2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID brake fluid

20Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P227)
Under the Hood
(P235)
● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
● Check brake fluid.
● Check the 12 volt battery regularly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P247)
● Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P252)
● Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P254)
● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
● Check tire pressures regularly.
● Install snow tires for winter driving.

70Instrument Panel
IndicatorsIndicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Parking Brake
and
Brake System
Indicator
(Red)
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w
, then goes off.
●
Comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and goes off when it is
released.
●
Comes on when the brake fluid
level is low.
●
Comes on if there is a problem
with the brake system.
●
The beeper sounds and the
indicator comes on if you drive
with the parking brake not fully
released.
●
Comes on while driving - Make sure
the parking brake is released. Check the
brake fluid level.
2 What to do when the indicator
comes on while driving P. 287
●
Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have the vehicle checked by a
dealer.
2 If the Brake System Indicator (Red)
Comes On P. 287
Brake System
Indicator
(Amber)
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w
, then goes off.
●
Comes on if there is a problem
with the cooperative control with
regenerative brake.
●
Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer. Normal braking is
not affected.
U.S.
Canada(Red)U.S.
Canada
(Amber)

201
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingAvoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■
In Rain
■
Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q
or
LOCK
( 0
while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
( N
, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
NOTICEFollowing can damage the under spoiler:•Parking the vehicle by a parking block•Parallel parking along the road shoulder•Driving towards the bottom of a hill•Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)•Driving on a rutted or bumpy road•Driving on a road with potholes

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).

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

228Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your \
warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
• Check the continuously variable transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid P. 244
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 245
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 254
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Mainta ining Wiper Blades P. 252
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are "certified" to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display. 2 Maintenance Service Items P. 233
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 303
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

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

235
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil
Dipstick
(Orange Loop)
Radiator Cap
Engine Oil Fill
Cap
Transmission
Fluid Dipstick
(Yellow Loop)
Engine Coolant Reservoir12 Volt Battery