vsa HONDA CIVIC 2008 8.G Owners Manual

If itcomesonandstaysonatany
other time, or if it does not come on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, there is a
problem with the VSA system. Take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it
checked. Without VSA, your vehicle
still has normal driving ability, but
will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. See pagef or more inf ormation on the
VSA system. This indicator has three f unctions:
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
It comes on as a reminder that you
have turned off the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system.
It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. See page f or more
inf ormation on the VSA system.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
This indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button (see
page ).
This indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page
f or inf ormation on operating the
cruise control. 1. 2. 3.
216
216
182
182 216
If equipped
If equipped If equipped If equipped
VSA A ctivation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
Cruise Main Indicator
Cruise Control Indicator
Instrument Panel Indicators
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ÎÎ
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Î
Î
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Î ÎÎ Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Ref er to the navigati
on system manual.
To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
If equipped
1:2:3:
Your Vehicle at a Glance
4
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENT WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS
(P. 71)
(P. 72)
Vehicle with navigation system is shown. (P. 75)HORN
CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONSPASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
INDICATOR
(P. 30)
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON
(P. 74)
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
(P. 74)
HEATED MIRRORS
INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS BUTTONS
(P. 73)
DISPLAY CHANGE
BUTTON
(P. 66)
SEL/RESET
BUTTON
VEHICLE STABILITY
ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH
REMOTE AUDIO
CONTROLS
VOICE CONTROL
SWITCHES
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
(P. 182)
(P. 66)
(P. 211)
(P. 171)
(P. 176)(P. 103)
1 2
2
2
2
3
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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Si
58
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
(P. 64)
MAINTENANCE MINDER
INDICATOR
(P. 62)
(P. 61)(P. 62)
(P. 64)
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
(P. 60)
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATORCRUISE MAIN
INDICATOR
(P. 64)
LIGHTS ON
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
(P. 61) (P. 60) SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P. 60)
TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
DAYTIME RUNNING
LIGHTS INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
(EPS) INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P. 62)
(P. 65, 277)
(P. 65, 277) (P. 65, 278)(P. 65, 223) (P. 61)
(P. 61)
(P. 63)(P. 63)
(P. 60) (P. 61)
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 65) REV LIMIT INDICATOR (P. 64)
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATORDOOR-OPEN INDICATOR (P. 59)
SIDE AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P. 59)
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS) INDICATOR
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR
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If equipped If equipped
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
If itcomesonandstaysonatany
other time, or if it does not come on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position, there is a
problem with the VSA system. Take
your vehicle to a dealer to have it
checked. Without VSA, your vehicle
still has normal driving ability, but
will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement. See pagef or more inf ormation on the
VSA system. This indicator has three f unctions:
Itcomesonasareminderthatyou
have turned off the vehicle
stability assist (VSA) system.
It flashes when VSA is active (see
page ).
It comes on along with the VSA
system indicator if there is a
problem with the VSA system.
This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. See page f or more
inf ormation on the VSA system. This indicator normally comes on
when you turn the ignition switch to
the ON (II) position and goes of f
af ter the engine starts. If it comes on
at any other time, there is a problem
in the electric power steering system.
If this happens, stop the vehicle in a
safe place, and turn off the engine.
Reset the system by restarting the
engine. The indicator will not turn
of f immediately. If it does not go of f
after driving a short distance, or
comes back on again while driving,
take the vehicle to your dealer to
have it checked. With the indicator
on, the EPS may be of f , making the
vehicle harder to steer.
1. 2. 3.
210 210
210
Instrument Panel Indicators
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator VSA A ctivation Indicator Electric Power Steering
(EPS) Indicator
Si and Canadian DX-G with manual
t ransmission models
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Î
Î
Î Î Î
Î
Î ÎÎ Only on vehicles equipped with navigation system. Ref er to the navigati on system manual.
To use the horn, press the center pad of the steering wheel.
If equipped
1:2:3:
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
70
HEADLIGHTS/
TURN SIGNALS
HAZARD WARNING
BUTTON
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
SEL/RESET BUTTON WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS
DISPLAY CHANGE BUTTON
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
(P. 73)
(P. 66)
(P. 66)
(P. 74)
(P. 74)
(P. 30)
(P. 72)
(P. 71)
STEERING WHEEL
ADJUSTMENT HORN
(P. 75)
Vehicle with navigation system is shown. HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
(P. 182)VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS
VOICE CONTROL SWITCHES HEATED MIRRORS
(P. 211)
(P. 171)
(P. 103)CRUISE CONTROL
BUTTONS
(P. 176)
1
2
2 3 2
2
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on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
It only helps with the
steering control during braking.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe
speed f or the road and weather
conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
If the ABS indicator and the brake
system indicator come on together,
and the parking brake is f ully
released, the EBD system may also
be shut down.
