291 HONDA CIVIC 2012 9.G Owners Manual

Contents
This owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of the Civic 4-Door. You may
find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.2 Safe Driving P. 23
For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 28 Airbags P. 35
2Instrument Panel P. 65
Indicators P. 66 Gauges and Displays P. 78
2Controls P. 97
Setting the Clock P. 98 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 99
Opening and Closing the Moonroof *
P. 116
Adjusting the Seats P. 126
2 Features P. 143
Audio System *
P. 144 Audio System Basic Operation *
P. 147
Bluetooth ®
HandsFreeLink ®*
P. 177
2 Driving P. 201
Before Driving P. 202 Towing a Trailer P. 207
Refueling P. 234 Fuel Economy P. 237
2Maintenance P. 239
Before Performing Maintenance P. 240 Maintenance Minder™ P. 243
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 278
Heating and Cooling *
System Maintenance P. 291
2 Handling the Unexpected P. 297
Tools P. 298 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 299
Overheating P. 311 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 313
2Information P. 323
Specifications P. 324 Identification Numbers P. 328
Emissions Testing P. 331 Warranty Coverages P. 333
Main Menu2012 Civic 4D Online Reference Owner's Manual

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

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

INDEX
337
INDEX
INDEX
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 231
Accessories and Modifications ................ 238
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 137
Additives Coolant .................................................. 261
Engine Oil ............................................... 254
Washer ................................................... 267
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 254
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 133
Front Seats.............................................. 126
Head Restraints ....................................... 129
Mirrors.................................................... 125
Rear Seats ............................................... 132
Steering Wheel ....................................... 124
Temperature ............................................. 85
Air Conditioning System (Heating and Cooling System) ...................................... 140
Cooling................................................... 142
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 142
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 291
Heating................................................... 141
Air Pressure .............................. 281, 325, 327
Airbags ....................................................... 35
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 41
After a Collision ........................................ 39
Airbag Care .............................................. 49
Event Data Recorder ................................. 21
Front Airbags (SRS) ................................... 38 Indicator ........................................ 46, 69, 73
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 47
Sensors...................................................... 35
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 44
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 48
Side Airbags .............................................. 42
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 45
AM/FM Radio .................................... 149, 158
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 231
Indicator .................................................... 69
Armrest ..................................................... 133
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 156
Audio System ............................................ 144
Adjusting the Sound ........................ 148, 157
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Error Messages ........................................ 172
General Information ................................ 174
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 167
Reactivating............................................. 146
Recommended CDs ................................. 174
Recommended Devices ............................ 176
Remote Controls ..................................... 156
Security Code .......................................... 146
Theft Protection....................................... 146
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 145
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 176
Authorized Manuals ................................. 335
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 105
Customize ................................... 88, 92, 106
Automatic Lighting .................................. 119
Automatic Transmission ........................... 214 Creeping ................................................. 214
Fluid ........................................................ 263
Kickdown ................................................ 214
Operating the Shift Lever................... 15, 216
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 310
Shifting ................................................... 215
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Average Fuel Economy ........................ 81, 84
Average Speed ........................................... 84
B
Battery ...................................................... 289
Charging System Indicator................. 67, 313
Jump Starting .......................................... 307
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 289
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 290
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 28
Beverage Holders ..................................... 136
Bluetooth ®
Audio ..................................... 170
Bluetooth ®
HandsFreeLink ®
..................... 177
Booster Seats (For Children) ...................... 61
Brake System ............................................ 229
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 231
Brake Assist System ................................. 232
Fluid ........................................................ 266
Foot Brake............................................... 230
Indicator............................................ 66, 315
Parking Brake .......................................... 229
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 122

