Honda Civic Sedan 2012 Owner's Manual

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2012 Civic Sedan

This 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 the Civic 4-Door. 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.

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Chapter Table of Contents

Index

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Book Table of Contents

2 Safe Driving P. 23

For Safe Driving P. 24 Seat Belts P. 28 Airbags P. 35

2 Instrument Panel P. 65

Indicators P. 66 Gauges and Displays P. 78

2 Controls P. 97

Setting the Clock P. 98 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 99 Opening and Closing the Moonroof Adjusting the Seats P. 126

P. 116

2 Features P. 143

Audio System* P. 144 Audio System Basic Operation* P. 147

Bluetooth

HandsFreeLink®* P. 177

2 Driving P. 201

Before Driving P. 202 Towing a Trailer P. 207 Refueling P. 234 Fuel Economy P. 237

2 Maintenance P. 239

Before Performing Maintenance P. 240 Maintenance Minder™ P. 243 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 278 Heating and Cooling

System Maintenance P. 291

2 Handling the Unexpected P. 297

Tools P. 298 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 299 Overheating P. 311 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 313

2 Information P. 323

Specifications P. 324 Identification Numbers P. 328 Emissions Testing P. 331 Warranty Coverages P. 333

Not available on all models

Contents

2012 Civic Sedan

Child Safety P. 50 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 62 Safety Labels P. 63

Opening and Closing the Trunk P. 109 Security System P. 112 Opening and Closing the Windows P. 114 Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 117 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 125 Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 134 Heating and Cooling

Audio Error Messages* P. 172 General Information on the Audio System* P. 174

When Driving P. 211 Braking P. 229 Parking Your Vehicle P. 233 Accessories and Modifications P. 238

Maintenance Under the Hood P. 251 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 268 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 280 Battery P. 289 Remote Transmitter Care Cleaning P. 292

Engine Does Not Start P. 306 Jump Starting P. 307 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 310 Fuses P. 318 Emergency Towing P. 321

P. 140

P. 290

Quick Reference Guide

Safe Driving

Instrument Panel

Controls

Features

Driving

Maintenance

Handling the Unexpected

Information

Index

P. 2

P. 23

P. 65

P. 97

P. 143

P. 201

P. 239

P. 297

P. 323

P. 337

Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 329 Reporting Safety Defects P. 330 Authorized Manuals P. 335 Customer Service Information P. 336

Not available on all models

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Quick Reference Guide

❙ System Indicators (P 66) ❙ Gauges (P 78) ❙ Information Display

(P 80)

❙ Navigation System

() See Navigation System Manual

❙ Audio System

(P 144)

❙ Hazard Warning Button

❙ Heating and Cooling

System

(P 140)

❙ Rear Window Defogger (P 123)

❙ Seat Heater Switches

(P 139)

❙ Ignition Switch (P 117) ❙ Steering Wheel Adjustments

(P 124)

❙ (Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA

)

System OFF) Button

(P 223)

❙ ECON Button

(P 123)

❙ Multi-Information Display

(P 82)

❙ Heated Mirror Button

(P 123)

❙ (Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA

)

System OFF) Button

(P 223)

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Visual Index

Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

❙ Headlights/Turn Signals (P 118) ❙ Fog Lights

(P 120)

❙ Wipers/Washers (P 121)

❙ Cruise Control Buttons

(P 220)

❙ Km/Mile Change Knob (P 78) ❙ CLOCK Knob

(P 98)

❙ MENU Button

(P 86)

❙ / / / Buttons

(P 86)

–

❙ Navigation System Voice Control Buttons

() See Navigation System Manual

❙ Bluetooth

HandsFreeLink® System

Voice Control Buttons

(P 177)

❙ (SEL/RESET) Knob (P 80)

❙ SOURCE Button

(P 86)

❙ (Display/Information) Button

(P 82)

❙ Horn (Press an area around .)

