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
17
Quick Reference GuideMaintenance (P 239)
Under the Hood (P 251)
● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
● Check brake fluid and clutch fluid.
● Check the battery regularly.
a Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights (P 268)
● Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P 278)
● Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires (P 280)
● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
● Check tire pressures regularly.
● Install snow tires for winter
driving.
* Not available on all models
121
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluWipers and Washers
Controls
Wipers and WashersThe windshield wipers and washers can be
used when the ignition switch is in ON
(w.
■ MIST
The wipers run at high speed until you release
the lever. ■ Wiper switch (OFF, INT, LO, HI)
Change the wiper switch setting according to
the amount of rain. ■ Adjusting the delay
Turn the adjustment ring to adjust the wiper
delay. ■ Washer
Sprays while you pull the lever toward you.
When you release the lever, the wipers make
two or three more sweeps before stopping.
1Wipers and Washers
NOTICE
Do not use the wipers when the windshield is dry.
The windshield will get scratched, or the rubber
blades will get damaged.
NOTICE
In cold weather, the blades may freeze to the
windshield, becoming stuck.
Operating the wipers in this condition may damage
the wipers. Use the defroster to warm the
windshield, then turn the wipers on.
If the vehicle speeds up while the wipers are
operating intermittently, the length of the wipe
interval shortens. When the vehicle starts moving, the
wipers make a single sweep.
When the vehicle speeds up, the wiper operation’s
shortest delay setting ( ) and the LO setting become the same.
Turn the washers off if no washer fluid comes out.
The pump may get damaged.
Intermittent Time
Adjustment Ring
MIST
INT: Low speed with
intermittent
OFF
LO: Low speed wipe
HI: High speed wipe
Pull to use
washer.
Long delay
Short delay
239
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance Inspection and Maintenance ............ 240
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 241
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 242
Maintenance Minder™ .................... 243
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 251
Opening the Hood ........................... 253
Recommended Engine Oil ...... .......... 254
Oil Check ......................................... 255
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 257
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 258
Engine Coolant ................................ 261
Transmission Fluid ............................ 263
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 266
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 267
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 268
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 278
Checking and Maintaining Tires Checking Tires ................................. 280
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 281
Tire Labeling .................................... 281
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 283
Wear Indicators................................ 285 Tire Service Life ................................ 285
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 286
Tire Rotation .................................... 287
Winter Tires ..................................... 288
Battery ............................................... 289
Remote Transmitter Care *
Replacing the Battery ....................... 290
Heating and Cooling *
System
Maintenance ................................... 291
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 292
Exterior Care.................................... 294
* Not available on all models
240
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and inspection information. ■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when refueling. ■ Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 263
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 266
• Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 280
• Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 268
• Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 278
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the information display *
/multi-
information display *
.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 245, 249
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 335
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
* Not available on all models
278
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
Checking Wiper Blades
If the wiper blade rubber has deteriorated, it will leave streaks and the metal wiper
arm may scratch the window glass.
Changing the Wiper Blade Rubber1.Lift the driver side wiper arm first, then the
passenger side.
2. Place a cloth on the edge of the lock tab.
Push the lock tab up with a flat-tip screw driver.
3. Slide the blade from the wiper arm.1Changing the Wiper Blade Rubber
NOTICE
Avoid dropping the wiper arm; it may damage the windshield.
Lock Tab
279
uuChecking and Maintaining Wiper BladesuChanging the Wiper Blade Rubber
Maintenance
4.Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by
pulling the tabbed end out.
5. Remove the retainers from the rubber blade
that has been removed, and mount to a
new rubber blade.
uCorrectly align the rubber protrusion and
the retainer grooves.
6. Slide the new wiper blade onto the holder from the bottom end.
uThe tab on the blade should fit in the
indent of the wiper blade.
7. Slide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm,
then push down the lock tab.
8. Lower the passenger side wiper arm first,
then the driver side.
Blade
Top Retainer
Blade
Tab Indent
344
INDEX
W
Wallpaper.................................................... 93
Warning and Information Messages ......... 76
Warning Indicator On/Blinking ................ 313
Warning Labels ........................................... 63
Warranties (Warranty Manual provided
separately) ............................................... 333
Watts ................................................. 324, 326
Wear Indicators (Tire) ............................... 285
Wheel Cover .............................................. 303
Wheel Nut Wrench (Jack Handle) ............ 302
Window Washers ...................................... 121
Adding/Refilling Fluid ............................... 267
Switch ..................................................... 121
Windows (Opening and Closing) ............. 114
Windshield ................................................ 121
Cleaning .................................................. 295
Defrosting/Defogging .............................. 142
Washer Fluid............................................ 267
Wiper Blades ........................................... 278
Wipers and Washers ................................ 121
Winter Tires ............................................... 288
Snow Tires ............................................... 288
Tire Chains .............................................. 288
Wipers and Washers ................................. 121
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades ..... 278
WMA ......................................... 151, 161, 167
Worn Tires ................................................. 280