towing HONDA CIVIC 2014 9.G Owners Manual

ContentsThis 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 your vehicle. 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.
2Safe Driving P. 27For Safe Driving P. 28 Seat Belts P. 32 Airbags P. 392Instrument Panel P. 67Indicators P. 68 Gauges and Displays P. 822Controls P. 103Clock P. 104 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 106
Opening and Closing the Moonroof
* P. 130
Adjusting the Seats P. 146
Climate Control System
* P. 165
2 Features P. 169Audio System P. 170 Audio System Basic Operation P. 176, 179, 197
Customized Features
* P. 233 Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink ®
* P. 246, 277
2Driving P. 303Before Driving P. 304 Towing a Trailer P. 309
Rearview Camera
* P. 342 Refueling P. 343 Fuel Economy P. 346
2Maintenance P. 349Before Performing Maintenance P. 350 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 353
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 389
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate Control System
* Maintenance P. 403
2 Handling the Unexpected P. 409Tools P. 410 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 411
Overheating P. 433 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 4352Information P. 443Specifications P. 444 Identification Numbers P. 448
Emissions Testing P. 451 Warranty Coverages P. 453

Contents
Child Safety P. 52Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64Safety Labels P. 65Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 121 Security System P. 125 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 128
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 131 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 144
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 154 Heating and Cooling
* P. 161
Audio Error Messages P. 224General Information on the Audio System P. 230When Driving P. 313 Braking P. 337Parking Your Vehicle P. 341
Accessories and Modifications P. 347Maintenance Under the Hood P. 361 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 376
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 391 Battery P. 400 Remote Transmitter Care
* P. 401
Cleaning P. 404
Engine Does Not Start P. 426 Jump Starting P. 429Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 432
Fuses P. 439 Emergency Towing P. 442Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 449 Reporting Safety Defects P. 450
Authorized Manuals P. 455 Customer Service Information P. 456
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 27
Instrument Panel
P. 67
Controls
P. 103
Features
P. 169
Driving
P. 303
Maintenance
P. 349
Handling the Unexpected
P. 409
Information
P. 443
Index
P. 457

20Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P 409)
Flat Tire
(P 411, 418)
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire
* in
the trunk, or repair the flat tire using the
tire repair kit
*.
Indicators Come On (P 435)
● Identify the indicator and consult the
owner's manual.
Engine Won't Start (P 426)
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.Blown Fuse
(P 439)
● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P 433)
● Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P 442)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

303
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before DrivingDriving Preparation .......................... 304
Maximum Load Limit........................ 307
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .......................... 309
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 311
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 312
When Driving
Starting the Engine .................. 313, 315
Precautions While Driving................. 318
Automatic Transmission (CVT) .......... 319
Shifting .................................... 320, 322
ECON Button
*................................. 325 Cruise Control
*............................... 326
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System ............... 329
LaneWatch
TM*..................................... 331
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ... 333Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation............. 335Braking Brake System ................................... 337
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 339
Brake Assist System.......................... 340 Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 341
Rearview Camera
*............................ 342
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 343
How to Refuel ................................. 344
Fuel Economy Improving Fuel Economy .................. 346
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 347
Modifications................................... 347
* Not available on all models

307
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver's doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue lo ad if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals th e available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. an d there will be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1 Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2 Specifications P. 444, 446
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle. 2 Specifications P. 444, 446
3
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading
can affect handling and stability
and cause a crash in which you
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example

308
uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. Co nsult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2 Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)

309
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.Towing PreparationYour vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
■
Towing Load LimitsHF modelExcept HF model
1Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not available, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period
Avoid towing a trailer during your vehicle's first 600
miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information
2 Vehicle Specifications P. 444, 446
3
WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total LoadTongue LoadTongue Load

uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
310Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how mu ch load you are towing,
and where you are towing.■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.■Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it will lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.■
Towing Equipment and Accessories
1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipment is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.

311
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 309
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D
position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Towing Speeds and Gears
■
Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
Automatic transmission (CVT) models

312
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
• Closely watch your high temperature indicator. If the indicator remains on, turn
off the heating and cooling system
*/climate control system
* and reduce speed.
Pull to the side of the road safely to cool down the engine if necessary.
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.2 Emergency Towing P. 442■
Driving in Hilly Terrain
* Not available on all models