tow HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2013 9.G User Guide

212
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum 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. Consult 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)

213Driving
Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.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.2Emergency Towing P. 324

217
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions 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.■In Rain■Other Precautions
1Precautions 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 or
LOCK
(0 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.
NOTICEFollowing can damage the under spoiler:•Parking the vehicle by a parking block•Parallel parking along the road shoulder•Driving towards the bottom of a hill•Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)•Driving on a rutted or bumpy road•Driving on a road with potholes

253
uuBefore Performing MaintenanceuSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
•To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
•Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
uHeat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
•To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the 12 volt
battery or compressed air.
•Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
uOnly operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
•The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
uMake sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
•Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
uMake sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
•Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
uDo not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
•Do not touch the IMA battery and wiring (orange).■Maintenance Safety■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.

260
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening 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.
uThe 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.
1Opening 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.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop
function is activated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support Rod
Grip
Clamp

262
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
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 loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark

288Maintenance
12 Volt BatteryChecking the 12 Volt BatteryCheck the battery condition monthly and check the terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2Reactivating the audio system P. 146
•The clock resets.
2Setting the Clock P. 104
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2Refer 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.
112 Volt BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminals 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.
* Not available on all models

295
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 296
If a Tire Goes Flat
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire....... 297
Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 305
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 311
Jump Starting.................................... 312
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 314
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 315Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On................................................ 317If the 12 Volt Battery Charging System
Indicator Comes On ....................... 317
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ..................................... 318
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes
On...................................................... 319If the EPS System Indicator Comes On .. 319If the IMA Indicator Comes On......... 320If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 320
Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 321
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 323
Emergency Towing........................... 324

297
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatTemporarily 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.
■Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat Tire
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 (4 mm).•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
(4mm)
Yes
Larger than 3/16 inch
(4mm)
No
Contact
Area
Pressure Gauge
Sealant/Air Hose (Clear)
Tire Sealant
Expiration Date
Pressure Relief
Button
Instruction
Manual
Air Only Hose (Black)
SEALANT/AIR sideAIR ONLY side
Inflator Switch
Repair Notification Label
Power Plug
Speed Restriction Label
Selector Switch

uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
300Handling the Unexpected
4.Plug in the compressor to the accessory
power socket.
uBe careful not to pinch the cord in a
door or window.
5.Start the engine.
uKeep the engine running while injecting
sealant and air.
2Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 64
6.Turn the selector switch to SEALANT/
AIR.
7.Press the inflator switch to turn on the
compressor.
uThe 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.
uTo 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