2012 HONDA CIVIC ELD

238
Driving
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories
When installing accessories, check the following: •Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle. 2 Fuses P. 318
• Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.
Modifications
Do not modify your vehicle or use non-Honda components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1Accessories and Modifications
Honda Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

267
uuMaintenance Under the HooduRefilling Window Washer Fluid
Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on the cap.If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump.
Level Gauge

uuReplacing Light BulbsuHeadlight Bulbs
270
Maintenance
2. Remove the holding clip (C) using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then remove the upper part of
the windshield washer reservoir.
1Low Beam Headlights
Press down the central pin until it clicks to unlock it.
Push the central pin back to lock the clip. Then, insert
the clip into the hole and press on the central pin until it is flat.
Holding clip (B-type)
Central pin
Push until
the pin is
flat.
Clip (C)Passenger side
All models

278
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
Checking Wiper Blades
If the wiper blade rubber has deteriorated, it will leave streaks and the metal wiper
arm may scratch the window glass.
Changing the Wiper Blade Rubber1.Lift the driver side wiper arm first, then the
passenger side.
2. Place a cloth on the edge of the lock tab.
Push the lock tab up with a flat-tip screw driver.
3. Slide the blade from the wiper arm.1Changing the Wiper Blade Rubber
NOTICE
Avoid dropping the wiper arm; it may damage the windshield.
Lock Tab

289
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the BatteryCheck the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead: • The audio system *
is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 146
• The clock resets.
2 Setting the Clock P. 98
• The navigation system *
is disabled.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
The test indicator's color information is on the battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do it.
Test Indicator window
* Not available on all models

INDEX
337
INDEX
INDEX
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 231
Accessories and Modifications ................ 238
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 137
Additives Coolant .................................................. 261
Engine Oil ............................................... 254
Washer ................................................... 267
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 254
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 133
Front Seats.............................................. 126
Head Restraints ....................................... 129
Mirrors.................................................... 125
Rear Seats ............................................... 132
Steering Wheel ....................................... 124
Temperature ............................................. 85
Air Conditioning System (Heating and Cooling System) ...................................... 140
Cooling................................................... 142
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 142
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 291
Heating................................................... 141
Air Pressure .............................. 281, 325, 327
Airbags ....................................................... 35
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 41
After a Collision ........................................ 39
Airbag Care .............................................. 49
Event Data Recorder ................................. 21
Front Airbags (SRS) ................................... 38 Indicator ........................................ 46, 69, 73
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 47
Sensors...................................................... 35
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 44
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 48
Side Airbags .............................................. 42
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 45
AM/FM Radio .................................... 149, 158
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 231
Indicator .................................................... 69
Armrest ..................................................... 133
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 156
Audio System ............................................ 144
Adjusting the Sound ........................ 148, 157
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Error Messages ........................................ 172
General Information ................................ 174
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 167
Reactivating............................................. 146
Recommended CDs ................................. 174
Recommended Devices ............................ 176
Remote Controls ..................................... 156
Security Code .......................................... 146
Theft Protection....................................... 146
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 145
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 176
Authorized Manuals ................................. 335
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 105
Customize ................................... 88, 92, 106
Automatic Lighting .................................. 119
Automatic Transmission ........................... 214 Creeping ................................................. 214
Fluid ........................................................ 263
Kickdown ................................................ 214
Operating the Shift Lever................... 15, 216
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 310
Shifting ................................................... 215
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Average Fuel Economy ........................ 81, 84
Average Speed ........................................... 84
B
Battery ...................................................... 289
Charging System Indicator................. 67, 313
Jump Starting .......................................... 307
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 289
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 290
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 28
Beverage Holders ..................................... 136
Bluetooth ®
Audio ..................................... 170
Bluetooth ®
HandsFreeLink ®
..................... 177
Booster Seats (For Children) ...................... 61
Brake System ............................................ 229
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 231
Brake Assist System ................................. 232
Fluid ........................................................ 266
Foot Brake............................................... 230
Indicator............................................ 66, 315
Parking Brake .......................................... 229
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 122

