2013 Honda Civic Sedan Owners Manual

37

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Components

The front, front side, and side curtain airbags are deployed according to the direction and severity of impact. Both side curtain airbags are deployed in a rollover. The airbag system includes: a Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) front airbags. The driver's airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked SRS AIRBAG.

b Two side airbags, one for the driver and one for a front passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the seat- backs. Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG. c Two side curtain airbags, one for each

side of the vehicle. The airbags are stored in the ceiling, above the side windows. The front and rear pillars are marked SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG.

d An electronic control unit that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the airbag activators, the seat belt tensioners, and driver and front passenger seat belt use when the ignition switch is in ON (w.

e Automatic front seat belt tensioners. The driver's and front passenger's seat belts incorporate sensors that detect whether or not they are fastened.

f A driver's seat position sensor. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force.

g Weight sensors in the front passenger's seat. The front passenger's airbag will be turned off if the weight on the seat is 65 lbs (29 kg) or less (the weight of an infant or small child).

h Impact sensors that can detect a moderate-to-severe front or side collision.

i An indicator on the dashboard that alerts

you that the front passenger's front airbag has been turned off.

j An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem with your airbag system or seat belt tensioners. k A rollover sensor that detects whether

the vehicle is about to roll over.

38

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Components

1Important facts about your airbags

Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together, airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.

When driving, keep hands and arms out of the deployment path of the front airbag by holding each side of the steering wheel. Do not cross an arm over the airbag cover.

■ Important facts about your airbags Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So, while airbags help save lives, they can cause burns, bruises, and other minor injuries, sometimes even fatal ones if occupants are not wearing their seat belts properly and sitting correctly.

What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A front passenger should move their seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.

Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.

Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag. Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.

Do not attach or place objects on the front airbag covers. Objects on the covers marked SRS AIRBAG could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.

39

uuAirbagsuTypes of Airbags

Types of Airbags Your vehicle is equipped with three types of airbags: • Front airbags: Airbags in front of the driver's and front passenger's seats. • Side airbags: Airbags in the driver's and front passenger's seat-backs. • Side curtain airbags: Airbags above the side windows. Each is discussed in the following pages.

Front Airbags (SRS) The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collision to help protect the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant's primary restraint system.

■ Housing Locations The front airbags are housed in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and in the dashboard for the front passenger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.

1Types of Airbags

The airbags can inflate whenever the ignition switch is in ON (w.

After an airbag inflates in a crash, you may see a small amount of smoke. This is from the combustion process of the inflator material and is not harmful. People with respiratory problems may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

1Front Airbags (SRS)

Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS) Your vehicle is equipped with dual-stage, multiple- threshold front airbags (SRS). During a frontal crash severe enough to cause one or both front airbags to deploy, the airbags can inflate at different rates, depending on the severity of the crash, whether or not the seat belts are latched, and/ or other factors. Frontal airbags are designed to supplement the seat belts to help reduce the likelihood of head and chest injuries in frontal crashes.

40

■ Operation Front airbags are designed to inflate during moderate-to-severe frontal collisions. When the vehicle decelerates suddenly, the sensors send information to the control unit which signals one or both front airbags to inflate.

A frontal collision can be either head-on or angled between two vehicles, or when a vehicle crashes into a stationary object, such as a concrete wall.

■ How the Front Airbags Work

While your seat belt restrains your torso, the front airbag provides supplemental protection for your head and chest.

The front airbags deflate immediately so that they won't interfere with the driver's visibility or the ability to steer or operate other controls.

The total time for inflation and deflation is so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in front of them.

uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)

1How the Front Airbags Work

Although the driver's and front passenger's airbags normally inflate within a split second of each other, it is possible for only one airbag to deploy. This can happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

Continued

41

uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)

