2015 HONDA CIVIC brake

22 || 23
INSTRUMENT PANEL
SAFETY
Learn about the indicators, gauges, and displays related to driving the \
vehicle.
Indicators briefl y appear with each engine start and then go out. Red and amber
indicators are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for gen\
eral
information.
Malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit whi\
le driving or at
any other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake fl uid is low.
• The brake system has a problem.
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check \
the brake fl uid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action. If
necessary, downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine
braking. Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood. Check the oil
level, and add oil if necessary (see page 121). If the indicator does \
not turn
off, have your vehicle repaired immediately.
Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off
the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repa\
ired
immediately.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
There is a problem with one of the airbag systems or seat belt tensioner\
s.
Smart Entry system*
There is a problem with the smart entry system.
U.S.
Canada
INSTRUMENT PANEL
*if equipped
Reporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash \
or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highwa\
y Traffi c
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda \
Motor Co.,
Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and \
if it fi nds
that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recal\
l and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-
4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash \
or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc.,\
and you
may also inform Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigatio\
n, and if
it fi nds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may lead to a\
recall and
remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may
call 1-800-333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or\
about motor
vehicle safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety.

24 || 25
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
• The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is\
loose
or missing.
• (Blinks) A misfi re in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place,
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Anti-lock Brake System ( ABS)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has
normal braking ability, but no anti-lock function.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ( TPMS)*
There is a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system, or the vehi\
cle is
fi tted with the compact spare tire.
High temperature
Blinks when the engine coolant temperature goes up, and stays on if
the temperature continues to rise. Drive slowly or pull over to prevent \
overheating.
Low temperature
The engine coolant temperature is low. If the indicator stays on, there may
be a problem with the temperature sensors.
Daytime Running Lights ( DRL)*
There is a problem with the DRL system.
Vehicle Stability Assist ( VSA
®) system
There is a problem with the VSA system.
Brake system
There is a problem with the brake system.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
There is a problem with the EPS system.
SYSTEMSYSTEMU.S.
Canada
*if equipped
Condition Indicators
These indicators may require you to perform an action. Parking brake
Release the parking brake before driving. You will hear a beep if you drive
with it not fully released.
Seat belt reminder
Make sure seat belts are fastened for you and all passengers. The indica\
tor
blinks and beeps sound continuously if you or your front passenger has n\
ot
fastened your seat belts when you begin driving. If the indicator remain\
s on
after seat belts are fastened, see your dealer.
Door open
A door is not closed. A beep sounds while driving.
Trunk open
The trunk is not closed.
Low fuel
Refuel as soon as possible. If the indicator blinks, there is a problem \
with the
fuel gauge. See your dealer.
Low tire pressure*
Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and infl ate tire(s) if necessary.
The indicator also appears if your vehicle is fi tted with the compact spare
tire. Have your regular tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
U.S.
Canada
*if equipped

38 || 39
VEHICLE CONTROLS
VEHICLE CONTROLS
Adjusting the Head Restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with head restraints in all seating positions. H\
ead
restraints are most effective for protection against whiplash and other \
rear-impact
crash injuries.
The center of the back of the occupant’s head
should rest against the center of the restraint. The
tops of the occupant’s ears should be level with the
center height of the restraint.
To raise the head restraint: Pull it upward.
To lower the head restraint: Push it down while
pressing the release button.
To remove the head restraint: Pull the restraint up
as far as it will go. Then push the release button,
and pull the restraint up and out.
To reinstall a head restraint: Insert the legs back
in place, then adjust the head restraint to an
appropriate height while pressing the release
button. Pull up on the restraint to make sure it is
locked in position. Folding Down the Rear SeatsThe rear seat-back(s*) can be folded down to make room for large items\
in the
trunk.
1. Remove the center shoulder belt from the guide.
2. Pull the release lever in the trunk to release the lock.
3. Fold down the seat-back. Remove the rear head restraints if necessary (see page 38).
Push the seat-back up fi rmly until it locks into
place to return it to its original position.
Make sure all items in the trunk or items extending through the opening \
into
the rear seats are properly secured. Loose items can fl y forward if you have to
brake hard.
*if equipped
Guide
Center
shoulder
belt
Release
lever*
Release lever
Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and
increases the likelihood of serious injury in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before dr\
iving.
WARNING
Failure to reinstall, or correctly reinstall, the head restraints can re\
sult in
severe injury during a crash.
Always replace the head restraints before driving.
WARNING
In order for the head restraint system to work properly:
• Do not hang any items on the head restraints, or from the restraint legs\
.
• Do not place any object between an occupant and the seat-back.
• Install each restraint in its proper location.