❙ Brightness Control (P 122)

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(P 82)

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❙ Door Mirror Controls

(P 125)

❙ Passenger's Front Airbag

(P 38)

❙ Parking Brake (P 229)

❙ Glove Box (P 135)

❙ Rearview Mirror (P 125)

❙ Accessory Power Socket

(P 137)

❙ Shift Lever

Automatic Transmission

(P 214)

Manual Transmission

(P 217)

❙ Hood Release Handle (P 253)

❙ Fuel Fill Door Release Handle (P 235) ❙ Driver’s Pocket

❙ Trunk Release (P 109)

❙ Power Door Lock Master Switch

(P 104)

❙ Power Window Switches (P 114)

❙ Auxiliary Input Jack

(P 145)

❙ Interior Fuse Box (P 319) ❙ Driver's Front Airbag (P 38)

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Visual Index

Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

❙ Seat Belt to Secure a Child Seat (P 59)

❙ Seat Belt (Installing a Child Seat) (P 57)

❙ Sun Visors

❙ Vanity Mirrors

❙ Moonroof Switch

(P 116)

❙ Map Lights

(P 134)

❙ USB Adapter Cable

(P 145)

❙ Accessory Power

Socket

(P 137)

❙ Front Seat (P 126)

❙ Seat Belts (P 28)

❙ Side Airbags (P 42)

❙ Rear Seat (P 132) ❙ LATCH to Secure a Child Seat (P 55)

❙ Ceiling Light (P 134)

❙ Side Curtain Airbags (P 45) ❙ Coat Hook (P 138)

❙ Grab Handle

* Not available on all models

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

❙ Maintenance Under the Hood (P 251) ❙ Windshield Wipers (P 121)

❙ Tires (P 280)

❙ Fog Lights

(P 120)

❙ Door Lock/Unlock Control (P 101)

❙ Power Door Mirrors

(P 125)

❙ Headlights (P 118) ❙ Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Lights (P 118)

❙ How to Refuel (P 235) ❙ High-Mount Brake Light

(P 277)

❙ Emergency Trunk Release Lever

(P 111)

❙ Opening/Closing the Trunk (P 109)

❙ Back-Up Lights (P 275)

❙ Brake/Taillights (P 275)

❙ Rear Turn Signal Lights (P 275) ❙ Rear Side Marker Lights (P 275)

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Visual Index

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(P 278)

(P 268)

(P 299)

(P 272)

* Not available on all models

(P 273)

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Eco Assist System* (P 123)

Ambient Meter

● Changes color to reflect your driving style. Green: Fuel efficient driving Blue green: Moderate acceleration/ deceleration Blue: Aggressive acceleration/ deceleration

● The ambient meter color changes in accordance with your brake or accelerator pedal operation.

ECON Button (P 123)

Helps maximize fuel economy.

ECON Mode Indicator (P 75)

Comes on when the ECON button is pressed.

This message is displayed for a few seconds when the ECON button is pressed.

Models with multi-information display

* Not available on all models

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

Airbags (P 35)

● Your vehicle is fitted with airbags to help protect you and your passengers during a moderate-to-severe collision.

Child Safety (P 50)

● All children 12 and younger should be seated in the rear seat.

● Smaller children should be properly restrained in a forward-facing child seat.

● Infants must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat.

Exhaust Gas Hazard (P 62)

● Your vehicle emits dangerous exhaust gases that contain carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can accumulate.

Before Driving Checklist (P 27)

● Before driving, check that the front seats, head restraints, steering wheel, and mirrors have been properly adjusted.

Seat Belts (P 28)

● Fasten your seat belt and sit upright well back in the seat.

● Check that your passengers are wearing their seat belts correctly.

Fasten your lap belt as low as possible.

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Safe Driving (P 23)

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Instrument Panel (P 65)

System Indicators

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Charging System Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA

) System

Indicator

VSA

OFF Indicator

Low Tire Pressure Indicator

/ Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator

Lights Reminders

Lights On Indicator

High Beam Indicator

Fog Light Indicator

Immobilizer System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

System Indicators

Cruise Control Indicator

System Message Indicator

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Side Airbag Off Indicator

Door Open Indicator

Cruise Main Indicator

Tachometer

Instant Fuel Economy Gauge

Speedometer

Fuel Gauge

Security Alarm System Indicator

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Gauges (P 78) /Information Display* (P 80) / Multi-Information Display

(P 82) /System Indicators (P 66)

Trunk Open Indicator

ECON Mode Indicator

TPMS Indicator

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

High Temperature Indicator

Low Temperature Indicator

Maintenance Minder Indicator

Daytime Running Lights Indicator

Washer Level Indicator

i-VTEC Indicator

REV Indicator

2.4 ℓ engine models

Ambient Meter

* Not available on all models

U. S.

Canada

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U. S.

Canada

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

Turn Signal Control Lever

Right

Left

Light Control Switches

Low Beam

High Beam

Flashing

Wiper/Washer Control Lever

Adjustment Ring

: Long Delay : Short Delay

MIST OFF INT: Low speed with intermittent LO: Low speed wipe HI: High speed wipe

Pull toward you to spray washer fluid.

