check engine HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2010 8.G Owner's Guide

Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the 12 volt battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the 12 volt battery and terminal
connections (see page ). You
canthentryjumpstartingthe
vehicle f rom a booster 12 volt
battery (see page ).
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
The transmission must be in Park
or neutral or the starter will not
operate. Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See
on page .
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page .319 333
309
319
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Emergency T owing
Jump Starting
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
317
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2010 Civic Hybrid

Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er toon page .
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
59
259 327
333
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
318
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2010 Civic Hybrid

µStart the vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the vehicle until everything is
disconnected. Otherwise, you may
cause an electrical short.
If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle. Once your vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable f rom
your vehicle, then f rom the
booster battery. Disconnect the
positive cable f rom your vehicle,
then from the booster battery.
If your vehicle’s 12 volt battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the IMA
battery level gauge reading will not
be correct the next time you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It will show less than the
actual level temporarily. It will show
the correct level af ter you drive f or
at least 30 minutes.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the grounding strap
as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part of
the engine. 7. 6.
4.
5.
Jump Starting
320
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2010 Civic Hybrid

Start the engine, and set the
interior temperature to maximum.
Add coolant to the radiator up to
the base of the f iller neck. If you
do not have the proper coolant
mixture available, you can add
plain water. Remember to have
the cooling system drained and
ref illed with the proper mixture as
soon as you can.
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page ). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator. 8. 9.
7. 6. 10.
11.
5.
333
246 333
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
322
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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2010 Civic Hybrid

If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).The engine running generates the oil
pressure. When the Auto Idle Stop is
activated, the engine is stopped, the
oil pressure is dropped, and the low
oil pressure indicator does not come
on.
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see
on page
).
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action. 1.
2.
3.
4.245
285
333
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
323
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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2010 Civic Hybrid

If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn of f as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on
the inf ormation display. Tighten the
cap until it clicks at least once.
Tightening the cap will not turn the
indicator of f immediately; it can take
several days of normal driving. If your vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It can take several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malf unction indicator lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks f ive times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle f or an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to
for
more information (see page ). 348
Malf unction Indicator L amp
Readiness Code Emissions T esting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
325
If you keep driving with the
Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you
can damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties. This indicator may also
come on with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
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2010 Civic Hybrid

CONT INUED
....................................
Accessories .250
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) .80
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 101
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 285
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .10, 22
...
Airbags, Additional Information . 22
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 33
..........
AdvancedAirbagSystem . 27
.............................
Airbag Service .33
How the Passenger Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .32
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works .31
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 31
How Your Front Airbags .........................................
Work .25
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 29
How Your Side Curtain Airbags .........................................
Work .30
........................
SRS Components .22
..............
Air Conditioning System . 104
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .304
......................................
Antif reeze .288 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator .59, 268
...................................
Operation .268
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 209
Anti-thef t Steering Column ..........................................
Lock .80
........................................
Armrest .95
................................
Audio System .110
.....
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 82
.........................
Auto Door Locking .82
.....................
Auto Door Unlocking .85
........................
Auto Idle Stop .264, 265
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 20
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 214
.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) . 260
..........................
Capacity,Fluid .338
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 291
.......................................
Shif ting .261
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .260
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 261
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 263Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator .62, 324
............................
Jump Starting .319
..............................
Maintenance .309
............................
Specif ications .339
..............................
Bef ore Driving .241
....................................
Belts,Seat .9,19
...........................
Beverage Holder .101
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 268
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 242
....................
Bulb Replacement .296
...........................................
Fluid .292
...................
Pad Wear Indicator . 268
.........................................
Parking .99
...........
System Indicator . 58,63,326
.............................
Braking System .267
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 242
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 75
Index
A B
INDEX
I
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2010 Civic Hybrid