■ When front airbags should not deploy Minor frontal crashes: Front airbags were designed to supplement seat belts and help save lives, not to prevent minor scrapes, or even broken bones that might occur during a less than moderate-to-severe frontal crash. Side impacts: Front airbags can provide protection when a sudden deceleration causes a driver or front passenger to move towards the front of the vehicle. Side airbags and side curtain airbags have been specifically designed to help reduce the severity of injuries that can occur during a moderate-to-severe side impact which can cause the driver or passenger to move towards the side of the vehicle. Rear impacts: Head restraints and seat belts are your best protection during a rear impact. Front airbags cannot provide any significant protection and are not designed to deploy in such collisions. Rollovers: Seat belts and, in vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor, side airbags and side curtain airbags offer the best protection in a rollover. Because front airbags could provide little if any protection, they are not designed to deploy during a rollover. ■ When front airbags deploy with little or no visible damage Because the airbag system senses sudden deceleration, a strong impact to the vehicle framework or suspension might cause one or more of the airbags to deploy. Examples include running into a curb, the edge of a hole, or other low fixed object that causes a sudden deceleration in the vehicle chassis. Since the impact is underneath the vehicle, damage may not be readily apparent. ■ When front airbags may not deploy, even though exterior damage

appears severe

Since crushable body parts absorb crash energy during an impact, the amount of visible damage does not always indicate proper airbag operation. In fact, some collisions can result in severe damage but no airbag deployment because the airbags would not have been needed or would not have provided protection even if they had deployed.

42

uuAirbagsuFront Airbags (SRS)

1Advanced Airbags

If there is a problem with the driver's seat position sensor, the SRS indicator will come on and the airbag will inflate with full (normal) force, regardless of the driver's seating position.

For both advanced front airbags to work properly: • Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats. • Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat. • Make sure any objects are positioned properly on

the floor. Improperly positioned objects can interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.

• All occupants should sit upright and wear their seat

belts properly.

• Do not place any cover over the passenger side

dashboard.

■ Advanced Airbags Your front airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood of airbag related injuries to smaller occupants.

Driver’s Seat Position Sensor

The driver's advanced front airbag system includes a seat position sensor.

If the seat is too far forward, the airbag inflates with less force, regardless of the severity of the impact.

The passenger's advanced front airbag system has weight sensors.

Although Honda recommends against carrying an infant or small child in front, if the sensors detect the weight of a child (up to about 65 lbs or 29 kg), the system will automatically turn off the passenger's front airbag.

Passenger’s Seat Weight Sensors

43

uuAirbagsuSide Airbags

Side Airbags The side airbags help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front passenger during a moderate-to-severe side impact.

■ Housing Locations

The side airbags are housed in the outside edge of the driver's and passenger's seat- backs.

Both are marked SIDE AIRBAG.

■ Operation

Housing Location

When inflated

Side Airbag

When the sensors detect a moderate-to- severe side impact, the control unit signals the side airbag on the impact side to immediately inflate.

1Side Airbags

Make sure you and your front passenger always sit upright. Leaning into the path of a side airbag can prevent the airbag from deploying properly and increases your risk of serious injury.

Do not attach accessories on or near the side airbags. They can interfere with the proper operation of the airbags, or hurt someone if an airbag inflates.

If the impact is on the passenger side, the airbag deploys even if there is no passenger in the front passenger seat.

Do not cover or replace the front seat-back covers without consulting a dealer. Improperly replacing or covering front seat-back covers can prevent your side airbags from properly deploying during a side impact.

44

■ When a side airbag deploys with little or no visible damage Because the airbag systems senses sudden acceleration, a strong impact to the side of the vehicle's framework can cause a side airbag to deploy. In such cases, there may be little or no damage, but the side impact sensors detected a severe enough impact to deploy the airbag.

■ When a side airbag may not deploy, even though visible damage appears

severe

It is possible for a side airbag to not deploy during an impact that results in apparently severe damage. This can occur when the point of impact was towards the far front or rear of the vehicle, or when the vehicle's crushable body parts absorbed most of the crash energy. In either case, the side airbag would not have been needed nor provided protection even if it had deployed.

uuAirbagsuSide Airbags

45

1Side Curtain Airbags

If the SRS control unit senses that your vehicle is about to rollover, it immediately deploys both side curtain airbags and activates both front seat belt tensioners.

If the impact is on the passenger’s side, the passenger’s side curtain airbag will inflate even if there are no occupants on that side of the vehicle.

To get the best protection from the side curtain airbags, occupants should wear their seat belts properly and sit upright and well back in their seats.

Do not attach any objects to the side windows or roof pillars as they can interfere with the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.

uuAirbagsuSide Curtain Airbags

Side Curtain Airbags The side curtain airbags help protect the heads of the driver and passengers in outer seating positions during a moderate-to-severe side impact. The side curtain airbags equipped in this vehicle are also designed to help reduce the likelihood of partial and complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in crashes, particularly rollover crashes.

■ Housing Locations

The side curtain airbags are located in the ceiling above the side windows on both sides of the vehicle.

