2012 HONDA CIVIC towing

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
208
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing. ■ Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody. ■ Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground. ■ Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard. ■ Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■ Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

209
uuTowing a TraileruDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer •Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 207
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Kn ow Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
Automatic transmission models

210
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
•Closely watch your high temperature indicator. If the indicator remains on, turn
off the heating and cooling *
system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road
safely to cool down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(d position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2 Emergency Towing P. 321
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
Automatic transmission models
* Not available on all models

215
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Continued
Driving
Shifting
Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs. ■Shift lever positions
Automatic transmission models
1Shifting
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 and
remove the key unless the shift lever is in
(P .
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in
(N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary,
apply the parking brake.Park
Used when parking or st arting the
engine
ReverseUsed when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for normal driving (gears change
between 1st and 5th automatically)
Drive (D3)
Used when:● Going up or down hills
● Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Second
Used to increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
First
Used to further increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
Release Button

297
Handling the UnexpectedThis chapter explains how to h andle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 298
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 299
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 306
Jump Starting .................................... 307
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 310
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 311 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 313
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 313
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 314
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 315
If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 315
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 316
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 316 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 317
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 318
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 320
Emergency Towing ........................... 321

306
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START
(e and check the
starter.
Starter conditionChecklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness. ● If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 289
● If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 318
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 211
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 112
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank. 2 Fuel Gauge P. 78
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 320
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 321
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 307

321
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle. ■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle. ■ Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.1Emergency Towing
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle's weight.
NOTICE
Improper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

343
INDEX
SRS Airbags (Airbags)................................ 38
Starting the Engine .................................. 211
Does Not Start ........................................ 306
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 117
Jump Starting ......................................... 307
Steering Wheel ........................................ 124
Adjusting ................................................ 124
Stopping ................................................... 233
Summer Tires ............................................ 288
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 38
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ............................. 2, 3, 117
System Message Indicator ......................... 72
T
Tachometer ................................................ 78
Temperature
High Temperature Indicator ....... ............... 69
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 74
Outside Temperature Display .................... 85
Temperature Sensor .................................. 85
Time (Setting) ............................................. 98
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ..................................................... 225
Indicator ............................. 71, 72, 316, 317
Tires .......................................................... 280
Air Pressure............................. 281, 325, 327 Checking and Maintaining ...................... 280
Inspection ............................................... 280
Labeling .................................................. 281 Puncture (Flat Tire)................................... 299
Regulations ............................................. 283
Rotation .................................................. 287
Spare Tire ................................ 299, 325, 327
Summer .................................................. 288
Tire Chains .............................................. 288
Wear Indicators ....................................... 285
Winter ..................................................... 288
Tools .......................................................... 298
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 207
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 208
Load Limits .............................................. 207
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 210
Emergency .............................................. 321
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) .................................................... 225
Indicator .............................. 71, 72, 316, 317
Transmission ..................................... 215, 217
Automatic ............................................... 215
Fluid ................................................ 263, 264
Manual.................................................... 217
Number ................................................... 328
Shift Position Indicator ....................... 67, 216
Trip Meter ............................................. 80, 83
Troubleshooting ....................................... 297
Blown Fuse ...................................... 318, 319
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 19
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door .......... 20
Emergency Towing .................................. 321
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 306
Noise When Braking .................................. 20 Overheating ............................................ 311
Premium Gasoline ........................... 234, 326
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 299
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 19, 104
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 310
Warning Indicators .................................... 66
Trunk ......................................................... 109
Lid........................................................... 109
Light Bulb........................................ 324, 326
Turn Signals .............................................. 118
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 73
U
Unlocking the Doors ................................ 101
Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside ......................................... 11
USB Adapter Cable ........................... 144, 145
USB Flash Drives ....................................... 176
VValet Key ................................................... 100
Vanity Mirrors ............................................... 5
Vehicle Identification Number ................ 328
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®
).................. 223
Off Button............................................... 224
Off Indicator.............................................. 70
System Indicator ........................................ 70
Viscosity (Oil) ............................ 254, 325, 327
VSA ®
(Vehicle Stability Assist) .................. 223