check engine HONDA CIVIC 2014 9.G Owner's Manual

317
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
Driving
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake indicator has gone off.
2 Parking Brake P. 337
2.Put the shift lever in
(D
. Select
(R
when reversing.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
■Hill start assist system
Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from
rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Depress the clutch pedal, and shift to
(1
when facing uphill, or
(R
when facing
downhill, then release the brake pedal.
Move the shift lever to
(D
, (S
, or
(L
when facing uphill, or
(R
when facing
downhill, then release the brake pedal.
■
Starting to DriveAutomatic transmission (CVT) modelsManual transmission modelsAutomatic transmission (CVT) models
1 Hill start assist system
Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from
rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and
does not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking
brake.

318
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions 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.*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an
ignition switch.■
In Rain
■
Other Precautions
1 Precautions 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*1
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.
NOTICEIf 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 electric
power steering (EPS) 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,
the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can
eventually damage the system.

321
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Driving
■
Shift Lever Operation
1Shift Lever OperationNOTICEWhen you change the shift lever from
(D to
( R and
vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position before pulling away.
If the transmission indicator blinks when driving, in
any shift position, there is a problem with the
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer's red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal and
press the shift lever release
button to shift.
Shift without pressing the shift
lever release button.
Press the shift lever release
button and shift. Tachometer’s red zone

324
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Driving
The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally
shifting into
(R
from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving above a certain
speed.
If you cannot shift to
(R
when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:
1.Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift
lever all the way to the left, and shift to
(R
.
2. If you still cannot shift into
(R
, apply the
parking brake, and turn the ignition switch
to ACCESSORY
(q
or LOCK
(0
*1.
3. Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
(R
.
4. Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start
the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you
have to go through this procedure repeatedly.
*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an
ignition switch.■
Reverse Lockout6-speed manual transmission models

329
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Continued
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), SystemHelps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than
what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. It does
so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA® activates, you may notice that the
engine does not respond to the accelerator.
You may also notice some noise from the
hydraulic system. You will also see the
indicator blink.■
VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properly if tire types and
sizes are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire, and the air pressures are as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on
while driving, there may be a problem with the
system. While this may not interfere with normal
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations
and does not control the entire braking system. You
still need to drive and cor ner at speeds appropriate
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The
system also includes a traction control function.
VSA ® System
Indicator

uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
330Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To turn the VSA® system on and off, press and
hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA® stops and the indicator comes on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA ® OFF )
button until you hear a beep.
VSA ® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■
VSA ® On and Off
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Without VSA ®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA ®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with VSA ® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA ® system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only attempt to free
your vehicle with the VSA ® off if you are not able to
free it when the VSA ® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA ® and traction control
systems switched off.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator
* comes on or
blinks, the VSA ® system comes on automatically. In
this case, you cannot turn the system off by pressing
the button.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA ® OFF
Indicator
1.8 ℓ engine modelsVSA
® OFF
Indicator
2.4 ℓ engine models* Not available on all models

333
uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Continued
Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)Instead of directly measuring the pressure in each tire, the TPMS on this vehicle
monitors and compares the rolling radius and rotational characteristics of each
wheel and tire while you are driving to determine if one or more tires are
significantly under-inflated. This will cause th e low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to
come on and a message to appear on the i-MID.
You must start TPMS calibration every time you:
• Adjust the pressure in one or more tires.
• Rotate the tires.
• Replace one or more tires.
Before calibrating the TPMS:
• Set the cold tire pressure in all four tires.
2 Checking Tires P. 391
Make sure:
•The vehicle is at a complete stop.
• The shift lever is in
(N
.
• The shift lever is in
(P
.
• The ignition switch is in ON
(w
*1.
*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an
ignition switch.■
TPMS CalibrationU.S. models
1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The system does not monitor the tires when driving
at low speed.
Conditions such as low ambient temperature and
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come on.
Tire pressure checked and inflated in:•Warm weather can become under-inflated in
colder weather.•Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer
weather.
The low tire pressure i ndicator will not come on as a
result of over inflation.
The TPMS may not function properly if tire type and
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and
type of tire. 2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 391
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator may come on
with a delay or may not come on at all when:•You rapidly accele rate, decelerate, or turn the
steering wheel.•You drive on snowy or slippery roads.•Snow chains are used.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator may come on
under the following conditions:•A compact spare tire
* is used.
•There is a heavier and uneven load on the tires,
such as when towing a trailer, than the condition at
calibration.•Snow chains are used.
Manual transmission modelsAutomatic transmission (CVT) modelsAll models* Not available on all models

uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
334Driving
You can calibrate the system from the customized
features on the i-MID.
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
*1.
2. Press the MENU button to go to the
Vehicle Menu screen.
3. Select Customize Settings with the (+
/(-
button, then press the SOURCE button.
4. Select TPMS Calibration with the
(+
/(-

button, then press the SOURCE button.
u The display switches to the
customization setup screen, where you
can select Cancel or Initialize .
5. Select Yes with the
(+
/(-
button, then
press the SOURCE button.
u When the calibration is complete, the
The TPMS has been initialized.
message appears, and the display returns
to the customization menu screen.
• If the Unable to initialize TPMS. message
appears, repeat steps 4-5.
• The calibration process finishes
automatically.
*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an
ignition switch.
1 TPMS Calibration•TPMS cannot be calibrated if a compact spare tire
*
is installed.
•The calibration process requires approximately 30
minutes of cumulative driving at speeds between
30-60 mph (48-97 km/h).•During this period, if the ignition is turned on and
the vehicle is not moved within 45 seconds, you
may notice the low tire pressure indicator comes on
briefly. This is normal and indicates that the
calibration process is not yet complete.
If the snow chains are installed, remove them before
calibrating the TPMS.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator comes on even
when the properly inflated specified regular tires are
installed, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
We recommend that the tires be replaced with the
same brand, model, and size as the originals. Ask a
dealer for details.
* Not available on all models

uuBraking uBrake System
338Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may
be disc or drum, depending on the model. A vacuum power assist helps reduce the
effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping
force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-
lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.2 Brake Assist System P. 340
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 339■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

339
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)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.■
ABS
1 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)NOTICEThe 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 snow chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.