Page 2 of 345

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.
Page 6 of 345
5
Quick Reference Guide
❙Seat Belt to Secure a Child Seat (P 59)
❙Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat) (P 57)
❙Sun Visors
❙Vanity Mirrors
❙Moonroof Switch*
(P 116)
❙Map Lights *
(P 134)
❙USB Adapter Cable *
(P 145)
❙Accessory Power
Socket *
(P 137)
❙Front Seat (P 126)
❙Seat Belts (P 28)
❙Side Airbags (P 42)
❙Rear Seat (P 132)
❙LATCH to Secure a Child Seat (P 55)
❙Ceiling Light (P 134)
❙Side Curtain Airbags (P 45)
❙Coat Hook (P 138)
❙Grab Handle
* Not available on all models
Page 7 of 345
Visual Index
6Quick Reference Guide
❙Maintenance Under the Hood (P 251)
❙Windshield Wipers (P 121, 278)
❙Tires (P 280, 299)
❙Fog Lights *
(P 120, 272)
❙Door Lock/Unlock Control (P 101)
❙Power Door Mirrors*
(P 125)
❙Headlights (P 118, 268)
❙Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Lights (P 118, 273)
❙How to Refuel (P 235)
❙High-Mount Brake Light *
(P 277)
❙Emergency Trunk Release Lever
(P 111)
❙Opening/Closing the Trunk (P 109)
❙Back-Up Lights (P 275)
❙Brake/Taillights (P 275)
❙Rear Turn Signal Lights (P 275)
❙Rear Side Marker Lights (P 275)
Page 98 of 345

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
Page 126 of 345
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
Page 203 of 345

202
Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check the following items before you start driving. •Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
uRemove any frost, snow, or ice.
uRemove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.
uWhen removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
uIf the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
uCheck air pressure, check for damage and excessive wear.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 280
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
uThere are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior Checks
NOTICE
When doors are frozen shut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert key if the water freezes in
the hole.
Page 204 of 345

Continued203
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Store or secure all items on board properly.
uCarrying too much cargo, or improp erly storing it, can affect your vehicle's
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. 2 Maximum Load Limit P. 205
• Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
uThey can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden
braking.
• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor mat *
.
uAn object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
uThey may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.
• Securely close and lock all doors and the trunk.
2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 103
• Adjust your seating position properly.
uAdjust the head restraint, too.
2 Adjusting the Seats P. 126
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 129
• Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
uAdjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 125
2 Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 124
■Interior Checks1Interior Checks
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
* Not available on all models
Page 209 of 345

uuTowing a TraileruTowing Preparation
208
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing. ■ Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody. ■ Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground. ■ Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard. ■ Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■ Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.