2012 HONDA CIVIC econ

uuWhen DrivinguShifting
218
Driving
When you are not shifting, do not rest your
foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster. 5-speed manual
transmission1Shifting
Recommended Shift Points
Driving in the highest gear that allows the engine to
run and accelerate smoothly helps to optimize fuel
economy and effective emissions control. The
following shift points are recommended:
If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you
are in, the engine speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. When this happens, you may
experience a slight jolt. Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 27 mph (43 km/h)
3rd to 4th39 mph (63 km/h)
4th to 5th 53 mph (85 km/h)
Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd17 mph (27 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 29 mph (46 km/h)
3rd to 4th37 mph (59 km/h)
4th to 5th 43 mph (69 km/h)
5th to 6th49 mph (79 km/h)
5-speed manual transmission models
6-speed manual transmission models
6-speed manual
transmission

220
uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control*
Driving
Cruise Control *
Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a
constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
1Cruise Control
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
When not using cruise control:
Turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE
button.
While in the ECON mode, it may take relatively more
time to accelerate to maintain the set speed.
3WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can lead
to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.
1.8  engine models
■ Shift positions for cruise control:
In
(D or (d
When to use
Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.
Automatic transmission models
■Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~
How to useCRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.
■ Press the CRUISE button on
the steering wheel.
* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control*
222
Driving
Increase or decrease the vehicle speed using the or buttons on the
steering wheel. • Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is increased or decreased by
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
• If you keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or decreases until you
release it. This speed is then set.
To cancel cruise control, do any of the
following: •Press the CANCEL button.
• Press the CRUISE button.
• Depress the brake pedal.
• Depress the clutch pedal for five seconds or
more.
The CRUISE CONTROL indicator goes off.
■To Adjust the Vehicle Speed1To Adjust the Vehicle Speed
You can set the vehicle speed using the button
on the steering wheel when adjusting the speed with
the accelerator and brake pedals.
–/SETRES/+–/SET
■To Cancel
To decrease speed
To increase speed
1To Cancel
Resuming the prior set speed:
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still
resume the prior set speed by pressing the
button while driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40
km/h) or more.
You cannot set or resume in the following situations: •When vehicle speed is less than 25 mph (40 km/h)
• When the CRUISE button is turned off
At vehicle speeds of 22 mph (35 km/h) or less, cruise
control is canceled automatically.
RES/+
CRUISE Button
CANCEL
Button

234
Driving
Refueling
Fuel Information ■Fuel recommendation
Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic knocking noise
that can lead to engine damage.
Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of a gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage. ■ Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Honda
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number 87 or higher
Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICE
We recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such
as ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try
another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models

237
Driving
Fuel Economy
Improving Fuel Economy
Fuel economy depends on several conditions, including driving conditions, your
driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and loading. Depending on these and
other conditions, you may or may not achieve the rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the information display *
/multi-information display *
.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.
■Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/
Miles driven Gallons of
fuel Miles per
Gallon
100 Liter Kilometers L per 100 km
* Not available on all models

uuMaintenance Minder™uTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
246
Maintenance
Reset the engine oil life display if you have performed the maintenance service. 1.Turn the ignition switch to ON
(w .
2. Display the engine oil life by repeatedly
pressing the (SEL/RESET) knob.
3. Press and hold the knob for ten seconds or more.
uThe engine oil life indicator and the
maintenance item codes blink.
4. Press the knob for five seconds or more.
uThe displayed maintenance items
disappear, and the engine oil life display returns to 100%.
■Resetting the Display1Resetting the Display
NOTICE
Failure to reset the engine oil life after a maintenance
service results in the system showing incorrect
maintenance intervals, which can lead to serious
mechanical problems.
The dealer will reset the engine oil life display after
completing the required maintenance service. If
someone other than a dealer performs maintenance
service, reset the engine oil life display yourself.

uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
260
Maintenance
5. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
uIf it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
uApply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
uTightening torque:
29 lbfft (39 Nm, 4.0 kgfm)
30 lbfft (40 Nm, 4.0 kgfm)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the engine.
uEngine oil change capacity (including filter):
3.9 US qt (3.7 L)
4.4 US qt (4.2 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the dipstick.
uIf necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check your work.
2.4  engine models
Oil Filter
1.8  engine models
Oil Filter
1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models
1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models

263
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Continued
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda's new vehicle warranty.
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.Upper Mark
Lower Mark
HOT
Range