brake fluid HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2013 9.G Owners Manual

20Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P251)
Under the Hood
(P259)
●Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
●Check brake fluid.
●Check the 12 volt battery regularly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P271)
●Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P277)
●Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P279)
●Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
●Check tire pressures regularly.
●Install snow tires for winter driving.

68Instrument Panel
IndicatorsIndicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
(Red)
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.
●Comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and goes off when it is
released.●Comes on when the brake fluid
level is low.●Comes on if there is a problem
with the brake system.●The beeper sounds and the
indicator comes on if you drive
with the parking brake not fully
released.
●Comes on while driving - Make sure
the parking brake is released. Check the
brake fluid level.
2What to do when the indicator
comes on while driving P. 319
●Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have the vehicle checked by a
dealer.
2If the Brake System Indicator (Red)
Comes On P. 319
Brake System
Indicator
(Amber)
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.
●Comes on if there is a problem
with the cooperative control with
regenerative brake.
●Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer. Normal braking is
not affected.
U.S.
Canada(Red)U.S.
Canada(Amber)

217
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingAvoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■In Rain■Other Precautions
1Precautions While DrivingNOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK
(0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 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 first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
NOTICEFollowing can damage the under spoiler:•Parking the vehicle by a parking block•Parallel parking along the road shoulder•Driving towards the bottom of a hill•Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)•Driving on a rutted or bumpy road•Driving on a road with potholes

Continued
223
uuWhen DrivinguAuto Idle Stop
Driving
The vehicle stops with the shift lever in
(D and the brake pedal depressed.
■Auto idle stop does not activate when:
•The low temperature indicator is on.
•The IMA battery charge is low.
•The bars of the electric motor power flow monitor do not move when
accelerating or decelerating.
•The transmission fluid temperature is low.
•The vehicle comes to a stop again before the vehicle speed reaches 9 mph (15
km/h) after the engine starts.
•Stopped on a steep incline.
•The shift lever is in a position other than
(D or
(N.
■Auto idle stop may not activate when:
•Even if the set temperature and the actual interior temperature are around the
same ambient conditions (strong sunlight, high or low temperature, etc.) can
prevent Auto Idle Stop from activating.
•The vehicle is stopped by braking suddenly.■Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
1Auto Idle Stop Activates When:
The Auto Idle Stop may also activate when the brake
pedal is depressed, and the vehicle slows down to a
speed below 6 mph (10 km/h).

251
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 252Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 253Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 254
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 255
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 259Opening the Hood ........................... 260
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 261
Oil Check ......................................... 262
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 263Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 264
Engine Coolant ................................ 266
Transmission Fluid ............................ 268
Brake Fluid ....................................... 269
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 270
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 271Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 277Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 279
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 280
Tire Labeling .................................... 280DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 282Wear Indicators................................ 284Tire Service Life ................................ 284
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 285
Tire Rotation .................................... 286
Winter Tires ..................................... 287
12 Volt Battery.................................. 288
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 289
Climate Control System Maintenance...... 290Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 291
Exterior Care.................................... 293

252Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.■Periodic inspections
•Check the continuously variable transmission fluid level monthly.2Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid P. 268
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Checking the Brake Fluid P. 269
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 279
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 271
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 277
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the intelligent multi-information display.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 257
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 335
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.U.S. models

257
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid 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.
Maintenance Minder
Message System Message
Indicator
Sub Items Main
Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
●Check the expiration date for TRK bottle
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant

259Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap) Engine Oil
Dipstick
(Orange Loop)
Radiator Cap Engine Oil Fill
Cap
Automatic
Transmission
(CVT) Fluid
Dipstick
(Yellow Loop)
Engine Coolant Reservoir12 Volt Battery

269
uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake Fluid
Maintenance
Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level several seconds after you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w.
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake FluidNOTICEBrake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MAX
MIN

319
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
•The brake fluid is low.
•There is a malfunction in the brake system.■What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
•If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
•If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
•Comes on when there is a problem with EPS system.
•If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.■What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the transmission.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada
(Red)
1If the EPS System Indicator Comes OnNOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS system is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.