338
INDEX
Bulb Replacement..................................... 268
Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn Signal Light and Rear Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 275
Fog Lights ................................................ 272
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Lights..................................................... 273
Headlights ............................................... 268
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 277
Rear License Plate Light............................ 276
Bulb Specifications ............................ 324, 326
C
Carbon Monoxide Gas ................................ 62
Carrying Cargo .................................. 203, 205
CD Player ........................................... 151, 161
Certification Label .................................... 328
Changing Bulbs ......................................... 268
Charging System Indicator ................. 67, 313
Child Safety ................................................. 50
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 104
Emergency Trunk Opener ........................ 111
Child Seat .................................................... 50
Booster Seats ............................................. 61
Child Seat for Infants ................................. 52
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 53
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Seat Belt.................................... 57
Larger Children .......................................... 60
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 52 Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 54
Using a Tether ........................................... 59
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 104
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 294
Cleaning the Interior ................................ 292
Clock ............................................................ 98
Clutch Fluid ............................................... 266
Coat Hook ................................................. 138
Compact Spare Tire .................. 299, 325, 327
Console Compartment ............................. 135
Controls ....................................................... 97
Coolant (Engine) ...................................... 261
Adding to the Radiator ......... ............... .... 262
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 261
High Temperature Indicator ....................... 69
Low Temperature Indicator........................ 74
Overheating ............................................ 311
Creeping (Automatic Transmission) ........ 214
Cruise Control ........................................... 220
Indicator.................................................... 75
Cup Holders .............................................. 136
Customer Service Information ................. 336
Customized Features .................................. 86
D
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 120
Dead Battery ............................................. 307
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ................................................. 142
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ............... 329Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 118
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 125
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................ 255
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) ............. 118
Display/Information Button ...................... 82
Door Mirrors ............................................. 125
Doors .......................................................... 99
Auto Door Locking.................................. 105
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 105
Door Open Indicator ........................... 27, 70
Keys.......................................................... 99
Locking/Unlocking the Doors
from the Inside...................................... 103
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside................................... 101
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 102
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 283
Driving ...................................................... 201
Automatic Transmission .......................... 214
Braking ................................................... 229
Cruise Control ........................................ 220
Shifting Gear ...... ............................ 215, 217
Starting the Engine ................................. 211
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 291
E
Eco Assist System .......................................... 7
ECON Button ............................................ 123
Elapsed Time .............................................. 84

339
INDEX
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)Indicator ........................................... 71, 315
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 223
Emergency ................................................ 321
Emergency Trunk Opener ....................... 111
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 331
Engine ....................................................... 328
Coolant .................................................. 261
Jump Starting ......................................... 307
Oil .......................................................... 254
Starting................................................... 211
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 117
Engine Coolant ........................................ 261
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 262
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 261
High Temperature Indicator ....... ............... 69
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 74
Overheating ............................................ 311
Engine Oil ................................................. 254
Adding ................................................... 257
Checking ................................................ 255
Displaying Oil Life ........................... 243, 247
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 254
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System) .............................................. 71, 315
Exhaust Gas Hazard
(Carbon Monoxide) .................................. 62
Exterior Care (Cleaning) .......................... 294
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 125 F Features
..................................................... 143
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 291
Oil ........................................................... 258
Flat Tire ..................................................... 299
Floor Mats ................................................. 293
Fluids Automatic Transmission........................... 263
Brake/Clutch............................................ 266
Engine Coolant........................................ 261
Manual Transmission ............................... 264
Windshield Washer.................................. 267
Fog Light Indicator ..................................... 73
Folding Down the Rear Seats .................. 132
Foot Brake ................................................. 230
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 38
Front Seats ................................................ 126
Adjusting................................................. 126
Fuel ...................................................... 16, 234
Economy ................................................. 237
Gauge ....................................................... 78
Instant Fuel Economy........................... 78, 85
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 68
Range.................................................. 81, 84
Recommendation .................................... 234
Refueling ................................................. 234
Fuel Economy ............................................ 237
Fuel Fill Cap ......................................... 16, 236
Message .................................................. 314
Fuel Fill Door ....................................... 16, 235 Fuses
.......................................................... 318
Inspecting and Changing........ ................. 320
Locations......................................... 318, 319
G
Gasoline (Fuel) Economy ................................................. 237
Gauge ....................................................... 78
Information ............................................. 234
Instant Fuel Economy .......................... 78, 85
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 68
Refueling................................................. 234
Gauges ........................................................ 78
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission .......................... 215
Manual Transmission ............................... 218
Glass (care) ................................................ 295
Glove Box .................................................. 135
H
Halogen Bulbs .................................. 268, 272
Handling the Unexpected ........................ 297
HandsFreeLink® (HFL) ............................. 177
Automatic Import of Cellular Phonebook
and Call History ..................................... 191
Automatic Transferring............................ 189
Caller’s ID Information............................. 189
HFL Buttons............................................. 177
HFL Menus .............................................. 179