86 || 87
DRIVING
DRIVING
In addition:
• During the fi rst 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
• Avoid hard braking for the fi rst 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
Natural Gas (CNG) models
Do not put large, heavy, or pointed objects in the trunk. When storing items, properly
secure them so that they do not move around while driving. The fuel tank\
is located
in the trunk, and although a partition separates the tank from the cargo\
space, large
items or loose items can damage the fuel tank and fuel system components\
. Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle\
’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg). See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label example
This fi gure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be \
riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting fi gure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be fi ve 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 \
x 150)
= 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.honda.com (U.S.) or myhonda.ca (Canada)
to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories\
,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label
on the driver’s doorjamb.
Improper accessories or modifi cations can affect your vehicle’s handling, and
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt \
or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories and
modifi cations.
WARNING

90 || 91
DRIVING
DRIVING
Starting to Drive
Turn on the vehicle and start the engine to begin driving.
Before Starting the Engine
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then press the
brake pedal. Keep your foot fi rmly on the brake pedal
when starting the engine.
Manual transmission
Check that the shift lever is in Neutral (N), then press
the brake pedal with your right foot and the clutch
pedal with your left foot. The clutch must be fully
pressed to start the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found a\
t altitudes
above 8,000 feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off
all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control system, a\
nd rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
Starting the Ignition*Insert the key into the ignition and turn to turn on the vehicle or star\
t the engine.
0 LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this position.
I ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and other
accessories in this position.
II ON: This is the position when driving.
III START: This position is for starting the engine.
The switch returns to ON when you release the key.
Manual transmission models
Brake pedal
Brake pedal
Clutch pedal
Removing the key from the ignition switch while driving locks the steeri\
ng.
This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Remove the key from the ignition switch only when parked.
W
ARNING
*if equipped
Changing the Power Mode*
Use the ENGINE START/STOP button to cycle through power modes or start the
engine.
Accessory or On mode: Press ENGINE START/STOP
once without pressing the brake pedal for Accessory
mode. Press it again for On mode.
Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake pedal
or clutch, then press ENGINE START/STOP. Keep
your foot fi rmly on the brake pedal when starting the
engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P) or apply the parking brake, then press
ENGINE START/STOP. If you press the button and the shift lever is not in Park (P),
the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
Shifting
Change the shift position based on your driving needs.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)*Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping the
engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the release
button to shift.
Reverse (R): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving.
Drive (S): Used for better acceleration, increased
engine braking, or driving in hilly terrain.
Low (L): Used for stronger engine power and braking
when driving in hilly terrain.
Natural Gas (CNG) models
Drive (D3): Used for for driving in hilly terrain.
Second (2): Used for increased engine braking.
First (1): Used for stronger engine braking.
Release
button
When you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a co\
mplete
stop and keep the brake pedal depressed. Operating the shift lever befor\
e the
vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
*if equipped

92 || 93
DRIVING
DRIVING
Paddle Shifters*
Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 7th gears without remo\
ving
your hands from the steering wheel.
When the shift lever is in D: The vehicle goes into manual shift mode temporarily,
and the gear number appears. When you start traveling at a constant spee\
d,
manual shift mode automatically switches off, and the gear number goes o\
ff.
When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into manual shift mode, and the
M indicator and gear number come on. When the vehicle comes to a stop, i\
t
automatically shifts down into 1st gear. You can pull away only in 1st gear. If the
vehicle speed increases and the engine speed approaches the tachometer’\
s red
zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.
To cancel manual shift mode, move the shift lever from S to D. The M indi\
cator and
gear number go off.
Manual Transmission*Fully press the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears\
.
*if equipped
– Paddle shifter (shift down) + Paddle shifter
(shift up) Recommended shift points
Shift up 1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
5 to 6
6 to 7 Normal acceleration
15 mph (24 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
45 mph (72 km/h)
50 mph (80 km/h)
55 mph (89 km/h)
5-speed manual transmission* 6-speed manual transmission* Recommended shift points
Shift Up 1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5 Normal Acceleration
15 mph (24 km/h)
27 mph (43 km/h)
39 mph (63 km/h)
53 mph (85 km/h)
Shift Up 1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
5 to 6 Normal Acceleration
17 mph (27 km/h)
29 mph (46 km/h)
37 mph (59 km/h)
43 mph (69 km/h)
49 mph (79 km/h)
Recommended shift points
Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake
Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop your
vehicle from moving.
Brake Assist System During hard or emergency braking, the system
increases braking force. The brake pedal may move
slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to
hold the brake pedal fi rmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) During hard or emergency braking, the system
rapidly pumps the brakes to prevent wheel lockup and
help you maintain steering control. The brake pedal
may pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is
normal. Do not pump the brake pedal, and continue to
hold it fi rmly down.
Parking BrakeKeep the vehicle from moving when it is parked.
To apply: Pull the lever up fully without pressing the
release button.
To release: Press and hold the release button, then
lower the lever down all the way.
Brake pedal
Clutch pedal
Brake
pedal
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and\
size.
NOTICE
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle\
can be
damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
NOTICE
Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachomete\
r’
s red
zone. This can severely damage your engine.
NOTICE
Do not shift to Reverse (R) before the vehicle comes to a complete sto\
p. This can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE

94 || 95
DRIVING
DRIVING
Eco Assist System*
Can help improve fuel economy by adjusting the performance of the engine\
,
transmission, climate control system, and cruise control.
ECON Button
Press the ECON button to turn the system on or
off. The ECON Mode indicator appears when
the system is turned on.
Ambient MeterColor-coded bars change based on your driving style and brake or accelerator \
pedal operation.
Green: Fuel effi cient driving
Blue-green: Moderate acceleration/deceleration
Blue: Aggressive acceleration/deceleration
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns mor\
e or less
than what was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery s\
urfaces by
regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or Off
VSA is turned on every time you start the engine,
even if you previously turned it off. If you turn
VSA off, your vehicle has normal braking and
cornering ability, but not VSA traction and stability
enhancement.
Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a
beep to turn VSA on or off. The VSA OFF indicator
appears when the system is off.
Traction control stops functioning, which may make
it easier when trying to free your vehicle if it is stuck
in mud or snow.
*if equipped

VSA OFF
indicator
VSA OFF
button
Ambient meter
Cruise Control*
Maintain a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on th\
e
accelerator pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where yo\
u can
travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Activating and Setting the Vehicle Speed 1. Press CRUISE. The CRUISE MAIN indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed (above 25 mph/ 40 km/h). Press -/SET and take your foot off the
pedal to set the speed. The CRUISE CONTROL
indicator appears.
Adjusting the Vehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase or -/SET to decrease.
Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is
increased or decreased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h). If you
keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or
decreases until you release it.
Canceling Cruise ControlPress CANCEL or the brake pedal. The CRUISE CONTROL
indicator goes off.
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still
resume the prior set speed by pressing RES/+ while
driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40 km/h).
Press CRUISE to turn the system off.
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather .
WARNING
*if equipped


CRUISE button
RES/+ button
-/SET button CANCEL button

102 || 103
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
DRIVING
If a Fuel Leak Is Detected
If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound (except when refueling\
), the
fuel system may have a leak. Turn off the manual shut-off valve immediately. You
should locate the valve before driving in case you need to turn it off q\
uickly.
1. Park your vehicle outside in a well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, and fl ame. Apply the
parking brake. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Open all windows and the trunk for proper ventilation.
3. Turn the manual shut-off valve one-quarter turn clockwise (as shown). The valve is turned to OFF.
4. Call a professional towing service (see page 106). Do not continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to
an authorized Civic Natural Gas dealer.
Manual shut-off valve
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Smart Entry Remote Battery Strength
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, a message appear\
s in the
display with information on how to start the engine.
1. Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the ENGINE START/STOP button while the indicator is
fl ashing.
2. With the brake pedal or clutch pedal pressed, press the ENGINE START/STOP button within 10
seconds.
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1. Connect the fi rst jumper cable to your vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the fi rst jumper cable to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt
booster battery only.
3. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster battery (-) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable to the grounding point as shown. Do not connect
this jumper cable to any other part.
5. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly.
6. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over slowly, make sure that the jumper cables have
good metal-to-metal contact.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
1.8 ℓ engine models
2.4 ℓ en gine mo dels
Booster battery
Booster battery
1.8 ℓ en gine mo dels
2.4 ℓ en gine mo dels