2022 Honda Civic Owners Manual - When Driving

Detail

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.

The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold, an engine block heater will improve starting and warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with the engine or exhaust system.

Bring the keyless remote close to the ENGINE START/STOP button if the battery in the keyless remote is weak.

The engine may not start if the keyless remote is subjected to strong radio waves.

Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to start the engine.
If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds before starting the engine again.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft. If an improperly coded device is used, the engine’s fuel system is disabled.

You can remotely start the engine using the keyless remote.

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic and can rapidly accumulate in closed or even partly enclosed areas.

Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.

Never use the remote engine starter with the vehicle parked in a garage or other areas with limited ventilation.

Detail

The remote engine start may violate local laws.
Before using the remote engine start, check your local laws.

If there are buildings and obstacles between your vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced.
This distance may vary by external electrical interference.

The engine may not start by the remote engine start if:

• You have disabled a remote engine start setting.
  

• The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF.
• The transmission is in a position other than P.
• The hood is open, or any door or the trunk is unlocked.
• You have already used the remote twice to start the engine.
• Another registered keyless remote is in the vehicle.
• There is any antenna failure.
• The door is unlocked with the built-in key.
• The engine oil pressure is low.
• The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.
• The security system alarm is not set.

The engine may stop while it is running if:

• You do not start the vehicle within 10 minutes of starting the engine with the keyless remote.
• The engine is stopped by using the keyless remote.
• The security system alarm is not set.
• The door is unlocked with the built-in key.
• The hood is open, or any door, or the trunk is unlocked.
• You press the shift lever release button.
• The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.
• The battery is low.
• The engine oil pressure is low.
• The malfunction indicator lamp comes on if there is a problem with the emissions control systems.

While the engine is running, the vehicle will automatically precondition inside the vehicle.
When it is warm outside:

• The climate control system is activated in recirculation mode.

When it is cold outside:

• The defroster is activated at a moderately warm temperature.
• The rear defogger, heated door mirrors*, front seat heaters* and heated steering wheel* are activated.
  

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

When the engine was started using the button on the keyless remote

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the transmission into D. Select R when reversing.
3. With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal.
   • Make sure the parking brake and brake system indicator (red) goes off.

Detail

Manual transmission models

Engine Restart Function

If the engine stalls, fully depress the clutch pedal within three seconds. The engine may automatically restart under certain conditions. Otherwise, follow the standard procedure.

When the engine was started using the button on the keyless remote

The engine stops when the transmission is taken out of P before the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed. Follow step 1 when starting to drive.

You can also release the parking brake by pressing the electric parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.
When facing downhill, you can start your vehicle more smoothly by manually releasing it with the electric parking brake switch than by releasing it with the accelerator pedal.

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.

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

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.

Detail

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and will not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking brake.

Hill start assist will operate even when VSA^® is switched off.

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

1. Put the transmission into P.
2. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

• 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.

Detail

The power mode will automatically turn to VEHICLE OFF about 20 minutes after the following conditions have been met:

• A door has been opened, such as when leaving the vehicle.
• The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
Continuously variable transmission models
• The transmission is in P.
Manual transmission models
• The vehicle is completely stopped.

* Not available on all models

Detail

Continuously variable transmission models
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could damage the transmission.

NOTICE
If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in the full left or right position for a while, the electric power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system goes into a protective mode, and limits its performance. The steering wheel becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the system cools down, the EPS system is restored.
Repeated operation under these conditions can eventually damage the system.

If the power mode is set to ACCESSORY 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 select N while driving 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) after purchasing your new vehicle or replacing the brake pads or rotors, to allow for proper break-in.

NOTICE
The following 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

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.

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

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

Detail

You cannot change the power mode from ON to VEHICLE OFF unless the shift position is in P.

The vehicle may move very slightly even in N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary, apply the parking brake.

Detail

NOTICE
When you change the shift position from D to R and vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.

Use the shift position indicator to check the lever position before pulling away.

