2013 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN transmission

117
Controls
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel
Ignition Switch
1Ignition Switch
You cannot take the key out unless the shift lever is
in
(P.
If you open the driver's door when the key is in LOCK
(0 or ACCESSORY (q, a warning buzzer will sound
to remind you to take the key out.
When this happens, the following messages appear
on the i-MID
*:•In LOCK (0: REMOVE KEY.•In ACCESSORY (q: RETURN IGNITI ON SWITCH
TO LOCK (0) POSITION The buzzer will stop when
you take the key out.
If the key won't turn from LOCK
(0 to ACCESSORY (q, turn the key while moving the steering wheel left
and right. The steering wheel will unlock, allowing
the key to turn.
3WARNING
Removing the key from the ignition switch
while driving locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Remove the key from the ignition switch
only when parked.
Manual transmission models
Automatic transmission models
All models
( 0 LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this
position.
(q ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and
other accessories in this position.
(w ON: This is the position when driving.
(e START: This position is for starting the engine.
The switch returns to ON (w when you let go of
the key.
* Not available on all models

213
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 214
Maximum Load Limit........................ 217
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .... ...................... 219
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 221
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 222
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 223
Precautions While Driv ing................. 225
Automatic Transmission ................... 226
Shifting .......................................... 227
Automatic transmission models
Shifting .......................................... 229
ECON Button*................................. 232
Cruise Control*............................... 233VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 236
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 238
Tire Pressure Monito ring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Expl anation ......... 239
Braking
Brake System ................................... 241
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 243
Brake Assist System.......................... 244
Manual transmission modelsParking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 245
Rearview Camera
*............................ 246
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 247
How to Refuel ................................. 248
Fuel Economy
Improving Fuel Econom y .................. 250
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 251
Modifications................................... 251
* Not available on all models

221
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 219
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trail er tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
Automatic transmission models

222
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
• Closely watch your high temperature indica tor. If the indicator remains on, turn
off the heating and cooling system*/climate control system* and reduce speed.
Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(d position if the transmission shifts frequently.
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, refe r to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 344
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
Automatic transmission models
* Not available on all models

223Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in (P.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(N. Then
depress the brake peda l with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
u The clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altit udes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling system
*/climate control system*, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22
°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Cons ult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system s ounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake PedalAutomatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
224
Driving
3. Turn the ignition switch to START (e
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake peda l, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake indicator has gone off.
2 Parking Brake P. 241
2.Put the shift lever in (D. Select (R when reversing.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gent ly depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
1 Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
(e for more than 15
seconds.
•If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.
•If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly code d key (or other device) is
used, the engine's fuel system is disabled. 2 Immobilizer System P. 112
■Starting to Drive
Automatic transmission models

225
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something u nder the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicl e for damage or any fluid leaks.
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. Y ou 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 acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 mile s (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 th e first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
NOTICE
The 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.
2.4 ℓ engine models

226
uuWhen Driving uAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic Transmission
The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unex pectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, espe cially on slippery roads and curves.
■Creeping
■Kickdown