2012 HONDA CR-Z transmission

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uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
Use the paddle shifters to change between first and seventh speeds without
removing your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission switches to the 7-
speed manual shift mode when you pull a paddle shifter while driving. This mode is
useful when engine braking is needed.
You can cancel this mode by pressing any of the three driving mode buttons, or
pulling the
(+ paddle shifter for a few seconds.
■ When the driving mode is in ECON or NORMAL
The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode temporarily, and the
number is displayed in the shift indicator.
The 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled automatically if you drive at constant
speed or accelerate, and the number in the shift indicator goes off.
The 7-speed manual shift mode is especially useful when reducing the vehicle speed
temporarily before making a turn. ■ When the driving mo de is in SPORT
The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode. The
(M indicator and the
speed number are displayed in the shift indicat or. As the vehicle speed slows down,
the transmission automatically shifts down accordingly. When the vehicle comes to
a stop, it automatically shifts down into first.
If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s
red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.
■7-Speed Manual Shift Mode17-Speed Manual Shift Mode
To improve fuel economy, the transmission may shift
up to a higher speed than the seventh under certain circumstances. In this case, the number in the shift
indicator remains as "7."
In the 7-speed manual shift mode, the transmission
shifts up or down by operating either paddle shifter
under the following conditions:
Shift Up: The engine speed reaches the lowest
threshold of the higher speed position.
Shift Down: The engine speed reaches the highest
threshold of the lower speed position.
When the engine speed reaches near the
tachometer’s red zone, the transmission shifts up
automatically.
When the engine speed reaches the lowest threshold
of the selected speed position, the transmission shifts down automatically.
Operating the paddle shifters on slippery surfaces
may cause the tires to lock up. In this case, the 7-
speed manual shift mode is canceled and goes back
to the normal D driving mode.

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uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
Shifting
Fully depress the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears, then
slowly release the pedal.
Depress the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into
(R, or
shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they do not
“grind.” When you are not shifting, do not rest your
foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your
clutch to wear out faster.
■Shift Lever Operation
Manual transmission models
1Shifting
Do not shift to
(R before the vehicle comes to a
complete stop.
Shifting to
(R before stopping can damage the
transmission. Recommended Shift Points
Driving in the highest gear that allows the engine to
run and accelerate smoothly helps to optimize fuel
economy and effective emissions control. The
following shift points are recommended:
If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you
are in, the engine speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. When this happens, you may
experience a slight jolt.
Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go
into the tachometer's red zone. Should this occur, it
can severely damage your engine.
There is a metallic part on the shift lever. If you leave the vehicle park ed outside for a long time on a hot
day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because
of heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the
outside temperature is low, the shift lever may feel cold. Shift Up Normal Acceleration
1st to 2nd15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th40 mph (64 km/h)
4th to 5th 47 mph (76 km/h)
5th to 6th52 mph (84 km/h)
NOTICE
NOTICE

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uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally
shifting into
(R from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving above a certain
speed.
If you cannot shift to
(R when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:
1.Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift
lever all the way to the left, and shift to
(R .
2. If you still cannot shift into
(R , apply the
parking brake, and turn the ignition switch
to ACCESSORY
(q or LOCK (0.
3. Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
(R .
4. Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start
the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you
have to go through this procedure repeatedly.
■Reverse Lockout

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uuWhen Drivingu3-Mode Drive System
Driving
3-Mode Drive System
Driving mode is in NORMAL when you turn the ignition switch to ON
(w.
To change driving modes, press the de sired mode button. The corresponding mode
indicator comes on in the instrument panel, and the mode icon appears briefly on the multi-information display.13-Mode Drive System
To keep the system in the ECON mode the next time
the ignition switch is turned to ON
(w , change the
customized setting on the multi-information display.
2 Customized Features P. 90
The ECON mode helps you improve your fuel
economy by changing the engine, transmission,
climate control system, cruise control, and IMA
system performances.
While in the ECON mode, the climate control system
has greater temperature fluctuations.
■ Select a driving mode
and press the button.
SPORT Mode Button
■The selected driving mode
indicator comes on.
NORMAL Mode Button
ECON mode Button

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uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control
Driving
Cruise Control
Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a
constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
1Cruise Control
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
When not using cruise control:
Turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE button.
While in the ECON mode, it may take relatively more
time to accelera te to maintain the set speed.
While the cruise control system is activated, the shift
up or down indicator does not work.
3WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can lead
to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.
Manual transmission models
■ Press the CRUISE button
on the steering wheel. CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.
How to use
■ Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~ Always keep sufficient distance between
you and the vehicle in front of you.
When to use

uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control
214
Driving
Increase or decrease the vehicle speed using the or buttons
on the steering wheel. • Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is increased or decreased by
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
• If you keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or decreases until you
release it. This speed is then set.
To cancel cruise control, do any of the
following: • Press the CANCEL button.
• Press the CRUISE button.
• Depress the brake pedal.
• Depress the clutch pedal.
The CRUISE CONTROL indicator goes off.
■To Adjust the Vehicle Speed1To Adjust the Vehicle Speed
You can set the vehicle speed using the
button on the steering wheel when adjusting the
speed with the accelerator and brake pedals.
DECEL/SETRES/ACCELDECEL/SET
■To Cancel
To decrease speed
To increase speed
1To Cancel
Resuming the prior set speed:
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still
resume the prior set speed by pressing the
button while driving at a speed of at
least 25 mph (40 km/h) or more.
You cannot set or resume in the following situations: • When vehicle speed is less than 25 mph (40 km/h)
• When the CRUISE button is turned off
At vehicle speeds of 22 mph (35 km/h) or less, cruise control is canceled automatically.
RES/ACCEL
CRUISE Button
CANCEL Button
Manual transmission models

220
Driving
Braking
Brake System
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.To apply:
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the release button.
To release: 1.Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold the release button.
2. Lower the lever down all the way, then release the button.
■Parking Brake1Parking Brake
NOTICE
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE appears on the multi-information
display.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
To prevent the parking br ake from freezing when the
outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply
it, but do the following:
Put the shift lever in
(P , then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Put the shift lever in
(R or (1, then use a block or
other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Automatic transmission (CVT) models
Manual transmission models

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uuBrakinguBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps
reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the
stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.2 Brake Assist System P. 223
2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 222
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.