2012 HONDA CIVIC key

117
Controls
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel
Ignition Switch
1Ignition Switch
You cannot take the key out unless the shift lever is in
(P.
If you open the driver's door when the key is in LOCK
(0 or ACCESSORY (q, a warning buzzer will sound
to remind you to take the key out.
When this happens, the following messages appear
on the multi-information display *
:
• In LOCK
(0 : "REMOVE KEY."
• In ACCESSORY
(q : "RETURN IGNITION SWITCH
TO LOCK (0) POSITION" The buzzer will stop when
you take the key out.
If the key won't turn from LOCK
(0 to ACCESSORY
(q , turn the key while moving the steering wheel left
and right. The steering wheel will unlock, allowing
the key to turn.
3WARNING
Removing the key from the ignition switch
while driving locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Remove the key from the ignition switch
only when parked.
Manual transmission models
Automatic transmission models
All models
(0 LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this
position.
(q ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and
other accessories in this position.
(w ON: This is the position when driving.
(e START: This position is for starting the engine.
The switch returns to ON
(w when you let go of
the key.
* Not available on all models

118
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluTurn Signals
Controls
Turn SignalsThe turn signals can be used when the ignition
switch is in ON
(w.
Light Switches
Rotating the light switch turns the lights on
and off, regardless of the position of the
ignition switch. ■High beams
Push the lever forward until you hear a click. ■ Low beams
When in high beams, pull the lever back to
return to low beams.■ Flashing the high beams
Pull the lever back, and release it.
Right Turn
Left Turn
■Manual Operation
1Light Switches
If you remove the key from the ignition switch while
the lights are on, a chime sounds when the driver’s
door is opened.
When the lights are on, the lights on indicator in the
instrument panel will be on. 2 Lights On Indicator P. 73
Do not leave the lights on when the engine is off
because it will cause the battery to discharge.
High Beams
Flashing the high beams
Low Beams
Turns on side marker, tail, and
rear license plate lights
Turns on headlights, parking, side
marker, tail, and rear license plate lights

119
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluLight Switches
Controls
Automatic lighting control can be used when
the ignition switch is in ON
(w.
When you turn the light switch to
#Y , the
headlights and other exterior lights will switch
on and off automatically depending on the
ambient brightness.
The headlights, all other exterior lights, and the instrument panel lights turn off
within 15 seconds after you remove the key and close the driver's door.
If you turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 with the headlight switch on, but do not
open the door, the lights turn off after 10 minutes (3 minutes, if the switch is in the
#Y position).
The lights turn on again when you unlock or open the driver's door. If you unlock
the door, but do not open it within 15 seconds, the lights go off. If you open the
driver's door, you will hear a lights on reminder chime.
■Automatic Lighting Control *1Automatic Lighting Control
We recommend that you turn on the lights manually
when driving at night, in a dense fog, or in dark areas
such as long tunnels or parking facilities.
The light sensor is in the location shown below.
Do not cover this light sensor with anything;
otherwise, the automatic lighting system may not
work properly.
You can change the AUTO light sensitivity and
automatic lighting off timer setting using the multi-
information display.
2 Customized Features P. 86
Light Sensor
■Automatic Lighting Off Feature
* Not available on all models

134
Controls
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items
Interior Lights■ON
The interior lights come on regardless of
whether the doors are open or closed. ■ Door activated
The interior lights come on in the following
situations: • When any of the doors are opened.
• You unlock the driver's door.
• You remove the key from the ignition
switch.
■ OFF
The interior lights remain off regardless of
whether the doors are open or closed.
The map lights can be turned on and off by
pressing the lenses.
■Interior Light Switches1Interior Light Switches
In the door activated position, the interior lights fade
out and go off about 30 seconds after the doors are closed.
The lights go off after 30 seconds in the following
situations:• When you unlock the driver's door but do not open it.
• When you remove the key from the ignition switch
but do not open a door.
You can change the interior lights dimming time. 2 Customized Features P. 86
The interior lights go off immediately in the following
situations: • When you lock the driver's door.
• When you close the driver's door with the key in
the ignition switch.
• When you turn the ignition switch to ON
(w .
If you leave any of the doors open without the key in
the ignition switch, the interior lights go off after
about 15 minutes.
Models with multi-information display
All models
Door Activated Position
Off
Front
Door Activated Position
On
Off
Rear
■Map Lights
*
1Map Lights
When the ceiling light switch is in the door activated
position and any door is open, the map light will not
go off when you press the lens.
* Not available on all models

202
Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check 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.
uRemove any frost, snow, or ice.
uRemove 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.
uWhen removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
uIf the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
uCheck air pressure, check for damage and excessive wear.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 280
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
uThere are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior Checks
NOTICE
When 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.

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine
212
Driving
3. Turn the ignition switch to START (e
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the brake system indicator has gone off.
2 Parking Brake P. 229
2. Put the shift lever in
(D . Select (R when reversing.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
1Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
(e for more than 15
seconds. • If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.
• If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is
used, the engine's fuel system is disabled. 2 Immobilizer System P. 112
■Starting to Drive
Automatic transmission 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

290
Maintenance
Remote Transmitter Care*
Replacing the Battery
If the indicator does not co
me on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.
1.Unscrew the cover with a small Phillips-
head screwdriver. Press a button to pry
open the transmitter.
2. Open the keypad.
uSeparate the inner cover from the
keypad by releasing the two tabs on the
cover.
3. Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
1Replacing the Battery
NOTICE
An improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Keypad
Screw
Battery type: CR1616
Battery
Tab
* Not available on all models