2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID check transmission fluid

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

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

244
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
u Perform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
u It should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.■
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid
Specified fluid: Hond a CVTF (continuously variabl e transmission fluid)
1Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Honda CVTF with other transmission
fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda CVTF
may adversely a ffect the operation and durability of
your vehicle's transmission, and damage the
transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda CVTF is not covered by
Honda's new vehicle warranty.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark Lower Mark
HOT
Range

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