If the transmission system indicator blinks when driving, in any shift position, there is a problem with the transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine speeds in or over the tachometer red zone (engine speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a slight jolt.

It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.

When shifting positions in extremely low temperatures (-22°F/-30°C), there may be a short delay before the shift position is displayed. Always confirm you are in the correct shift position before driving.

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

Detail

You cannot change the power mode from ON to VEHICLE OFF unless the shift position is in P.

The vehicle may move very slightly even in N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary, apply the parking brake.

Detail

NOTICE
When you change the shift position from D to R and vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.

Use the shift position indicator to check the lever position before pulling away.

If the transmission system indicator blinks when driving, in any shift position, there is a problem with the transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine speeds in or over the tachometer red zone (engine speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a slight jolt.

It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.

When shifting positions in extremely low temperatures (-22°F/-30°C), there may be a short delay before the shift position is displayed. Always confirm you are in the correct shift position before driving.

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.

Detail

In the 7-speed manual shift mode, the transmission shifts up or down by operating either paddle shifter under the following conditions:
Shift Up: The engine speed reaches the lowest threshold of the higher speed position.
Shift Down: The engine speed reaches the highest threshold of the lower speed position.

When the engine speed reaches near the tachometer red zone, the transmission shifts up automatically.
When the engine speed reaches the lowest threshold of the selected speed position, the transmission shifts down automatically.

Operating the paddle shifters on slippery surfaces may cause the tires to lock up. In this case, the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled and goes back to the normal D driving mode.

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 red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.

You can only pull away in 1st speed.

When canceling the 7-speed manual shift mode, use the drive mode switch to select other than SPORT mode or pull the + paddle shifter for a few seconds. When the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and shift indicator will turn off.

Detail

Each paddle shift operation makes a single speed change.
To change continuously, release the paddle shifter before pulling it again for the next speed.

The shift indicator blinks when you cannot shift up or down. It indicates that your vehicle speed is not in its allowable shifting range.
Slightly accelerate to shift up and decelerate to shift down while the indicator is blinking.

Detail

NOTICE
Do not shift to R before the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Shifting to R before stopping can damage the transmission. NOTICE
Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer red zone. Should this occur, it can severely damage your engine.

There is a metallic part on the shift lever. If you leave the vehicle parked outside for a long time on a hot day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because of heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the outside temperature is low, the shift lever may feel cold.

If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer red zone. When this happens, you may experience a slight jolt.

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.”

Adjusts the engine’s RPM to match the optimal speed of the gear that is about to be engaged.

Detail

You can turn off the rev match system using the audio/information screen.

If you depress the accelerator pedal while changing gears, the system may give priority to inputs from the accelerator pedal depending on the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal.

If the message below appears, there may be a problem with the system. The rev match system may not operate, but you can perform regular gear shifting.
Have the system checked by a dealer.

The rev match system will not activate under the following conditions:

• You are shifting into a lower gear, but the system has determined that the engine will over rev.
• You are shifting into 1st gear from a higher gear.
• Engine RPM is low and you are shifting into a lower gear in sequential order.
• The system has determined that the engine will be at idling speed after you have shifted into a higher gear.
• The clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
  The rev match system may deactivate if the clutch pedal is fully depressed for a extended period of time.

1. Models with A-type meter
2. Models with B-type meter

Detail

This indicator will not prompt you to downshift to increase engine braking. It is up to you to downshift to increase engine braking when driving downhill.

Always shift down at the appropriate vehicle speed.

The shift down indicator does not come on when downshifting from 2 to 1.

Road and traffic conditions may require you to shift at times other than those indicated.

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:

The ECON button turns ECON mode on and off.
ECON mode helps you improve your fuel economy by adjusting the performance of the engine, transmission and climate control system.

* Not available on all models

To help maximize fuel economy, the engine automatically stops when the vehicle comes to a stop, depending on environmental and vehicle operating conditions. The indicator (green) comes on at this time.

