Honda Civic Hybrid (2015 year). Instruction - part 15

uu

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

u

HFL Menus

224

Features

HFL can display newly received text/e-mail messages as well as 20 of the most 
recently received messages on a linked cell phone. Each received message can be 
read aloud and replied to using a fixed common phrase.

1. A pop-up appears and notifies you of a new 

text or e-mail message.

2. Select Read to listen to the message.

u

The text or e-mail message is displayed. 
The system automatically starts reading 
out the message.

3. To discontinue the message read-out, select 

Stop.

■

Receiving a Text/E-mail Message

1

Receiving a Text/E-mail Message

The system does not display any received messages 
while you are driving. You can only hear them read 
aloud.

With some phones, you may be able to display up to 
20 most recent text/e-mail messages.

State or local laws may limit your use of the HFL text/
e-mail message feature. Only use the text/e-mail 
message feature when conditions allow you to do so 
safely.

When you receive a text or e-mail message for the 
first time since the phone is paired to HFL, you are 
asked to turn the New Message Notification 
setting to On.

2 To turn on or off the text/e-mail notice 

P. 215

Continued

225

uu

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

u

HFL Menus

Features

If a paired phone has text message or e-mail accounts, you can select one of them 
to be active and receive notifications.

1. Go to the Phone settings screen.

2 Phone settings screen P. 207

2. Select Text/Email tab, then Select 

Account.

u

A pop-up menu appears on the screen.

3. Select Text Message or an e-mail account 

you want.

■

Selecting a Mail Account

1

Selecting a Mail Account

You can also select an e-mail account from the folder 
list screen or the message list screen.

You can only receive notifications from one text 
message or e-mail account at a time.

uu

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

u

HFL Menus

226

Features

■

Displaying text messages

1. Go to the Phone menu screen.

2 Phone menu screen P. 209

2. Select Text/Email.

u

Select account if necessary.

3. Select a message.

u

The text message is displayed. The 
system automatically starts reading the 
message aloud.

■

Displaying Messages

1

Displaying Messages

The 

 icon appears next to an unread message.

If you delete a message on the phone, the message is 
also deleted in the system. If you send a message 
from the system, the message goes to your phone’s 
outbox.

To see the previous or next message, select Previous 
or Next on the message screen.

Message List

Text Message

227

uu

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

u

HFL Menus

Continued

Features

■

Displaying e-mails

1. Go to the Phone menu screen.

2 Phone menu screen P. 209

2. Select Text/Email.

u

Select account if necessary.

3. Select a folder.
4. Select a message.

u

The e-mail message is displayed. The 
system automatically starts reading the 
message aloud.

Folder List

Message List

E-mail Message

uu

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

u

HFL Menus

228

Features

■

Read or stop reading a message

1. Go to the text or e-mail message screen.

u

The system automatically starts reading 
the message aloud.

2 Displaying Messages P. 226

2. Select Stop to stop reading.

Select Read to start reading the message 
from the beginning.

■

Reply to a message

1. Go to the text or e-mail message screen.

u

The system automatically starts reading 
the message aloud.

2 Displaying Messages P. 226

2. Select Reply.
3. Select the reply message.

u

The pop-up menu appears on the screen.

4. Select Send to send the message.

u

Complete appears on the screen when 
the reply message was successfully sent.

1

Reply to a message

The available fixed reply messages are as follows:

•

Talk to you later, I’m driving.

•

I’m on my way.

•

I’m running late.

•

OK

•

Yes

•

No

You cannot add, edit, or delete reply messages.

229

uu

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

u

HFL Menus

Continued

Features

■

Making a call to a sender

1. Go to the text message screen.
2. Select Call.

uu

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

u

HFL Menus

230

Features

■

Automatic collision notification

If your vehicle’s airbags deploy or if the unit 
detects that the vehicle is severely impacted, 
your vehicle automatically will attempt to 
connect to the HondaLink operator. Once 
connected, information about your vehicle, its 
positioning, and its condition will be sent to 
the operator; you also can speak to the 
operator when connected.

IMPORTANT: For vehicles equipped with HondaLink Assist, owner activation 
constitutes authorization for Honda to collect information from your vehicle needed 
to provide the service, and agreement to the Terms of Use at www.hondalink.com/
TermsAndConditions. In a crash, HondaLink Assist will attempt to notify emergency 
services but NEITHER HONDA NOR ITS SERVICE PROVIDERS GUARANTEE THAT 
SUCH NOTIFICATION WILL OCCUR.

■

To enable notification

1. Go to the Phone settings screen.

2 Phone settings screen P. 207

2. Select Phone tab, then HondaLink Assist.

u

A pop-up menu appears on the screen.

3. Select On or Off.

■

In Case of Emergency

1

In Case of Emergency

Your vehicle may not be able to connect to the 
operator if the battery level is low, the line is 
disconnected or you do not have adequate cellular 
coverage.

You cannot use emergency services when:

•

You travel outside the HondaLink service coverage 
areas.

•

There is a problem with the connecting devices, 
such as the microphones, speakers, or the unit 
itself.

