
Contents
This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the  
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of the Civic 4-Door. You may 
find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your 
particular model. 
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)  
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but  
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these  features. 
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and  Canada. 
The information and specifications included in this publication were  
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.  
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications  
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any  
obligation.2 Safe Driving  P. 23
For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 28 Airbags P. 35
2Instrument Panel  P. 65
Indicators P. 66 Gauges and Displays P. 78
2Controls  P. 97
Setting the Clock P. 98 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 99 
Opening and Closing the Moonroof *
 P. 116
Adjusting the Seats P. 126
2 Features  P. 143
Audio System *
 P. 144 Audio System Basic Operation *
 P. 147
Bluetooth ®
 HandsFreeLink ®*
 P. 177
2 Driving  P. 201
Before Driving P. 202 Towing a Trailer P. 207 
Refueling P. 234 Fuel Economy P. 237
2Maintenance  P. 239
Before Performing Maintenance P. 240 Maintenance Minder™ P. 243 
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 278 
Heating and Cooling *
 System Maintenance P. 291
2 Handling the Unexpected  P. 297
Tools P. 298 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 299 
Overheating P. 311 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 313
2Information  P. 323
Specifications P. 324 Identification Numbers P. 328 
Emissions Testing P. 331 Warranty Coverages P. 333
Main Menu2012 Civic 4D Online Reference Owner's Manual 

11
Quick Reference Guide
Steering Wheel (P 124)
● To adjust, pull the adjustment lever  
towards you, adjust to the desired  
position, then lock the lever back in place.
Unlocking the Front  Doors from the Inside  
(P 103) ● Pull either front door inner handle to  
unlock and open it at the same time.Trunk  (P 109)
● To unlock and open the trunk:
• Pull the trunk release.
• Press the trunk release button *
.
• Turn the key in the cylinder on the trunk *
.
Power Door Mirrors *
 
(P 125) ● With the ignition switch in ON 
(w, move 
the selector switch to L or R.
● Push the appropriate edge of the  
adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.
Trunk Release
Selector Switch
Adjustment Switch
Power Windows  (P 114)
● With the ignition switch in ON 
(w, open 
and close the power windows.
● If the power window lock button is in the  
OFF position, each passenger's window  
can be opened and closed with its own 
switch.
● If the power window lock button is in the  
ON position (indicator is on), each 
passenger's window switch is disabled.
Power Window Lock Button
Window  
Switch Indicator
*
 Not available on all models              

20
Quick Reference Guide
Why do the doors lock  
after I unlocked the doors  
using a remote  transmitter?If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are 
relocked automatically for security.
Why does the beeper 
sound when I open the driver's door? The beeper sounds when: ●
The key is left in the ignition switch.
● The exterior lights are left on.
Why does the beeper  
sound when I start driving? The beeper sounds when: ●
Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts.
● The parking brake lever is not fully released.
Why do I hear a screeching  
sound when I apply the  
brake pedal? The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle  
inspected by a dealer.
Is it possible to use  
unleaded gasoline with a  Pump Octane Number  
(PON) of 87 or higher on 
this vehicle? Unleaded gasoline with a PON of 91 or higher is recommended. 
If premium unleaded gasoline with a PON of 91 or higher is not 
available, you can temporarily use the gasoline with a PON of  87 or higher.  
This will result in decreased engine 
performance, and can cause 
occasional metallic knocking noise in the engine.
Models with remote transmitter
2.4  engine models 

27
uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features
Safe DrivingFor the safety of you and your passengers, make a habit of checking these items  
each time before you drive. •After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure all doors are closed and locked.  
Locking the doors helps prevent an occupant from being ejected and an outsider 
from unexpectedly opening a door.
2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside  P. 103
• Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the front seats are 
adjusted as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the  
vehicle. Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a  crash.
2 Adjusting the Seats  P. 126
• Adjust head restraints to the proper position. Head restraints are most effective 
when the center of the head restraint aligns with the center of your head. Taller 
persons should adjust their head restraint to the highest position.
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints  P. 129
• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any 
passengers are properly belted as well.
2 Fastening a Seat Belt  P. 31
• Protect children by using seat belts or child seats according to a child's age, height 
and weight.
2 Child Safety  P. 50
■Safety CheckList1Safety CheckList 
If the door open indicator is on, a door is not  
completely closed. Close all doors tightly until the  indicator goes off.
2 Door Open Indicator  P. 70
*
* Not available on all models   

