Disclaimer: Not affiliated with or endorsed by Honda Motor Company. For informational purposes only. Full Disclaimer

2020 Honda Civic Owners Manual - Braking



Braking

Brake System

■  Parking Brake Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. When the parking brake is applied, you can manually or automatically release it.

The electric parking brake can be applied any time the vehicle has battery, no matter which position the ignition switch*1 is in.

Pull the electric parking brake switch up gently and securely.

u The indicator in the switch comes on.

u The parking brake and brake system indicator (red) comes on.

The ignition switch must be ON w*1 in order to release the electric parking brake.

    Depress the brake pedal.
    Press the electric parking brake switch. u The indicator in the switch goes off. u The parking brake and brake system

indicator (red) goes off.

Manually releasing the parking brake using the switch helps your vehicle start slowly and smoothly when facing down hill on steep hills.

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

uuBrakinguBrake System

    To release automatically

Use the accelerator pedal to release the parking brake when you are starting the vehicle facing uphill, or in a traffic jam.

Continuously variable transmission models

Depressing the accelerator pedal releases the parking brake.

Manual transmission models

Depress the accelerator pedal while releasing the clutch pedal releases the parking brake.

Continuously variable transmission models

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.

When on a hill, it may require more accelerator input to release.

u The parking brake and brake system indicator (red) goes off.

Manual transmission models

Gently depress the accelerator pedal and release the clutch pedal.

u The parking brake and brake system indicator (red) goes off.

Continued 527

uuBrakinguBrake System

The parking brake automatically releases as you depress the accelerator pedal when:

    You are wearing the driver’s seat belt.
    The engine is running.

Continuously variable transmission models

    The transmission is not in or N.

Manual transmission models

    The transmission is not in N.
    Foot Brake Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist helps to reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system

increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.

2 Brake Assist System P. 533

2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 532

uuBrakinguBrake System

■  Automatic Brake Hold

Continuously variable transmission models

Keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal until the accelerator pedal is pressed. You can use this system while the vehicle is temporarily stopped, like at traffic lights and in heavy traffic.

Continued 529

uuBrakinguBrake System

Manual transmission models

Keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal until you change a gear to a position other than N and:

• Release the clutch pedal on a level road or when facing downhill.

• Release the clutch pedal and depress the accelerator pedal when facing uphill. You can use this system while the vehicle is temporarily stopped, like at traffic lights and in heavy traffic.

    Turning on the system

Comes On

Automatic Brake

    Activating the system

On

Comes On

U.S.

    Canceling the system Clutch Pedal

On

Goes Off

Hold Button

Brake Pedal

Canada

Comes On

Accelerator Pedal

Fasten your seat belt properly, then start the engine. Press the automatic brake hold button.

    The automatic brake hold system indicator comes on. The system is turned on.

Depress the brake pedal to come to a complete stop.

    The automatic brake hold indicator comes on. Braking is kept for up to 10 minutes.
    Release the brake pedal after the automatic brake hold indicator comes on.

Shift into one of the gears other than (N and:

    Release the clutch pedal on a level road or when facing downhill.
    Release the clutch pedal and depress the accelerator pedal when facing uphill.

The system is canceled and the vehicle starts to move.

    The automatic brake hold indicator goes off. The system continues to be on.

uuBrakinguBrake System

    The system automatically cancels when:
    You engage the parking brake.

Continuously variable transmission models

    You depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to or R.
    The system automatically cancels and the parking brake is applied when:
    Braking is kept for more than 10 minutes.
    The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
    The engine is turned off.
    There is a problem with automatic brake hold system.

Manual transmission models

    The engine stalls.
    Turning off the automatic brake hold system

While the system is on, press the automatic brake hold button again.

u The automatic brake hold system indicator goes off.

If you want to turn off automatic brake hold while the system is in operation, press the automatic brake hold button with the brake pedal depressed.

uuBrakinguAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)

■  ABS Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.

The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.

You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as “stomp and steer. ”

The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Depress the brake pedal and keep holding the pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

ABS may activate when you depress the brake pedal when driving on:

    Wet or snow covered roads.
    Roads paved with stone.
    Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.

When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.

532

    Not available on all models

uuBrakinguBrake Assist System

Designed to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.

    Brake assist system operation

Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.

When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.

533


Download Manual