Side Curtain Airbag Storage

■ Operation

Deployed Side Curtain Airbag

The side curtain airbag is designed to deploy in a rollover or a moderate-to-severe side impact.

46

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators

■ When side curtain airbags deploy in a frontal collision One or both side curtain airbags may inflate in a moderate-to-severe angled frontal collision. In this case, the side curtain airbags will deploy slightly after the front airbags.

Airbag System Indicators If a problem occurs in the airbag system, the SRS indicator will come on and a message appears on the i-MID *.

■ SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Indicator

■ When the ignition switch is turned to

ON (w

The indicator comes on for a few seconds, then goes off. This tells you the system is working properly.

1SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Indicator 3WARNING

Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag systems or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts you to a possible problem.

If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, have the system checked by a dealer as soon as possible. If you don't, your airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly when they are needed.

* Not available on all models

Continued

47

uuAirbagsuAirbag System Indicators

■ Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

U.S.

Canada

■ When the passenger airbag off

indicator comes on

The indicator comes on to alert you that the passenger's front airbag has been turned off. This occurs when the weight sensors detect 65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant or small child, on the seat.

Infants and small children should always ride properly restrained in a back seat.

2 Child Safety P. 50

Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on.

If the front passenger seat is empty, the passenger's front airbag will not deploy and the indicator will not come on.

1Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

If the indicator comes on with no front passenger and no objects on the passenger’s seat, or with an adult riding there, something may be interfering with the weight sensors. Such as:

• An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back

pocket.

• A child seat or other object pressing against the

rear of the seat-back.

• A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of

the front passenger's seat.

• The front seat or seat-back is forced back against

an object on the seat or floor behind it.

• An object placed under the front passenger's seat.

If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The passenger airbag off indicator may come on and goes off repeatedly if the total weight on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.

48

uuAirbagsuAirbag Care

1Airbag Care

We recommend against the use of salvaged airbag system components, including the airbag, tensioners, sensors, and control unit.

Airbag Care You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace any airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle inspected by a dealer in the following situations:

■ When the airbags have deployed If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts must be replaced. Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be replaced.

■ When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver’s seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat belt tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash.

■ Do not remove or modify a front seat without consulting a dealer This would likely disable the driver's seat position sensor or the weight sensors in the passenger's seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact a Honda dealer, or for U.S. vehicles, American Honda Automobile Customer Service at 800-999-1009 and for Canadian vehicles, Honda Canada Customer Relations at 888-9-HONDA-9.

49

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children age 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride in a vehicle.

Children should sit properly restrained in a rear seat. This is because:

• An inflating front or side airbag can injure

or kill a child sitting in the front seat.

• A child in the front seat is more likely to interfere with the driver's ability to safely control the vehicle.

• Statistics show that children of all sizes and

ages are safer when they are properly restrained in a rear seat.

1Protecting Child Passengers

3WARNING

Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children age 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear seat. Some states or provinces/ territories have laws restricting where children may ride.

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uuChild SafetyuProtecting Child Passengers

• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the lap belt portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.

1Protecting Child Passengers

3WARNING

• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the

event of a collision.

• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would

likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very

seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows or seat adjustments.

• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.

Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or wrap one around their neck can result in serious injury or death.

Instruct children not to play with any seat belt and make sure any unused seat belt a child can reach is buckled, fully retracted, and locked.

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

To remind you of the passenger's front airbag hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the front visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.

2 Safety Labels P. 63

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1Protecting Infants

3WARNING

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death during a crash.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the rear seat, not the front.

Rear-facing child seats should never be installed in a forward facing position.

Always refer to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions before installation.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

Safety of Infants and Small Children ■ Protecting Infants An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the infant reaches the seat maker's weight or height limit for the seat, and the infant is at least one year old.

■ Positioning a rear-facing child seat Child seats must be placed and secured in a rear seating position.

When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-back in the desired position.

It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger's advanced front airbag system.

2 Airbags P. 37

If this occurs, we recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front passenger's seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

52

■ Protecting Smaller Children If a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicated by the child seat manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly secured forward-facing child seat.

■ Forward-facing child seat placement We strongly recommend placing a forward- facing child seat in a rear seating position.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can be hazardous, even with advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger's front airbag off. A rear seat is the safest place for a child.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Protecting Smaller Children

3WARNING

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.

