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

Braking

Brake System

432

Driving

■

To release automatically

Depressing the accelerator pedal releases the parking brake.
Use the accelerator pedal to release the brake when you are starting the vehicle
facing uphill, or in a traffic jam.

Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
When on a hill, it may require more
accelerator input to release.

The parking brake and brake system
indicator (red) goes off.

You can release the parking brake automatically when:
• You are wearing the driver’s seat belt.
• The power system is on.
• The transmission is not in

(

P or

(

Parking Brake

In the following situations, the parking brake
automatically operates.

•

When the vehicle stops more than 10 minutes
while ACC with LSF is activated.

•

When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while your
vehicle is stopped automatically by ACC with LSF.

•

When the power system is turned off while ACC
with LSF is activated.

•

When the vehicle stops with the automatic brake
hold system activated for more than 10 minutes.

•

When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened while
your vehicle is stopped and brake hold is applied.

•

When the power system is turned off while brake
hold is applied.

•

When there is a problem with the Brake Hold
System.

If the parking brake cannot be released
automatically, release it manually.

The parking brake may not be released automatically
while the following indicators are on:

•

POWER SYSTEM indicator

•

Transmission system indicator

•

Parking brake and brake system indicator (amber)

•

VSA® system indicator

•

ABS indicator

•

Supplemental restraint system indicator

Accelerator Pedal

Continued

433

Braking

Brake System

Driving

Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. The brake assist system
increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an
emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.

2 Brake Assist System P. 438
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 437

■

Foot Brake

Foot Brake

Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.

If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, this is caused by the brake wear
indicator rubbing on the brake rotor and indicates
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the
vehicle checked by an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-
In Hybrid dealer. If you hear only an occasional
squeak or squeal when you initially apply the brake
pedal, this may be normal and caused by high
frequency vibration of the brake pads against the
rotating brake disc.

Braking

Brake System

434

Driving

Foot Brake

Applying constant pressure to the brakes while going
down a long hill can cause the brakes to heat up,
resulting in a loss of stopping power. Therefore,
when descending a long hill, release the accelerator
pedal and allow regenerative braking to slow the
vehicle down. To adjust the rate of deceleration, use
the deceleration paddle selector.
When the high voltage battery is recharging,
regenerative braking may not be possible.

2 POWER/CHARGE Gauge P. 122
2 High Voltage Battery Charge Level Gauge

P. 123

2 Deceleration Paddle Selector P. 390

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

Continued

435

Braking

Brake System

Driving

Keeps the brake applied after releasing the brake pedal until the accelerator pedal is
pressed. You can use this system while the vehicle is temporarily stopped, like at
traffic lights and in heavy traffic.

■

Automatic Brake Hold

Automatic Brake Hold

WARNING

Activating the automatic brake hold system
on steep hills or slippery roads may still
allow the vehicle to move if you remove
your foot from the brake pedal.

If a vehicle unexpectedly moves, it may
cause a crash resulting in serious injury or
death.

Never activate the automatic brake hold
system or rely on it to keep a vehicle from
moving when stopped on a steep hill or
slippery roads.

WARNING

Using the automatic brake hold system to
park the vehicle may result in the vehicle
unexpectedly moving.

If a vehicle moves unexpectedly, it may
cause a crash, resulting in serious injury or
death.

Never leave the vehicle when braking is
temporarily kept by automatic brake hold
and always park the vehicle by putting the
transmission in

(

and applying the parking

brake.

■

Turning on the system

Fasten your seat belt
properly, then start the
power system. Press the
automatic brake hold
button.

●

The automatic brake
hold system indicator
comes on. The system
is turned on.

■

Activating the system

Depress the brake pedal
to come to a complete
stop. The transmission
must be in

(

D or

(

●

The automatic brake
hold indicator comes
on. Braking is kept for
up to 10 minutes.

●

Release the brake
pedal after the
automatic brake hold
indicator comes on.

■

Canceling the system

Depress the accelerator
pedal while the
transmission is in

(

The system is canceled
and the vehicle starts to
move.

●

The automatic brake
hold indicator goes
off. The system
continues to be on.

Accelerator Pedal

Brake Pedal

Automatic Brake
Hold Button

Goes
Off

Comes
On

U.S.

Canada

Braking

Brake System

436

Driving

■

The system automatically cancels when:

• You depress the brake pedal and change to

(

P or

(

• You engage the parking brake.

