Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Instruction

Child Safety

Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

Safety of 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.

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.

■

Protecting Larger Children

■

Checking Seat Belt Fit

Safety of Larger Children

WARNING

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.

Child Safety

Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

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

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.

■

Booster Seats

Booster 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.

■

Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks

Safe Driving

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 climate control system as shown below.

1. Select the fresh air mode.

2. Select the

mode.

3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Adjust the climate control system in the same manner if you sit in your parked
vehicle with the engine running.

Carbon Monoxide Gas

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.

WARNING

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.

Safe Driving

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 an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer for a replacement.

Dashboard

Air Conditioner System

U.S. models

Canadian models

Radiator Cap

U.S. models only

Charging Lid

U.S. models

Canadian models

PCU

U.S. models

Canadian models

High Voltage Battery System
Coolant Reserve Tank Cap

Sun Visor

U.S. models

Canadian models

Motor Coolant
Reserve Tank Cap

Actuator Lid

U.S. models

Canadian models

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Indicators

Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
(Red)

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off if the parking brake
has been released.

●

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 while driving P. 548

●

Comes on along with the parking
brake and brake system indicator
(amber) - Immediately stop in a safe
place. Contact an authorized Honda
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer for repair.
The brake pedal becomes harder to
operate. Depress the pedal further than
you normally do.

●

Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have your vehicle checked by
an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In
Hybrid dealer.

2 If the Brake System Indicator (Red)

Comes On or Blinks P. 548

U.S.

Canada

(Red)

Indicators

Continued

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
(Red)

●

Comes on for about 15 seconds
when you push the electric parking
brake switch while the power
mode is in VEHICLE OFF.

●

Stays on for about 15 seconds
when you set the power mode to
VEHICLE OFF while the electric
parking brake is set.

●

Blinks and the parking brake and
brake system indicator (amber) comes
on at the same time - There is a
problem with the electric parking brake
system. The parking brake may not be
set.
Avoid using the parking brake and have
your vehicle checked by an authorized
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer
immediately.

2 If the Brake System Indicator (Red)

Comes On or Blinks at the Same
Time When the Brake System
Indicator (Amber) Comes On P. 550

—

Automatic Brake
Hold System
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on when the automatic
brake hold system is on.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 435

Automatic Brake
Hold Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on when the automatic
brake hold is activated.

2 Automatic Brake Hold P. 435

—

U.S.

Canada

(Red)

U.S.

Canada

Indicators

strum

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Parking Brake
and Brake
System Indicator
(Amber)

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with a system related to braking
other than the conventional brake
system.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the cooperative control with
regenerative braking, the electric
servo brake system, or the hill start
assist system.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the electric parking brake
system or the automatic brake
hold system.

●

Comes on while driving - Avoid using
the parking brake and have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer immediately.

●

Stays on constantly - Avoid high speeds
and sudden braking. Take the vehicle to
an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In
Hybrid dealer immediately.

●

With this indicator on, your vehicle still
has normal braking ability.

POWER
SYSTEM
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the electric vehicle system or
plug-in charging system.

●

Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer.

U.S.

Canada

(Amber)

Indicators

Continued

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

EV Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on when the vehicle is
moved by the motor, and the
engine is not operating.

—

HV Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

—

●

Comes on when the vehicle is in
HV.

2 SPORT HYBRID i-MMD Plug-in

(Intelligent Multi-mode Drive Plug-
in) P. 11

●

Comes on when the vehicle is in
HV charge.

2 SPORT HYBRID i-MMD Plug-in

(Intelligent Multi-mode Drive Plug-
in) P. 11

HV Charge
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

—

●

Comes along with the HV
indicator when the vehicle is in HV
charge.

2 SPORT HYBRID i-MMD Plug-in

(Intelligent Multi-mode Drive Plug-
in) P. 11

Indicators

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

READY Indicator

●

Comes on when the vehicle is
ready to drive.

●

May go off if the POWER SYSTEM or
transmission system indicator comes on.

2 Turning on the Power P. 376

Malfunction
Indicator Lamp

●

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off either
when the power system is on or
after several seconds if the vehicle
did not start. 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.

