automatic transmission HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2012 9.G Owners Manual

Visual Index
4Quick Reference Guide
❙Hood Release Handle
(P 236)
❙Fuel Fill Door Release Handle
(P 223)
❙Driver’s Pocket
❙Power Window Switches
(P 115)
❙Power Door Lock Master
Switch
(P 108)
❙Door Mirror Controls
(P 125)
❙Rearview Mirror
(P 125)
❙Passenger's Front Airbag (P 42)❙Parking Brake
(P 213)
❙Auxiliary Input Jack
(P 144)
❙Glove Box
(P 132)
❙Accessory Power Socket (P 134)❙Shift Lever
Automatic Transmission
(CVT)
(P 203)
❙Interior Fuse Box
(P 290)
❙Trunk Release
(P 110)
❙Driver's Front Airbag
(P 42)

18Quick Reference Guide
Driving
(P191)
Release ButtonShift Lever
Depress the brake pedal and press the
release button to move out of
(P
.
Move the shift lever without
pressing the release button.
Press the release button to
move the shift lever.
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
(P203)
● Shift to
(P
and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.
● Shifting
Park
Turn off or start the engine.
Transmission is locked.
Reverse
Used when reversing.
Neutral
Transmission is not locked.
Drive
Normal driving.
Drive (S)
Used for:
●Better acceleration●Increased engine braking●Going up or down hills
Low●Used to further increase
engine braking●Used when going up or down
hills●Used when IMA battery is
low

123
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel uRear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
* Button
Controls
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
* Button
Press the rear defogger and heated door
mirror button to defog the rear window and
mirrors when the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
The rear defogger and heated door mirrors
automatically switch off after 10-30 minutes
depending on the outside temperature.
However, if the outside temperature is 32°F
(0°C) or below, they do not automatically
switch off.
ECON ButtonThe ECON button turns the ECON mode on and off.
The ECON mode helps you improve your fuel economy by adjusting the
performance of the engine, transmission, climate control system, and cruise control.
1 Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror Button
NOTICEWhen cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to damage the heating wires.
It is critical to wipe the window from side to side
along the defogger heating wires.
This system consumes a lot of power, so turn it off
when the window has been defogged.
Also, do not use the system for a long period when
the engine is idling. This may weaken the 12 volt
battery, making it difficult to start the engine.
* Not available on all models

191
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before DrivingDriving Preparation .......................... 192
Maximum Load Limit........................ 195
Towing a Trailer Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 197
When Driving Starting the Engine .......................... 198
Precautions While Driving................. 201
Automatic Transmission (CVT) .......... 202
Shifting ............................................ 203
Cruise Control ................................. 205
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System .. 208
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 210
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation ......... 211
Braking Brake System ................................... 213
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 215
Brake Assist System.......................... 216 Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 217
Auto Idle Stop ................................. 218
Parking ............................................ 221
Refueling Fuel Information .............................. 222
How to Refuel ................................. 223
Fuel Economy Improving Fuel Economy .................. 225
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 226
Modifications................................... 226

202
uuWhen Driving uAutomatic Transmission (CVT)
Driving
Automatic Transmission (CVT)The following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase
creeping:
• Immediately after the engine starts.
• When the climate control system is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower ratio, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed.
Depress the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.■
Creeping
■
Kickdown

