Honda Civic Hybrid (2015 year). Instruction - part 16

uu

When Driving

u

Starting the Engine

240

Driving

■

Creep aid system

With the shift lever in 

(

D, this feature applies brake pressure briefly as you release 

the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

■

Hill start assist system

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.

Move the shift lever to 

(

D or 

(

L when facing uphill, or 

(

R when facing downhill, 

then release the brake pedal.

1

Hill start assist system

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

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

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

241

uu

When Driving

u

Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

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.

■

In Rain

■

Other Precautions

1

Precautions While Driving

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 on 
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 put the shift lever in 

(

N, 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.

242

uu

When Driving

u

Continuously Variable Transmission

Driving

Continuously Variable Transmission

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

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.

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

1

Precautions While Driving

Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are 
replaced.

NOTICE

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

243

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Continued

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift lever positions

1

Shifting

You cannot change the power mode from ON to 
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) unless the shift lever is in 

(

P.

The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in 

(

N while the engine is cold.

Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary, 
apply the parking brake.

Park
Used when parking or starting the 
engine

Reverse
Used when reversing

Neutral
Used when idling

Drive
Used for normal driving

Drive (S)

●

Used for better acceleration

●

Used to increase engine braking

●

Used when going up or down hills

Release Button

Low

●

Used to further increase engine 
braking

●

Used when going up or down hills

●

Used when IMA battery is low

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

244

Driving

■

Shift Lever Operation

1

Shift Lever Operation

NOTICE

When you change the shift lever 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 lever position indicator to check the 
lever position before pulling away.

Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving, 
a blinking 

(

D indicator indicates a transmission 

problem.
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’s 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.

Tachometer’s red zone

Shift Lever Position Indicator

Depress the brake pedal and 
press the shift lever release 
button to shift.

Shift without pressing the shift lever 
release button.

Press the shift lever release button 
and shift.

245

uu

When Driving

u

ECON Button

Driving

ECON Button

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, climate control system, and cruise control.

246

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

Auto Idle Stop

To help maximize fuel economy, Auto Idle Stop shuts off the engine when the 
vehicle comes to a stop, depending on environmental and vehicle operating 
conditions. The AUTO STOP indicator blinks at this time.

The engine then restarts once the vehicle is 
about to move again, and the indicator goes 
off.

If the driver’s door is opened while the 
indicator is blinking, a buzzer sounds to notify 
you that the Auto Idle Stop function is in 
operation.

1

Auto Idle Stop

The duration of the Auto Idle Stop operation:

•

Increases in the ECON mode, compared to when 
the ECON mode is off, with climate control in use.

•

Decreases if you operate the wiper and climate 
control simultaneously.

AUTO STOP 
Indicator

Continued

247

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

The vehicle stops with the shift lever in 

(

D and the brake pedal depressed.

■

Auto idle stop does not activate when:

• The low temperature indicator is on.
• The IMA battery charge is low.
• The bars of the electric motor power flow monitor do not move when 

accelerating or decelerating.

• The transmission fluid temperature is low.
• The vehicle comes to a stop again before the vehicle speed reaches 9 mph (15 

km/h) after the engine starts.

• Stopped on a steep incline.
• The shift lever is in a position other than 

(

D or 

(

N.

■

Auto idle stop may not activate when:

• Certain ambient conditions (strong sunlight, high or low temperatures, etc.) can 

prevent Auto Idle Stop from activating, even if the set temperature and the actual 
interior temperature are around the same.

• The vehicle is stopped by braking suddenly.

■

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

1

Auto Idle Stop Activates When:

The Auto Idle Stop may also activate when the brake 
pedal is depressed, and the vehicle slows down to a 
speed below 6 mph (10 km/h).

248

uu

When Driving

u

Auto Idle Stop

Driving

The brake pedal is released.

■

The engine restarts even if the brake pedal is depressed when:

• The shift position is changed to 

(

R or 

(

L.

• The accelerator pedal is depressed.
• The pressure to the brake pedal is reduced and the vehicle starts moving while 

stopped on an incline.

• The IMA battery charge becomes low.
• The low temperature indicator comes on.
• Ambient conditions that may differentiate the interior temperature from the set 

temperature can also be the cause to start the engine.

■

The Engine Automatically Restarts When:

249

uu

When Driving

u

Cruise Control

Continued

Driving

Cruise Control

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

1

Cruise Control

It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed 
when driving uphill or downhill.

When not using cruise control:
Turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE 
button.

While in the ECON mode, it may take relatively more 
time to accelerate to maintain the set speed.

3

WARNING

Improper use of the cruise control can lead 
to a crash.

Use the cruise control only when traveling 
on open highways in good weather.

■

Shift position for cruise control: 
In 

(

D or 

(

S

When to use

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

■

Vehicle speed for cruise control: 
Desired speed in a range above 
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~

How to use

CRUISE MAIN is on in the 
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.

■

Press the 

CRUISE

 button on 

the steering wheel.

250

uu

When Driving

u

Cruise Control

Driving

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.

■

To Set the Vehicle Speed

−/SET Button

On when cruise control begins

Press and release.

