api HONDA CIVIC 2012 9.G Owners Manual

73
uuIndicatorsu
Continued
Instrument Panel
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
Turn Signal
Indicators
●
The turn signal indicators blink when
you operate the turn signal lever.
● If you press the hazard warning
button, both indicators and all turn
signals blink at the same time.● Does not blink or blinks rapidly - A
turn signal light bulb has blown.
Change the bulb immediately. 2Replacing Light Bulbs
P. 273, 275
—
High-Beam
Indicator●
Comes on when the high beam
headlights are on.
——
Lights On
Indicator
●Comes on whenever the light switch
is on, or in AUTO *
when the exterior
lights are on.● If you remove the key from the ignition
switch while the exterior lights are on, a
chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened.
—
Fog Light
Indicator *●
Comes on when the fog lights are
on.
——
Side Airbag Off
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON
(w , then goes off.
● Comes on when the passenger side
airbag system is automatically shut
off.
● It does not mean there is a problem
with your side airbags.
● Comes on when nobody is sitting in
the passenger seat - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.
● Comes on when someone is sitting
in the seat - Have the passenger sit
properly.U.S.
Canada
* 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

231
uuBrakinguABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer." ■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICE
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS: • When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.
• When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

237
Driving
Fuel Economy
Improving Fuel Economy
Fuel economy depends on several conditions, including driving conditions, your
driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and loading. Depending on these and
other conditions, you may or may not achieve the rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the information display *
/multi-information display *
.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.
■Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/
Miles driven Gallons of
fuel Miles per
Gallon
100 Liter Kilometers L per 100 km
* Not available on all models

254
uuMaintenance Under the HooduRecommended Engine Oil
Maintenance
Recommended Engine OilOil is a major contributor to your engine's
performance and longevity. If you drive the
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil,
the engine may fail or be damaged.
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving
and that it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
Use a Genuine Honda Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for
the ambient temperature as shown.
■ Synthetic oil
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is the specified viscosity grade.
• Genuine Honda Motor Oil
• Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the
container.1Recommended Engine Oil
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,
they may adversely affect the engine performance
and durability.
Ambient Temperature

uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
264
Maintenance
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature. 1.Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove the bolts with a wrench, then
carefully remove the under cover.
3. Remove the holding clip and the bolt, then
bend down the front edge of the left side
under cover as shown in the image.
■Manual Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
1Manual Transmission Fluid
If Honda MTF is not available, you may use the API
certificated SAE 0 W-20 or 5 W-20 viscosity motor oil
as a temporary measure.
Replace with MTF as soon as possible. Motor oil does
not contain the proper additives for the transmission
and continued use can cause decreased shifting
performance and lead to transmission damage.
Under CoverBolt
1.8  engine
models
1.8  engine models
Bolt
Clip
Left Side
Under Cover1.8  engine
models

313
Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low. ■ What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■ What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.
uAdd oil as necessary.
3. Start the engine and check the low oil pressure indicator.
uThe light goes out: Start driving again.
uThe light does not go out within 10 seconds: Stop the engine and
contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged. ■ What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the heating and cooling *
system, rear defogger, and other
electrical systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICE
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.
1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engine may rapidly discharge the battery.
* Not available on all models

325
uuSpecificationsu
Continued
Information
■Brake/Clutch Fluid
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
■Manual Transmission Fluid
SpecifiedHonda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
SpecifiedHonda ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission fluid)
Capacity Change 2.5 US qt (2.4 ℓ)
SpecifiedHonda Manual Transmission Fluid
Capacity Change 1.5 US qt (1.4 ℓ)
■Engine Oil
■Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 3.7 US qt (3.5 ℓ)
Change
including
filter
3.9 US qt (3.7 ℓ)
SpecifiedHonda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.48 US gal (5.59 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.125 US gal (0.475 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■Tire
*1: DX and LX models
*2: HF model
*3: EX and EX-L models
Regular
SizeP195/65R15 89H *1
P195/65R15 89S *2
P205/55R16 89H *3
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
])30 (210 [2.1]) *1
32 (220 [2.2]) *2, *3
Compact
Spare Size T135/80D15 99M
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular15 x 6J
*1, *2
16 x 6 1/2J *3
Compact Spare15 x 4T

327
uuSpecificationsu
Information
■Brake/Clutch Fluid
■Manual Transmission Fluid
SpecifiedHonda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
SpecifiedHonda Manual Transmission Fluid
Capacity Change 2.0 US qt (1.9 ℓ)
■Engine Oil
■Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 4.2 US qt (4.0 ℓ)
Change
including
filter
4.4 US qt (4.2 ℓ)
SpecifiedHonda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.45 US gal (5.5 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.125 US gal (0.475 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■Tire
*1: Optional for U.S. models (summer tires)
Regular
SizeP215/45R17 87V
215/45ZR17 91W *1
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
])32 (220 [2.2])
Compact
Spare Size T135/80D16 101M
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular17 x 7J
Compact Spare16 x 4T