
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 

68
uuIndicatorsu
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
Transmission  
Indicator
*
●
Comes on for a few seconds when  
you turn the ignition switch to ON 
(w , then goes off.
● Blinks if the transmission system has  a problem.
●Blinks while driving  - Avoid sudden 
starts and acceleration and have the  vehicle checked by a dealer  
immediately.
Seat Belt  
Reminder 
Indicator
● Comes on and the beeper sounds if  
you are not wearing a seat belt when  
you turn the ignition switch to ON 
(w . If the front passenger is not 
wearing a seat belt, the indicator  
comes on about six seconds later.
● Blinks while driving if either you or  the front passenger has not fastened  
a seat belt. The beeper sounds and 
the indicator blinks at regular  intervals.
●
The beeper stops and the indicator goes  
off when you and the front passenger  fasten their seat belts.
● Stays on after you or the front  
passenger has fastened the seat  
belt  - A detection error may have 
occurred in the sens or. Have the vehicle 
checked by a dealer. 2Seat Belt Reminder  P. 29
Low Fuel  
Indicator
●
Comes on when the fuel reserve is  
running low (approximately 1.9 U.S. gal./7.5 Liter left).
● Blinks if there is a problem with the 
fuel gauge.●Comes on  - Refuel your vehicle as soon 
as possible.
● Blinks  - Have the vehicle checked by a 
dealer.
* Not available on all models     

261
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine Coolant 
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any  
straight antifreeze or water. 
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the  
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the 
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, 
add the specified coolant until it reaches  the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
You will need a more concentrated coolant if you are  
driving in extremely cold temperature below −31°F 
(−35°C). Consult your Honda dealer for details about  
a suitable coolant mixture. 
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may  
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a  
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality  
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.  
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result 
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to  
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed  
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as 
possible. 
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your  
vehicle's coolant system. They may not be compatible 
with the coolant or with the engine components.
2.4  engine models
All models
Reserve  Tank
MAX
MIN    

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