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Controls (P 97)

Turn Signals (P 118)

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Lights (P 118)

Wipers and Washers

(P 121)

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Steering Wheel (P 124)

Trunk Release

Selector Switch

Adjustment Switch

Power Window Lock Button

Window Switch

Indicator

* Not available on all models

● To adjust, pull the adjustment lever towards you, adjust to the desired position, then lock the lever back in place.

Trunk (P 109)

● To unlock and open the trunk:

• Pull the trunk release.

• Press the trunk release button*.

• Turn the key in the cylinder on the trunk*.

Power Windows (P 114)

● With the ignition switch in ON and close the power windows.

● If the power window lock button is in the OFF position, each passenger's window can be opened and closed with its own switch.

● If the power window lock button is in the ON position (indicator is on), each passenger's window switch is disabled.

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Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside

(P 103)

● Pull either front door inner handle to unlock and open it at the same time.

Power Door Mirrors*

(P 125)

● With the ignition switch in ON the selector switch to L or R.

● Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.

(w, move

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

Fan Control Dial

(Rear Window Defogger/ Heated Mirror

) Button

(Windshield

Defroster) Button

A/C (Air Conditioning) Button

Air flows from floor and windshield defroster vents.

Air flows from floor vents.

Air flows from floor and dashboard vents.

Air flows from dashboard vents.

Button

(Recirculation) Button

Temperature Control Dial

Button

Models without navigation system

Models with navigation system

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Heating and Cooling* System (P 140)

● Rotate the fan control dial to adjust the fan speed and airflow.

● Press the Mode buttons ( / / / ) to select the vents air flows from.

● Rotate the temperature control dial to adjust the temperature.

● Use the button for maximum cool setting.

● Rotate the fan control dial to OFF to turn the system off.

● Press the button to defrost the windshield.

Clock (P 98)

a Press the CLOCK knob to access the

clock adjustment mode screen.

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b Turn the CLOCK knob to adjust the

hours.

c Press the CLOCK knob. The display

switches to minute adjustment.

d Turn the CLOCK knob to adjust the

minutes.

e Press the CLOCK knob to complete

clock adjustment.

The navigation system receives signals from GPS satellites, updating the clock automatically.

* Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

Features (P 143)

Audio Display

AM Button

FM Button

(Power) Button

CD Button

AUX Button

CD Slot

(CD Eject) Button

SCAN Button

Preset Buttons (1-6)

SKIP/SEEK Button

Button

SETUP Button

Selector Knob

Button

(Sound) Button

SKIP/SEEK Button

(P 147)

On models with information display

* Not available on all models

Audio system* (P 144) For navigation system operation () See Navigation System Manual

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(P 155)

On models with multi-information display

Multi-Information Display

AM Button

FM Button

SCAN Button

SKIP/SEEK Button

Selector Knob

Button

(Sound)

Button

(Power)

Button

CD Button

AUX Button

CD Slot

(CD Eject)

Button

Preset Buttons (1-6)

Button

SETUP Button

SKIP/SEEK Button

PHONE Button

/ / / Button

–

SOURCE Button

–

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● Audio Remote Controls* (P 156)

Index

00230075°

F miles

● / Button Press and release to adjust the volume up/ down.

● SOURCE Button Press and release to change the audio mode: FM1/FM2/AM/CD/AUX.

● / Button Radio:Press and release to change the

preset station. Press and hold to select the next or previous strong station.

CD/USB device:

Press and release to skip to the beginning of the next song or return to the beginning of the current song. Press and hold to change a folder.

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* Not available on all models

Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

Driving (P 201)

Release Button

Shift Lever

Depress the brake pedal and press the release button to move out of

(P.

Move the shift lever without pressing the release button.

Press the release button to move the shift lever.

Manual Transmission (P 217) Automatic Transmission (P 215)

● Shift to

(P and depress the brake pedal when starting the engine.

● Shifting

Park

Turn off or start the engine. Transmission is locked.

Reverse

Neutral

Transmission is not locked.

Drive

Normal driving.

Drive (D3)

Used when:

•Going up or down hills

•Towing a trailer in hilly terrain

Second

Used to increase engine braking (the transmission is locked in 2nd gear)

First

Used to further increase engine braking (the transmission is locked in 1st gear)

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

–/SET

U.S. models only

1.8 ℓ engine models

2.4 ℓ engine models

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VSA® OFF Button (P 224)

● The vehicle stability assist (VSA helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering, and helps maintain traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces.