●

Readiness codes are part of the on board
diagnostics for the emissions control
systems.

2 Testing of Readiness Codes P. 572

●

Comes on while driving - Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized Honda
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

●

Blinks while driving - Stop in a safe
place where there are no flammable
objects. Stop the power system for 10
minutes or more, and wait for the engine
to cool down. Then, take the vehicle to an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer.

2 If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Comes On or Blinks P. 547

12-Volt Battery
Charging System
Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the power system is on.

●

Comes on when the 12-volt
battery is not charging.

●

Comes on while driving - Turn off the
climate control system and rear defogger
in order to reduce electricity
consumption.

2 If the 12-Volt Battery Charging

System Indicator Comes On P. 546

Indicators

Continued

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Low Fuel
Indicator

●

Comes on when the fuel reserve is
running low (approximately 1.1
U.S. gal./4.0 Liter left).

●

Blinks if there is a problem with the
fuel gauge.

●

Comes on - Refuel your vehicle as soon
as possible.

●

Blinks - Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer.

Gear Position
Indicator

●

Indicates the current gear
selection.

2 Shifting P. 382

—

Deceleration
Paddle Selector
Indicator

●

Comes on when the paddle
selector is pulled.

●

Blinks when deceleration does not
occur while pulling the paddle
selector.

●

Comes on with M when SPORT
mode is selected and pulling the
paddle selector.

2 Deceleration Paddle Selector P. 390

—

Indicators

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Transmission
System Indicator

●

All the gear positions may light for
several seconds, and go off.

●

When all the gear positions illuminate,
immediately stop your vehicle in a safe
place.

●

Indicators go off if there is no problem.
However, even if they go off, take your
vehicle to an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer for inspection.

●

The indicated current gear
selection blinks if there is a
problem with the transmission
system.

●

Avoid sudden start and acceleration, and
stop in a safe place immediately.

●

Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer.

●

The indicated current gear
selection or all the gear positions
blink if you cannot select

(

P due

to a transmission system failure.

●

The engine can be activated as a
temporary measure.

2 If the Transmission System Indicator

Blinks along with the Warning
Message P. 552

●

Set the parking brake when parking.

●

Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer immediately.

Indicators

Continued

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Seat Belt
Reminder
Indicator

●

Comes on and the beeper sounds
if you are not wearing a seat belt
when you set the power mode to
ON.

●

If the front passenger is not
wearing a seat belt, the indicator
comes on a few seconds later.

●

Blinks while driving if either you
and/or the front passenger has not
fastened a seat belt. The beeper
sounds and the indicator blinks at
regular intervals.

●

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

●

Stays on after you and/or the front
passenger has fastened the seat
belt(s) - A detection error may have
occurred in the sensor. Have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

2 Seat Belt Reminder P. 49

Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

If it comes on at any other time,
there is a problem with the ABS.

●

Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer. With this indicator
on, your vehicle still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock function.

2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 437

Indicators

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
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 or does not come
on at all - Have your vehicle checked by
an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In
Hybrid dealer.

Electric Power
Steering (EPS)
System Indicator

●

Comes on when you set the power
mode to ON, and goes off when
the power system is on.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the EPS system.

●

Stays on constantly or does not come
on at all - Have your vehicle checked by
an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In
Hybrid dealer.

2 If the Electric Power Steering (EPS)

System Indicator Comes On P. 549

Indicators

Continued

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Indicator

Name

On/Blinking

Explanation

Message

Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA®)
System Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Blinks when VSA® is active.

●

Comes on if there is a problem
with the VSA® system.

●

Stays on constantly - Have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

2 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka

Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
System P. 422

●

Comes on if the VSA® system is
deactivated temporarily after the
battery has been disconnected,
then re-connected.

●

Drive a short distance at more than 12
mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go
off. If it does not, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA®)
OFF Indicator

●

Comes on for a few seconds when
you set the power mode to ON,
then goes off.

●

Comes on when you deactivate
VSA®.

2 VSA® On and Off P. 423

●

Comes on if the VSA® system is
deactivated temporarily after the
battery has been disconnected,
then re-connected.

●

Drive a short distance at more than 12
mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go
off. If it does not, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Instruction - part 6