Test your brakes as instructed on
page . If the brakes f eel normal,
drive slowly and have your vehicle
repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden hard braking
which could cause the rear wheels to
lock up and possibly lead to a loss of
control.
The VSA indicator will come on
alongwiththeABSindicator.
279
On vehicles with VSA system
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle.
Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving
209
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The vehicle stability assist (VSA)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns
more or less than desired. It also
assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or
slippery road surf aces. It does this
by regulating the engine’s output and
by selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice
that the engine does not respond to
the accelerator in the same way it
does at other times. There may also
be some noise f rom the VSA
hydraulic system. You will also see
the VSA activation indicator blink.
The VSA system cannot enhance the
vehicle’s driving stability in all
situations and does not control your
vehicle’s entire braking system. It is
still your responsibility to drive and
corner at reasonable speeds and to
leave a sufficient margin of safety.When VSA activates, you will see the
VSA Activation indicator blinks.
If this indicator comes on while
driving, pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e, and turn of f the
engine. Reset the system by
restarting the engine. If the VSA
system indicator stays on or comes
back on while driving, have the VSA
system inspected by your dealer.
Without VSA, your vehicle will have
normal braking and cornering ability,
but it will not have VSA traction and
stability enhancement.
If the low tire pressure indicator or
TPMS indicator comes on, the VSA
system automatically turns on even if
the VSA system is turned of f by
pressing the VSA OFF switch (see
page ). If this happens, you
cannot turn the VSA system of f by
pressing the VSA of f switch again.
If the indicator does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON (II) position, there may be a
problem with the VSA system. Have
your dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.
If equipped
211
On U.S. models
VSA A ctivation Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA ) System Indicator
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
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This switch is under the lef t vent.
Press it to turn the VSA system on
and off.
When VSA is off, the VSA activation
indicator comes on as a reminder.In certain unusual conditions when
your vehicle gets stuck in shallow
mud or f resh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA temporarily
switched of f . When the VSA system
is of f , the traction control system is
alsooff.Youshouldonlyattemptto
f ree your vehicle with the VSA of f if
you are not able to f ree it when the
VSA is on.
Immediately af ter f reeing your
vehicle, be sure to switch the VSA on
again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA and
traction control systems switched off.
VSA is turned on every time you
start the engine, even if you turned it
off the last time you drove the
vehicle. Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malf unction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page ).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
260
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System
VSA Of f Switch
VSA and Tire Sizes
Driving
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For example, if you check and f ill
your tires in a warm area, then drive
in extremely cold weather, the tire
pressure will be lower than
measured and could be underinf lated
and cause the low tire pressure
indicator to come on. Or, if you
check and adjust your tire pressure
in cooler conditions, and drive into
extremely hot conditions, the tire
maybecomeoverinflated.However,
the low tire pressure indicator will
not come on if the tires are
overinf lated.
Refer to page for tire inflation
guidelines.When you restart the vehicle with
thecompactsparetire,theTPMS
indicator may also come on and stay
on after driving several miles
(kilometers).
Although your tire pressure is
monitored, you must manually check
thetirepressuresmonthly.
Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold, and
set to the recommended inf lation
pressure as specif ied on the tire information label and in the owner’s
manual (see page ).
This indicator comes on and stays on
if there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system.
If this happens, the system will shut
of f and no longer monitor tire
pressures. Have the system checked
by your dealer as soon as possible.
If the low tire pressure indicator or
TPMS indicator comes on, the VSA
system automatically turns on even if
the VSA system is turned of f by
pressing the VSA OFF switch (see
page ). If this happens, you
cannot turn the VSA system of f by
pressing the VSA of f switch again.
254 255
211 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (T PMS) Indicator
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Driving
213
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Themileageyoucanexpectfrom
yourvehicletiresisthesameas
comparable mid-and rear-engine
sports cars, and it will vary greatly
with your driving habits.
If you drive moderately, the f ront
tires could last more than 10,000
miles (16,000 km). However, the
mileage will be substantially less if
you tend to drive your vehicle at the
upper limits of its capabilities.
You should caref ully inspect your
vehicle’s tires f or wear, damage, and
proper inf lation every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km).Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire’s sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a dif f erent
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
It is best to replace all f our tires at
thesametime.If thatisnotpossible
or necessary, replace the two f ront
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
af f ect your vehicle’s handling.The ABS and VSA system work by
comparing the speed of the wheels.
When replacing tires, use the same
size originally supplied with the
vehicle. Tire size and construction
can af f ect wheel speed and may
cause the ABS or VSA system to
activate.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel’s specif ications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specif ic wheels (if equipped). If you
do not, the tire pressure monitoring
system will not work.
CONT INUED
Tires
Replacing T ires and Wheels
Maint enance
259
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