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
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
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
104 || 105
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order:
1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your engine hanger.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’\
s (-) terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’\
s (+) terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Shift Lever Does Not Move*
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Par\
k (P).
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition, or remove the built-in key from the remote transmitter.
3. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small fl at-tip screwdriver to remove the cover of the shift lock
release slot. Put the tip of the fl at-tip screwdriver
into the slot and remove it as shown in the image.
4. Insert the key into the shift lock release slot.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever release button and place the shift lever into Neutral
(N). The lock is now released. Have the shift lever
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
*if equipped
Slot
Cover
Release
button Shift lock
release slot
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriou\
sly
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open fl ames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
WARNING
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.
Reserve tank
MAXMIN
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
108 || 109
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
*if equipped
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes fl at while driving, grasp the steering wheel fi rmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the fl at tire with the compact
spare tire*. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size ti\
re repaired or
replaced.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire
Park the vehicle on a fi rm, level, non-slippery surface. Apply the parking brake,
shift to Park (P), and turn the vehicle off. Turn on the hazard warning lights.
1. Open the trunk fl oor lid.
2. Take the tool case out of the trunk. Take the jack and wheel nut wrench out of the tool case.
3. Unscrew the wing bolt, then remove the spacer cone. Remove the spare tire.
4. Place the compact spare tire (wheel side up) under the vehicle body, near the tire that needs
to be replaced. If necessary, remove the center
cap from the wheel with the jack handle bar.
5. Loosen each wheel nut about one turn using the wheel nut wrench.
Tool case
Spare tire
Setting Up the Jack
1. Place the jack under the jacking point closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket clockwise (as shown in the image) until the top of the jack contacts the
jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point
tab is resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and the jack handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
• Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
• Use the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the w\
eight (“load”) or fi t the jacking point.
• Do not use while the engine is running.
• Use only where the ground is fi rm and level.
• Use only at the jacking points.
• Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
• Do not put anything on top of or underneath the jack.
Jack
handle
bar Wheel nut
W rench as jack handle
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone unde\
rneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly , and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
W ARNING
110 || 111
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Replacing the Flat Tire
1. Remove the wheel nuts, wheel cover (if necessary), and fl at tire.
2. Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the wheel nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not overtighten the
wheel nuts.
If you drive with the spare tire installed, the
low tire pressure/TPMS indicator appears. The
indicator stays on until a regular tire is installed.
Storing the Flat Tire 1. Remove the center cap, if necessary.
2. Open the trunk. Place the fl at tire face down in the spare tire well.
3. Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, fl ip it over, and insert it back on the bolt. Secure the fl at
tire with the wing bolt.
4. Securely put the jack and wheel nut wrench back in the tool case. Store the case in the trunk.
Loose items can fl y around the interior in a crash and can seriously injure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
W ARNING
Civic Si models: Do not mount the compact spare tire on the front, as it\
may
damage the differential. If a front tire goes fl at, replace it with the rear tire from
the same side, and mount the compact spare tire in the rear .
NOTICE
For full-
size tire
For compact
spare tire
Wing bolt
spacer
cone
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 Tire
1. 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.
*if equipped
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.
W ARNING