■

The system automatically cancels and the parking brake is applied when:

• Braking is kept for more than 10 minutes.
• The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
• The power system is turned off.
• Brake Hold System Problem appears on the driver information interface.

■

Turning off the automatic brake hold system

While the system is on, press the automatic
brake hold button again.

The automatic brake hold system
indicator goes off.

If you want to turn off automatic brake hold
while the system is in operation, press the
automatic brake hold button with the brake
pedal depressed.

Automatic Brake Hold

While the system is activated, you can turn off the
power system or park the vehicle through the same
procedure as you normally do.

2 When Stopped P. 447

Whether the system is on, or the system is activated,
the automatic brake hold turns off once the power
system is off.

Turning on the system

Make sure to turn off the automatic brake hold
system before using an automated car wash.

You may hear an operating noise if the vehicle moves
while the automatic brake hold system is in
operation. The system generates sound while holding
the vehicle and it moves.

Automatic Brake
Hold Button

Goes
Off

437

Braking

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Driving

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.

The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.

You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”

■

ABS operation

You may hear an operating noise when the ABS is working. Keep holding the pedal
firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard
before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you
are trying to stop on snow or ice.

ABS may activate when you depress the brake pedal when driving on:
• Wet or snow covered roads.
• Roads paved with stone.
• Roads with uneven surfaces, such as potholes, cracks, manholes, etc.

When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.

■

ABS

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

NOTICE

The ABS may not function correctly if you use a tire of
the wrong size or type.

If the ABS indicator comes on while driving, there
may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking will not be affected, there is a
possibility that the ABS will not operating. Have your
vehicle checked by an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-
In Hybrid dealer immediately.

The ABS is not designed for the purpose of reducing
the time or distance it takes for a vehicle to stop: It is
designed to limit brake lockup which can lead to
skidding and loss of steering control.

In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
distance to stop than a vehicle without the ABS:

•

You are driving on rough or uneven road surfaces,
such as gravel or snow.

•

The tires are equipped with snow chains.

The following may be observed with the ABS system:

•

Motor sounds coming from the engine
compartment when the brakes are applied, or
when system checks are being performed after the
power system has been turned on and while
vehicle is accelerates.

•

Brake pedal and/or the vehicle body vibration when
ABS activates.

These vibrations and sounds are normal to ABS
systems and are no cause for concern.

439

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

Continued

Driving

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

Can assist you when there is a possibility of your vehicle colliding with a vehicle or a
pedestrian detected in front of yours. The CMBS

is designed to alert you when a

potential collision is determined, as well as to reduce your vehicle speed to help
minimize collision severity when a collision is deemed unavoidable.

■

How the system works

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

Important Safety Reminder
The CMBS

is designed to reduce the severity of an

unavoidable collision. It does not prevent a collision
nor stop the vehicle automatically. It is still your
responsibility to operate the brake pedal and steering
wheel appropriately according to the driving
conditions.

The CMBS

may not activate or may not detect a

vehicle in front of your vehicle under certain
conditions:

2 CMBS

Conditions and Limitations P. 443

You can read about handling information for the
camera equipped with this system.

2 Front Sensor Camera P. 394

Be careful not to severely impact the radar sensor
cover.

How the system works

Rapid vibrations on the steering wheel alert you
when the your vehicle speed is between 19 and 62
mph (30 and 100 km/h) with an oncoming vehicle
detected in front of you.

When the CMBS

activates, it may automatically

apply the brake. It will be canceled when your vehicle
stops or a potential collision is not determined.

The radar sensor is
in the front grille.

The camera is
located behind
the rearview
mirror.

The system starts monitoring the roadway ahead when your vehicle speed is about 3
mph (5 km/h) and there is a vehicle in front of you.

When to use

The CMBS

activates when:

●

The speed difference between your vehicle and a vehicle or pedestrian detected
in front of you becomes about 3 mph (5 km/h) and over with a chance of a
collision.

●

Your vehicle speed is about 62 mph (100 km/h) or less and there is a chance of a
collision with an oncoming detected vehicle or a pedestrian in front of you.

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

440

Driving

■

When the system activates

At system’s earliest collision alert stage, you can change the distance (Long/
Normal/Short) between vehicles at which alerts will come on through audio/
information screen setting options.

2 Customized Features P. 306

■

Vibration alert on the steering wheel

When a potential collision to an oncoming detected vehicle is determined, the
system alerts you with rapid vibration on the steering wheel, in addition to visual and
audible alerts.

