tow HONDA CIVIC 2013 9.G Owner's Manual

267
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1 Opening the HoodNOTICEDo not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod Grip
Clamp

269
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Continued
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange handle).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
2.4 ℓ engine models1.8 ℓ engine models

282Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Push the tab to remove the coupler.
2. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.High beam headlight:
60 W (HB3 for halogen bulb type)
Low beam headlight:
51 W (HB4 for halogen bulb type)
■High Beam Headlight
1Headlight BulbsNOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
When replacing a halogen bulb, handle it by its base,
and protect the glass from contact with your skin or
hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a car wash or
while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Tab
Coupler
Bulb

306Maintenance
BatteryChecking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 152
2 Entering the audio security code P. 152
•The clock
* resets.
2 Setting the Clock P. 98
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminal with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
3
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator window
* Not available on all models

313
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 314
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 315
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire....... 322
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 330
Jump Starting .................................... 331
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 334
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 335 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 337If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 337
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 338If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 339If the EPS System Indicator Comes On .... 339If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks........................ 340 Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 341
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 343
Emergency Towing ........................... 344

322
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
Temporarily Repairing a Flat TireThis vehicle is not equipped with a spare tire. If the tire has a large cut or is otherwise
severely damaged, you will need to have the vehicle towed. If the tire only has a
small puncture, from a nail for instance, you can use the temporary tire repair kit so
that you can drive to the nearest service station for a more permanent repair.
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then stop in a safe place.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery surface and apply the parking
brake.
2. Put the shift lever in
(P.
3. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0.
u When towing a trailer, unhitch the trailer.
■Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat TireModels with tire repair kit
1Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
The kit should not be used in the following situations.
Instead, contact a dealer or a roadside assistant to
have the vehicle towed.•The tire sealant has expired.•More than two tires are punctured.•The puncture or cut is larger than 3/16 inch (4mm).•The tire side wall is damaged or the puncture is
outside the tire contact area.•Damage has been caused by driving with the tire
extremely under inflated.•The tire bead is no longer seated.•The rim is damaged.
Do not remove a nail or screw that punctured the
tire. If you remove it from the tire, you may not be
able to repair the puncture using the kit.NOTICEDo not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the
one provided in the kit that came with your vehicle. If
a different agent is used, you may permanently
damage the tire pressure sensor.
When the puncture is:
Kit Use
Smaller than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
Yes
Larger than 3/16 inch (4 mm)
No
Contact
Area
Instruction
Manual
Air Only Hose (Black) Speed Restriction Label Repair Notification Label
Pressure Relief
Button Inflator Switch
Selector Switch
SEALANT/AIR side Sealant/Air Hose (Clear) AIR ONLY side
Power Plug
Pressure Gauge
Tire Sealant
Expiration Date

Continued
325
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
4. Plug in the compressor to the accessory
power socket.
u Be careful not to pinch the cord in a
door or window.
5. Start the engine.
u Keep the engine running while injecting
sealant and air.
2 Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 62
6.Turn the selector switch to SEALANT/
AIR .
7. Press the inflator switch to turn on the
compressor.
u The compressor starts injecting sealant
and air into the tire.
8. When the sealant injection is complete,
continue to add air.
9. After the air pressure reaches 32 psi (220
kPa), turn off the kit.
u To check the pressure, occasionally turn
off the compressor and read the gauge.
1Injecting Sealant and AirNOTICEDo not operate the tire repair kit compressor for
more than 15 minutes. The accessory power socket
and compressor can overheat and become
permanently damaged.
Until the sealant injection is complete, the pressure
shown on the pressure gauge will appear higher than
actual. After the sealant injection is complete the
pressure will drop and then begin to rise again as the
tire is inflated with air. This is normal. To accurately
measure the air pressure using the gauge, turn the air
compressor off only after the sealant injection is
complete.
If the required air pressure is not reached within 10
minutes, the tire may be too severely damaged for
the kit to provide the necessary seal and your vehicle
will need to be towed.
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engine to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
SEALANT/AIR side
Pressure Gauge
ON
OFF

Continued
327
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
4. Recheck the air pressure using the air only
hose on the compressor.
5. Turn the selector switch to AIR ONLY.
u Do not turn the air compressor on to
check the pressure.
2 Inflating An Under-inflated Tire P. 328
6.If the air pressure is:
• Less than 19 psi (130 kPa):
Do not add air or continue driving. The
leak is too severe. Call for help and have
your vehicle towed.
2 Emergency Towing P. 344•32 psi (220 kPa) or more:
Continue driving for another 10 minutes
or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
u If the air does not go down after the 10
minute driving, you do not need to check
the pressure any more.
• Greater than 19 psi (130kPa), but less
than 32 psi (220 kPa):
Turn the air compressor on to inflate the
tire until the tire pressure reaches 32 psi
(220 kPa).
Then drive carefully for 10 more minutes
or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
u You should repeat this procedure as long
as the air pressure is within this range.
7. Repackage and properly stow the kit.
1Distributing the Sealant in the Tire
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engine to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
Air Only Hose

329
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
7. Plug in the kit to the accessory power
socket.
u Be careful not to pinch the cord in a
door or window.
8. Start the engine.
u Keep the engine running while injecting
air.
2 Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 62
9.Turn the selector switch to AIR ONLY.
10. Press the inflator switch to turn on the kit.
u The compressor starts to inject air into
the tire.
11. Inflate the tire to the specified air pressure.
12. Turn off the kit.
u Check the pressure gauge on the air
compressor.
u If overinflated, press the pressure relief
button.
13. Unplug the kit from the accessory power
socket.
14. Unscrew the air only hose from the tire
valve stem. Reinstall the valve cap.
15. Press the pressure relief button until the
gauge returns 0 psi (0 kpa).
16. Repackage and properly stow the kit.
1Inflating An Under-inflated Tire
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engine to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
AIR ONLY
side
ON
Pressure Relief Button

330Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 306
●If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 341
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.2 Starting the Engine P. 223Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.2Immobilizer System P. 112Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.2 Fuel Gauge P. 77Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 343If the problem continues:2Emergency Towing P. 344
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 331