2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID brake

245
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level several seconds after you
turn the ignition switch to ON .
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3■
Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake Fluid
NOTICEBrake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MAX
MIN
II

247
Continued
Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Remove the coupler.
u It can be removed by pushing the tab.
2. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.High beam headlight:
60 W (HB3)
Low beam headlight:
51 W (HB4)
■
High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk, have the aiming readjusted
at a dealer or by a qualified technician.
The HB3 and HB4 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Tab
Coupler
Bulb

250
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uBack-Up Light and Rear Turn Signal Light Bulbs
Maintenance
Back-Up Light and Rear Turn Signal Light BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the holding clips using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then pull the lining back.
2. Turn the socket to the left and remove it.
Remove the old bulb.
3. Insert a new bulb.Brake/Taillight and Rear Side Maker BulbsBrake/rear taillight and rear side marker bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized
Honda dealer inspect and replace the light bulbs.Back-Up Light: 21 W
Rear Turn Signal Light: 21 W (Amber)
1Back-Up Light and Rear Turn Signal 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
Lining
Clip
Bulb Socket

251
uuReplacing Light Bulbs uRear License Plate Light Bulb
Maintenance
Rear License Plate Light BulbWhen replacing, use the following bulb.
1.Remove the screw from the center of the
fastener using a Phillips-head screwdriver.
2. Remove the holding clips using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then pull the lining back.
2 Back-Up Light and Rear Turn Signal
Light Bulbs P. 250
3.Remove the license plate light assembly by
squeezing the tabs on both sides of the
socket.
4. Remove the old bulb and insert a new bulb.
High-Mount Brake Light BulbsHigh-mount brake light bulbs are LED type. Have an authorized Honda dealer
inspect and replace the light bulbs.Rear License Plate Light: 5 W
Lining
Clip
Fastener
Bulb
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.

271
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 272
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 273
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 279
Jump Starting .................................... 280
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 282
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 283 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 285If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 285
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 286If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................287If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 287
If the IMA Indicator Comes On......... 288 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 288
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 289
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 291
Emergency Towing ........................... 292

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

282Handling the Unexpected
Shift Lever Does Not MoveFollow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of
(P
position.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small flat-
tip screwdriver and remove the cover of the
shift lock release slot.
u Put the tip of the flat-tip screwdriver into
the slot and remove it as shown in the
image.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing on the key, press the shift
lever release button and place the shift lever
into
(N
.
u The lock is now released. Have the shift
lever checked by a dealer as soon as
possible.
■
Releasing the Lock
Slot
Cover
Release
Button
Shift Lock
Release Slot