2012 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN trailer

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
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.
2Safe Driving P.23
For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 28Airbags P. 35
2Instrument Panel P. 65
Indicators P.66 Gauges and Displays P. 78
2Controls P. 97
Setting the Clock P. 98Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 99
Opening and Closing the Moonroof* P. 116
Adjusting the Seats P. 126
2Features 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. 240Maintenance 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
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2012 Civic Sedan
* Not available on all models
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and Canada.Online Reference Owner's Manual

15
Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic SedanDriving (P 201)
2
1
D3
P
R
N
DRelease Button
Shift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
(P.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button.
Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
Manual Transmission (P 217)
Automatic Transmission (P 215)
● Shift to
(P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
● Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving.
Drive (D3)
Used when:
•Going up or down hills
•Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Second
Used to increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)
First
Used to further increase engine braking
(the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
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201
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 202
Maximum Load Limit........................ 205
Towing a Trailer Towing Preparation .......................... 207
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 209
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 210
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 211
Precautions While Driving................. 213
Automatic Transmission ................... 214Shifting ..........................................
215
Shifting .......................................... 217
Cruise Control
*............................... 220
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 223
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 225
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 226
Braking
Brake System ................................... 229
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 231
Automatic transmission models
Manual transmission models
Brake Assist System ......................... 232
Parking Your Vehicle When Stopped ................................ 233
Parking ............................................ 233
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 234
How to Refuel ................................. 235
Fuel Economy .................................... 237
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 237
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 238
Modifications................................... 238
* Not available on all models
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Continued203
uuBefore Driving uDriving Preparation
Driving
• Store or secure all items on board properly.
u Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle's
handling, stability, sto pping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 205
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
u They 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
*.
u An object or unsecured floor mat can in terfere 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.
u They 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.
u Adjust the head restraint, too.
2Adjusting the Seats P. 126
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 129
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wh eel properly for your driving.
u Adjust 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. Howeve r, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a de aler or by a qualified
technician.
* Not available on all models
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205
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load Limit
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories, and
the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement "The comb ined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1,4000 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb. passengers in in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all a ccessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load. 2 Specifications
P. 324
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications
3WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.Label Example
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2 2
P . 3 2 6
P . 3 2 4
2 2
P . 3 2 6

206
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a tra iler, load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo, and
trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver's doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2 Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)
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207Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the lo ad as needed.
■Towing Load Limits
HF model
Except HF model
1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not av ailable, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by th e manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer duri ng your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
To n gue LoadTongue Load
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uuTowing a Trailer uTowing 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 brake s: 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 w ill lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requi re 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 Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
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