338
INDEX
Bulb Replacement..................................... 268
Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn Signal Light and Rear Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 275
Fog Lights ................................................ 272
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Lights..................................................... 273
Headlights ............................................... 268
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 277
Rear License Plate Light............................ 276
Bulb Specifications ............................ 324, 326
C
Carbon Monoxide Gas ................................ 62
Carrying Cargo .................................. 203, 205
CD Player ........................................... 151, 161
Certification Label .................................... 328
Changing Bulbs ......................................... 268
Charging System Indicator ................. 67, 313
Child Safety ................................................. 50
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 104
Emergency Trunk Opener ........................ 111
Child Seat .................................................... 50
Booster Seats ............................................. 61
Child Seat for Infants ................................. 52
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 53
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Seat Belt.................................... 57
Larger Children .......................................... 60
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 52 Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 54
Using a Tether ........................................... 59
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 104
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 294
Cleaning the Interior ................................ 292
Clock ............................................................ 98
Clutch Fluid ............................................... 266
Coat Hook ................................................. 138
Compact Spare Tire .................. 299, 325, 327
Console Compartment ............................. 135
Controls ....................................................... 97
Coolant (Engine) ...................................... 261
Adding to the Radiator ......... ............... .... 262
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 261
High Temperature Indicator ....................... 69
Low Temperature Indicator........................ 74
Overheating ............................................ 311
Creeping (Automatic Transmission) ........ 214
Cruise Control ........................................... 220
Indicator.................................................... 75
Cup Holders .............................................. 136
Customer Service Information ................. 336
Customized Features .................................. 86
D
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 120
Dead Battery ............................................. 307
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ................................................. 142
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ............... 329Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 118
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 125
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................ 255
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) ............. 118
Display/Information Button ...................... 82
Door Mirrors ............................................. 125
Doors .......................................................... 99
Auto Door Locking.................................. 105
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 105
Door Open Indicator ........................... 27, 70
Keys.......................................................... 99
Locking/Unlocking the Doors
from the Inside...................................... 103
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside................................... 101
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 102
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 283
Driving ...................................................... 201
Automatic Transmission .......................... 214
Braking ................................................... 229
Cruise Control ........................................ 220
Shifting Gear ...... ............................ 215, 217
Starting the Engine ................................. 211
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 291
E
Eco Assist System .......................................... 7
ECON Button ............................................ 123
Elapsed Time .............................................. 84

339
INDEX
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)Indicator ........................................... 71, 315
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 223
Emergency ................................................ 321
Emergency Trunk Opener ....................... 111
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 331
Engine ....................................................... 328
Coolant .................................................. 261
Jump Starting ......................................... 307
Oil .......................................................... 254
Starting................................................... 211
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 117
Engine Coolant ........................................ 261
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 262
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 261
High Temperature Indicator ....... ............... 69
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 74
Overheating ............................................ 311
Engine Oil ................................................. 254
Adding ................................................... 257
Checking ................................................ 255
Displaying Oil Life ........................... 243, 247
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 254
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System) .............................................. 71, 315
Exhaust Gas Hazard
(Carbon Monoxide) .................................. 62
Exterior Care (Cleaning) .......................... 294
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 125 F Features
..................................................... 143
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 291
Oil ........................................................... 258
Flat Tire ..................................................... 299
Floor Mats ................................................. 293
Fluids Automatic Transmission........................... 263
Brake/Clutch............................................ 266
Engine Coolant........................................ 261
Manual Transmission ............................... 264
Windshield Washer.................................. 267
Fog Light Indicator ..................................... 73
Folding Down the Rear Seats .................. 132
Foot Brake ................................................. 230
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 38
Front Seats ................................................ 126
Adjusting................................................. 126
Fuel ...................................................... 16, 234
Economy ................................................. 237
Gauge ....................................................... 78
Instant Fuel Economy........................... 78, 85
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 68
Range.................................................. 81, 84
Recommendation .................................... 234
Refueling ................................................. 234
Fuel Economy ............................................ 237
Fuel Fill Cap ......................................... 16, 236
Message .................................................. 314
Fuel Fill Door ....................................... 16, 235 Fuses
.......................................................... 318
Inspecting and Changing........ ................. 320
Locations......................................... 318, 319
G
Gasoline (Fuel) Economy ................................................. 237
Gauge ....................................................... 78
Information ............................................. 234
Instant Fuel Economy .......................... 78, 85
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 68
Refueling................................................. 234
Gauges ........................................................ 78
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission .......................... 215
Manual Transmission ............................... 218
Glass (care) ................................................ 295
Glove Box .................................................. 135
H
Halogen Bulbs .................................. 268, 272
Handling the Unexpected ........................ 297
HandsFreeLink® (HFL) ............................. 177
Automatic Import of Cellular Phonebook
and Call History ..................................... 191
Automatic Transferring............................ 189
Caller’s ID Information............................. 189
HFL Buttons............................................. 177
HFL Menus .............................................. 179