2012 HONDA CR-Z tow

195
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load Limit
The maximum load for your vehicle is 450 lbs (204 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 combined 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 figu re equals the availabl e amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. an d there will be five 15 0 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available carg o 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 accessories, and all cargo. 2 Specifications P. 312
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 312
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

196
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum 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 trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Co nsult 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 lab el on the driver’s doorjamb.
Load Limits Example
Example 1
Max Load 450 lbs
(204 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 1 = 150 lbs
(68 kg x 1 = 68 kg) Cargo Weight
300 lbs
(136 kg)
Example 2 Max Load 450 lbs
(204 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
150 lbs (68 kg)

197
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your warranties.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.2 Emergency Towing P. 308

201
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK
(0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N , as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
NOTICE
Following can damage the under spoiler: • Parking the vehicle by a parking block
• Parallel parking along the road shoulder
• Driving towards the bottom of a hill
• Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)
• Driving on a rutted or bumpy road
• Driving on a road with potholes

246
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood1.Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
uThe hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.
Hood Release
Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod
Grip
Clamp

248
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Dipstick
Upper Mark
Lower Mark

278
Maintenance
12 Volt Battery
Checking the 12 Volt BatteryCheck the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead: • The audio system is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 139
• The clock resets.
2 Setting the Clock P. 98
• The navigation system *
is disabled. A PIN code will be required.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the 12 Volt Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first, and reconnect it last.
112 Volt Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessori es contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window
* Not available on all models

285
Handling the UnexpectedThis chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 286
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 287
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 293
Jump Starting .................................... 294
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 296
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 297 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 299
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On ................................................. 300
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ................................... 301
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On... 302
If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 302
If the IMA Indicator Comes On......... 303
If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks........................ 303 Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 304
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 307
Emergency Towing ........................... 308
When You Cannot Open the Hatch ..... 310