
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. 

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 

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  

112
Controls
Security System
Immobilizer System 
The immobilizer system prevents a key that has not been pre-registered from  
starting the engine. Each key contains electronic transmitters that use electronic  
signals to verify the key. 
Pay attention to the following when inserting the key into the ignition switch: •Do not allow objects that emit strong radio waves near the ignition switch.
• Make sure the key is not covered by or touching a metal object.
• Do not bring a key from another vehicle's immobilizer system near the ignition 
switch.
Security System Alarm *
The security system alarm activates when the doors, trunk, or hood are opened  
without the key, or remote transmitter. ■ When the security system alarm activates
The horn sounds intermittently and all of the exterior lights flash.■ To deactivate the security system alarm
Unlock the vehicle using the key, or remote transmitter. The system, along with the  
horn and flashing lights, is deactivated.
1Immobilizer System
NOTICE
Leaving the ignition key in the vehicle can result in  
theft or accidental movement of the vehicle.  
Always take the ignition key with you whenever you  
leave the vehicle unattended. 
Do not alter the system or add other devices to it. 
Doing so may damage the system and make your  
vehicle inoperable.
1Security System Alarm 
The security alarm continues for a maximum of two  
minutes until the security system deactivates.
* 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