2012 HONDA CIVIC Start

314
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
Handling the Unexpected
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or
Blinks■Reasons for indicator lamp to come on or blink
• Comes on when there is a problem with the engine emissions control
system, or the fuel fill cap is missing, or loose.
• Blinks when engine misfiring is detected.
■ What to do when the indicator lamp comes on
Avoid high speeds and immediately get your vehicle inspected at a
dealer. ■ What to do when the indicator lamp blinks
Park the vehicle in a safe place with no flammable items and wait at least
ten minutes or more with the engine stopped until it cools.
■ The message appears on when:
An evaporative system leak is detected. This may be caused by the fuel fill cap being
loose or not being installed. ■ What to do when the message appears:
1. Stop the engine.
2. Check that the fuel fill cap is fully installed.
uIf not, loosen the cap, and then retighten it until it clicks at least once.
3. Drive for several days of normal driving.
uThe message should go off.
■ When the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Malfunction indicator lamp comes on if the system continues to detect a leak of
gasoline vapor. If this happens, check the fuel fill cap using the procedures described above.
■Check/Tighten Fuel Cap Message
1If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
NOTICE
If you drive with the malfunction indicator lamp on,
the emissions control system and the engine could be damaged.
If the malfunction indicator lamp blinks again when
restarting the engine, drive to the nearest dealer at
31 mph (50 km/h) or less. Have your vehicle
inspected.

315
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator 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 vehicle 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.
1If 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
1If the EPS Indicator Comes On
NOTICE
If 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.

318
Handling the Unexpected
Fuses
Fuse Locations
If any electrical devices are not working,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 and
check to see if any applicable fuse is blown.
Fuse locations are shown on the fuse box
cover. Locate the fuse in question by the
fuse number and box cover number.
Located near the brake fluid reservoir. Push
the tabs to open the box.
■Engine Compartment Fuse Box
■ Circuit protected and fuse rating
Circuit ProtectedAmps
1
EPS70 A
−−
ABS/VSA Motor30 A
ABS/VSA FSR30 A
−−
Main Fuse100 A
2
IG Main50 A
Fuse Box Main 60 A
Fuse Box Main 260 A
Headlight Main 30 A
−−
Rear Defogger 30 A −−
Blower 40 A −−
Sub Fan Motor 20 A
Main Fan Motor 20 A
3−−
4 Left Headlight Low Beam 10 A
5Starter DIAG, ST MG7.5 A
6 Right Headlight Low Beam 10 A
7−−
8− −
9−−
10 − −
11Oil Level7.5 A
12 Fog Lights *
(20 A)
13Driver’s Power Seat Sliding *(20 A)
14 Hazard 10 A
15FI Sub15 A
16 IG Coil 15 A
17Stop15 A
18 Horn 10 A
19Premium Amp *(20 A)
20 INJ (15 A)
21IGP15 A
22 DBW 15 A
23H/L LO20 A
24 Driver’s Power Seat
Reclining * (20 A)
25MG Clutch7.5 A
26 − −
27SMALL20 A
28 Interior Lights 7.5 A
29Backup10 A
Circuit ProtectedAmps
* Not available on all models

331
Continued
Information
Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes
Your vehicle uses "readiness codes," as part of its onboard self diagnostic system.
Some states refer to these codes during testing to see if your vehicle's emissions
components are working properly.
The codes may not be read if you go through the testing just after the battery has
gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
, without starting the
engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle tested before the readiness codes are ready,
prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following: 1. Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3. Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°C and 35°C).
4. Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle for 20
seconds.
5. Keep the vehicle in
(P (automatic transmission) or (N (manual transmission).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there for about 3 minutes.
6. Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
1Testing of Readiness Codes
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is
disconnected, and set again only after several days of
driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness
codes are not set, you may be requested to return at
a later date to complete the test.
If the testing facility determines the readiness codes
are still not set, see a dealer.

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

340
INDEX
HFL Status Display.................................... 178
Making a Call .......................................... 195
Options During a Call .............................. 200
Phone Setup ............................................ 183
Receiving a Call ....................................... 199
Speed Dial ............................................... 192
To Clear the System ................................. 190
To Create a Security PIN........................... 188
Hazard Warning Button ............................... 2
Head Restraints ......................................... 129
Headlights ................................................. 118
Aiming .................................................... 268
Automatic Operation ............................... 119
Dimming ......................................... 118, 120
Operating ................................................ 118
Heaters (Seat) ............................................ 139
Heating and Cooling System .................... 140
Cooling ................................................... 142
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 142
Dust and Pollen Filter ............................... 291
Heating ................................................... 141
HFL (HandsFreeLink ®
)............................... 177
High-Beam Indicator .................................. 73
I
Identification Numbers ............................ 328
Engine and Transmission.......................... 328
Vehicle Identification ............................... 328
Ignition Switch .......................................... 117 Illumination Control
................................. 122
Knob ....................................................... 122
Immobilizer System .................................. 112
Indicator.................................................... 74
Indicators .................................................... 66
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................... 69
Charging System ............................... 67, 313
CRUISE CONTROL ............................. 75, 221
CRUISE MAIN .................................... 75, 220
Daytime Running Lights............................. 71
Door Open .......................................... 27, 70
ECON Mode ...................................... 75, 123
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System) ........................................... 71, 315
Fog Light ................................................... 73
High Temperature ..................................... 69
High-Beam ................................................ 73
Immobilizer System ................................... 74
i-VTEC ................................................. 75, 79
Lights On .................................................. 73
Low Fuel ................................................... 68
Low Oil Pressure ................................ 66, 313
Low Temperature ...................................... 74
Low Tire Pressure .............................. 72, 225
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS ............. 72, 225, 226
Maintenance Minder ......................... 75, 243
Malfunction Indicator Lamp............... 67, 314
Parking Brake and Brake System ........ 66, 315
REV ..................................................... 75, 79
Seat Belt Reminder .............................. 29, 68
Security System Alarm ............................... 74 Shift Position............................................. 67
Side Airbag Off ................................... 48, 73
Supplemental Restraint System ........... 46, 69
System Message ....................................... 72
TPMS ................................................ 71, 227
Transmission ............................................. 68
Trunk Open .............................................. 71
Turn Signal ............................................... 73 VSA
®
(Vehicle Stability Assist)
System ............................................ 70, 223
VSA ®
OFF .......................................... 70, 224
Washer Level ............................................ 75
Information .............................................. 323
Information Display ................................... 80
Instant Fuel Economy .......................... 78, 85
Instrument Panel ........................................ 65
Brightness Control .................................. 122
Interior Lights ........................................... 134
Interior Rearview Mirror ......................... 125
i-VTEC and REV Indicators ......................... 79
J
Jack (Wheel Nut Wrench) ........................ 302
Jump Starting ........................................... 307
K
Key Number Tag ...................................... 100
Keyless Lockout Prevention ..................... 102