Honda Civic (2019 year). Instruction - part 29

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When Driving

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Shifting

448

Driving

Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 7th speeds without releasing 
your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission switches to the 7-speed 
manual shift mode when you pull a paddle shifter while driving. This mode is useful 
when engine braking is needed.

■

When the shift lever is in 

(

D:

The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode temporarily, and the 
number is displayed in the shift indicator.
The 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled automatically if you drive at constant 
speed or accelerate, and the number in the shift indicator goes off.
You can cancel this mode by pulling the 

(

+ paddle shifter for a few seconds.

The 7-speed manual shift mode is especially useful when reducing the vehicle speed 
temporarily before making a turn.

■

When the shift lever is in 

(

S:

The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode. The M indicator and the 
speed number are displayed in the shift indicator. As the vehicle speed slows down, 
the transmission automatically shifts down accordingly. When the vehicle comes to 
a stop, it automatically shifts down into 1st.

If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s 
red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.

You can only pull away in 1st speed.

When canceling the 7-speed manual shift mode, move the shift lever from 

(

S to 

(

D. When the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and shift 

indicator will turn off.

■

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode

1

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode

In the 7-speed manual shift mode, the transmission 
shifts up or down by operating either paddle shifter 
under the following conditions:
Shift Up: The engine speed reaches the lowest 
threshold of the higher speed position.
Shift Down: The engine speed reaches the highest 
threshold of the lower speed position.

When the engine speed reaches near the 
tachometer’s red zone, the transmission shifts up 
automatically.
When the engine speed reaches the lowest threshold 
of the selected speed position, the transmission shifts 
down automatically.

Operating the paddle shifters on slippery surfaces 
may cause the tires to lock up. In this case, the 7-
speed manual shift mode is canceled and goes back 
to the normal 

(

D driving mode.

449

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When Driving

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Shifting

Driving

■

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode Operation

1

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode Operation

Each paddle shift operation makes a single speed 
change.
To change continuously, release the paddle shifter 
before pulling it again for the next speed.

The shift indicator blinks when you cannot shift up or 
down. It indicates that your vehicle speed is not in its 
allowable shifting range.
Slightly accelerate to shift up and decelerate to shift 
down while the indicator is blinking.

(

- Paddle Shifter 

(Shift down)

(

+ Paddle Shifter 

(Shift up)

Downshifting when pulling 
the 

(

- paddle shifter 

(Changes to lower speed 
number)

Upshifting when pulling 
the 

(

+ paddle shifter 

(Changes to higher speed 
number)

450

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When Driving

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Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Fully depress the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears, then 
slowly release the pedal.

Depress the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into 

(

R, or 

shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they do not 
“grind.”

When you are not shifting, do not rest your 
foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your 
clutch to wear out faster.

■

Shift Lever Operation

Manual transmission models

1

Shifting

NOTICE

Do not shift to 

(

R before the vehicle comes to a 

complete stop.
Shifting to 

(

R before stopping can damage the 

transmission.

NOTICE

Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not 
go into the tachometer's red zone. Should this occur, 
it can severely damage your engine.

There is a metallic part on the shift lever. If you leave 
the vehicle parked outside for a long time on a hot 
day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because 
of heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the 
outside temperature is low, the shift lever may feel 
cold.

If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you 
are in, the engine speed will enter into the 
tachometer’s red zone. When this happens, you may 
experience a slight jolt.

Continued

451

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When Driving

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Shifting

Driving

Come on to inform you that upshifting or 
downshifting is necessary to prevent the 
engine from over revving or stalling.

The shift up indicator: Comes on when 
upshifting is recommended.

The shift down indicator: Comes on when 
downshifting is recommended.

■

Shift Up/Down Indicators

*

1

Shift Up/Down Indicators

*

This indicator will not prompt you to downshift to 
increase engine braking. It is up to you to downshift 
to increase engine braking when driving downhill.

Always shift down at the appropriate vehicle speed.