51
uuChild SafetyuProtecting Child Passengers
Safe Driving
•Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an  
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the lap belt  
portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.
• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the 
event of a collision.
• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would 
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.
• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very  
seriously injured in a crash.
• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows or seat adjustments.
• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when  
the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate  
vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.1Protecting Child Passengers 
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle  
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way. 
To remind you of the passenger's front airbag  
hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning 
labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the  
front visors. Please read and follow the instructions  
on these labels.
2 Safety Labels  P. 63
3WARNING
Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or  
wrap one around their neck can result in 
serious injury or death. 
Instruct children not to play with any seat  
belt and make sure any unused seat belt a  
child can reach is buckled, fully retracted,  
and locked. 

92
uuGauges and DisplaysuMulti-Information Display*
Instrument Panel
*1:Default Setting 
*2:Default Setting for automatic transmission 
*3:Default Setting for manual transmissionSetup Group Customizable Features Description Selectable settings
Customize  Settings Door SetupAuto Door  
Lock
Changes the setting for the automatic locking feature. Off/With Vehicle Speed
*1
/
Shift from 
(P
Door Lock  
Mode Sets up either the driver’s door or all doors to unlock 
on the first operation of the remote or ignition key.
Driver Door
*1
/All Doors
Auto Door 
Unlock Changes the setting for when the doors unlock 
automatically. Off/
Driver Door with Shift to 
(P
*2
/
All Doors with Shift to 
(P /
Driver Door with IGN Off *3
/
All Doors with IGN Off
Keyless Lock  
AcknowledgmentLOCK/UNLOCK- The exterior lights flash.
LOCK (2nd push)- The beeper sounds. On
*1
/Off
Security 
Relock Timer Changes the time it takes for the doors to relock and  
the security system to set after you unlock the 
vehicle without opening any door.
90sec/60sec/30sec
*1
Default All Cancels/Resets all the customized settings as default. Cancel Reset All Defaults 

97
Controls
This chapter explains how to operate the various controls necessary for driving.
Setting the Clock ................................ 98
Locking and Unlocking the Doors
Key Types and Functions ... ................. 99
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the  Outside .......................................... 101
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the 
Inside ............................................. 103
Childproof Door Locks ..................... 104 
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking *
........ 105
Opening and Closing the Trunk ....... 109
Security System ................................ 112
Immobilizer System .......................... 112 
Security System Alarm *
.................... 112
Opening and Closing the Windows ..... 114Opening and Closing the Moonroof*...... 116Operating the Switches Around the 
Steering WheelIgnition Switch ................................. 117 
Turn Signals ..................................... 118 
Light Switches.................................. 118Fog Lights *
...................................... 120
Daytime Running Lights ................... 120
Wipers and Washers ........................ 121 
Brightness Control ........................... 122 Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror *
 
Button ........................................... 123
ECON Button *
................................. 123
Adjusting the Steering Wheel........... 124 Adjusting the Mirrors
....................... 125
Interior Rearview Mirror ................... 125 
Power Door Mirrors *
....................... 125
Adjusting the Seats .......................... 126
Adjusting the Seat Positions ............. 126
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience  Items ................................................ 134
Interior Lights .................................. 134 
Interior Convenience Items .............. 135
Heating and Cooling *
....................... 140
Using Vents, Heating and A/C *
........ 140
* Not available on all models  

99
Continued
Controls
Locking and Unlocking the Doors
Key Types and Functions 
This vehicle comes with the following keys:
Use the keys to start and stop the engine, to  
lock and unlock the doors and to open the 
trunk. You can also use the remote  
transmitter*
 to lock and unlock the doors and 
to open the trunk. 
There is a panic button in the remote  
transmitter.
■Master Keys
1Key Types and Functions 
All of the keys have an immobilizer system. The  
immobilizer system helps to protect against vehicle  theft. 2 Immobilizer System  P. 112
The keys contain precision electronics.
Adhere to the following advice to prevent damage to  the electronics: • Do not leave the keys in direct sunlight, or in  
locations with high temperature or high humidity.
• Do not drop the keys or set heavy objects on them.
• Keep the keys away from liquids.
• Do not take the keys apart except for replacing the  
battery.
If the circuits in the keys are damaged, the engine  
may not start, and the remote transmitter may not  work. 
If the keys do not work properly, have them 
inspected by a dealer.
Black
* Not available on all models