2012 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID open hood

Contents
Child Safety P. 54Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 66Safety Labels P. 67Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 110 Security System P. 113 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 115
Adjusting the Mirrors P. 125 Adjusting the Seats P. 126
Climate Control System P. 137Audio Error Messages P. 162 General Information on the Audio System P. 164When Driving P. 198Braking P. 213Parking Your Vehicle P. 217
Accessories and Modifications P. 226Maintenance Under the Hood P. 235 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 247
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 254 12 Volt Battery P. 263 Remote Transmitter Care P. 264
Cleaning P. 266Engine Does Not Start P. 279 Jump Starting P. 280Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 282
Fuses P. 289 Emergency Towing P. 292Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 297 Reporting Safety Defects P. 298
Authorized Manuals P. 303 Customer Service Information P. 304
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 27
Instrument Panel
P. 69
Controls
P. 101
Features
P. 141
Driving
P. 191
Maintenance
P. 227
Handling the Unexpected
P. 271
Information
P. 293
Index
P. 305

Quick Reference Guide21
Handling the Unexpected
(P271)
Flat Tire
(P273)
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
trunk.
Indicators Come On (P285)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start
(P279)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse
(P289)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P283)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing
(P292)
● Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

113
Continued
Controls
Security SystemImmobilizer SystemThe immobilizer system prevents a key that has not been pre-registered from
starting the engine. Each key contains electronic transmitters that use electronic
signals to verify the key.
Pay attention to the following when inserting the key into the ignition switch:
• Do not allow objects that emit strong radio waves near the ignition switch.
• Make sure the key is not covered by or touching a metal object.
• Do not bring a key from another vehicle's immobilizer system near the ignition
switch.Security System AlarmThe security system alarm activates when the doors, trunk, or hood are opened
without the key, or remote transmitter.■
When the security system alarm activates
The horn sounds intermittently and all of the exterior lights flash.
■
To deactivate the security system alarm
Unlock the vehicle using the key, or remote transmitter. The system, along with the
horn and flashing lights, is deactivated.
1 Immobilizer System
NOTICELeaving the ignition key in the vehicle can result in
theft or accidental movement of the vehicle.
Always take the ignition key with you whenever you
leave the vehicle unattended.
Do not alter the system or add other devices to it.
Doing so may damage the system and make your
vehicle inoperable.1Security System Alarm
The security alarm continues for a maximum of two
minutes until the security system deactivates.

uuSecurity System uSecurity System Alarm
114Controls
■
Setting the securi ty system alarm
The security system alarm automatically sets when the following conditions have
been met:
• The ignition switch is in LOCK
(0
, and the key has been removed from the
ignition switch.
• The hood and trunk are closed.
• All doors are locked with the key or the remote transmitter.
■
When the security system alarm sets
The security system indicator in the instrument panel blinks. When the blinking
interval changes after about 15 second s, the security system is set.
■
To cancel the security system alarm
The security system is canceled when the vehicle is unlocked using the key or remote
transmitter, or the ignition switch is turned to ON
(w
. The security system indicator
goes off at the same time.
■
The panic button on the remote
transmitter
If you press the panic button for
approximately one second, the following will
occur for about 30 seconds:
• The horn sounds.
• Some exterior lights flash.
■
Canceling panic mode
Press any button on the remote transmitter, or turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
.
■
Panic Mode
1 Security System Alarm
Do not set the security system alarm when someone
is in the vehicle or a window is open. The system can
accidentally activate when:•Unlocking the door with the lock tab.•Opening the trunk with th e trunk release or the
emergency trunk opener.
If the battery goes dead after you have set the
security system alarm, the security alarm may go off
once the battery is recharged or replaced.
If this occurs, deactivate the security system alarm by
unlocking a door using the key or remote transmitter.
Do not attempt to alter this system or add another
device to it.
Panic
Button

192Driving
Before DrivingDriving PreparationCheck the following items before you start driving.
•Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
u Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
u Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.
u When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
u If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
u Check air pressure, check for damage and excessive wear.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 254
•Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
u There are blind spots from the inside.■
Exterior Checks
1Exterior Checks
NOTICEWhen doors are frozen shut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid
further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert key if the water freezes in
the hole.

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

236
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1 Opening the Hood
NOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod Grip
Clamp

240
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil FilterYou must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine's lubrication. The engine may be da maged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display. 1.Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap.
3. Remove the bolts on the undercarriage
and slide the under cover backward, then
remove.
4. Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
NOTICEYou may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Under Cover
Bolt
Drain Bolt
Washer