Honda Civic (2019 year). Instruction

Before Driving

Maximum Load Limit

432

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.

Maximum Load Limit

Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your
vehicle is designed to tow a tailer.

2 Towing a Trailer P. 433

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)

434

Driving

When Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

The parking brake and brake system
indicator (red) comes on for 15 seconds
when you pull up the electric parking
brake switch.

2. Check that the transmission is in

(

P, then

depress the brake pedal.

Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in

(

N, it is safer to start it in

(

2. Check that the shift lever is in

(

N. Then

depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.

The clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.

Models without smart entry system

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, heating
system

/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.

Electric Parking Brake Switch

Brake Pedal

Continuously variable transmission models

Brake Pedal

Clutch Pedal

Manual transmission models

* Not available on all models

Continued

435

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

3. Turn the ignition switch to START

(

without depressing the accelerator pedal.

1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the shift lever in

(

D. Select

(

when reversing.

2. With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the

accelerator pedal.

Make sure the parking brake indicator goes off.

2 Parking Brake P. 529

Starting the Engine

Do not hold the key in START

(

e for more than 10

seconds.

•

If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 30 seconds before trying again.

•

If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 30 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.

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. 153

All models

■

Starting to Drive

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.

Continuously variable transmission models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

436

Driving

■

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.

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.

Put the transmission into

(

S, or

(

L when facing uphill, or

(

R when facing

downhill, then release the brake pedal.

Manual transmission models

Continuously variable transmission models

Hill start assist system

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.

437

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Continued

Driving

Starting the Engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

The parking brake and brake system
indicator (red) comes on for 15 seconds
when you pull up the electric parking
brake switch.

2. Check that the transmission is in

(

P, then

depress the brake pedal.

Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in

(

N, it is safer to start it in

(

2. Check that the shift lever is in

(

N. Then

depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.

The clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.

Models with smart entry system

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. 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. 153

Electric Parking Brake Switch

Brake Pedal

Continuously variable transmission models

Brake Pedal

Clutch Pedal

Manual transmission models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

438

Driving

3. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button

without depressing the accelerator pedal.

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

1. Put the transmission into

(

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.

All models

■

Stopping the Engine

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. 629

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 30 seconds
before trying again.

Continuously variable transmission models

Manual transmission models

Continued

439

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

You can remotely start the engine using the

button on the smart entry remote.

■

To start the engine

When started remotely, the engine automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of idling
and/or the brake pedal and ENGINE START/STOP button have not been pressed
simultaneously.
To extend the run time for another 10 minutes during the first run, press the

button, then press and hold the

button.

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

■

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

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.
The range may be less when the vehicle is running.
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
using the audio/information screen.

•

The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF.

•

The transmission is in a position other than

(

•

The hood is open, or any door or the trunk is
unlocked.

WARNING

Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon
monoxide.

Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or
cause unconsciousness.

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

Press the

button, then press and hold

the

button.

Some exterior lights flash once.

Go within the range,
and try again.

LED: Blinks when any button is pressed.

Some exterior lights flash six
times if the engine runs
successfully.

Some exterior lights will not
flash if the engine runs
unsuccessfully.

* Not available on all models

When Driving

Starting the Engine

440

Driving

■

To stop the engine

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

•

You have already used the remote twice to start
the engine.

•

Another registered smart entry remote is in the
vehicle.

•

There is an 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.

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

•

The air conditioning is activated in recirculation
mode.

When it is cold outside:

•

The defroster is activated at a moderately warm
temperature.

•

The rear defogger, door mirror heaters, and seat
heaters

are activated.

2 Front Seat Heaters

P. 199

Press and hold the

button for one

second.

Go within the range,
and try again.

The exterior lights flash once if the engine stops successfully.

The exterior lights will not flash when the remote is out of
the smart entry system range.
The engine will not stop.

* Not available on all models

441

When Driving

Starting the Engine

Driving

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

simultaneously.

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.

2 Parking Brake P. 529

■

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.

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.

Put the transmission into

(

S, or

(

when facing uphill, or

(

R when facing

downhill, then release the brake pedal.

■

Starting to Drive

Starting to Drive

The engine stops when the transmission position is
changed from

(

P before the ENGINE START/STOP

button is pressed. Follow step 1 when starting to drive.

When the engine was started using the

button on

the smart entry remote

Continuously variable transmission models

When the engine was started using the

button on the smart entry remote

When the engine was started in any case

Hill start assist system

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.

Manual transmission models

Continuously variable transmission models

* Not available on all models

442

When Driving

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.

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

■

In Rain

■

Other Precautions

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 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 ignition switch is turned 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.

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

443

When Driving

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

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

The following can damage the under spoiler:

•

Parking the vehicle by a parking block

•

Parallel parking along the road shoulder

•

Driving toward 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

Models with SPORT mode

* Not available on all models

444

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift lever positions

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

Continuously variable transmission models without paddle shifters

Shifting

You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK

(

and remove the key unless the shift lever is in

(

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.

Reverse
Used when reversing

Drive
Used for normal driving

Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine

Neutral
Transmission is not locked

Release Button

Drive (S)
Used:

●

For better acceleration

●

To increase engine braking

●

When going up or down hills

Low

●

Used to further increase engine braking

●

Used when going up or down hills

445

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

Shift Lever Operation

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.

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’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.

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.

Shift Lever Position
Indicator
(Transmission
System 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.

Tachometer’s
red zone

446

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift lever positions

Continuously variable transmission models with paddle shifters

Shifting

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

(

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.

Reverse
Used when reversing

Drive
Used:

●

For normal driving

●

When temporarily driving in the
7-speed manual shift mode

Park
Used when parking or starting the
engine

Neutral
Transmission is not locked

Release Button

Drive (S)
Used:

●

For better acceleration

●

To increase engine braking

●

When going up or down hills

●

When driving in the 7-speed
manual shift mode

Continued

447

When Driving

Shifting

Driving

■

Shift Lever Operation

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.

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.

Shift Lever Position
Indicator
(Transmission
System Indicator)

Tachometer’s
red zone

Press the shift lever release button and shift.

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

Shift without pressing the shift lever release button.

M (7-Speed Manual Shift Mode)
Indicator/Shift Indicator

Honda Civic (2019 year). Instruction - part 28