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2020 Honda Accord Owners Manual - When Driving



When Driving

Starting the Engine

Automatic transmission models

    Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u The parking brake indicator (red) comes on for 30 seconds when you pull up the electric parking brake switch.

    Depress the brake pedal.

u Although it is possible to start the vehicle in N, it is safer to start it in .

    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button without depressing the accelerator pedal.

Continued

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

Continuously variable transmission models

    Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u The parking brake indicator (red) comes on for 30 seconds when you pull up the electric parking brake switch.

    Check that the transmission is in , then depress the brake pedal.

u Although it is possible to start the vehicle in N, it is safer to start it in .

    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button without depressing the accelerator pedal.

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

Manual transmission models

    Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u The parking brake indicator (red) comes on for 30 seconds when you pull up the electric parking brake switch.

    Check that the transmission is in neutral. Then depress the brake pedal with your right foot, and the clutch pedal with your left foot.

u The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start the engine.

    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button without depressing the accelerator pedal.

Continued

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

You can turn the engine off when the vehicle is completely stopped.

Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission models

    Put the transmission into .
    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

Manual transmission models

    If the transmission is in neutral, press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
    If the transmission is in any gear other than neutral, depress the clutch pedal, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

You can remotely start the engine using the button on the remote.

Press the

button, then press and hold

the button. Go within the range,

Some exterior lights flash once. and try again.

LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Some exterior lights flash six Some exterior lights will not times if the engine runs flash if the engine runs successfully. unsuccessfully.

When started remotely, the engine automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of idling and/or the brake pedal and ENGINE START/STOP button have not been pressed simultaneously.

To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the

button, then press and hold the button.

u Some exterior lights flash six times if a 10-minute extension request was transmitted successfully.

* Not available on all models

Continued 471

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

472

* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

* Not available on all models

Continued 473

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission models

When the engine was started using the button on the remote

    While depressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

When the engine was started in any case

    Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the transmission into D. Select

R when reversing.

    With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal.

u Make sure the parking brake indicator (red) goes off.

Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission models

Put the transmission into D, S* or L* when facing uphill, or R when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.

Manual transmission models

Depress the clutch pedal, and put the transmission into 1 when facing uphill, or R

when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.

474

* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving

■  In Rain Avoid 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.

uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission*/Continuously Variable Transmission*

The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases. 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 gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.

    Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

Automatic transmission models

Change the gear position in accordance with your driving needs.

    Shift button positions

Park your vehicle in a safe place with the power mode in ON, then apply the brakes and press the button to put the transmission in Park.

The indicators on the sides of the button come on.

Continued

477

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

■  Shift Operation

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

If you open the driver’s door under the following conditions, the transmission automatically puts into ;

    The vehicle is stationary with the engine running, or moving at 1 mph (2 km/h) or slower.
    The transmission is in other than .
    You have unfastened the driver side seat belt.

u If you manually put the transmission from with the brake pedal depressed, the transmission will automatically return to once you release the brake pedal.

If you turn the engine off while the vehicle is stationary, and the transmission is in other than , the transmission automatically puts into .

Continued 479

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

With the engine running:

    Press and hold the brake pedal.
    Press and release the N button.

u N (Neutral) hold mode will appear on the driver information interface.

    Press the N button again and hold it for two seconds.

u The vehicle will enter car wash mode, which must be used when your vehicle is pulled through a conveyor type automatic car wash where you or an attendant do not remain in the vehicle.

If the ENGINE STOP/START button is pressed after car wash mode has been activated, the power mode will change to ACCESSORY and a message will be displayed on the driver information interface.

u For 15 minutes the transmission remains in N with the power mode will remain in ACCESSORY. After that, the transmission automatically changes to and the power mode changes to OFF.

u Manually changing to cancels ACCESSORY mode. The indicator comes on and the power mode changes to OFF. You must always put the transmission into when car wash mode is no longer needed.

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

You cannot select a transmission under certain circumstances that may lead to a crash.

When the transmission is in:

1. Under the circumstances of that:

2. You cannot select:

3. The transmission remains in/changes to:

How to change the transmission

(

The brake pedal is not depressed.

Other transmission

(

Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.

The accelerator pedal is depressed.

(N

The vehicle is moving at low speed without the brake pedal depressed.

(N

The vehicle is moving at low speed with the accelerator pedal depressed.

