2015 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID cooling

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

100 || 101
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant\
level in the
radiator. We recommend Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the Reserve Tank
1. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, add the specifi ed coolant until it reaches the MAX
mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Adding Coolant 1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and relieve any pressure in the coolant system. Do
not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to remove it.
4. The coolant level should be up to the base of the fi ller neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the reserve
tank.
If temperatures consistently below −22°F (−30°C) are expec\
ted, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration. Consult a dealer fo\
r details
for more information.
NOTICE
Radiator cap
Pour the fl
uid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any . Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE 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.
W
ARNING
Checking the
12-V olt Battery
Check the battery condition monthly and check the terminals for corrosio\
n.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\

compounds. W ash your hands after handling.
Window Washer Fluid
If the washer fl uid level is low , fi ll the washer reservoir .
Canadian models
If the washer fl uid level is low , the washer level
indicator or a message appears. The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.
A spark or fl
ame 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.
W ARNING
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshie\
ld washer
reservoir . Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’ s paint. A vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.
NOTICE
Reserve tank
MAX
MIN