Take appropriate action to prevent a collision (apply the brakes, operate the
steering wheel, etc.).

When the system activates

The camera in the CMBS

is also designed to detect

pedestrians.
However, this pedestrian detection feature may not
activate or may not detect a pedestrian in front of
your vehicle under certain conditions.
Refer to the ones indicating the pedestrian detection
limitations from the list.

2 CMBS

Conditions and Limitations P. 443

The system provides visual, audible and tactile alerts of a possible collision, and
stops if the collision is avoided.

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

Beep

Visual Alerts

Audible Alert

Tactile Alert

Vibration alert on the steering wheel

Vibration alert function is disabled when the electric
power steering (EPS) system indicator comes on.

2 Electric Power Steering (EPS) System

Indicator P. 94

441

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

Continued

Driving

The system has three alert stages for a possible collision. However, depending on circumstances, the CMBS

may not go through all of

the stages before initiating the last stage.

■

Collision Alert Stages

Distance between vehicles

CMBS

The sensor detects a

vehicle

Audible & Visual WARNINGS

Steering Wheel

Braking

Stage

one

There is a risk of a
collision with the
vehicle ahead of you.

When in Long, visual and
audible alerts come on at a
longer distance from a vehicle
ahead than in Normal setting,
and in Short, at a shorter
distance than in Normal.

In case of an
oncoming vehicle
detected, rapid
vibration is provided.

—

Stage

two

The risk of a collision
has increased, time to
respond is reduced.

Visual and audible alerts.

—

Lightly

applied

Stage

three

The CMBS

determines that a
collision is
unavoidable.

Forcefully

applied

Your Vehicle

Vehicle
Ahead

Short

Long

Normal

Your
Vehicle

Vehicle
Ahead

Your
Vehicle

Vehicle
Ahead

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

442

Driving

Press and hold the button until the beeper
sounds to switch the system on or off.

When the CMBS

is off:

• The CMBS

indicator in the instrument

panel comes on.

• A message on the driver information

interface reminds you that the system is off.

The CMBS

is turned on every time you start

the power system, even if you turned it off the
last time you drove the vehicle.

■

CMBS

On and Off

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

The CMBS

may automatically shut off, and the

CMBS

indicator will come and stay on under certain

conditions:

2 CMBS

Conditions and Limitations P. 443

The indicators for the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
System, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) OFF, low tire
Pressure/TPMS and Collision Mitigation Braking
System

(CMBS

) may come on along with a

message in the driver information interface after
reconnecting the 12-volt battery. 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.

443

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

Continued

Driving

The system may automatically shut off and the CMBS

indicator will come on under

certain conditions. Some examples of these conditions are listed below. Other
conditions may reduce some of the CMBS

functions.

2 Front Sensor Camera P. 394

■

Environmental conditions

• Driving in bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.).
• Sudden changes between light and dark, such as an entrance or exit of a tunnel.
• There is little contrast between objects and the background.
• Driving into low sunlight (e.g., at dawn or dusk).
• Strong light is reflected onto the roadway.
• Driving in the shadows of trees, buildings, etc.
• Roadway objects or structures are misinterpreted as vehicles and pedestrians.
• Reflections on the interior of the windshield.
• Driving at night or in a dark condition such as a tunnel.

■

Roadway conditions

• Driving on a snowy or wet roadway (obscured lane marking, vehicle tracks,

reflected lights, road spray, high contrast).

• Driving on curvy, winding, or undulating roads.
• The road is hilly or the vehicle is approaching the crest of a hill.

■

CMBS

Conditions and Limitations

444

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

Driving

■

Vehicle conditions

• Headlight lenses are dirty or the headlights are not properly adjusted.
• The outside of the windshield is blocked by dirt, mud, leaves, wet snow, etc.
• The inside of the windshield is fogged.
• An abnormal tire or wheel condition (wrong sized, varied size or construction,

improperly inflated tire, etc.).

• When tire chains are installed.
• The vehicle is tilted due to a heavy load or suspension modifications.
• The camera temperature gets too high.
• Driving with the parking brake applied.
• When the radar sensor in the front grille gets dirty.

■

Detection limitations

• A vehicle or pedestrian suddenly crosses in front of you.
• The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead of you is

too short.

• A vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed, and it brakes suddenly.
• When you accelerate rapidly and approach the vehicle or pedestrian ahead of you

at high speed.

