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

464

Charging

Control Box

Driving

Note: The charging equipment provided with this vehicle has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

465

Charging

Control Box

Driving

Shows the High Voltage battery charging status.
If it blinks for a while, then stays on after the charge connector is plugged in, it indicates that the
battery is being charged.

■

Charge Indicator on the Vehicle Side

Charge Indicator

Indicator status

Explanation

Blinks slowly

●

The charger is ready to charge the battery.

●

Charging is programmed to start using the timer.

The indicator goes off after about 15 seconds.

●

The power mode is set to ON while the battery is being
charged.

Stays on

●

The battery is being charged.

Goes off

●

Charging is complete.

Blinks once after staying on

for a few seconds.

●

The battery has been fully charged and the battery
heating system has been activated.

Blinks rapidly

●

When the 12-volt battery is disconnected.

After reconnecting the battery, turn the power system
on, then turn it off.
The charging connector is replugged in. Confirm that
charging is possible.

●

There is a problem with the charging system.

The indicator goes off after 15 seconds. Charging does
not start.

Canadian models

466

Charging

High Voltage Battery

Driving

High Voltage Battery

The High Voltage battery gradually discharges even if the vehicle is not in use. As a
result, if your vehicle is parked for an extended period of time, the battery level may
get low. Keeping your vehicle’s battery level low can shorten the battery life. To
maintain the battery while the vehicle is not in use, recharge the battery at least
once every three months.
The High Voltage battery life can also be affected by ambient temperature. In
particular, when it is cold outside, the vehicle’s driving range on electric power can
be reduced, and a longer battery charging time is required. In addition, parking in
extremely hot or cold environments can accelerate battery drain.
To help extend the lifespan of the battery, it is recommended that you fully charge
the battery each time prior to driving.

Store the vehicle in a garage to insure that the temperature of the High Voltage
battery does not drop too low.

■

Battery Warming System

Designed to prevent the temperature of the battery from dropping when outside
temperatures drop, thereby maintaining starting and running efficiency.
If the vehicle is plugged in when outside temperatures are low, the battery warming
system will use the power from the charging equipment to maintain the
temperature of the battery until the next time the vehicle is driven.

High Voltage Battery

The High Voltage battery drains over time, and under
some conditions, drains faster. When the battery life
is shortened, this changes the vehicle’s driving
distance.

Be careful not to let the High Voltage battery drain
too much. If the battery level becomes close to zero,
it will make it impossible to start the engine.

U.S. models

Battery Warming System

If the vehicle is left unplugged in cold temperatures,
the temperature of the battery will drop, possibly
resulting in a loss of running efficiency.
If left for an extended period of time in extremely
cold temperatures, the vehicle may not start. We
recommend that you plug in your vehicle when you
are parking or storing your vehicle in cold
temperatures.

Canadian models

467

Charging

Using a Timer

Continued

Driving

Using a Timer

You can set the timer for the High Voltage battery charge using the driver
information interface’s customization feature.
The vehicle automatically begins charging at the scheduled time when the charging
connector is connected to the vehicle.

1. Press the

(display/information) button

and press

until Vehicle Settings

appears on the display, then press the
ENTER button.

2. Select Charge Timer Setup, then press the

ENTER button.

■

Driver Information Interface

Using a Timer

When the battery warming system is activated, it may
not sufficiently charge within the charging period
that you have set.

Canadian models

Driver Information Interface

Timer: Select ON or OFF.
Mode: When Timer is ON, select the charging
mode, Full or Time.
Full: Charging will continue until the battery is fully
charged.
Time: The battery will be charged between the time
you have designated to start and end.
Start: Set the time when to start the High Voltage
battery charge.
End: Set the time when to end the High Voltage
battery charging. You cannot set this when the Full
mode is selected.

469

Driving

Fuel Economy and CO

Emissions

Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO

Emissions

Achieving fuel economy and reducing CO

emissions is dependent on several

factors, including driving conditions, load weight, idling time, driving habits, and
vehicle condition. Depending on these and other factors, you may not achieve the
rated fuel economy of this vehicle.

You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
driver information interface.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle's underside

adds weight and increases wind resistance.

■

Maintenance and Fuel Economy

Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO

Emissions

Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.

In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/

Miles driven

Gallons of

fuel

Miles per

Gallon

100

Liters of

fuel

Kilometers

driven

L per 100 km

472

Main

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Before Performing Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance

For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer. (Note, however, that service at an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer is not mandatory to keep your
warranties in effect.)

■

Daily inspections

Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.

■

Periodic inspections

• Check the brake fluid level monthly.

2 Brake Fluid P. 492

• Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.

2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 499

• Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.

2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 494

• Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.

2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 496

■

Types of Inspection and Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.

According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the driver information interface.

2 Maintenance Service Items P. 477

If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.

2 Authorized Manuals P. 576

If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.

U.S. models

473

Before Performing Maintenance

Safety When Performing Maintenance

Continued

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Safety When Performing Maintenance

Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether you should perform a given
task.

• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames

away from the 12-volt battery, all High Voltage system, and all fuel related parts.

• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.

Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them, causing a fire.

• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not

gasoline.

• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the 12-volt

battery or compressed air.

• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.

Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.

■

Maintenance Safety

Safety When Performing Maintenance

WARNING

Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.

WARNING

Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.

474

Before Performing Maintenance

Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

Main

tenan

• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.

Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the power system is turned off.

• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.

Make sure to let the power system including the engine and exhaust system
cool thoroughly before touching vehicle parts.

• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.

Do not activate the power system unless instructed, and keep your hands and
limbs away from moving parts. When the power mode is on, the engine can
automatically start, or the radiator fan may start operating without the engine
running.

Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service

The use of Honda genuine parts and fluids is recommended when maintaining and
servicing your vehicle. Honda genuine parts are manufactured according to the
same high quality standards used in Honda vehicles.

■

Vehicle Safety

475

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Maintenance Minder

If the vehicle has maintenance items due within 30 days, you will see the
Maintenance Minder messages appear on the driver information interface every
time you set the power mode to ON. The messages notify you when to bring your
vehicle to an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer for indicated
maintenance services.

To Use Maintenance Minder

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the

(display/ information) button.

3. Press the

button to select the

icon, and press the ENTER button.

■

Displaying the Maintenance Minder Information

Displaying the Maintenance Minder Information

Based on the engine operating conditions and engine
oil conditions, the system calculates the remaining
days before the next service is to be performed.

There is a list of maintenance main and sub items you
can view on the driver information interface.

2 Maintenance Service Items P. 477

Button

Maintenance Item Code(s)

Button

ENTER Button

476

Maintenance Minder

To Use Maintenance Minder

Main

tenan

The system message indicator (

) comes on along with the Maintenance Minder message.

■

Warning Message and Maintenance Minder Information on
the Driver Information Interface

Warning Message

Maintenance Minder

Information

Explanation

Information

Service Due Soon

One or more of the service items are
required in less than 30 days. Press the

button to switch to another

display.

The remaining days will be
counted down per day.

Service Due Now

One or more of the service items are
required in less than 10 days. Press the

button to switch to another

display.

Have the indicated service
performed as soon as
possible.

Service Past Due

The indicated maintenance service is
still not done after the remaining time
reaches 0. Press the

button to

switch to another display.

Your vehicle has passed the
service required point.
Immediately have the service
performed and make sure to
reset the Maintenance
Minder

477

Maintenance Minder

To Use Maintenance Minder

Continued

Main

tenan

■

Maintenance Service Items

Maintenance Service Items

•

Adjust the valves during services A, 0, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.

Maintenance Minder Message

System Message
Indicator

Sub Items

Main Item

U.S. models

*1: If a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset,

change the engine oil every year.

# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.

CODE

Maintenance Main Items

●

Replace engine oil

and oil filter

●

Inspect front and rear brakes

●

Check expiration date for Temporary Tire Repair Kit

●

Inspect these items:

• Tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
• Suspension components
• Driveshaft boots
• Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
• All fluid levels and condition of fluids
• Exhaust system

• Fuel lines and connections

• Stay RR, RR Subframe
• Under body battery cover

*2: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and

from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

*3: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in higher transmission temperatures.

This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance
Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission fluid changed
every 47,500 miles (75,000 km) or 3 years.

*4: If a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 36 months after the display for item 7 is

reset, change the brake fluid every 3 years.

*5: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

CODE

Maintenance Sub Items

●

Rotate tires

●

Replace dust and pollen filter

●

Replace transmission fluid

●

Replace spark plugs

●

Inspect valve clearance

●

Replace engine coolant

●

Replace brake fluid

●

Replace air cleaner element

478

Maintenance Minder

To Use Maintenance Minder

Main

tenan

Maintenance Service Items

•

Adjust the valves during services A, 9, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.

Canadian models

*1: If a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset,

change the engine oil every year.

*2: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and

from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).

*3: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in higher transmission temperatures.

*4: If a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 36 months after the display for item 7 is

reset, change the brake fluid every 3 years.

*5: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.

CODE

Maintenance Main Items

●

Replace engine oil

and oil filter

CODE

Maintenance Sub Items

●

Rotate tires

●

Replace dust and pollen filter

●

Replace transmission fluid

●

Replace spark plugs

●

Inspect valve clearance

●

Replace engine coolant

●

Replace brake fluid

●

Replace air cleaner element

●

Service front and rear brakes

●

Check expiration date for Temporary Tire Repair Kit

●

Inspect these items:

• Fuel lines and connections

• Stay RR, RR Subframe
• Under body battery cover

479

Maintenance Minder

To Use Maintenance Minder

Main

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Reset the maintenance minder information display if you have performed the
maintenance service.

1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the

(display/information) button.

3. Press the

button to select the

icon, and press the ENTER button.

4. Press and hold the ENTER button for about 10 seconds to enter the reset mode.
5. Press

to select a maintenance item to reset, or to select All Due Items

(You can also select Cancel to end the process).

6. Press the ENTER button to reset the selected item.
7. Repeat from step 4 for other items you wish to reset.

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Resetting the Display

Resetting the Display

NOTICE

Failure to reset the Maintenance Minder

display

after a maintenance service results in the system
showing incorrect maintenance intervals, which can
lead to serious mechanical problems.

The authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer
will reset the Maintenance Minder

display after

completing the required maintenance service. If
someone other than an authorized Honda Clarity
Plug-In Hybrid dealer performs maintenance service,
reset the Maintenance Minder

display yourself.

You can reset the Maintenance Minder

display

using the audio/information screen.

2 Customized Features P. 306

Button

ENTER Button

Button

Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Instruction - part 30