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Do not change the oil until the scheduled maintenance time.


Do not tow a trailer.


You should also follow these recommendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are replaced.


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2012 Accord Coupe


We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help prevent f uel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain good perf ormance, f uel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmf ul manganese- based f uel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is available. Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely af f ect perf ormance, and cause the malf unction indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on. If this happens, contact your dealer f or service. Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol. If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.


Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Honda endorses the use of ‘‘TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline’’ where available to help maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines. Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met ‘‘TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline’’ standards at the retail location. This fuel is guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission control system.


Fuel Recommendation


For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or information on gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit Owner Link at . In Canada, visit owners.honda.com www.honda.ca information on gasoline. For more information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com.


for additional


285


2012 Accord Coupe


Service Station Procedures


Refueling


Push


1.


Park with the driver’s side closest to the service station pump.


2.


To open the fuel fill door, push down on the lever located to the left of the driver’s seat.


286


Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.


Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.


HOLDER


FUEL FILL CAP


TETHER


3.


Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank equalizes. The fuel fill cap is attached to the fuel filler with a tether. Place the cap in the holder on the fuel fill door.


2012 Accord Coupe


4.


Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Do not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank. This leaves some room in the fuel tank for the fuel to expand with temperature changes.


5.


If the fuel nozzle keeps clicking off even though the tank is not full, there may be a problem with your vehicle’s fuel vapor recovery system. The system helps keep fuel vapor from going into the atmosphere. Try filling at another pump. If this does not fix the problem, consult your dealer.


Screw the fuel fill cap back on until it clicks at least once. If you do not properly tighten the cap, you will see a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on the information display. If the system still detects an evaporative system leak after retightening the cap, the malfunction indicator lamp may come on (see page


406


).


6.


Push the fuel fill door closed until it latches.


Service Station Procedures


Check Fuel Cap Message


Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system will detect a loose or missing fuel fill cap as an evaporative system leak. The first time a leak is detected a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message appears on the information display.


CONTINUED


287


2012 Accord Coupe If the system still detects a leak in your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) comes on. If the fuel fill cap was not already tightened, turn the engine off, and check or retighten the fuel fill cap until it clicks at least once. The MIL should go off after several days of normal driving once the cap is tightened or replaced. If the MIL does not go off, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. For more information, see page


406


Service Station Procedures


Turn the engine off, and confirm the fuel fill cap is installed. If it is, loosen it, then retighten it until it clicks at least once. The message should go off after several days of normal driving once you tighten or replace the fuel fill cap. To scroll to another display, press the select/reset knob.


The ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message will appear each time you restart the engine until the system turns the message off.


288


2012 Accord Coupe


Opening and Closing the Hood


HOOD RELEASE HANDLE


Service Station Procedures


LATCH


If the hood latch handle moves stiffly, or if you can open the hood without lifting the handle, the mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.


1.


Park the vehicle, and set the parking brake. Pull the hood release handle located under the lower left corner of the dashboard. The hood will pop up slightly.


2.


Reach in between the hood and the front grille with your fingers. The hood latch handle is above the ‘‘H’’ logo. Push this handle up until it releases the hood. Lift the hood.


CONTINUED


289


2012 Accord Coupe


Service Station Procedures


GRIP


SUPPORT ROD


4-cylinder models


CLIP


3.


4-cylindermodels Holding the grip, pull the support rod out of its clip. Insert the end into the hole in the hood designated by an arrow.


290


To close the hood, lift it up slightly to remove the support rod from the hole. Put the support rod back into its holding clip. Lower the hood to about a foot (30 cm) above the fender, then let it drop. Make sure it is securely latched.


V6 models


V6models Lift the hood up most of the way. The hydraulic supports will lift it up the rest of the way and hold it up.


To close the hood, lower it to about a foot (30 cm) above the fender, then press down firmly with your hands. Make sure the hood is securely latched.


2012 Accord Coupe


Oil Check


4-cylinder models


DIPSTICK (orange handle)


Wait a few minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.


1.


Remove the dipstick (orange handle/loop).


Service Station Procedures


V6 models


DIPSTICK (orange loop)


4-cylinder models


UPPER MARK LOWER MARK


2.


Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.


3.


Insert the dipstick all the way back into its hole.


4.


Remove the dipstick again, and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.