Educate yourself about the laws and regulations regarding child seat use where you are driving, and follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat up to age two, if the child’s height and weight are appropriate for a rear-facing seat.

Continued

53

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

■ Selecting a Child Seat Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Some have a rigid-type connector, while others have a flexible-type connector. Both are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat manufacturer's use and care instructions as well as the instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing your child's safety.

1Selecting a Child Seat

Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is simple.

LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed to simplify the installation process and reduce the likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH compatible child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security. This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner’s manual for proper installation instructions.

■ Important consideration when selecting a child seat Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements: • The child seat is the correct type and size for the child. • The child seat is the correct type for the seating position. • The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or

Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

54

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

■ Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear seats. A child seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of connectors.

1. Locate the lower anchors under the marks.

Marks

Lower Anchors

Rigid Type

2. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat then attach the child seat to the lower anchors according to the instructions that came with the child seat. u When installing the child seat, make sure

that the lower anchors are not obstructed by the seat belt or any other object.

Continued

55

1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

For your child's safety, when using a child seat installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the seat is properly secured to the vehicle. A child seat that is not properly secured will not adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

Flexible Type

Tether Strap Hook

Anchor

3. Open the tether anchor cover behind the

head restraint.

4. Raise the head restraint to its highest position, then route the tether strap between the head restraint legs, and secure the tether strap hook onto the anchor.

5. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat maker.

6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by

rocking it forward and back and side to side; little movement should be felt.

7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is activated, and the belt is fully retracted and locked.

56

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

A child seat that is not properly secured will not adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

■ Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat. 2. Route the seat belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, and insert the latch plate into the buckle. u Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops. This activates the lockable retractor.

4. Let the seat belt completely wind up into

the retractor, then try to pull it out to make sure the retractor is locked. u If you are able to pull the shoulder belt

out, the lockable retractor is not activated. Pull the seat belt all the way out, and repeat steps 2 – 4.

5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. u When doing this, place your weight on the child seat and push it into the vehicle seat.

Continued

57

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by

rocking it forward and back and side to side; little movement should be felt.

7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor is activated, and the belt is fully retracted and locked.

1Installing a Child Seat with a Seat Belt

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

58

■ Adding Security with a Tether

Tether Anchorage Points

A tether anchorage point is provided behind each rear seating position. A child seat that is installed with a seat belt and comes with a tether can use the tether for additional security.

1. Locate the appropriate tether anchorage

point and lift the cover.

Anchor

Cover

Outer Position

Tether Strap Hook

2. Raise the head restraint to its highest position, then route the tether strap through the head restraint legs. Make sure the strap is not twisted.

Tether Strap Hook

3. Secure the tether strap hook onto the

anchor.

4. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

Anchor

Center Position

Anchor

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Adding Security with a Tether

Since a tether can provide additional security to the lap/shoulder seat belt installation, we recommend using a tether whenever one is available.

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uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children

Safety of Larger Children ■ Protecting Larger Children The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who must sit in front.

■ Checking Seat Belt Fit When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/ shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the following questions.

■ Checklist • Do the child's knees bend comfortably over

the edge of the seat?

• Does the shoulder belt cross between the

child's neck and arm?

• Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as

possible, touching the child's thighs?

• Will the child be able to stay seated like this

for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

1Safety of Larger Children

3WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in front can result in injury or death if the passenger's front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly, using a booster seat if needed.

60

■ Booster Seats

If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used properly, position the child in a booster seat in a rear seating position. For the child's safety, check that the child meets the booster seat manufacturer's recommendations.

■ Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front: • Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information

in this manual.

• Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible. • Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat. • Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the

seat.

■ Monitoring child passengers We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up properly.

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children

1Booster Seats

When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the instructions that came with it, and install the seat accordingly. There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat belt correctly.

Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces and territories require children to use a booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g. 6 years or 60 lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or province, or territory where you intend to drive.

61

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon monoxide gas will not get into the interior.

■ Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever • The exhaust system is making an unusual noise. • The exhaust system may have been damaged. • The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

When you operate a vehicle with the trunk open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling system */climate control system * as shown below.

1. Select the fresh air mode. 2. Select the 3. Set the fan speed to high. 4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

mode.

Adjust the heating and cooling system */climate control system * in the same manner if you sit in your parked vehicle with the engine running.

1Carbon Monoxide Gas

3WARNING Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up with carbon monoxide gas. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the garage immediately after starting the engine.

