Heating HONDA CIVIC 2012 9.G User Guide

140
Controls
Heating and Cooling*
Using Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Mode Buttons
Change airflow.
Floor and defroster vents
Floor vents
Dashboard and floor vents
Dashboard vents
Fan Control Dial Adjusts the fan
speed. Rotate the
dial all the way to
OFF to turn
everything off.
Button *
Turns on the A/C, selects airflow
from the dashboard vents, and
switches the mode to recirculation.
A/C Button *
Press to cool the interior or
dehumidify while heating. Windshield Defroster Button
Turns on the A/C, selects airflow from
the defroster vents at the base of the
windshield, and switches the mode to
fresh air.
Temperature
Control Dial
Adjusts the interior
temperature.
(Recirculation) Button
Press the button and switch the mode
depending on environmental conditions.
Recirculation Mode (indicator on):
Recirculates air from the vehicle’s interior
through the system.
Fresh Air Mode (indicator off):
Maintains outside ventilation. Keep the system
in fresh air mode in normal situations.
* Not available on all models

Continued141
uuHeating and Cooling*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Controls
The heater uses engine coolant to warm the
air. 1.
Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2. Select .
3. Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
■ To rapidly warm up the interior
1. Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2. Select .
3. Set the temperature to maximum warm.
4. Press the button (the indicator on).
■ To dehumidify the interior *
When used in combination with the heater, the air conditioning system makes the
interior warm and dry and can prevent the windows from fogging up. 1. Turn the fan on.
2. Press the A/C button to turn on the air conditioning.
■Heating1Heating
When you select , the mode automatically
switches to fresh air.
1To rapidly warm up the interior
Change to fresh air mode as soon as the interior gets
warm enough. The windows may fog up if kept in
recirculation mode.
* Not available on all models

uuHeating and Cooling*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
142
Controls
1. Adjust the fan speed using the fan control dial.
2. Select .
3. Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
4. Press the A/C button (the indicator on).
■ To rapidly cool down the interior
1. Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2. Set the temperature to maximum cool.
3. Press the button (the indicator on).
Pressing the button turns the air
conditioning system on and automatically
switches the system to fresh air mode. ■ To rapidly defrost the windows
1. Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
4. Set the temperature to maximum warm.
■Cooling *1To rapidly cool down the interior
If the interior is very warm, you can cool it down
more rapidly by partially opening the windows.
While in the ECON mode, the system has greater
temperature fluctuations.
Pressing the button bypasses the ECON mode
control, and cools down the interior more rapidly.
■Defrosting the Windshield and Windows *1Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
For your safety, make sure you have a clear view
through all the windows before driving.
Do not set the temperature near the upper or lower
limit.
When cold air hits the windshield, the outside of the windshield may fog up.
If the side windows fog up, adjust the vents so that
the air hits the side windows.
1To rapidly defrost the windows
After defrosting or defogging the windows, switch
over to fresh air mode.
If you keep the system in recirculation mode, the
windows may fog up from humidity. This impedes
visibility.
* Not available on all models

210
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
•Closely watch your high temperature indicator. If the indicator remains on, turn
off the heating and cooling *
system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road
safely to cool down the engine if necessary.
• Shift to the
(d position if the transmission shifts frequently.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2 Emergency Towing P. 321
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
Automatic transmission models
* Not available on all models

211
Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P , then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N , it is safer to start it in (P.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(N . Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left foot.
uThe clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and cooling *
system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake PedalAutomatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

214
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic Transmission
The following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase creeping: •Immediately after the engine starts.
• When the heating and cooling *
system is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.
■Creeping
■Kickdown
* Not available on all models

239
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance Inspection and Maintenance ............ 240
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 241
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 242
Maintenance Minder™ .................... 243
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 251
Opening the Hood ........................... 253
Recommended Engine Oil ...... .......... 254
Oil Check ......................................... 255
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 257
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 258
Engine Coolant ................................ 261
Transmission Fluid ............................ 263
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 266
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 267
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 268
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 278
Checking and Maintaining Tires Checking Tires ................................. 280
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 281
Tire Labeling .................................... 281
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 283
Wear Indicators................................ 285 Tire Service Life ................................ 285
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 286
Tire Rotation .................................... 287
Winter Tires ..................................... 288
Battery ............................................... 289
Remote Transmitter Care *
Replacing the Battery ....................... 290
Heating and Cooling *
System
Maintenance ................................... 291
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 292
Exterior Care.................................... 294
* Not available on all models

280
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated. ■Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated 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 lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm 2
) per month.
■ Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.Look for:• Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
• Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
• Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
• Excessive tread wear.
2 Wear Indicators P. 285
• Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or release air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm 2
) higher than if
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly balanced.
3WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance.

291
Maintenance
Heating and Cooling*
System Maintenance
Dust and Pollen Filter *
The heating and cooling system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder TM
messages will let
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the heating and cooling system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.
* Not available on all models

297
Handling the UnexpectedThis chapter explains how to h andle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 298
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 299
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 306
Jump Starting .................................... 307
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 310
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 311 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 313
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 313
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 314
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 315
If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 315
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 316
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 316 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 317
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 318
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 320
Emergency Towing ........................... 321