The shift down indicator does not come on when 
downshifting from 

(

2 to 

(

1.

Ambient meter color may change if you do not 
change gears when a shift indicator illuminates. This 
can result in a change in fuel economy.

Road and traffic conditions may require you to shift 
at times other than those indicated.

* Not available on all models

452

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When Driving

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Shifting

Driving

The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally 
shifting into 

(

R from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving above a certain 

speed.

If you cannot shift to 

(

R when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:

1. Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift 

lever all the way to the left, and shift to 

(

R.

2. If you still cannot shift into 

(

R, apply the 

parking brake, and turn the ignition switch 
to ACCESSORY 

(

q or LOCK 

(

0

*1

.

3. Depress the clutch pedal and shift into 

(

R.

4. Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start 

the engine.

Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you 
have to go through this procedure repeatedly.

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

■

Reverse Lockout

453

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When Driving

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SPORT Mode

*

Driving

SPORT Mode

*

To turn the SPORT mode on and off, press the SPORT button.

With SPORT mode activated, the driver can enjoy enhanced engine response, and 
greater stability and handling.

The SPORT mode is turned off every time you start the engine, even if you turned it 
on the last time you drove the vehicle.

1

SPORT Mode

*

The mode may not be able to be changed under 
some driving conditions. If mode change is necessary, 
reduce speed or cornering speed.
This message will also appear if you try to change 
mode when there is a vehicle system failure.

SPORT Button

SPORT Mode Indicator

* Not available on all models

454

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When Driving

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ECON Mode

*

Driving

ECON Mode

*

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, heating system

*

/climate control system

*

, 

and cruise control

*

.

1

ECON Mode

*

While in the ECON mode, the climate control system 
has greater temperature fluctuations.

* Not available on all models

455

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When Driving

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Adaptive Damper System

*

Driving

Adaptive Damper System

*

Constantly controls your vehicle’s front and rear dampers according to current road 
conditions, vehicle speed and steering operation.

You can change handling response by turning the SPORT mode on.

2 SPORT Mode

*

 P. 453

* Not available on all models

456

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When Driving

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Cruise Control

*

Driving

Cruise Control

*

Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the 
accelerator. 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.

When the engine speed slows down, try to 
downshift.
You can maintain the set speed if you change gear 
within five seconds.

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.

■

Gear positions for cruise control:
In 

(

2 or higher position

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) ~

When to use

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

■

Press the CRUISE button on the 
steering wheel.

How to use

* Not available on all models

457

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When Driving

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Cruise Control

*

Continued

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.

When you use cruise control, Straight Driving Assist (a feature of the Electric Power 
Steering system) is activated.
By enabling the steering system to automatically compensate for natural steering 
pull, Straight Driving Assist makes it easier for you to keep your vehicle in a straight 
line.

■

To Set the Vehicle Speed

–/SET Button

On when cruise 
control begins

Press and release

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When Driving

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Cruise Control

*

458

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.
• Depress the clutch pedal for five seconds or 

more.

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

459

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When Driving

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Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Continued

Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic 
Stability Control (ESC), System

VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. 
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.

When VSA® activates, you may notice that the 
engine does not respond to the accelerator. 
You may also notice some noise from the 
hydraulic system. You will also see the 
indicator blink.

■

VSA® Operation

1

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System

VSA® may not function properly if tire types and sizes 
are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and type 
of tire, and the air pressures are as specified.

When the VSA® system indicator comes on and stays 
on while driving, there may be a problem with the 
system. While this may not interfere with normal 
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer 
immediately.

The indicators for the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

*

, 

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow 
(LSF)

*

, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)

*

, Vehicle 

Stability Assist® (VSA®) system, Vehicle Stability Assist® 
(VSA®) OFF, Low Tire Pressure/TPMS

*

 and Collision 

Mitigation Braking System

TM

 (CMBS

TM

)

*

 may come on 

after re-connecting the battery. Drive a short distance 
at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicators should 
go off. If they do not, have your vehicle checked by a 
dealer.

