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2019 Honda Civic Owners Manual - When Driving



When Driving

Models without smart entry system

    Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u The parking brake and brake system indicator (red) comes on for 15 seconds when you pull up the electric parking brake switch.

Continuously variable transmission models

    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 .

Manual transmission models

    Check that the shift lever is in N. 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.

    Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

All models

    Turn the ignition switch to START e

without depressing the accelerator pedal.

    Starting to Drive

Continuously variable transmission models

    Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the shift lever in 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 goes off.

2 Parking Brake P. 529

Continued 435

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

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.

Manual transmission models

Depress the clutch pedal, and shift to one of the forward gears when facing uphill, or R when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.

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.

436

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

Models with smart entry system

    Make sure the parking brake is applied.

u The parking brake and brake system indicator (red) comes on for 15 seconds when you pull up the electric parking brake switch.

Continuously variable transmission models

    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 .

Manual transmission models

2. Check that the shift lever is in N. 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.

Continued

437

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

All models

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

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

Continuously variable transmission models

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

Manual transmission models

    If the transmission is in N, press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
    If the transmission is in any gear other than N, 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 smart entry remote.

    To start the engine

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 439

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

    To stop the engine

Press and hold the

button for one second.

Go within the range, and try again.

The exterior lights flash once if the engine stops successfully.

    Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguStarting the Engine

    Starting to Drive
    Depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button

simultaneously.

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 and brake system indicator (red) goes off.

2 Parking Brake P. 529

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.

Manual transmission models

Depress the clutch pedal, and shift to one of the forward gears when facing uphill, or R when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.

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.

    Not available on all models

441

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.

  Other Precautions 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.

*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

uuWhen DrivinguContinuously Variable Transmission*

The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases. Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

  Kickdown 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.

    Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

Continuously variable transmission models without paddle shifters

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

444

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

  Shift Lever Operation

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

Continuously variable transmission models with paddle shifters

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

446

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

  Shift Lever Operation

Continued 447

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 shift indicator.

The 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled automatically if you drive at constant speed or accelerate, and the number in the shift 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 shift 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, move the shift lever from S to D. When the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and shift indicator will turn off.

448

uuWhen DrivinguShifting

    7-Speed Manual Shift Mode Operation

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

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.

* Not available on all models

Continued 451

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 turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY q or LOCK *1.
    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.

*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

uuWhen DrivinguSPORT Mode*

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

With SPORT mode activated, the driver can enjoy enhanced engine response, and greater stability and handling.

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.

* Not available on all models

453

uuWhen DrivinguECON Mode*

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, heating system*/climate control system*, and cruise control*.

    Not available on all models

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. 453

    Not available on all models

455

uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control*

Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.

When to use

    Vehicle speed for cruise control:

Desired speed in a range above roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~

Always keep sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

    Gear positions for cruise control: In (2 or higher position

    Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control*

    To Set the Vehicle Speed

Take your foot off the pedal and press the –/SET button when you reach the desired speed.

The moment you release the –/SET button, the set speed is fixed, and cruise control begins. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator comes on.

When you use cruise control, Straight Driving Assist (a feature of the Electric Power Steering system) is activated.

By enabling the steering system to automatically compensate for natural steering pull, Straight Driving Assist makes it easier for you to keep your vehicle in a straight line.

Continued

457

uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control*

    To Adjust the Vehicle Speed

Increase or decrease the vehicle speed using the RES/+ or –/SET buttons on the steering wheel.

    Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is increased or decreased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
    If you keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or decreases until you release it. This speed is then set.
    To Cancel

To cancel cruise control, do any of the following:

    Press the CANCEL button.
    Press the CRUISE button.
    Depress the brake pedal.
    Depress the clutch pedal for five seconds or more.

The CRUISE CONTROL indicator goes off.

uuWhen DrivinguVehicle Stability Assist® (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.

    VSA® Operation

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

Continued

459

uuWhen DrivinguVehicle Stability Assist® (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 selective wheels, as needed, when you turn the steering wheel, and helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during cornering.

uuWhen DrivinguLimited Slip Differential (LSD)

Models with SPORT mode

LSD (limited slip differential) is a type of differential that delivers extra torque to the wheel or the wheels with the most traction to minimize wheel slip and maintain control of the vehicle.

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

U.S. models

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.

    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. 584

Make sure:

    The vehicle is at a complete stop.

Manual transmission models

    The shift lever is in N.

Continuously variable transmission models

    The shift lever is in .

All models

    The ignition switch is in ON w*1.

*1: Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

    Not available on all models

Continued

463

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Models with color audio system

You can calibrate the system from the customized features on the driver information interface.

    Press the then 3 / 4 button to select (Vehicle Settings), then press the

ENTER button.

u TPMS Calibration appears on the display.

    Press the ENTER button.

u The display switches to the customization setup screen, where you can select Cancel or Calibrate.

    Press the 3 / 4 button and select Calibrate, then press the ENTER button. u Calibration Started screen appears,

then the display returns to the customization menu screen.

    If the Calibration Failed to Start message appears, repeat steps 2-3.
    The calibration process finishes automatically.

* Not available on all models

uuWhen DrivinguTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Models with Display Audio

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

    Press the (Home) button.
    Select Settings.
    Select Vehicle.
    Select TPMS Calibration.
    Select Cancel or Calibrate.

u When the calibration is complete, the display returns to the customization menu screen.

    If the Calibration Failed To Start.

message appears, repeat steps 3-5.

    The calibration process finishes automatically.

* Not available on all models

465

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.

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 DrivinguLaneWatchTM*

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

2 Customized Features P. 337

    Not available on all models

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.


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