• The vehicle ahead of you is a motorcycle, bicycle, mobility scooter or other small

vehicle.

• When there are animals in front of your vehicle.
• When you drive on a curved, winding or undulating road that makes it difficult for

the sensor to properly detect a vehicle in front of you.

• The speed difference between your vehicle and a vehicle or pedestrian in front of

you is significantly large.

• An oncoming vehicle suddenly comes in front of you.
• Another vehicle suddenly comes in front of you at an intersection, etc.
• Your vehicle abruptly crosses over in front of an oncoming vehicle.
• When driving through a narrow iron bridge.
• When the lead vehicle suddenly slows down.

445

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

Continued

Driving

• When there is a group of people in front of your vehicle walking together side by

side.

• Surrounding conditions or belongings of the pedestrian alter the pedestrian’s

shape, preventing the system from recognizing that the person is a pedestrian.

• When the pedestrian is shorter than about 3.3 feet (1 meter) or taller than about

6.6 feet (2 meters) in height.

• When a pedestrian blends in with the background.
• When a pedestrian is bent over or squatting, or when their hands are raised or

they are running.

• When several pedestrians are walking ahead in a group.
• When the camera cannot correctly identify that a pedestrian is present due to an

unusual shape (holding luggage, body position, size).

■

Automatic shutoff

The CMBS

may automatically shut itself off and the CMBS

indicator comes and

stays on when:
• The temperature inside the system is high.
• You drive off-road or on a mountain road, or curved and winding road for an

extended period.

• An abnormal tire condition is detected (wrong tire size, flat tire, etc.).
• The camera behind the rearview mirror, or the area around the camera, including

the windshield, gets dirty.

Once the conditions that caused the CMBS

to shut off improve or are addressed

(e.g., cleaning), the system comes back on.

Limitations applicable to pedestrian detection only

Braking

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

446

Driving

The CMBS

may activate even when you are aware of a vehicle ahead of you, or

when there is no vehicle ahead. Some examples of this are:

■

When Passing

Your vehicle approaches another vehicle ahead of you and you change lanes to pass.

■

At an intersection

Your vehicle approaches or passes another vehicle that is making a left or right turn.

■

On a curve

When driving through curves, your vehicle comes to a point where an oncoming
vehicle is right in front of you.

■

Through a low bridge at high speed

You drive under a low or narrow bridge at high speed.

■

Speed bumps, road work sites, train tracks, roadside objects, etc.

You drive over speed bumps, steel road plates, etc., or your vehicle approaches train
tracks or roadside objects [such as a traffic sign and guard rail] on a curve or, when
parking, stationary vehicles and walls.

■

With Little Chance of a Collision

Collision Mitigation Braking System

(CMBS

)

For the CMBS

to work properly:

Always keep the radar sensor cover clean.

Never use chemical solvents or polishing powder for
cleaning the sensor cover. Clean it with water or a
mild detergent.

Do not apply any coverings or paint to the radar
sensor area. Do not put a sticker on the emblem or
replace the emblem.
These can impact CMBS

operation.

If you need the radar sensor to be repaired, or
removed, or the radar sensor cover is strongly
impacted, turn off the system by pressing the
CMBS

off button and take your vehicle to an

authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Honda
Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer if you find any unusual
behavior of the system (e.g., the warning message
appears too frequently).

If the front of the vehicle is impacted in any of the
following situations, the radar sensor may not work
properly. Have your vehicle checked by an authorized
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer:

•

The vehicle mounted onto a bump, curb, chock,
embankment, etc.

•

You drive the vehicle where the water is deep.

•

Your vehicle has a frontal collision.

447

Continued

Driving

Parking Your Vehicle

When Stopped

1. Depress the brake pedal firmly.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, pull up the electric parking brake switch slowly,

but fully.

3. Change the gear position to

(

4. Turn off the power system.

The parking brake and brake system indicator (red) goes off in about 15
seconds.

Parking Your Vehicle

Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.

WARNING

The vehicle can roll away if left unattended
without confirming that Park is engaged.

A vehicle that rolls away could cause a crash
resulting in serious injury or death.

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal
until you have confirmed that

(

is shown

on the gear position indicator.

When Stopped

NOTICE

The following can damage the driveline:

•

Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.

•

Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.

•

Changing into

(

P before the vehicle stops

completely.

Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Instruction - part 28