2014 HONDA ACCORD Electro

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
424Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how mu ch 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 brakes: 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 will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■
Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require 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 Accessories
1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

466
uuWhen Driving uVSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Driving
VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), SystemVSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering 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 output 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 properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the ai r 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 vehicle 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 cor ner 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

467
uuWhen Driving uVSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
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 Off
1 VSA ® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Without VSA ®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA ®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh 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 attempt 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 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 immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF Indicator

476
uuBraking uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and help s you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■
ABS
1 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When snow chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

484Driving
Accessories and ModificationsAccessoriesWhen 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 over areas marked SRS AIRBAG, on the sides or backs
of the front seats, on front or side pillars, or near the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
vehicle’s airbags or may be propelled into you or another occupant if the airbags
deploy.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 564
•Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.ModificationsDo 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 that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1Accessories and Modifications
Honda Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
3
WARNING
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 instruc tions in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

562
uuIndicator, Coming On/Blinking uIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
• The brake fluid is low.
• There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
• If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
• If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
• Comes on when there is a problem with the EPS system.
• If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1 If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada

581
Information
Authorized Manuals■
Service Express
For electronic copies of service publication s, you can purchase a subscription to
Service Express. Visit www.techinfo.honda.com for pricing and options.
■
For U.S. Owners:
Manuals can be purchased from Helm Incorporated. You can order a manual by
phone at (800) 782-4356 (credit card orders only), or online at www.helminc.com .
1Authorized Manuals
For Canadian Owners:
Please contact a dealer to order any manuals that you
may require.

588Index
Customer Service Information................. 582
Customized Features .......................... 97, 299DDaytime Running Lights ........................... 139
Dead Battery ............................................. 554
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .......................................... 168, 170
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ................ 575
Dimming Headlights ............................................... 136
Rearview Mirror ....................................... 146
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................. 502
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) .............. 136
Display Button .......................... 181, 207, 239
Door Mirrors ............................................. 147
Doors ......................................................... 108
Auto Door Locking .................................. 119
Auto Door Unlocking ............................... 119
Door and Trunk Open Indicator ........... 31, 74
Keys ........................................................ 108
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside ............................................... 116
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside ............................................ 111
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 115
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 528
Driving ....................................................... 417
ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) ................ 450
Automatic Transmission/CVT ................... 434 Braking ................................................... 474
Cruise Control ......................................... 447
Shifting Gear ................................... 441, 443
Shifting Position .............................. 435, 437
Starting the Engine.......................... 427, 429
Driving Position Memory System ............ 143
Dust and Pollen Filter ............................... 537
EEco Assist System.......................................... 7
ECON Button ............................................ 446
Elapsed Time ............................................... 95
Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator............................................ 74, 562
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 466
Emergency ................................................ 567
Emergency Engine Stop ........................... 553
Emergency Trunk Opener ........................ 123
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ....... 577
Engine ....................................................... 574
Coolant ................................................... 507
Jump Starting .......................................... 554
Oil ........................................................... 501
Starting ........................................... 427, 429
Switch Buzzer.......................................... 131
Engine Coolant ......................................... 507
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 508
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 507
Overheating ............................................ 558
Temperature Gauge .................................. 89 Engine Oil
................................................. 501
Adding ................................................... 504
Checking ................................................ 502
Displaying Oil Life ........................... 489, 493
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 69, 560
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 501
ENGINE START/STOP Button .................... 132
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
System ............................................... 74, 562
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .................................. 64
Expanded View Driver’s Mirror ............... 147
Exterior Care (Cleaning) .......................... 540
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 147
FFeatures.................................................... 173
Filters Dust and Pollen....................................... 537
Oil .......................................................... 505
Flat Tire ..................................................... 545
Floor Mats ................................................ 539
Fluids
Automatic Transmission .......................... 510
Brake/Clutch ........................................... 511
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) .................................................... 509
Engine Coolant ....................................... 507
Manual Transmission .............................. 509
Windshield Washer ................................. 512