Honda Civic Owners Manual: Models with smart entry system

Starting the Engine

Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.

The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.

If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold, an engine block heater will improve starting and warming of the engine. Consult a dealer for details.

If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with the engine or exhaust system.

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft.

If an improperly coded device is used, the engine's fuel system is disabled.

Bring the smart entry remote close to the ENGINE START/STOP button if the battery in the smart entry remote is weak.

The engine may not start if the smart entry remote is subjected to strong radio waves.

Do not hold the ENGINE START/STOP button to start the engine.

If the engine does not start, wait at least 30 seconds before trying again.

Remote Engine Start with Vehicle Feedback

WARNING Engine exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide.

Breathing carbon monoxide can kill you or cause unconsciousness.

Never use the remote engine starter when the vehicle is parked in a garage or other area with limited ventilation.

The remote engine start may violate local laws.

Before using the remote engine start, check your local laws.

If there are buildings and obstacles between your vehicle and the remote, the range will be reduced.

The range may be less when the vehicle is running.

This distance may vary by external electrical interference.

The engine may not start by the remote engine start if:

•  You have disabled a remote engine start setting using the audio/information screen*.
•  The power mode is not in VEHICLE OFF (LOCK).
•  The gear is in a position other than P.
•  The hood is open, or any door or the trunk is unlocked.
• You have already used the remote twice to start the engine.
•  Another registered smart entry remote is in the vehicle.
•  There is an antenna failure.
•  Door is unlocked with the built-in key.
•  The engine oil pressure is low.
•  The engine coolant temperature is extremely high.
•  The security system alarm is not set.

While the engine is running, the vehicle will automatically activate climate control with a preset temperature of 72F (22C).

When it is warm outside:

•  The air conditioning is activated in recirculation mode.

When it is cold outside:

•  The defroster is activated at a moderately warm temperature.
•  The rear defogger, door mirror heaters, and seat heaters* are activated.

Starting to Drive

When the engine was started using the button  on the smart entry remote

The engine stops when the shift lever is moved out of P before the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed. Follow step 1 when starting to drive.

You can also release the parking brake by pressing the electric parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.

When facing downhill, you can start your vehicle more smoothly by manually releasing it with the electric parking brake switch than by releasing it with the accelerator pedal.

Hill start assist system

Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and does not operate on small inclines.

Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking brake.