towing HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2013 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 intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) P. 82
2Controls P. 103Setting the Clock P. 104 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 105
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 119
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 1342Features P. 143Audio System P. 144 Audio System Basic Operation P. 147
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® P. 1752Driving P. 207Before Driving P. 208 Towing a Trailer P. 213
Rearview Camera P. 245 Refueling P. 246 Fuel Economy P. 2492Maintenance P. 251Before Performing Maintenance P. 252 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 255
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 277
Climate Control System Maintenance P. 290
2Handling the Unexpected P. 295Tools P. 296 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 297
Overheating P. 315 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 3172Information P. 325Specifications P. 326 Identification Numbers P. 328
Emissions Testing P. 331 Warranty Coverages P. 333

Contents
Child Safety P. 52 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 64 Safety Labels P. 65Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 112 Security System P. 115 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 117
Adjusting the Mirrors P. 128 Adjusting the Seats P. 129
Climate Control System P. 140Audio Error Messages P. 168 General Information on the Audio System P. 171When Driving P. 214 Braking P. 240 Parking Your Vehicle P. 244
Accessories and Modifications P. 250Maintenance Under the Hood P. 259 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 271
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 279 12 Volt Battery P. 288 Remote Transmitter Care P. 289
Cleaning P. 291Engine Does Not Start P. 311 Jump Starting P. 312 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 314
Fuses P. 321 Emergency Towing P. 324Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 329 Reporting Safety Defects P. 330
Authorized Manuals P. 335 Customer Service Information P. 336
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 27
Instrument Panel
P. 67
Controls
P. 103
Features
P. 143
Driving
P. 207
Maintenance
P. 251
Handling the Unexpected
P. 295
Information
P. 325
Index
P. 337

Quick Reference Guide21
Handling the Unexpected
(P295)
Flat Tire
(P297)
●Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire using the temporary tire repair kit.
●Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
trunk.
Indicators Come On (P317)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.Models with an optional compact spare tire
Engine Won’t Start
(P311)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.
Blown Fuse
(P321)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P315)
●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
(P324)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

207
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 208
Maximum Load Limit........................ 211
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 213
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 214
Precautions While Driving................. 217
Automatic Transmission (CVT) .......... 218
Shifting ............................................ 219
ECON Button ................................... 221
Auto Idle Stop.................................. 222Cruise Control ................................. 225
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
*.. 228
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
*..... 232
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), System ............. 235Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ... 237
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 238
Braking
Brake System ................................... 240
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 242
Brake Assist System.......................... 243Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 244
Rearview Camera............................. 245
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 246
How to Refuel ................................. 247
Fuel Economy
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 249
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 250
Modifications................................... 250
* Not available on all models

211
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum 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 load 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 the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and 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.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, and all cargo.
2Specifications P. 326
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 326
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

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

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

uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
302Handling the Unexpected
4.Recheck the air pressure using the air only
hose on the compressor.
5.Turn the selector switch to AIR ONLY.
uDo not turn the air compressor on to
check the pressure.
2Inflating An Under-inflated Tire P. 303
6.If the air pressure is:
•Less than 19 psi (130 kPa):
Do not add air or continue driving. The
leak is too severe. Call for help and have
your vehicle towed.
2Emergency Towing P. 324
•32 psi (220 kPa) or more:
Continue driving for another 10 minutes
or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80
km/h).
uIf the air does not go down after driving
for 10 minutes, you do not need to check
the pressure any more.
•Greater than 19 psi (130 kPa), but less
than 32 psi (220 kPa):
Turn the air compressor on to inflate the
tire until the tire pressure reaches 32 psi
(220 kPa).
Then drive carefully for 10 more minutes
or until you reach the nearest service
station. Do not exceed 50 mph (80
km/h).
uYou should repeat this procedure as long
as the air pressure is within this range.
7.Repackage and properly stow the kit.
1Distributing the Sealant in the Tire
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.
Air Only Hose

311Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The 12 volt battery may be dead.
Check each of the items on the
right and respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
212 Volt Battery P. 288
●If the interior lights come on normally
2Fuses P. 321
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.2Starting the Engine P. 214Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.2Immobilizer System P. 115Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.2Fuel Gauge P. 82Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 323If the problem continues:2Emergency Towing P. 324
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2Jump Starting P. 312