340
INDEX
HFL Status Display.................................... 178
Making a Call .......................................... 195
Options During a Call .............................. 200
Phone Setup ............................................ 183
Receiving a Call ....................................... 199
Speed Dial ............................................... 192
To Clear the System ................................. 190
To Create a Security PIN........................... 188
Hazard Warning Button ............................... 2
Head Restraints ......................................... 129
Headlights ................................................. 118
Aiming .................................................... 268
Automatic Operation ............................... 119
Dimming ......................................... 118, 120
Operating ................................................ 118
Heaters (Seat) ............................................ 139
Heating and Cooling System .................... 140
Cooling ................................................... 142
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 142
Dust and Pollen Filter ............................... 291
Heating ................................................... 141
HFL (HandsFreeLink ®
)............................... 177
High-Beam Indicator .................................. 73
I
Identification Numbers ............................ 328
Engine and Transmission.......................... 328
Vehicle Identification ............................... 328
Ignition Switch .......................................... 117 Illumination Control
................................. 122
Knob ....................................................... 122
Immobilizer System .................................. 112
Indicator.................................................... 74
Indicators .................................................... 66
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................... 69
Charging System ............................... 67, 313
CRUISE CONTROL ............................. 75, 221
CRUISE MAIN .................................... 75, 220
Daytime Running Lights............................. 71
Door Open .......................................... 27, 70
ECON Mode ...................................... 75, 123
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System) ........................................... 71, 315
Fog Light ................................................... 73
High Temperature ..................................... 69
High-Beam ................................................ 73
Immobilizer System ................................... 74
i-VTEC ................................................. 75, 79
Lights On .................................................. 73
Low Fuel ................................................... 68
Low Oil Pressure ................................ 66, 313
Low Temperature ...................................... 74
Low Tire Pressure .............................. 72, 225
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS ............. 72, 225, 226
Maintenance Minder ......................... 75, 243
Malfunction Indicator Lamp............... 67, 314
Parking Brake and Brake System ........ 66, 315
REV ..................................................... 75, 79
Seat Belt Reminder .............................. 29, 68
Security System Alarm ............................... 74 Shift Position............................................. 67
Side Airbag Off ................................... 48, 73
Supplemental Restraint System ........... 46, 69
System Message ....................................... 72
TPMS ................................................ 71, 227
Transmission ............................................. 68
Trunk Open .............................................. 71
Turn Signal ............................................... 73 VSA
®
(Vehicle Stability Assist)
System ............................................ 70, 223
VSA ®
OFF .......................................... 70, 224
Washer Level ............................................ 75
Information .............................................. 323
Information Display ................................... 80
Instant Fuel Economy .......................... 78, 85
Instrument Panel ........................................ 65
Brightness Control .................................. 122
Interior Lights ........................................... 134
Interior Rearview Mirror ......................... 125
i-VTEC and REV Indicators ......................... 79
J
Jack (Wheel Nut Wrench) ........................ 302
Jump Starting ........................................... 307
K
Key Number Tag ...................................... 100
Keyless Lockout Prevention ..................... 102

341
INDEX
Keys............................................................. 99
Lockout Prevention ................................. 102
Master Keys .............................................. 99
Number Tag............................................ 100
Rear Door Won’t Open ........................... 104
Remote Transmitter ................................ 101
Types and Functions.................................. 99
Valet Key ................................................ 100
Won’t Turn ............................................... 19
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission) ...... 214
L
Language (HFL) ........................................ 178
LATCH (Child Seats) ................................... 55
Lights ................................................ 118, 268
Automatic............................................... 119
Bulb Replacement ................................... 268
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 120
Fog Lights ............................................... 120
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 73
Interior.................................................... 134
Light Switches......................................... 118
Lights On Indicator.................................... 73
Turn Signals ............................................ 118
Load Limits ............................................... 205
Locking/Unlocking ..................................... 99
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .... ............. 105
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 104
From Inside ............................................. 103
From Outside .......................................... 101 Keys .......................................................... 99
Using a Key ............................................. 102
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 102
Low Battery Charge .................................. 313
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 68
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Lower Anchors ............................................ 55
Lubricant Specifications Chart ......... 324, 326
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 205
M
Maintenance ............................................. 239
Battery .................................................... 289
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 266
Cleaning.................................................. 292
Coolant ................................................... 261
Heating and Cooling System.................... 291
Maintenance Minder™............................ 243
Oil ........................................................... 255
Precautions.............................................. 240
Radiator .................................................. 262
Remote Transmitter ................................. 290
Replacing Light Bulbs............................... 268
Safety ...................................................... 241
Service Items ................................... 245, 249
Tires ........................................................ 280
Transmission Fluid ................................... 263
Under the Hood ...................................... 251
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 67, 314
Manual Transmission ................................ 217 Map Lights
................................................ 134
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 205
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 78
Mirrors ...................................................... 125
Adjusting ................................................ 125
Door ....................................................... 125
Exterior ................................................... 125
Interior Rearview ..................................... 125
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 238
Moonroof ................................................. 116
MP3 ........................................... 151, 161, 167
Multi-Information Display ......................... 82
N
Numbers (Identification) .......................... 328
O
Odometer ............................................. 80, 83
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 254
Adding .................................................... 257
Checking................................................. 255
Displaying Oil Life ............................ 243, 247
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 254
Viscosity .................................................. 254
Opening/Closing Hood....................................................... 253
Moonroof ............................................... 116
Power Windows ...................................... 114