Bulb Replacement..........................
Back-up Lights .297
.....................
Brake Lights .296, 297
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 295
...........
Front Turn Signal Light . 295
.................................
Headlights .293
..........................
Parking Lights .295
.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 296
..........
Rear Turn Signal Lights . 296
............................
Specif ications .339
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .293
.........................................
Card, PC .170
............................
Capacities Chart .338
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 52
.............................
Carrying Cargo .252
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
..................................
Ceiling Light .102
........................
Certif ication Label .336
............................................
Chains .308
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .313
Changing Oil ........................................
How to .286
......................................
When to .277 ...
Charging System Indicator . 62,324
..............
Check Fuel Cap Indicator . 69
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 258
.....................................
Child Saf ety .34
Child Seats .............
LATCH Anchor System . 43
.............................
Lower Anchor .43
............................
Tether Anchor .47
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 82
....................
Cleaning the Wheels .303
.........................
Clock, Setting the .212
........................
CO in the Exhaust .345
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 259
..............................
Compact Spare .312
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant ........................................
Adding .288
....................................
Checking .246
.........................
Proper Solution .288
...................
Temperature Gauge . 66
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .345
............
Cruise Control Operation . 214
....
Customer Service Inf ormation . 352...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard .3, 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 75
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 354
........................
Def og and Def rost .108
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 76
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 108
....................................
Dimensions .338
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 74
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 291
..................................
Engine Oil .245
..........................
Directional Signals .74
Disc Brake Pad Wear ...................................
Indicators .268
............................
Disc Player .121, 160
..................
Display Change Button . 66
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .288
Doors .
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 82
.....................
Auto Door Locking .82
.................
Auto Door Unlocking . 85
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 81
......................
Power Door Locks .81
Index
C D
II
09/07/15 11:17:54 31SNC640_363
2010 Civic Hybrid

Î
CONT INUED
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 340
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .257
....................................
Economy .247
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 300
..............................
Economy, Fuel .247
............
Emergencies on the Road . 311
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 319
...........
Brake System Indicator . 326
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 313
.....
Charging System Indicator . 324
..................
Checking the Fuses . 328
Low Oil Pressure ...........................
Indicator .62, 323
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .62, 325
..................
Overheated Engine . 321
...........................
Emergency Brake .99
......................
Emergency Flashers .76
......................
Emergency Towing .333
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 88
.......................
Emissions Controls .345
........................
Emissions Testing .348 Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 66
..............
Engine Speed Limiter . 262
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .62, 325
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 62,323
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 285
...............................
Overheating .321
............................
Specif ications .338
.......................................
Starting .259
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 345
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .52
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .17
...................................
Fan, Interior .105
.........................................
Features .103
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 243
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .300
...............................................
Oil .286
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 76
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 313Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 291
..........................................
Brake .292
..................
Windshield Washer . 290
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception .204
..........................
Four-way Flashers .76
............................
Front Airbags .10, 22
.................................................
Fuel .242
......................
Fill Door and Cap .243
...........................................
Gauge .67
................
Octane Requirement . 242
...............................
Oxygenated .242
........................
Reserve Indicator .61
........................
Tank, Filling the .243
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .328
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 247
Index
F
E
G
INDEX
III
09/07/15 11:18:00 31SNC640_364
2010 Civic Hybrid

CONT INUED
..................................
Maintenance .275
........................................
Minder .277
.........................
Minder Indicator .61
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .282
..........................................
Saf ety .276 .
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 62,325
.........................
Meters, Gauges .57, 65
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 242
..........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .98
...........................
MP3/WMA .121, 160
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 262
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 242
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 336
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 242
.........................................
Odometer .65
................................
Odometer,Trip .67
Oil ........................
Change, How to .286
......................
Change, When to .277
......................
Checking Engine .244
..............
Pressure Indicator . 62,323
.......
Selecting Proper Viscosity . 285
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 80Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
....................................
Recovery .345
..............................
Outside Mirrors .98
....
Outside Temperature Indicator . 68
....................
Overheating, Engine .321
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 282
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .242
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 75
........................
Park Gear Position .262
...........................................
Parking .266
.................................
Parking Brake .99
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 58,326
.................................
Parking Lights .74
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 266
.............................
PGM-FI System .346
..................
Playing the Radio . 113,148
........................
Playing a Disc .121, 160
.........................
Playing a PC Card .170
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 17
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement .293
.......................................
Indicator .60
.........................................
Parking .74
..................................
Turn Signal .74
....................................
Load Limits .253
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 80
Locks .......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 80
............................
Fuel Fill Door .243
.................................
Power Door .81
...........................................
Trunk .88
........................
Low Coolant Level .246
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .61
................................
Lower Anchors .43
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 62,323
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 338
Index
M N
O
P
INDEX
V
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2010 Civic Hybrid