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* Not available on all models

Safety Labels

Label Locations These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer for a replacement.

Sun Visor

U.S. models

Canadian models

Dashboard U.S. models only

Radiator Cap

Doorjambs

Canadian models

U.S. models

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64

Instrument Panel

This chapter describes the buttons, indicators, and gauges that are used while driving.

Indicators ............................................ 66

intelligent Multi-Information Display (i- MID) Warning and Information Messages *....................................... 75

Gauges and Displays

Gauges.............................................. 77
Information Display*.......................... 79
intelligent Multi-Information Display (i- MID)* .............................................. 81

* Not available on all models

65

Indicators

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

U.S.

Canada

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on when the parking brake is applied, and goes off when it is released.

● Comes on when the brake fluid

level is low.

● Comes on if there is a problem

with the brake system.

● The beeper sounds and the

indicator comes on if you drive with the parking brake not fully released.

● Comes on while driving - Make sure

the parking brake is released. Check the brake fluid level.

2 What to do when the indicator

comes on P. 339

● Comes on along with the ABS

indicator - Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 If the Brake System Indicator Comes

On P. 339

● Comes on when you turn the

● Comes on while driving - Immediately

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

ignition switch to ON (w, and goes off when the engine starts.

● Comes on when the engine oil

stop in a safe place.

2 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Comes On P. 337

pressure is low.

66

* Not available on all models

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

● Comes on when you turn the

● Readiness codes are part of the on board

uuIndicatorsu

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

ignition switch to ON (w, and goes off either when the engine starts or after several seconds if the engine is not started. If “readiness codes” have not been set, it blinks five times before it goes off.

● Comes on if there is a problem

with the emissions control system.

● Blinks when a misfire in the

engine's cylinders is detected.

Charging System Indicator

● Comes on when you turn the

ignition switch to ON (w, and goes off when the engine starts.

● Comes on when the battery is not

charging.

diagnostics for the emissions control systems.

2 Testing of Readiness Codes P. 353
● Comes on while driving - Have the

vehicle checked by a dealer.

● Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe place where there are no flammable objects. Stop the engine for 10 minutes or more, and wait for it to cool down. Then, take the vehicle to a dealer.

2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Comes On or Blinks P. 338

● Comes on while driving - Turn off the

heating and cooling system */climate control system * and rear defogger in order to reduce electricity consumption.

2 If the Charging System Indicator

Comes On P. 337

Shift Lever Position Indicator *

● Indicates in which position your

shift lever is.

2 Shifting P. 227

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Indicator

* Not available on all models

Continued

67

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

Transmission Indicator *

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Blinks if the transmission system has

● Blinks while driving - Avoid sudden

starts and acceleration and have the vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

a problem.

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

● Comes on and the beeper sounds if you are not wearing a seat belt when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w.

● If the front passenger is not wearing

a seat belt, the indicator comes on about six seconds later.

● Blinks while driving if either you or

● The beeper stops and the indicator goes off when you and the front passenger fasten their seat belts.

● Stays on after you or the front

passenger has fastened the seat belt - A detection error may have occurred in the sensor. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

the front passenger has not fastened a seat belt. The beeper sounds and the indicator blinks at regular intervals.

2 Seat Belt Reminder P. 31

Low Fuel Indicator

● Comes on when the fuel reserve is

● Comes on - Refuel your vehicle as soon

running low (approximately 1.9 U.S. gal./7.5 Liter left).

as possible.

● Blinks - Have the vehicle checked by a

● Blinks if there is a problem with the

dealer.

fuel gauge.

68

* Not available on all models

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

uuIndicatorsu

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● If it comes on at any other time, there

is a problem with the ABS.

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on if a problem with any of

the following is detected: - Supplemental restraint system - Side airbag system - Side curtain airbag system - Seat belt tensioner

● Stays on constantly - Have the

vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock function.

2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

P. 243

● Stays on constantly or does not come on at all - Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

High Temperature Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Blinks when the engine coolant

temperature goes up, and stays on if the temperature continues to rise.

● Blinks while driving - Drive slowly to

prevent overheating.

● Stays on while driving - Immediately

stop in a safe place and allow the engine to cool.

2 Overheating P. 335

* Not available on all models

Continued

69

I

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist) System Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Blinks when VSA® is active. ● Comes on if there is a problem with

● Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle

checked by a dealer.

2 VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System P. 236

the VSA® system.

VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist) OFF Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on when you deactivate

VSA®.

Door Open Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds if you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on if any door is not

completely closed.

● The beeper sounds and the indicator

comes on if any door is opened while driving.

2 VSA® On and Off P. 237

—

● Goes off when all doors are closed.

70

* Not available on all models

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

Trunk Open Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds if you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on if the trunk is not completely

closed.

● Goes off when the trunk is closed.

EPS (Electric Power Steering) System Indicator

● Comes on when you turn the ignition

switch to ON (w, and goes off when the engine starts.

● Comes on if there is a problem with the

EPS (Electric Power Steering) System.

● Stays on constantly or does not come on at all - Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 If the EPS System Indicator Comes

On P. 339

Daytime Running Lights Indicator *

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on if there is a problem with the

DRL system.

● Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

2 Daytime Running Lights P. 121

—

U.S. models

● Comes on for a few seconds when you

turn the ignition switch to ON (w.

● Comes on if the tire pressure of any of the

● Comes on while driving - Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate the tire(s) if necessary.

Low Tire Pressure/ TPMS Indicator

tires becomes significantly low.

● Blinks for about one minute, and then stays on if there is a problem with the TPMS, or when a compact spare tire * is temporarily installed.

● Blinks and remains on - Have the

vehicle checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is fitted with a compact spare, get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put back on your vehicle as soon as you can.

* Not available on all models

Continued

71

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on along with a beep when a

problem is detected. A system message on the i-MID appears at the same time.

System Message Indicator *

● While the indicator is on, press the

(display/information) button to see the message again.

● Refer to the Indicators information in this chapter when a system message appears on the i-MID. Take the appropriate action for the message.

● The i-MID does not return to the normal screen unless the warning is canceled, or the

button is pressed.

● The turn signal indicators blink when

● Does not blink or blinks rapidly - A

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

you operate the turn signal lever. ● If you press the hazard warning

button, both indicators and all turn signals blink at the same time.

High Beam Indicator

● Comes on when the high beam

headlights are on.

turn signal light bulb has blown. Change the bulb immediately.

2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 289, 291

—

Lights On Indicator

Fog Light Indicator *

● Comes on whenever the light switch is on, or in AUTO * when the exterior lights are on.

● If you remove the key from the ignition switch while the exterior lights are on, a chime sounds when the driver's door is opened.

● Comes on when the fog lights are

on.

—

—

—

—

—

—

72

* Not available on all models

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

● Comes on briefly when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.

● Comes on if the immobilizer system

Immobilizer System Indicator

cannot recognize the key information.

● Blinks - You cannot start the engine. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0, pull the key out, and then insert the key and turn it to ON (w again.

● Repeatedly blinks - The system may

be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.

● Do not attempt to alter this system or

add other devices to it. Electrical problems can occur.

Security System Alarm Indicator *

Indicator

● Blinks when the security system

alarm has been set.

2 Security System Alarm* P. 112

Low Temperature Indicator

● Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON (w.

● Comes on when the engine coolant

temperature is low.

● If the indicator stays on after the engine

has reached normal operating temperature, there may be problem with the temperature sensors. Have the vehicle inspected by a dealer.

—

—

—

* Not available on all models

Continued

73

uuIndicatorsu

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message *

ECON Mode Indicator *

CRUISE MAIN Indicator *

CRUISE CONTROL Indicator *

Washer Level Indicator *

● Comes on when you turn the

ignition switch to ON (w, and goes off when the engine starts.

● Comes on when you press the

ECON button.

● Comes on when you press the

CRUISE button.

2 ECON Button* P. 232

2 Cruise Control* P. 233

● Comes on if you have set a speed for

cruise control.

2 Cruise Control* P. 233

● Comes on when the washer fluid is

● Refill the washer fluid.

low.

Maintenance Minder Indicator *

● Comes on when the scheduled

maintenance is due soon.

2 Refilling Window Washer Fluid

P. 281

2 Maintenance MinderTM P. 257

i-VTEC Indicator *

● Comes on when the i-VTEC system switches the low RPM cams to the high RPM cams.

● When the i-VTEC indicator comes on,

the rev indicator begins to come on simultaneously.

Rev Indicators *

● Come on when the tachometer

reading approaches the red zone.

2 i-VTEC indicator P. 78

2 Rev indicators P. 78

Indicator

Indicator

74

* Not available on all models

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