INDEX
305
INDEX
INDEX
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 215
Accessories and Modifications ................ 226
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 134
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 242
Engine Oil ............................................... 239
Washer ................................................... 246
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 237
Adjusting Front Seats.............................................. 126
Head Restraints ....................................... 128
Headlights .............................................. 247
Mirrors.................................................... 125
Steering Wheel ....................................... 124
Temperature ............................................. 86
Air Conditioning Sys tem (Climate Control
System) .................................................... 137
Changing the Mode................................ 137
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 138
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 265
Recirculation/Fresh Air Mode................... 137
Sensor .................................................... 139
Using Automatic Climate Control............ 137
Air Pressure ...................................... 254, 295
Airbags ....................................................... 39
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 45
After a Collision ........................................ 43
Airbag Care .............................................. 53
Event Data Recorders ................................ 24 Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 42
Indicator ........................................ 50, 73, 77
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 51
Sensors ...................................................... 45
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 48
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 48
Side Airbags .............................................. 46
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 49
AM/FM Radio ............................................ 148
Ambient Meter ............................................. 8
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 215
Indicator .................................................... 73
Audio Antenna ......................................... 143
Audio Remote Controls ...................... 17, 146
Audio System ............................................ 142
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 147
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 144
Error Messages ........................................ 162
General Information ................................ 164
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 157
Reactivating ............................................. 144
Recommended CDs ................................. 164
Recommended Drives .............................. 166
Remote Controls ..................................... 146
Security Code .......................................... 144
Theft Protection ....................................... 144
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 143
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 166
Authorized Manuals ................................. 303
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 109
Customize ........................................... 90, 96 Auto Idle Stop
.......................................... 218
Auto Idle Stop Indicator ............................ 75
Automatic Lighting .................................. 119
Automatic Transmission (CVT) ................. 202
Creeping ................................................. 202
Fluid ........................................................ 244
Kickdown ................................................ 202
Operating the Shift Lever................... 18, 204
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 282
Shifting ................................................... 203
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 144
Average Fuel Economy .............................. 85
Average Speed ........................................... 85
BBattery...................................................... 263
Charging System Indicator................. 71, 285
Jump Starting .......................................... 280
Maintenance (Checking the 12 Volt Battery) ................................................. 263
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 264
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 32
Beverage Holders ..................................... 133
Bluetooth
® Audio ..................................... 160
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink
®..................... 167
Booster Seats (For Children) ...................... 65
Brake System ............................................ 213
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 215
Brake Assist System ................................. 216
Brake System Indicator ...................... 70, 287

307
INDEX
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 257
Driving ...................................................... 191
Automatic Transmission (CVT)................. 202
Braking ................................................... 213
Cruise Control ........................................ 205
Shifting Gear .......................................... 203
Starting the Engine ................................. 198
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 265EEco Assist System.......................................... 8
Eco Drive Bar .......................................... 9, 88
Eco Guide ............................................... 9, 87
Eco Score ................................................ 9, 87
ECON Button ............................................ 123
ECON Mode Indicator ................................ 78
Elapsed Time .............................................. 85
Electric Power Steering System (EPS) Indicator ........................................... 75, 287
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 208
Emergency ................................................ 292
Emergency Trunk Opener ....................... 112
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 299
Engine ....................................................... 296
Coolant .................................................. 242
Jump Starting ......................................... 280
Oil .......................................................... 237
Starting................................................... 198
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 117
Engine Coolant ........................................ 242 Adding to the Radiator ............................ 243
Adding to the Reserve Tank ..................... 242
High Temperature Indicator ....................... 78
Low Temperature Indicator ........................ 78
Overheating ............................................ 283
Engine Oil ................................................. 237
Adding .................................................... 239
Checking ................................................. 238
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 231
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 74, 285
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 237
EPS (Electric Power Steering System) .............................................. 75, 287
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide) .. 66
Exterior Care (Cleaning) ........................... 268
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 125
FFeatures..................................................... 141
Filters ......................................................... 265
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 265
Oil ........................................................... 240
Flat Tire ..................................................... 273
Floor Mats ................................................. 267
Fluids Brake ....................................................... 245
Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid ...................................................... 244
Engine Coolant ........................................ 242
Windshield Washer .................................. 246 Foot Brake
................................................ 214
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 42
Front Seats ................................................ 126
Adjusting ................................................ 126
Fuel ...................................................... 19, 222
Economy ................................................. 225
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 86
Instant Fuel Economy Gauge ..................... 82
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 72
Range ....................................................... 85
Recommendation .................................... 222
Refueling................................................. 222
Fuel Economy ........................................... 225
Fuel Fill Cap ........................................ 19, 224
Message.................................................. 286
Fuel Fill Door ...................................... 19, 223
Fuses .......................................................... 289
Inspecting and Changing......................... 291
Locations......................................... 289, 290
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 225
Gauge ....................................................... 82
Information ............................................. 222
Instant Fuel Economy .......................... 82, 86
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 72
Refueling................................................. 222
Gauges ........................................................ 82

