2012 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN vehicle stability assist

2
Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan
Quick Reference Guide
Visual Index
❙System Indicators (P 66)
❙Gauges (P 78)
❙Information Display* (P 80)
❙Navigation System*
() See Navigation System Manual
❙Audio System* (P 144)
❙Hazard Warning Button
❙Heating and Cooling* System
(P 140)
❙Rear Window Defogger (P 123)
❙Seat Heater Switches* (P 139)
❙Ignition Switch (P 117)
❙Steering Wheel Adjustments
(P 124)
❙ (Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
System OFF) Button* (P 223)
❙ECON Button* (P 123)
❙Multi-Information Display* (P 82)
❙Heated Mirror Button* (P 123)
❙ (Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
System OFF) Button* (P 223)
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* Not available on all models

16
Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan
VSA® OFF Button (P 224)
● The vehicle stability assist (VSA
®) system
helps stabilize the vehicle during
cornering, and helps maintain traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces.
● VSA
® comes on automatically every time
you start the engine.
● To turn VSA
® on or off, press and hold
the button until you hear a beep.
Cruise Control* (P 220)
● Cruise control allows you to maintain a
set speed without keeping your foot on
the accelerator pedal.
● To use cruise control, press the CRUISE
button, then press once you have
received the desired speed (above 25 mph
or 40 km/h).
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
(P 225)
● TPMS monitors tire pressure.
● TPMS is turned on automatically every
time you start the engine.
–/SET
U.S. models only
Refueling (P 234)
aPush the fuel fill door
release handle.
bTurn the fuel fill cap
slowly to remove the
cap.
cPlace the cap in the
holder on the fuel fill
door.
dAfter refueling, screw
the cap back on until it
clicks at least once.
Fuel recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline with a pu mp octane number 87 or
higher required
Premium unleaded gasoline wi th a pump octane number
91 or higher recommended
Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 US gal (50 L)1.8 ℓ engine models
2.4 ℓ engine models
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* No t avai lable on all m odel s

70
uuIndicators u
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
VSA® (Vehicle
Stability Assist)
System Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON
(w, then goes off.●Blinks when VSA® is active.●Comes on if there is a problem with
the VSA® system.
●Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.
2 VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist)
System P. 223
VSA® (Vehicle
Stability Assist)
OFF Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON
(w, then goes off.●Comes on when you deactivate
VSA®.
2 VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist)
System P. 224—
Door Open
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds if you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w,
then goes off.
●Comes on if any door is not
completely closed.
●The beeper sounds and the indicator
comes on if any door is opened
while driving.
●Goes off when all doors are closed.
* Not available on all models
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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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223
uuWhen Driving uVSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Continued
Driving
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist ), aka ESC (Electronic
Stability Control), System
VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during corn ering if the vehicle turns more or less
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.
It does so by regulating engine ou tput and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA
® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.
■VSA® Operation
1 VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability
Control), System
The VSA
® may not function prope rly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA
® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA
® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA
® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA® System
Indicator
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uuWhen Driving uVSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
224
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To turn the VSA® system on and off, press and
hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA
® will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA
® OFF)
button until you hear a beep.
VSA
® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■VSA® On and Off1 VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability
Control), System
Without VSA
®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, bu t it will not have VSA®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fr esh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA
® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA
® system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only atte mpt to free
your vehicle with the VSA
® off if you are not able to
free it when the VSA® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA
® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA® and traction control
systems switched off.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS
*, low tire pressure*, or
TPMS indicator* comes on or blinks, the VSA® system
comes on automatically. In this case, you cannot turn
the system off by pressing the button.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA® OFF
Indicator
1.8 ℓ engine models
VSA® OFF
Indicator
2.4 ℓ engine models
* Not available on all models
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238
Driving
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories
When installing accessories, check the following:
• Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not over load electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 318
•Before installing any electronic accessory, have the inst aller contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a d ealer inspect the final installation.
Modifications
Do not modify your vehicle or use non-Honda components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and th at it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1 Accessories and Modifications
Honda Genuine accessor ies are recommended to
ensure proper operati on on your vehicle.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.
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286
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the sa me size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure ra ting (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS and VSA
® (vehicle stability assist)
system to work incorrectly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS sp ecified wheels approved for your vehicle.
1Tire and Wheel Replacement
3WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can
affect handling and stability. This can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Always use the size and type of tires
recommended in this owner’s manual.
U.S. models only
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