● VSA you start the engine.

● To turn VSA the button until you hear a beep.

Cruise Control* (P 220)

● Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

● To use cruise control, press the CRUISE button, then press once you have received the desired speed (above 25 mph or 40 km/h).

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

) system

comes on automatically every time

on or off, press and hold

(P 225)

Refueling (P 234)

Fuel recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number 87 or higher required

Premium unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number 91 or higher recommended

Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 US gal (50 L)

a Push the fuel fill door

release handle.

b Turn the fuel fill cap

slowly to remove the cap.

● TPMS monitors tire pressure.

● TPMS is turned on automatically every

time you start the engine.

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c Place the cap in the

holder on the fuel fill door.

d After refueling, screw

the cap back on until it clicks at least once.

* Not available on all models

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Maintenance (P 239)

Under the Hood (P 251)

● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Add when necessary.

● Check brake fluid and clutch fluid.

● Check the battery regularly.

a Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the

dashboard.

b Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up

the hood.

c When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly

locked in place.

Lights (P 268)

● Inspect all lights regularly.

Wiper Blades (P 278)

● Replace blades if they leave streaks across the windshield.

Tires (P 280)

● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.

● Check tire pressures regularly.

● Install snow tires for winter

driving.

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Handling the Unexpected (P 297)

Flat Tire (P 299)

● Park in a safe location and replace the flat tire with the compact spare tire in the trunk.

Indicators Come On

(P 313)

● Identify the indicator and consult the owner's manual.

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Engine Won't Start

(P 306)

● If the battery is dead, jump start using a booster battery.

Blown Fuse (P 318)

● Check for a blown fuse if an electrical device does not operate.

Overheating (P 311)

● 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

(P 321)

● Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

What to Do If

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The ignition switch does not turn from Why?

The ignition switch does not turn from I cannot remove the key. Why?

Why does the brake pedal pulsate slightly when applying the brakes?

The rear door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. Why?

(0 to (q.

(q to (0 and

●

The steering wheel may be locked.

●

Try to turn the steering wheel left and right while turning the ignition key.

The shift lever should be moved to

(P.

This can occur when the ABS activates, and does not indicate a problem. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Never pump the brake pedal.

Check if the childproof lock is in the LOCK position. If so, open the rear door with the outside door handle. To cancel this function, push the lever to the UNLOCK position.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

Models with remote transmitter

2.4 ℓ engine models

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Why do the doors lock after I unlocked the doors using a remote transmitter?

If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are relocked automatically for security.

Why does the beeper sound when I open the driver's door?

Why does the beeper sound when I start driving?

Why do I hear a screeching sound when I apply the brake pedal?

Is it possible to use unleaded gasoline with a

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Pump Octane Number (PON) of 87 or higher on

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this vehicle?

The beeper sounds when:

●

The key is left in the ignition switch.

●

The exterior lights are left on.

The beeper sounds when:

●

Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts.

●

The parking brake lever is not fully released.

The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Unleaded gasoline with a PON of 91 or higher is recommended. If premium unleaded gasoline with a PON of 91 or higher is not available, you can temporarily use the gasoline with a PON of 87 or higher. This will result in decreased engine performance, and can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the engine.

Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: This product contains or emits

chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

NOTICE

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

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Event Data Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR).

The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related

to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were

buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

The data belongs to the vehicle owner and may not be accessed by anyone else except as legally required or with the permission of the vehicle owner.

Service Diagnostic Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with service-related devices that record information about powertrain performance. The data can be used to verify emissions law requirements and/or help technicians diagnose and solve service problems. It may also be combined with data from other sources for research purposes, but it remains confidential.

California Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act

The airbags, seat belt tensioners, and CR type batteries in this vehicle may contain perchlorate materials - special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/

As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your vehicle, other property, or the environment.

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Quick Reference Guide - 2012 Civic Sedan

3DANGER

3WARNING

3CAUTION

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A Few Words About Safety

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.

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● Safety Labels - on the vehicle.

● Safety Messages - preceded by a safety alert symbol

one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.

● Safety Headings - such as Important Safety Precautions.

● Safety Section - such as Safe Driving.

● Instructions - how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information - please read it carefully.

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Safe Driving

You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.