308INDEX
Gear Shift Lever PositionsAutomatic Transmissi on (CVT) ................. 203
Glass (care) ................................................ 268
Glove Box .................................................. 132HHalogen Bulbs ........................................... 247
Handling the Unexpected ........................ 271
HandsFreeLink
® (HFL) ............................... 167
Automatic Import of Cellular Phonebook and Call History ..................................... 181
Automatic Transferring ............................ 179
Caller’s ID Information ............................. 179
HFL Buttons ............................................. 167
HFL Menus .............................................. 169
HFL Status Display.................................... 168
Making a Call .......................................... 185
Options During a Call .............................. 190
Phone Setup ............................................ 173
Receiving a Call ....................................... 189
Speed Dial ............................................... 182
To Clear the System ................................. 180
To Create a Security PIN........................... 178
Hazard Warning Button ............................... 2
Head Restraints ......................................... 128
Headlights ................................................. 119
Aiming .................................................... 247
Automatic Operation ............................... 119
Dimming ......................................... 118, 120
Operating ........................................ 118, 120 Heaters (Seat)
........................................... 136
HFL (HandsFreeLink
®) ............................... 167
High Temperature Indicator ...................... 78
High-Beam Indicator .................................. 77
Hill Start Assist System ............................. 200
Honda IMA System ..................................... 10
IIdentification Numbers ............................ 296
Engine and Transmission ......................... 296
Vehicle Identification ............................... 296
Ignition Switch ......................................... 117
Illumination Control ................................. 122
Knob ....................................................... 122
IMA System Indicator ................................. 76
Immobilizer System .................................. 113
Indicator.................................................... 77
Indicators .................................................... 70
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................... 73
Auto Idle Stop ........................................... 75
Brake System............................................. 70
Charging System ............................... 71, 285
CRUISE CONTROL ............................. 79, 206
CRUISE MAIN .................................... 79, 205
Door Open ................................................ 31
ECON Mode ...................................... 78, 123
EPS (Electric Power Steering System) .. 75, 287
High Temperature ..................................... 78
High-Beam ................................................ 77
IMA System ............................................... 76 Immobilizer System ................................... 77
Lights On .................................................. 77
Low Fuel ................................................... 72
Low Oil Pressure ............................... 74, 285
Low Temperature...................................... 78
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS .................... 75, 210
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 71, 286
Parking Brake and Brake System ....... 70, 287
Seat Belt Reminder.............................. 33, 72
Security System Alarm............................... 78
Shift Lever Position.................................... 71
Side Airbag Off ................................... 52, 77
Supplemental Restraint System ........... 50, 73
System Message ....................................... 76
Transmission ............................................. 72
Trunk Open .............................................. 74
Turn Signal ............................................... 76
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist)
System ............................................ 73, 208
VSA® OFF .......................................... 74, 209
Information .............................................. 293
Instant Fuel Economy ................................ 86
Instant Fuel Economy Gauge .................... 82
Instrument Panel ........................................ 69
Brightness Control .................................. 122
Interior Lights ........................................... 131
Interior Rearview Mirror ......................... 125
JJack (Wheel Nut Wrench) ........................ 276

