84 || 85
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If the temperature gauge needle is at the H mark, the engine suddenly lo\
ses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheat\
ing.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the tem\
perature gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediatel\
y stop
the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the\
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve\
tank
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in t\
he
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator ca\
p with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
fi ller neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled suffi ciently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature needle has gone down, resume driving. If it has not g\
one down,
contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant \
to
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiato\
r cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
Reserve
tank
MAX
MIN
Emergency Engine Stop
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, cho\
ose one of
the following operations:
• Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for two seconds, or
• Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY, unless
the shift lever is in Park (P), in which case the power mode changes t\
o VEHICLE OFF.
Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine\
provides
to the steering and braking systems, it will require signifi cantly more physical effort
and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both fee\
t on the
brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary \
for the engine
to be switched off.
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a tru\
ck. 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.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious dama\
ge. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle\
can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
86 || 87
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ( TPMS)*
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving. If your vehicle’s tire pressure
becomes signifi cantly low, the low tire pressure indicator comes on and a message
appears on the display.
What to Do
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire pressure and adjust th\
e pressure
to the specifi ed level on the label on the driver’s doorjamb.
TPMS CalibrationAny time you infl ate, change, or rotate one or more of the tires, you need to
recalibrate the system. Use the buttons on the steering wheel to enter a\
nd operate
the Vehicle Menu (see page 38).
1. Press MENU.
2. Select Customize Settings.
3. Select TPMS Calibration.
4. Select Initialize.
5. Select Yes.
6. Press MENU to exit.
Driving on an extremely underinfl ated tire can cause it to overheat. An overheated
tire can fail. Always infl ate your tires to the specifi ed pressure.
NOTICE
*if equipped
Low tire pressure
indicator
i-MID message
Tire Repair Kit
If a tire has a small puncture, you can use the tire repair kit to tempo\
rarily repair it.
The puncture must be smaller than 3/16-inch (4 mm) and not in the tire\
sidewall. Go
to a dealer to have the full-size tire permanently repaired or replaced.\
Before Repairing the Tire1. Park the vehicle on a fi rm, level, non-slippery surface.
2. Move the shift lever to Park (P), and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn off the vehicle.
Getting Ready to Repair the Tire1. Open the trunk fl oor lid.
2. Remove the kit from the case.
3. Place the kit face up on fl at ground near the punctured tire and away from traffi c. Do not place
the kit on its side.
4. Follow the instructions in the kit to repair the tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the one provided in the\
kit that
came with your vehicle. If a different agent is used, you may permanentl\
y damage
the tire pressure sensor.
Do not operate the temporary tire repair kit compressor for more than 15\
minutes.
The accessory power socket and compressor can overheat and become
permanently damaged.
NOTICE
Running the engine with the vehicle in an enclosed or even partly enclos\
ed
area can cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can cause unconsciousness and eve\
n
death. Only run the engine to power the air compressor with the vehicle \
outdoors.
WARNING
94 || 95
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourse\
lf, as well
as information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however, we cannot
warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing mainte\
nance.
Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety
• To reduce the possibility of fi re or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and fl ames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other fl ammable objects under the hood.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery\
or compressed air.
• Do not run the engine in confi ned spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.
Vehicle Safety
• The vehicle must be stationary, and parked on level ground with the parking brake set and the engine off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem befo\
re driving
can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according t\
o
the schedules in this guide.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can \
cause
you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WARNING
MAINTENANCE Maintenance Minder™
Reminds you when indicated maintenance service is due.
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and a mes\
sage
appears on the display every time you turn the vehicle on. Press the Inf\
o button on
the steering wheel to change displays.
• Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake fl\
uid every 3 years.
• Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
• Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
2345
Maintenance
Minder indicator
Main
items Sub
items
Maintenance Minder messageSystem message
indicator
102 || 103
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Changing Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades leave streaks across the windshield, try cleaning th\
em fi rst with a
paper towel or soft cloth and wiper fl uid. If the wiper blade rubber has deteriorated,
you should change the wiper blades.
1. Lift the driver side wiper arm fi rst, then the
passenger side.
2. Place a cloth on the edge of the lock tab. Push the lock tab up with a fl at-tip screwdriver.
3. Slide the blade from the wiper arm.
4. Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by pulling the tabbed end out.
5. Remove the retainers from the rubber blade that has been removed, and mount to a new rubber
blade. Correctly align the rubber protrusion and the
retainer grooves.
6. Slide the new wiper blade onto the holder from the bottom end. The tab on the holder should fi t in the
indent of the wiper blade.
7. Slide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm, then push down the lock tab.
8. Lower the passenger side wiper arm fi rst, then the driver side.
Avoid dropping the wiper arm, as it may damage the windshield.
NOTICE
End cap at
the bottom
Holder
Holder Cap
Lock tab
Blade
To p Blade
Retainer
Indent
Ta b
Tire Information
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and\
size, in good
condition with adequate tread, and properly infl ated.
Inflation Guidelines • Properly infl ated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the specifi cations (see page
111) for the specifi ed pressure.
• Underinfl ated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from overheating.
• Overinfl ated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards, and wear unevenly.
• Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lowe\
r than the others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
• Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This means the vehicle has\
been parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If n\
ecessary, add
or release air until the specifi ed pressure is reached, and then calibrate the
system (see page 86). If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as muc\
h as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.5 kgf/cm
2) higher than checked when cold.
