2014 HONDA CIVIC tow

400Maintenance
BatteryChecking the Battery
Check the battery terminals for corrosion
monthly.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 173
2 Entering the audio security code P. 173
•The clock
* resets.
2 Adjusting the Clock P. 104
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2 Refer to the Navigation System Manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessori es contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminal with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
When replacing the battery, the replacement must be
of the same specifications.
Please consult a dealer for more information.
3
WARNING
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.
* Not available on all models

409
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 410
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 411
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire....... 418
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 426If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak .......................................... 427Emergency Engine Stop ................... 428
Jump Starting .................................... 429
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 432Overheating
How to Handle Overheating............. 433
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On ............................................. 435If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 435
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 436If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On .................................................... 437
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System
Indicator Comes On ............................. 437If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator Comes On or Blinks ....................... 438
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 439
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 441
Emergency Towing ........................... 442

418
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
Temporarily Repairing a Flat TireThis vehicle is not equipped with a spare tire. If the tire has a large cut or is otherwise
severely damaged, you will need to have the vehicle towed. If the tire only has a
small puncture, from a nail for instance, you can use the temporary tire repair kit so
that you can drive to the nearest service station for a more permanent repair.
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then stop in a safe place.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface and apply the parking
brake.
2. Put the shift lever in
(P
.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
*1.
u When towing a trailer, unhitch the trailer.
*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an
ignition switch.■
Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat TireModels with tire repair kit
1 Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
The kit should not be used in the following situations.
Instead, contact a dealer or a roadside assistant to
have the vehicle towed.•The tire sealant has expired.•More than two tires are punctured.•The puncture or cut is larger than 3/16 inch (4 mm).•The tire side wall is damaged or the puncture is
outside the tire contact area.•Damage has been caused by driving with the tire
extremely under inflated.•The tire bead is no longer seated.•The rim is damaged.
Do not remove a nail or screw that punctured the
tire. If you remove it from the tire, you may not be
able to repair the puncture using the kit.
When the puncture is:
Kit Use
Smaller than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
Yes
Larger than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
No
Contact
Area
Instruction
Manual
Air Only Hose (Black) Speed Restriction Label Repair Notification Label
Pressure Relief
Button Inflator Switch
Selector Switch
SEALANT/AIR side Sealant/Air Hose (Clear) AIR ONLY side
Power Plug
Pressure Gauge
Tire Sealant
Expiration Date

Continued
421
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
4. Plug in the compressor to the accessory
power socket.
u Be careful not to pinch the cord in a
door or window.
5. Start the engine.
u Keep the engine running while injecting
sealant and air.
2 Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 64
6.Turn the selector switch to SEALANT/
AIR .
7. Press the inflator switch to turn on the
compressor.
u The compressor starts injecting sealant
and air into the tire.
8. When the sealant injection is complete,
continue to add air.
9. After the air pressure reaches 32 psi (220
kPa), turn off the kit.
u To check the pressure, occasionally turn
off the compressor and read the gauge.
1Injecting Sealant and AirNOTICEDo not operate the tire repair kit compressor for
more than 15 minutes. The accessory power socket
and compressor can overheat and become
permanently damaged.
Until the sealant injection is complete, the pressure
shown on the pressure gauge will appear higher than
actual. After the sealan t injection is complete the
pressure will drop and then begin to rise again as the
tire is inflated with air. This is normal. To accurately
measure the air pressure using the gauge, turn the air
compressor off only after the sealant injection is
complete.
If the required air pressure is not reached within 10
minutes, the tire may be too severely damaged for
the kit to provide the necessary seal and your vehicle
will need to be towed.
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engi ne to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
SEALANT/AIR side
Pressure Gauge
ON
OFF

Continued
423
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
4. Attach the air only hose onto the tire valve
stem. Screw it until it is tight.
5. Turn the selector switch to AIR ONLY.
u Do not turn the air compressor on to
check the pressure.
2 Inflating an Under-inflated Tire P. 424
6.If the air pressure is:
• Less than 19 psi (130 kPa):
Do not add air or continue driving. The leak is too severe. Call for help and
have your vehicle towed.
2 Emergency Towing P. 442•32 psi (220 kPa) or more:
Continue driving for another 10 minutes or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
u If the air does not go down after the 10 minute driving, you do not need to
check the pressure any more.
• Greater than 19 psi (130 kPa), but less than 32 psi (220 kPa):
Turn the air compressor on to inflate the tire until the tire pressure reaches 32
psi (220 kPa).
Then drive carefully for 10 more minutes or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
u You should repeat this procedure as long as the air pressure is within this
range.
7. Press the pressure relief button until the gauge returns to 0 psi (0 kPa).
8. Repackage and properly stow the kit.
1Distributing the Sealant in the Tire
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engi ne to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
Air Only Hose

425
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
7. Plug in the kit to the accessory power
socket.
u Be careful not to pinch the cord in a
door or window.
8. Start the engine.
u Keep the engine running while injecting
air.
2 Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 64
9.Turn the selector switch to AIR ONLY.
10. Press the inflator switch to turn on the kit.
u The compressor starts to inject air into
the tire.
11. Inflate the tire to the specified air pressure.
12. Turn off the kit.
u Check the pressure gauge on the air
compressor.
u If overinflated, press the pressure relief
button.
13. Unplug the kit from the accessory power
socket.
14. Unscrew the air only hose from the tire
valve stem. Reinstall the valve cap.
15. Press the pressure relief button until the
gauge returns 0 psi (0 kPa).
16. Repackage and properly stow the kit.
1Inflating an Under-inflated Tire
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engi ne to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
AIR ONLY
side
ON
Pressure Relief Button

426Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check for a message on the i-MID.●If the TO START, HOLD REMOTE NEAR START BUTTON message appears
2If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak P. 427
uMake sure the smart entry remote is in its operating range.
2 ENGINE START/STOP Button Operating Range P. 132
Check brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 400
●If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 439
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly. Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2
Starting the Engine P. 313
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 125
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 82
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 441
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 442
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 429
Models with smart entry system

442Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency TowingNOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle's weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.