You cannot operate other navigation- or phone-
related functions using the screens while talking to 
the operator.

1

Automatic collision notification

If the unit fails to connect to the operator, it 
repeatedly tries until it succeeds.

1

To enable notification

Setting options:

•

On: Notification is available.

•

Off: Disable the feature.

231

Driving

This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.

Before Driving

Driving Preparation .......................... 232
Maximum Load Limit........................ 235

Towing a Trailer

Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 237

When Driving

Starting the Engine .......................... 238
Precautions While Driving................. 241
Continuously Variable Transmission.. 242
Shifting ............................................ 243
ECON Button ................................... 245
Auto Idle Stop.................................. 246

Cruise Control ................................. 249
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

.. 252

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

*

..... 256

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic 

Stability Control (ESC), System ............. 259

LaneWatch

TM

.............................................. 261

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)... 263
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - 

Required Federal Explanation ......... 265

Braking

Brake System ................................... 267
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 269

Brake Assist System ......................... 270

Parking Your Vehicle

When Stopped ................................ 271

Rearview Camera ............................. 272
Refueling

Fuel Information .............................. 273
How to Refuel ................................. 274

Fuel Economy

Improving Fuel Economy.................. 276

Accessories and Modifications

Accessories ...................................... 277
Modifications................................... 277

* Not available on all models

232

Driving

Before Driving

Driving Preparation

Check the following items before you start driving.

• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior 

lights, or other parts of the vehicle.

u

Remove any frost, snow, or ice.

u

Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of 
vision while driving. If frozen solid, remove ice once it has softened.

u

When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel 
or wheel components.

• Make sure the hood is securely closed.

u

If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.

• Make sure the tires are in good condition.

u

Check air pressure, check for damage and excessive wear.

2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 308

• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.

u

There are blind spots from the inside.

■

Exterior Checks

1

Exterior Checks

NOTICE

When doors are frozen shut, use warm water around 
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force 
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim 
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid 
further freezing.

Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert the key if the water 
freezes in the hole.

Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite 
flammable materials left under the hood, causing a 
fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended 
period, inspect and remove any debris that may have 
collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have 
fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a 
small animal.
Also check under the hood for leftover flammable 
materials after you or someone else has performed 
maintenance on your vehicle.

Continued

233

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

• Store or secure all items on board properly.

u

Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s 
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.

2 Maximum Load Limit P. 235

• Do not pile items higher than the seat height.

u

They can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden 
braking.

• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor 

mat.

u

An object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator 
pedal operation while driving.

• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.

u

They may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.

• Securely close and lock all doors and the trunk.

2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 110

• Adjust your seating position properly.

u

Adjust the head restraint, too.

2 Adjusting the Seats P. 134
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 136

• Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.

u

Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.

2 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 132
2 Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 131

■

Interior Checks

1

Interior Checks

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not 
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry 
heavy items in the trunk have the aiming readjusted 
at a dealer or by a qualified technician.

234

uu

Before Driving

u

Driving Preparation

Driving

• Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the 

seats.

u

They can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation 
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.

• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.

2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 35

• Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the 

vehicle, and go off soon after.

u

Always have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.

2 Indicators P. 68

235

uu

Before Driving

u

Maximum Load Limit

Continued

Driving

Maximum Load Limit

The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and 
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and 

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your 
vehicle’s placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers 

that will be riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers 

from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and 

luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount 
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in 
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load 
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

1

Maximum Load Limit

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all 
occupants, all accessories, and all cargo.

2 Specifications P. 358

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.

2 Specifications P. 358

3

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading 
can affect handling and stability 
and cause a crash in which you 
can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other 
loading guidelines in this manual.

Label Example

236

uu

Before Driving

u

Maximum Load Limit

Driving

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being 

loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the 
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will 

be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.

In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, 
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the 
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight 
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.

Load Limits Example

Example1

Max Load 

850 lbs 

(385 kg)

Passenger Weight 

150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs 

(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)

Cargo Weight 

550 lbs 

(249 kg)

Example2

Max Load 

850 lbs 

(385 kg)

Passenger Weight 

150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs 

(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)

Cargo Weight 

100 lbs 
(45 kg)

237

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your 
warranties.

Towing Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motor home. If your vehicle needs 
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.

2 Emergency Towing P. 356

238

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Check that the shift lever is in 

(

P, then 

depress the brake pedal.

u

Although it is possible to start the vehicle 
in 

(

N, it is safer to start it in 

(

P.

1

Starting the Engine

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. If temperatures consistently 
below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant 
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration 
to prevent freezing. 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.

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

2 Immobilizer System P. 117

Brake Pedal

Continued

239

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

Driving

3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button 

without depressing the accelerator pedal.

1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake. Check that 

the parking brake indicator has gone off.

2 Parking Brake P. 267

2. Put the shift lever in 

(

D. Select 

(

R when reversing.

3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to pull 

away.

1

Starting the Engine

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

2 If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak 

P. 342

The engine may not start if the smart entry 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 10 seconds 
before trying again.

■

Starting to Drive