• At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the p\
ressure in all tires, including the spare*. Even tires in good condition can los\
e 1–2 psi
(10–20 kPa, 0.1–0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection Guidelines
Every time you infl ate the tires, check for the following:
• Any damage to tires, including bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, or cracks in\
the side or tread. Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. Replace \
tires if
you see fabric or cord.
• Uneven or excessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
• Cracks or other damage around the valve stems.
Wear Indicators The groove where the wear indicator is located is
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than elsewhere on the
tire. If the tread has worn so low that the indicator is
exposed, replace the tire. Worn out tires have poor
traction on wet roads.
Example of a wear
indicator mark
*if equipped
104 || 105
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and
loading information.
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rati\
ng, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires
of a different size or construction can cause certain vehicle systems to\
work
incorrectly. It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’\
t possible,
replace the front or rear tires in pairs.
If you change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifi cations match
those of the original wheels. Only use TPMS-specifi ed wheels approved for your
vehicle.
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stabil\
ity.
This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires recommended in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly infl ated can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding tire infl ation
and maintenance
.
WARNING
Original
tire sizes Number of
people your
vehicle can
carry Proper cold
tire pressure
Total weight
your vehicle
can carry
(do not exceed)
Tire Service Life
The life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving h\
abits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, infl ation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and infl ation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires re\
ach
fi ve years old. All tires, including the spare*, should be removed from se\
rvice after
10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or \
state of
wear.
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M\
+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain suffi cient distance between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges\
that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire ChainsInstall tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains: Cable-type: SCC
Radial Chain SC1030.
Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they do not touch\
the
brake lines or suspension.
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can dama\
ge your
vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting
any part of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage th\
e
brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or k\
illed.
Follow all instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of\
tire
chains.
WARNING
*if equipped
110 || 111
SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE
Testing of Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has “readiness codes” as part of the onboard self-diag\
nostic system.
Some states refer to these codes as a test to see if your vehicle’s emissions
components are working properly. The codes may not be read if you go through the
testing just after the battery has gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, turn the vehicle on without starting the engine\
. The
malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it goes \
off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks fi ve times, the readiness codes are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle tested before the readiness cod\
es are set,
prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1. Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3. Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°\
C and 35°C).
4. Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle\
for 20
seconds.
5. Keep the vehicle in Park (P) or Neutral for manual transmission. Incre\
ase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there for about 3 minutes.
6. Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
7. Select a nearby, lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the \
highway
with the vehicle in Drive (D) or 5th gear. Do not use cruise control. When traffi c
allows, drive for 90 seconds without using the accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed
may vary slightly; this is OK.) If you cannot do this for a continuous \
90 seconds
because of traffi c conditions, drive for at least 30 seconds, then repeat two more
times (for a total of 90 seconds).
8. Drive in city/suburban traffi c for at least 10 minutes. When traffi c conditions allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerato\
r
pedal or the brake pedal.
9. Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 30 minutes.
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set\
again
only after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If a testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, y\
ou may be
requested to return at a later date to complete the test, or see your de\
aler.
Vehicle
Engine and Fuel
Tires
Light Bulbs
Fluids
ModelHonda Civic Hybrid
No. of Passengers:
Front 2
Rear 3
Total 5
Weights:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating U.S.: 3,837 lbs (1,740 kg)
Canada: 1,740 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Front)U.S.: 2,007 lbs (910 kg)
Canada: 910 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Rear)U.S.: 1,852 lbs (840 kg)
Canada: 840 kg
Air Conditioning:
Refrigerant Type HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge Quantity 13.2 – 15.0 oz (375 – 425 g)
Lubricant Type SE-10Y
Engine Specifications
FuelDisplacement91 cu-in (1,497 cm3)
Spark Plugs NGK DILFR6J11
TypeUnleaded gasoline, Pump octane number of 87 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 13.2 US gal (50 ℓ)
RegularSizeP195/65R15 89SPressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm232 (220 [2.2])
Compact
Spare
*Size T135/80D15 99M
Pressure
psi (kPa [kgf/cm
2]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular15 x 6JCompact Spare*15 x 4T
])
Headlights (Low Beam)51W (HB4)
Headlights (High Beam) 60W (HB3)
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side
Marker Lights28/8W
Daytime Running Lights LED
Rear Side Marker LightsLED
Brake/Taillights LED
Back-Up Lights16W
DEL
sthgilliaT
Rear Turn Signal Lights21W (Amber)
High-Mount Brake Light LED
License Plate Light5W
Trunk Light 5W
Interior LightsMap Light8WCeiling Light8W
Washer Fluid
Tank CapacityU.S.: 2.6 US qt (2.5 ℓ)
Canada: 4.8 US qt (4.5 ℓ)
Brake Fluid
Transmission FluidSpecifiedHonda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
SpecifiedHonda CVTF (continuously variable
transmission fluid)
Capacity Change 2.95 US qt (2.8 ℓ)
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 3.6 US qt (3.4 ℓ)
Change
including
filter
3.8 US qt (3.6 ℓ)
SpecifiedHonda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.37 US gal (5.18 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.125 US gal (0.475 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
SPECIFICATIONS
*if equipped