Detail

The 12-volt battery installed in this vehicle is specifically designed for a model with Auto Idle Stop. Using a 12-volt battery other than this specified type may shorten the 12-volt battery life, and prevent Auto Idle Stop from activating. If you need to replace the 12-volt battery, make sure to select the specified type. Ask a dealer for more details.

The duration of the Auto Idle Stop operation:

• Increase in ECON mode, compared to when ECON mode is off, with climate control in use.
  

Detail

If you turn off the Auto Idle Stop system while it is activated, the engine will restart.

If you hold the Auto Idle Stop OFF button, you can disable idle stop messages.

Detail

Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop function is activated. If the hood is opened, the engine will not restart automatically.
In this case, restart the engine with the ENGINE START/STOP button.

When Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow is in operation, the vehicle stops without depressing the brake pedal and Auto Idle Stop may activate. In such cases, the engine may restart if you change the shift position other than D.

Pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button causes the engine to no longer restarts automatically. Follow the standard procedure to start the engine.

• The Auto Idle Stop OFF button is pressed.
• The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• The engine is not adequately warmed up or coolant temperature is high.
• The transmission fluid temperature is low or high.
• The vehicle comes to a stop again before the vehicle speed reaches 3 mph (5 km/h) after the engine starts.
• The vehicle is stopped on a steep incline.
• The transmission is in a position other than D.
• The engine is started with the hood open.
  
  • Turn off the engine. Close the hood before you restart the engine to activate Auto Idle Stop.
• The battery charge is low.
• The internal temperature of the battery is 41°F (5°C) or less.
• The climate control system is in use, and the outside temperature is below −4°F (−20°C) or over 104°F (40°C).
• The climate control system is in use, and the temperature is set to Hi or Lo.
• is ON (indicator on).
Models with Drive Mode Switch
• The drive mode is in the SPORT mode.

• The vehicle is stopped by braking suddenly.
• The steering wheel is operated.
• The vehicle is repeatedly accelerated and decelerated at a low speed.
• The fan speed is high.
• The climate control system is in use, and there is a significant difference between the set temperature and the actual interior temperature.
• The climate control system is in use, and humidity in the interior is high.
• Altitude is high.

• The brake pedal is released (without the automatic brake hold system activated).
• The accelerator pedal is depressed (with the automatic brake hold system activated).
  

• When the transmission is put into P from D or N on a slope.

Detail

If you are using an electronic device during Auto Idle Stop, the device may temporarily be turned off when the engine restarts.

• The Auto Idle Stop OFF button is pressed.
• The steering wheel is operated.
• The transmission is put into R, S*, or L*, or when it is set from N to D.
  
  • If you put the transmission into P after the Auto Idle Stop activates, the Auto Idle Stop continues to operate. In this case, the engine restarts when you depress the brake pedal.
• The pressure on the brake pedal is reduced and the vehicle starts moving while stopped on an incline.
• The pressure on the brake pedal is repeatedly applied and released slightly during a stop.
• The battery charge becomes low.
• The accelerator pedal is depressed.
• The driver’s seat belt is unlatched.
• is ON (indicator on).
• The climate control system is in use, and the difference between the set temperature and actual interior temperature becomes significant.
• The climate control system is being used to dehumidify the interior.
• The vehicle ahead of you starts again when your vehicle stops automatically with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow.
Models with Drive Mode Switch
• The SPORT mode is selected by using the drive mode switch.

Detail

*1: With the automatic brake hold system activated, you can release the brake pedal while Auto Idle Stop is in operation.

If the automatic brake hold system has been turned off, or if there is a problem with the system, the engine will restart automatically when you release the brake pedal.

Briefly keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal to restart the engine. This can keep your vehicle from unexpectedly moving while on an incline.

* Not available on all models

Detail

The mode may not be able to be changed when:

• The vehicle is turning.
• The VSA^® system is activating.
• There is a problem with the engine, the transmission, the VSA^®, and the EPS.

* Not available on all models

Detail

The mode may not be able to be changed when:

• The vehicle is turning.
• The VSA^® system is activating.
• There is a problem with the engine, the VSA^®, and the EPS.