(N or (D

The vehicle is moving forward.

(R

Stop your vehicle in a safe place, depress the brake pedal, and select the appropriate transmission.

(R or (N

The vehicle is moving backward.

(D

(R, (N or (D

The vehicle is moving.

(

Continued

481

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

■  Sequential Mode Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 10th gears without removing your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission will switch to the sequential

mode.

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode momentarily, and the gear selection indicator will come on.

When the vehicle goes into the sequential mode by - paddle shifter and the lower gear is available, the transmission properly selects single or double gear change.

Once you start traveling at a constant speed, the sequential mode will automatically switch off, and the gear selection indicator will go off.

Hold the + paddle shifter for two seconds to return to normal drive.

The vehicle will go into the sequential mode, and the M (sequential mode) indicator and gear selection indicator will come on.

If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up to the next gear.

You can cancel this mode by holding the + paddle shifter for two seconds. When the sequential mode is canceled, the sequential mode indicator and gear selection indicator go off.

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

(- Paddle Shifter (Shift down)

(+ Paddle Shifter (Shift up)

Downshifting when pulling the (- paddle shifter. (Changes to a lower gear)

Upshifting when pulling the (+ paddle shifter. (Changes to a higher gear)

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

Continuously variable transmission models without paddle shifters

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

484

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

■  Shift Lever Operation

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

Continuously variable transmission models with paddle shifters

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

486

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

■  Shift Lever Operation

Continued 487

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

■  7-Speed Manual Shift Mode Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 7th speeds without releasing your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission switches to the 7-speed

manual shift mode when you pull a paddle shifter while driving. This mode is useful

when engine braking is needed.

The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode temporarily, and the number is displayed in the gear selection indicator.

The 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled automatically if you drive at constant speed or accelerate, and the number in the gear selection indicator goes off.

You can cancel this mode by pulling the + paddle shifter for a few seconds.

The 7-speed manual shift mode is especially useful when reducing the vehicle speed temporarily before making a turn.

The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode. The M indicator and the speed number are displayed in the gear selection indicator. As the vehicle speed slows down, the transmission automatically shifts down accordingly. When the vehicle comes to a stop, it automatically shifts down into 1st.

If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.

You can only pull away in 1st speed.

When canceling the 7-speed manual shift mode, pressing the SPORT button. When the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and gear selection indicator go off.

488

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

Manual transmission models

■  Shift Lever Operation Fully depress the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears, then slowly release the pedal.

Depress the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into R, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they do not “grind.”

When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster.

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

    Shift Up/Down Indicators

Come on to inform you that upshifting or downshifting is necessary to prevent the engine from over revving or stalling.

The shift up indicator:

Comes on when upshifting is recommended.

The shift down indicator: Comes on when downshifting is recommended.

Continued 491

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

    Reverse Lockout The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally shifting into R from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving above a certain

speed.

If you cannot shift to R when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:

    Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever all the way to the left, and shift to R.
    If you still cannot shift into R, apply the parking brake, and set the power mode to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF.
    Depress the clutch pedal and shift into R.
    Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start the engine.

Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you have to go through this procedure repeatedly.

uuWhen DrivinguSPORT Mode*

To turn the SPORT mode on and off, press the SPORT button.

The SPORT mode increases engine performance, transmission and handling*. This mode is suitable for driving on hills or through curves on mountain roads.

The SPORT mode is turned off every time you start the engine, even if you turned it on the last time you drove the vehicle.

The ambient meter color changes to a constant red and the turbo meter appears on the driver information interface.

    Not available on all models

493

uuWhen DrivinguECON Button

The 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 and climate control system.

*1 : Models without the adaptive damper system

*2 : Models with the adaptive damper system

*3 : Continuously variable transmission models without SPORT mode

*4 : Manual transmission models

*5 : Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission models with SPORT mode

uuWhen DrivinguAdaptive Damper System*

Constantly controls your vehicle’s front and rear dampers according to current road conditions, vehicle speed and steering operation.

You can change handling response by turning the SPORT mode on.

2 SPORT Mode* P. 493

* Not available on all models

495

uuWhen DrivinguVehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.

When VSA® activates, you may notice that the engine does not respond to the accelerator. You may also notice some noise from the hydraulic system. You will also see the indicator blink.

    Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguVehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

    VSA® On and Off

This button is on the driver side control panel. To partially disable VSA® functionality/features, press and hold it until you hear a beep.

Your vehicle will have normal braking and cornering ability, but traction control function will be less effective.

To restore VSA® functionality/features, press the (VSA® OFF) button until you hear a beep.

VSA® is turned on every time you start the engine, even if you turned it off the last time you drove the vehicle.

uuWhen DrivinguAgile Handling Assist

Lightly brakes the front wheels, as needed, when you turn the steering wheel, and helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during cornering.

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Instead of directly measuring the pressure in each tire, the TPMS on this vehicle monitors and compares the rolling radius and rotational characteristics of each wheel and tire while you are driving to determine if one or more tires are significantly under-inflated.

This will cause the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come on and a message to appear on the driver information interface.

    Not available on all models

Continued

499

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

    TPMS Calibration

You must start TPMS calibration every time you:

    Adjust the pressure in one or more tires.
    Rotate the tires.
    Replace one or more tires.

Before calibrating the TPMS:

    Set the cold tire pressure in all four tires.

2 Checking Tires P. 646

Make sure:

    The vehicle is at a complete stop.

Manual transmission models

    The transmission is in neutral.

Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission models

    The transmission is in .

All models

    The power mode is in ON.

* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Models with color audio

You can calibrate the system from the customized feature on the audio/information screen.

    Set the power mode to ON.
    Press the MENU/CLOCK button.
    Rotate to select Settings, then press .
    Rotate to select Vehicle Settings, then press
    Rotate to select TPMS Calibration, then press .
    Rotate to select Calibrate, then press .
    If the Calibration failed to start. message appears, repeat steps 5-6.
    The calibration process finishes automatically.
    Not available on all models

Continued 501

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Models with Display Audio

You can calibrate the system from the customized feature on the audio/information screen.

    Set the power mode to ON.
    Press the button.
    Select Settings.
    Select Vehicle.
    Select TPMS Calibration.
    Select Calibrate.
    If the Calibration Failed To Start.

message appears, repeat steps 5-6.

    The calibration process finishes automatically.

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

U.S. models

(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale

when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.

Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.

Continued

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.

Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

uuWhen DrivinguBlind spot information System*

Is designed to detect vehicles in specified alert zones adjacent to your vehicle, particularly in harder to see areas commonly known as “blind spots.”

When the system detects vehicles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes, the appropriate indicator comes on for a few seconds, providing assistance when you change lanes.

    Not available on all models

Continued

505

uuWhen DrivinguBlind spot information System*

    When the system detects a vehicle

Blind spot information System Alert Indicator: Located on the outside rearview mirror on both sides.

Comes on when:

    A vehicle enters the alert zone from behind to overtake you with a speed difference of no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your vehicle.
    You pass a vehicle with a speed difference of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).

Blinks and a beeper sounds when:

You move the turn signal lever in the direction of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds three times.

506

* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguBlind spot information System*

When you turn the blind spot information system on and off, do the following.

    Press the safety support switch.
    Roll the left selector wheel to the symbol and push it.

The blind spot information system is in the previously selected ON or OFF setting each time you start the engine.

* Not available on all models

507

uuWhen DrivinguLaneWatchTM*

Canadian models

LaneWatchTM*

LaneWatch is an assistance system that allows you to check the passenger side rear areas displayed on the audio/information screen when the turn signal is activated to the passenger’s side. A camera in the passenger side door mirror monitors these areas and allows you to check for vehicles, in addition to your visual check and use of the passenger door mirror. You can also keep the system on for your convenience while driving.

    Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguLaneWatchTM*

    Customizing the LaneWatch settings

You can customize the following items using the audio/information screen.

    Show with turn signal: Selects whether LaneWatch monitor comes on when you operate the turn signal lever.
    Show Reference Line: Selects whether the reference lines appear on the LaneWatch monitor.
    Display Time after Turn Signal Off: Changes the remaining LaneWatch display time after you pull the turn signal lever back.
    Display: Adjusts display settings.

2 Customized Features P. 383

2 Audio Remote Controls P. 250

Three lines that appear on the screen can give an idea of how far the vehicles or objects on the screen are from your vehicle, respectively. If an object is near line 1 (in red), it indicates that it is close to your vehicle whereas an object near line 3 is farther away.

* Not available on all models

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