309
INDEX
Jump Starting........................................... 280KKey Number Tag ...................................... 104
Keyless Lockout Prevention ..................... 106
Keys ........................................................... 103
Lockout Prevention ................................. 106
Master Keys ............................................ 103
Number Tag............................................ 104
Rear Door Won’t Open ........................... 108
Remote Transmitter ................................ 105
Types and Functions................................ 103
Valet Key ................................................ 104
Won’t Turn ............................................... 22
Kickdown .................................................. 202LLanguage (HFL) ........................................ 168
LATCH (Child Seats) ................................... 59
Lights ................................................ 118, 247
Automatic............................................... 119
Bulb Replacement ................................... 247
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 120
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 77
Interior.................................................... 131
Light Switches......................................... 118
Lights On Indicator.................................... 77
Turn Signals ............................................ 118
Load Limits ............................................... 195 Locking and Unlocking
............................ 103
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .................. 109
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 108
From Inside .............................................. 107
From Outside ........................................... 105
Keys ........................................................ 103
Using a Key ............................................. 106
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 106
Low Battery Charge (12 volt) ................... 285
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 72
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 74, 285
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 78
Lower Anchor ............................................. 59
Lubricant Specifications Chart ................. 294
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 195
MMaintenance............................................. 227
Battery .................................................... 263
Brake Fluid .............................................. 245
Cleaning .................................................. 266
Climate Control ....................................... 265
Coolant ................................................... 242
Maintenance Minder™ ............................ 231
Oil ........................................................... 237
Precautions .............................................. 228
Radiator .................................................. 243
Remote Transmitter ................................. 264
Replacing Light Bulbs ............................... 247
Safety ...................................................... 229 Service Items ........................................... 233
Tires ........................................................ 254
Transmission Fluid ................................... 244
Under the Hood ...................................... 235
Maintenance Minder™ ............................ 231
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 71, 286
Map Lights ................................................ 131
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 195
MENU Button ............................................. 90
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 82
Mirrors ...................................................... 125
Adjusting ................................................ 125
Door ....................................................... 125
Exterior ................................................... 125
Interior Rearview ..................................... 125
Modifications and Accessories ................. 226
MP3 ................................................... 151, 157
Multi-Information Display ......................... 83
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 296OOdometer................................................... 84
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 237
Adding .................................................... 239
Checking................................................. 238
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 231
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 74, 285

311
INDEX
Spare Tire......................................... 273, 295
Spark Plugs ............................................... 294
Specifications ........................................... 294
Specified Fuel ................................... 222, 294
Speedometer .............................................. 82
SRS Airbags (Airbags) ................................ 39
Starting the Engine .................................. 198
Does Not Start ........................................ 279
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 117
Jump Starting ......................................... 280
Steering Wheel ........................................ 124
Adjusting ................................................ 124
Stopping ................................................... 217
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 42
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ............................................ 2, 3, 117
System Message Indicator ......................... 76TTachometer................................................ 82
Temperature High Temperature Indicator ...................... 78
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 78
Outside Temperature Display .................... 86
Temperature Sensor .................................. 86
Time (Setting) ........................................... 102
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................................................... 210
Indicator ........................................... 75, 288
Tires .......................................................... 254 Air Pressure ..................................... 255, 295
Checking and Maintaining ....................... 254
Compact Spare Tire ......................... 273, 295
Inspection ................................................ 254
Labeling .................................................. 255
Puncture (Flat Tire) ................................... 273
Regulations ............................................. 257
Rotation .................................................. 261
Tire Chains .............................................. 262
Wear Indicators ....................................... 259
Winter ..................................................... 262
Tools .......................................................... 272
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 197
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 197
Emergency .............................................. 292
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) .................................................... 210
Indicator ............................................ 75, 288
Transmission ............................................. 203
Automatic ............................................... 203
Fluid ........................................................ 244
Number ................................................... 296
Shift Lever Position Indicator .............. 71, 204
Trip Meter ................................................... 84
Troubleshooting ....................................... 271
Blown Fuse ...................................... 289, 290
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 23
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door .......... 23
Emergency Towing .................................. 292
Engine Does Not Start ............................. 279
Noise When Braking .................................. 23 Overheating ............................................ 283
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 273
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 22, 108
Regular Gasoline ............................. 222, 294
Shift Lever Won’t Move ........................... 282
Warning Indicators .................................... 70
Trunk ......................................................... 110
Lid........................................................... 110
Light Bulb................................................ 294
Turn Signals .............................................. 118
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 76
UUnlocking the Doors ................................ 105
Unlocking the Front Doors from the
Inside ......................................................... 15
USB Adapter Cable ................................... 143
USB Flash Drives ....................................... 166VValet Key................................................... 104
Vanity Mirrors ............................................... 5
Vehicle Identification Number ................ 296
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®) .................. 208
Off Button............................................... 209
Off Indicator.............................................. 74
System Indicator ........................................ 73
Viscosity (Oil) .................................... 237, 295
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist) .................. 208