ...................................................... 45
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 48
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 48
Side Airbags .............................................. 46
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 49
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 148
Ambient Meter ............................................. 8
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 215
Indicator .................................................... 73
Audio Antenna ......................................... 143
Audio Remote Controls ...................... 17, 146
Audio System ............................................ 142
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 147
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 144
Error Messages ........................................ 162
General Information ................................ 164
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 157
Reactivating ............................................. 144
Recommended CDs ................................. 164
Recommended Drives .............................. 166
Remote Controls ..................................... 146
Security Code .......................................... 144
Theft Protection ....................................... 144
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 143
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 166
Authorized Manuals ................................. 303
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 109
Customize ........................................... 90, 96 Auto Idle Stop
.......................................... 218
Auto Idle Stop Indicator ............................ 75
Automatic Lighting .................................. 119
Automatic Transmission (CVT) ................. 202
Creeping ................................................. 202
Fluid ........................................................ 244
Kickdown ................................................ 202
Operating the Shift Lever................... 18, 204
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 282
Shifting ................................................... 203
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 144
Average Fuel Economy .............................. 85
Average Speed ........................................... 85
BBattery...................................................... 263
Charging System Indicator................. 71, 285
Jump Starting .......................................... 280
Maintenance (Checking the 12 Volt Battery) ................................................. 263
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 264
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 32
Beverage Holders ..................................... 133
Bluetooth
® Audio ..................................... 160
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink
®..................... 167
Booster Seats (For Children) ...................... 65
Brake System ............................................ 213
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 215
Brake Assist System ................................. 216
Brake System Indicator ...................... 70, 287

307
INDEX
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 257
Driving ...................................................... 191
Automatic Transmission (CVT)................. 202
Braking ................................................... 213
Cruise Control ........................................ 205
Shifting Gear .......................................... 203
Starting the Engine ................................. 198
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 265EEco Assist System.......................................... 8
Eco Drive Bar .......................................... 9, 88
Eco Guide ............................................... 9, 87
Eco Score ................................................ 9, 87
ECON Button ............................................ 123
ECON Mode Indicator ................................ 78
Elapsed Time .............................................. 85
Electric Power Steering System (EPS) Indicator ........................................... 75, 287
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 208
Emergency ................................................ 292
Emergency Trunk Opener ....................... 112
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 299
Engine ....................................................... 296
Coolant .................................................. 242
Jump Starting ......................................... 280
Oil .......................................................... 237
Starting................................................... 198
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 117
Engine Coolant ........................................ 242 Adding to the Radiator ............................ 243
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 242
High Temperature Indicator ....................... 78
Low Temperature Indicator ........................ 78
Overheating ............................................ 283
Engine Oil ................................................. 237
Adding .................................................... 239
Checking ................................................. 238
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 231
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 74, 285
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 237
EPS (Electric Power Steering System) .............................................. 75, 287
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .. 66
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 268
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 125
FFeatures..................................................... 141
Filters ......................................................... 265
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 265
Oil ........................................................... 240
Flat Tire ..................................................... 273
Floor Mats ................................................. 267
Fluids Brake ....................................................... 245
Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid ...................................................... 244
Engine Coolant ........................................ 242
Windshield Washer .................................. 246 Foot Brake
................................................ 214
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 42
Front Seats ................................................ 126
Adjusting ................................................ 126
Fuel ...................................................... 19, 222
Economy ................................................. 225
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 86
Instant Fuel Economy Gauge ..................... 82
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 72
Range ....................................................... 85
Recommendation .................................... 222
Refueling................................................. 222
Fuel Economy ........................................... 225
Fuel Fill Cap ........................................ 19, 224
Message.................................................. 286
Fuel Fill Door ...................................... 19, 223
Fuses .......................................................... 289
Inspecting and Changing......................... 291
Locations......................................... 289, 290
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 225
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Information ............................................. 222
Instant Fuel Economy .......................... 82, 86
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 72
Refueling................................................. 222
Gauges ........................................................ 82