VSA® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations 
and does not control the entire braking system. You 
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate 
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient 
margin of safety.

The main function of the VSA® system is generally 
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The 
system also includes a traction control function.

VSA® System 
Indicator

* Not available on all models

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When Driving

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Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

460

Driving

This button is on the driver side control panel. 
To partially disable VSA® functionality/
features, press and hold it until you hear a 
beep.

Your vehicle will have normal braking and 
cornering ability, but traction control function 
will be less effective.

To restore VSA® functionality/features, press 
the  

(VSA® OFF) button until you hear a 

beep.

VSA® is turned on every time you start the 
engine, even if you turned it off the last time 
you drove the vehicle.

■

VSA® On and Off

1

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System

In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets 
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier 
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.

When the 

 button is pressed, the traction control 

function becomes less effective. This allows for the 
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should 
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA® off if 
you are not able to free it when the VSA® is on.

Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to 
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving 
your vehicle with the VSA® system switched off.

You may hear a motor sound coming from the 
engine compartment while system checks are being 
performed immediately after starting the engine or 
while driving. This is normal.

VSA® OFF 

Indicator

461

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When Driving

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Agile Handling Assist

Driving

Agile Handling Assist

Lightly brakes selective wheels, as needed, when you turn the steering wheel, and 
helps support the vehicle’s stability and performance during cornering.

1

Agile Handling Assist

The agile handling assist cannot enhance stability in 
all driving situations. You still need to drive and 
corner at speeds appropriate for the conditions and 
always leave a sufficient margin of safety.

When the VSA® system indicator comes on and stays 
on while driving, the agile handling assist does not 
activate.

You may hear a sound coming from the engine 
compartment while the agile handling assist is 
activated. This is normal.

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When Driving

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Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Driving

Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

LSD (limited slip differential) is a type of differential that delivers extra torque to the 
wheel or the wheels with the most traction to minimize wheel slip and maintain 
control of the vehicle.

Models with SPORT mode

1

Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

NOTICE

Make sure both front tires of your vehicle are of the 
same brand and specified size, and have equal wear. 
Otherwise, the LSD may not function properly.

463

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When Driving

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Continued

Driving

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Instead of directly measuring the pressure in each tire, the TPMS on this vehicle 
monitors and compares the rolling radius and rotational characteristics of each 
wheel and tire while you are driving to determine if one or more tires are 
significantly under-inflated. This will cause the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to 
come on and a message to appear on the driver information interface.

You must start TPMS calibration every time you:
• Adjust the pressure in one or more tires.
• Rotate the tires.
• Replace one or more tires.

Before calibrating the TPMS:
• Set the cold tire pressure in all four tires.

2 Checking Tires P. 584

Make sure:
• The vehicle is at a complete stop.

• The shift lever is in 

(

N.

• The shift lever is in 

(

P.

• The ignition switch is in ON 

(

w

*1

.

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

■

TPMS Calibration

U.S. models

1

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The system does not monitor the tires when driving 
at low speed.

Conditions such as low ambient temperature and 
altitude change directly affect tire pressure and can 
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come on.

Tire pressure checked and inflated in:

•

Warm weather can become under-inflated in 
colder weather.

•

Cold weather can become over-inflated in warmer 
weather.

The low tire pressure indicator will not come on as a 
result of over inflation.

The TPMS may not function properly if tire type and 
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and 
type of tire.

2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 584

The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator may come on 
with a delay or may not come on at all when:

•

You rapidly accelerate, decelerate, or turn the 
steering wheel.

•

You drive on snowy or slippery roads.

•

Snow chains

*

 are used.

The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator may come on 
under the following conditions:

•

A compact spare tire

*

 is used.

•

There is a heavier and uneven load on the tires than 
the condition at calibration.

•

Snow chains

*

 are used.

Manual transmission models

Continuously variable transmission models

All models

* Not available on all models