
Contents
Child Safety P. 50 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 62 Safety Labels P. 63
Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 109 Security System P. 112 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 114 
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 117 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 125 
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 134 Heating and Cooling*
 P. 140
Audio Error Messages *
 P. 172 General Information on the Audio System *
 P. 174
When Driving P. 211 Braking P. 229 Parking Your Vehicle P. 233 
Accessories and Modifications P. 238
Maintenance Under the Hood P. 251 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 268 
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 280 Battery P. 289 Remote Transmitter Care *
 P. 290
Cleaning P. 292
Engine Does Not Start P. 306 Jump Starting P. 307 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 310 
Fuses P. 318 Emergency Towing P. 321
Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 329 Reporting Safety Defects P. 330 
Authorized Manuals P. 335 Customer Service Information P. 336
Quick Reference GuideP. 2
Safe DrivingP. 23
Instrument PanelP. 65
ControlsP. 97
FeaturesP. 143
DrivingP. 201
MaintenanceP. 239
Handling the UnexpectedP. 297
InformationP. 323
IndexP. 337
2012 Civic 4D Online Reference Owner's Manual
Note: All page numbers referenced in this document are hyperlinked. 

Visual Index
4Quick Reference Guide
❙Door Mirror Controls *
 (P 125)
❙Passenger's Front Airbag  
(P 38)
❙Parking Brake  (P 229)
❙Glove Box (P 135)
❙Rearview Mirror  (P 125)
❙Accessory Power Socket  
(P 137)
❙Shift Lever 
Automatic Transmission  
(P 214) 
Manual Transmission 
(P 217)
❙Hood Release Handle  (P 253)
❙Fuel Fill Door Release Handle  (P 235)
❙Driver’s Pocket
❙Trunk Release (P 109)
❙Power Door Lock Master Switch *
 (P 104)
❙Power Window Switches  (P 114)
❙Auxiliary Input Jack*
 (P 145)
❙Interior Fuse Box  (P 319)
❙Driver's Front Airbag  (P 38)              

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  

123
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluRear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror*
 Button
Controls
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror *
 Button
Press the rear defogger and heated door  
mirror button to defog the rear window and  
mirrors when the ignition switch is in ON 
(w .
The rear defogger and heated door mirrors  
automatically switch off after 20 minutes.
ECON Button *
The ECON button turns the ECON mode on and off. 
The ECON mode helps you improve your fuel economy by adjusting the 
performance of the engine, transmission, heating and cooling system, and cruise  control.
1Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror Button
NOTICE
When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be  careful not to damage the heating wires. 
It is critical to wipe the window from side to side  
along the defogger heating wires. 
This system consumes a lot of power, so turn it off  
when the window has been defogged. 
Also, do not use the system for a long period when  
the engine is idling. This may weaken the battery, 
making it difficult to start the engine.
* Not available on all models    

125
Controls
Adjusting the Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirror 
Adjust the angle of the rearview mirror when you are sitting in the correct driving  
position.Flip the tab to switch the position.
The night position will help to reduce the glare  
from headlights behind you when driving  after dark.
Power Door Mirrors*
You can adjust the door mirrors when the  
ignition switch is in ON 
(w.
■ Mirror position adjustment
L/R selector switch:  Select the left or right 
mirror. After adjusting the mirror, return the  
switch to the center position. 
Mirror position adjustment switch:  Press 
the switch left, right, up, or down to move the  
mirror.
■Rearview Mirror with Day and Night Positions
1Adjusting the Mirrors 
Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and  
adjusted for best visibility. 
Adjust the mirrors before you start driving. 2 Adjusting the Seat Positions  P. 126
Tab
Daytime  Position
Night PositionUp
Down
Selector  
Switch
Adjustment  
Switch
* Not available on all models    

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