On

On

251

uu

When Driving

u

Cruise Control

Driving

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 cruise control, do any of the 
following:
• Press the CANCEL button.
• Press the CRUISE button.
• Depress the brake pedal.
The CRUISE CONTROL indicator goes off.

■

To Adjust the Vehicle Speed

1

To Adjust the Vehicle Speed

You can set the vehicle speed using the −/SET button 
on the steering wheel when adjusting the speed with 
the accelerator and brake pedals.

■

To Cancel

To decrease speed

To increase speed

1

To Cancel

Resuming the prior set speed:
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still 
resume the prior set speed by pressing the RES/+ 
button while driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40 
km/h) or more.

You cannot set or resume in the following situations:

•

When vehicle speed is less than 25 mph (40 km/h)

•

When the CRUISE button is turned off

At vehicle speeds of 22 mph (35 km/h) or less, cruise 
control is canceled automatically.

CRUISE 
Button

CANCEL 
Button

252

uu

When Driving

u

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

Driving

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

Alerts you when it detects the possibility of your vehicle colliding with the vehicle in 
front of yours.

If the system determines a collision is possible, it gives both visual and audible alerts.

u

Take appropriate action to prevent a collision (apply the brakes, change lanes, 
etc.).

■

How the system works

The system may give warnings of potential collisions when your vehicle speed is 
above 10 mph (15 km/h).

1

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

Important Safety Reminder
FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not 
detect a given object; accuracy of the system will vary 
based on weather, speed and other factors. FCW 
does not include a braking function. It is always your 
responsibility to safely operate the vehicle and avoid 
collisions.

You can change the Forward Collision Warning 
Distance setting or turn the system on and off.

2 Customized Features P. 93

The camera is shared with Lane Departure Warning 
(LDW).

2 LDW Camera P. 257

LONG

NORMAL

SHORT

Your Vehicle

Vehicle Ahead

You can set Long, Normal or Short for when warnings start:

* Not available on all models

Continued

253

uu

When Driving

u

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

Driving

1

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

Never apply a film or attach any objects to the 
windshield that could obstruct the FCW camera’s 
field of vision.
Scratches, nicks, and other damage to the windshield 
within the FCW camera’s field of vision can cause the 
system to operate abnormally. If this occurs, we 
recommend that you replace the windshield with a 
genuine Honda replacement windshield. Making 
even minor repairs within the camera’s field of vision 
or installing an aftermarket replacement windshield 
may also cause the system to operate abnormally. 
After replacing the windshield, have a dealer 
recalibrate the camera. Proper calibration of the FCW 
camera is necessary for the system to operate 
properly.

The camera is located 
behind the rearview mirror.

Beep

The beeper sounds and the BRAKE message 
blinks until a possible collision is avoided.

* Not available on all models

uu

When Driving

u

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

254

Driving

■

Automatic shutoff

FCW may automatically shut itself off and the FCW indicator comes and stays on 
when:
• The temperature inside the system is high.
• The windshield is blocked by dirt, mud, leaves, wet snow, etc.

Once the conditions that caused FCW to shut off improve or are addressed (e.g., 
cleaning), the system comes back on.

1

Automatic shutoff

To help reduce the likelihood that high interior 
temperatures will cause the camera system to shut 
off, when parking, find a shady area or face the front 
of the vehicle away from the sun. If you use a 
reflective sun shade, do not allow it to cover the 
camera housing. Covering the camera can 
concentrate heat on the camera.

If the Camera Too Hot message appears:

•

Use the climate control system to cool down the 
interior and, if necessary, the defroster mode when 
windows are fogged.

•

Start driving the vehicle to lower the windshield 
temperature, which cools down the area around 
the FCW system.

255

uu

When Driving

u

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

*

Driving

FCW may not activate or may not detect a vehicle in front of your vehicle, and may activate even when you are aware of a vehicle ahead 
of you, or when there is no vehicle ahead under the following conditions.

■

FCW Limitations

Condition

●

The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you is too short.

●

A vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed, and it brakes suddenly.

●

A vehicle suddenly crosses in front of you.

●

When either your vehicle or the vehicle ahead of you accelerates rapidly.

●

The vehicle ahead of you is a motorcycle, a small vehicle, or a unique vehicle such as a tractor.

●

When you drive off-road or on a mountain road, or curved and winding road for an extended period that makes it difficult for the camera to properly 
detect a vehicle in front of you.

●

When there are pedestrians or animals in front of your vehicle.

●

When you drive in bad weather (rain, fog, etc.).

●

A heavy load in the rear or modifications to the suspension tilts your vehicle.

●

An abnormal tire condition is detected (wrong tire size, flat tire, etc.).

●

When the windshield is blocked by dirt, mud, leaves, wet snow, etc.

●

When the temperature inside the system is high.

●

A sudden change between light and dark such as an entrance or exit of a tunnel.

●

You drive into the sunlight (e.g. at dawn or dusk).

●

When the windshield is dirty or cloudy.

●

When streetlights are perceived as the taillight of a vehicle in front of yours.

●

When driving at night, the vehicle ahead of you is running with either taillight bulb burned out.

●

When you drive in the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.