1. Press the drive mode switch up and hold or select Customize to enter INDIVIDUAL mode and open the INDIVIDUAL settings.
   • You can also select from Customized Features on the 9-in. Color Touchscreen.

2. Select the setting category.
3. Select the desired setting.

* Not available on all models

VSA^® helps 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.

Detail

The VSA^® may not function properly if tire type and size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.

When the VSA^® system indicator comes on and stays on while driving, there may be a problem with the system. While this may not interfere with normal driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

The Vehicle Stability Assist^TM (VSA^®) system, Vehicle Stability Assist^TM (VSA^®) OFF, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow*/Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*, low tire pressure/TPMS* and safety support indicators may come on in amber along with a message in the gauge when you set the power mode to ON after reconnecting the battery.
Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
Each indicator should go off. If any do not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

VSA^® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations and does not control the entire braking system. You still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and always leave a sufficient margin of safety.

The main function of the VSA^® system is generally known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The system also includes a traction control function.

In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier to free it with the VSA^® temporarily switched off.

When the button is pressed, the traction control function becomes less effective. This allows for the wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA^® off if you are not able to free it when the VSA^® is on.

Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to switch VSA^® on again. We do not recommend driving your vehicle with the VSA^® system switched off.

You may hear a motor sound coming from the engine compartment while system checks are being performed immediately after starting the engine or while driving. This is normal.

1. Models with A-type meter
2. Models with B-type meter

1. Models with A-type meter
2. Models with B-type meter

* Not available on all models

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

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.

* Not available on all models

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.

(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.

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.

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

Detail

Important Safety Reminder

Like all assistance systems, the blind spot information system has limitations. Always look in your mirrors, to either side of your vehicle, and behind you for other vehicles before changing lanes. Overreliance on the blind spot information system may result in a collision.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer in the following situations:

• The rear bumper or area around the radar sensors is strongly impacted.
• The indicator does not come on even if a vehicle in the alert zone should have been detected.
• The rear bumper or any system components need to be repaired.

If the rear bumper or any system components are repaired, the system will revert to alert zone 1 only until it is able to adapt and expand to alert zone 1 and 2.

For proper blind spot information system operation:

• Always keep the rear bumper and area around the radar sensors clean.
• Do not cover the rear bumper corner area with labels or stickers of any kind.

The system is for your convenience only. Even if an object is within the alert zone, the following situations may occur:

• The blind spot information system alert indicator does not come on and the message Blind spot information system not available appears on the driver information interface.
• The blind spot information system alert indicator may come on even with the message displayed.

You can also select safety support content from the driver information interface.

You can change the settings for the blind spot information system.

The system activates when your vehicle is moving forward at about 20 mph (32 km/h) or above.

The initially set alert zone is alert zone 1. Over time, after the vehicle has been driven on straight roads with traffic and roadside objects, the system will adapt and expand the alert zone (alert zone 1 and 2).

The blind spot information system alert indicator may not come on under the following conditions:

• There is a large speed difference between your vehicle and the vehicle in the adjacent lane.
• A vehicle is parked in a side lane.
• An object not detected by the radar sensors approaches or passes your vehicle.
• The vehicle driving in the adjacent lane is a motorcycle or other small vehicle.

The blind spot information system may not operate correctly under the following conditions:

• Making a turn at an intersection.
• Objects (guard rails, poles, trees, etc.) are detected.
• An object that does not reflect radio waves well or a motorcycle, is in the alert zone.
• Driving on a curved road.
• A vehicle is moving from a far lane to the adjacent lane.
• The system picks up signal interference such as other radar sensors from another vehicle or strong radio wave transmitted from a facility nearby.
• The rear bumper or the area around the radar sensors is covered by dirt, mud, snow, ice, etc.
• The rear bumper or the area around the radar sensors has been damaged or deformed.
• In bad weather (heavy rain, snow, and fog).
• Making a short turn or driving on a bumpy road that slightly tilts the vehicle.

* Not available on all models