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For Safe Driving

Important Safety Precautions ............. 24

Your Vehicle's Safety Features............ 26

Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts........................ 28

Fastening a Seat Belt.......................... 31

Seat Belt Inspection............................ 34

Airbags

Airbag System Components............... 35

Types of Airbags ................................ 38

Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 38

Side Airbags....................................... 42

Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 45

Airbag System Indicators.................... 46

Airbag Care ....................................... 49

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers ............... 50

Safety of Infants and Small Children.......52

Safety of Larger Children ................... 60

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas....................... 62

Safety Labels

Label Locations .................................. 63

Safe Driving

For Safe Driving

1Important Safety Precautions

Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the driver while driving.

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The following pages explain your vehicle's safety features and how to use them

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properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the most important.

Important Safety Precautions

■ Always wear your seat belt

A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly.

■ Restrain all children

Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in a back seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder seat belt until they can use the belt properly without a booster seat.

■ Be aware of airbag hazards

While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children,

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and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.

■ Don't drink and drive

Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either.

uuFor Safe DrivinguImportant Safety Precautions

Safe Driving

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■ Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely

Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying

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close attention to the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians could lead to a crash. Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to divert some attention away from driving.

■ Control your speed

Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.

■ Keep your vehicle in safe condition

Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

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uuFor Safe Driving uYour Vehicle's Safety Features

Safe Driving

1Your Vehicle's Safety Features

Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to help protect you and your passengers during a crash.

Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment, front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat belts in a sufficient crash.

However, you and your passengers cannot take full advantage of these features unless you remain seated in the correct position and always wear your seat belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.

Safety Cage Crush Zones Seats and Seat-Backs Head Restraints Collapsible Steering Column Seat Belts Front Airbags Side Airbags Side Curtain Airbags Door Locks Seat Belt Tensioners Occupant Position Detection

System (OPDS) Sensor

7108

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Your Vehicle's Safety Features

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The following checklist will help you take an active role in protecting yourself and

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your passengers.

uuFor Safe DrivinguYour Vehicle's Safety Features

Safe Driving

1Safety CheckList

If the door open indicator is on, a door is not completely closed. Close all doors tightly until the indicator goes off.

2 Door Open Indicator P. 70

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Safety CheckList

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For the safety of you and your passengers, make a habit of checking these items each time before you drive.

• After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure all doors are closed and locked. Locking the doors helps prevent an occupant from being ejected and an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door.

2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 103

• Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the front seats are adjusted as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the vehicle. Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a crash.

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 126

• Adjust head restraints to the proper position. Head restraints are most effective when the center of the head restraint aligns with the center of your head. Taller persons should adjust their head restraint to the highest position.

2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 129

• Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any passengers are properly belted as well.

2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 31

• Protect children by using seat belts or child seats according to a child's age, height and weight.

2 Child Safety P. 50

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Safe Driving

1About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.

Most states and all Canadian provinces and territories require you to wear seat belts.

WARNING

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.

Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

2012 Civic Sedan

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Seat Belts

About Your Seat Belts

Seat belts are the single most effective safety device because they keep you connected to the vehicle so that you can take advantage of many built-in safety features. They also help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle, against other passengers, or out of the vehicle. When worn properly, seat belts also keep your body properly positioned in a crash so that you can take full advantage of the additional protection provided by the airbags.

In addition, seat belts help protect you in almost every type of crash, including:

- frontal impacts

- side impacts

- rear impacts

- rollovers

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All five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with emergency locking retractors. In normal driving the retractor lets you move freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop the retractor locks to restrain your body. The rear seat belts also have a lockable retractor for use with child seats.

2 Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt P. 57

■ Lap/shoulder seat belts

uuSeat BeltsuAbout Your Seat Belts

Safe Driving

1About Your Seat Belts

If a rear seat passenger moves around and extends the seat belt, the lockable retractor may activate. If this happens, release the retractor by unfastening the seat belt and allow the belt to retract completely. Then refasten the belt.

1Seat Belt Reminder

The indicator will also come on if a front passenger does not fasten their seat belt within 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to ON

(w.

When no one is sitting in the front passenger's seat, or a child or small adult is riding there, the indicator will not come on. This is because the weight sensors in the seat cannot detect their presence.

* Not available on all models

2012 Civic Sedan

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■ Proper use of seat belts

Follow these guidelines for proper use:

• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduces the effectiveness of the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.

• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Seat Belt Reminder

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Your vehicle monitors front seat belt use. If the ignition switch is turned to ON

(w before

the driver's seat belt is fastened, a beeper will sound and the indicator will blink. If the driver does not fasten the belt before the beeper stops, the indicator will remain on.

The beeper will also periodically sound and the indicator will blink while driving until the driver's and front passenger’s seat belts are fastened.

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