If it is near or below the lower mark, see 350


Adding Engine Oil


on page


CONTINUED


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2012 Accord Coupe


Service Station Procedures


Engine Coolant Check


RESERVE TANK


MAX


RESERVE TANK


UPPER MARK LOWER MARK


V6 models


4-cylinder models


MAX


MIN


Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines. If Adding it is below the MIN line, see Engine Coolant for 354
information on adding the proper coolant.


on page


292


V6 models


MIN


Owner’s Maintenance on page


Refer to Checks for information about checking other items on your vehicle.


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2012 Accord Coupe


Actual Mileage and EPA Fuel Economy Estimates Comparison. Fuel economy is not a fixed number. It varies based on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle condition. Therefore, it is not possible for one set of estimates to predict fuel economy precisely for all drivers in all environments.


The EPA fuel economy estimates shown in the example to the right are a useful tool for comparison when buying a vehicle. EPA estimates include:



City MPG Represents urban driving in light traffic. A range of miles per gallon achieved is also provided.



Represents a


Highway MPG mixture of rural and interstate driving, in a warmed-up vehicle, typical of longer trips in free-flowing


Fuel Economy


City MPG


Highway MPG


Combined Fuel Economy


Estimated Annual Fuel Cost


(Sample U.S. EPA label shown)


traffic. A range of miles per gallon achieved is also provided.



Combined Fuel Economy Represents a combination of city and highway driving. The scale represents the range of combined fuel economy for other vehicles in the class.


Estimated Annual Fuel Cost − Provides an estimated annual fuel cost, based on 15,000 miles (20,000


km) per year multiplied by the cost per gallon (based on EPA fuel cost data) divided by the combined fuel economy.


For more information on fuel economy ratings and factors that affect fuel economy, visit fueleconomy.gov vehicles.gc.ca


www. (Canada: Visit


www.


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2012 Accord Coupe


Fuel Economy


Fuel Economy Factors The following factors can lower your vehicle’s fuel economy: Aggressive driving (hard acceleration and braking) Excessive idling, accelerating and braking in stop-and-go traffic Cold engine operation (engines are more efficient when warmed up) Driving with a heavy load or the air conditioner running Improperly inflated tires


Improving Fuel Economy VehicleMaintenance A properly maintained vehicle maximizes fuel economy. Poor maintenance can significantly reduce fuel economy. Always maintain your vehicle according to the maintenance


294


messages displayed on the information display (see Maintenance Checks For example:


Owner’s on page 346


).


Use the recommended viscosity motor oil, displaying the API Certification Seal (see page 351


).


Maintain proper tire inflation An underinflated tire increases − ‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces fuel economy.


Avoid carrying excess weight in your vehicle It puts a heavier load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.




Keep your vehicle clean In particular, a build-up of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel economy.


DriveEfficiently



Drive moderately acceleration, abrupt cornering, and hard braking increase fuel consumption.


Rapid



Observe the speed limit Aerodynamic drag has a big effect on fuel economy at speeds above 45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your speed and you reduce the drag. Trailers, car top carriers, roof racks and bike racks are also big contributors to increased drag.



If your vehicle has a


Always drive in the highest gear possible manual transmission, you can boost your fuel economy by up shifting as early as possible.


Avoid excessive idling Idling results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms per liter).



2012 Accord Coupe


Minimize the use of the air conditioning system puts an extra load on the engine which makes it use more fuel. Use the fresh-air ventilation when possible.


The A/C



Plan and combine trips Combine several short trips into one. A warmed-up engine is more fuel efficient than a cold one.



Calculating Fuel Economy


MeasuringTechniques Direct calculation is the recommended source of information about your actual fuel economy. Using frequency of fill-ups or taking fuel gauge readings are NOT accurate measures of fuel economy. Fuel economy may improve over the first several thousand miles (kilometers).


CheckingYourFuelEconomy


Fuel Economy


Miles driven


Gallons of


fuel


Miles per


Gallon


100


Liter


Kilometers


L per 100 km


1) 2) 3) 4)


Fill the fuel tank until the nozzle automatically clicks off. Reset trip counter to zero. Record the total gallons (liters) needed to refill. Follow one of the simple calculations above.


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2012 Accord Coupe


Accessories and Modifications


Modifying your vehicle, or installing non-Honda accessories, may make your vehicle unsafe. Before you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the following information.


Accessories Your dealer has Honda accessories that allow you to personalize your vehicle. These accessories have been designed and approved for your vehicle, and are covered by warranty.


Although non-Honda accessories may fit on your vehicle, they may not meet factory specifications, and could adversely affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and reliability.


Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.


Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications.


When properly installed, cellular phones, alarms, two-way radios, and low-powered audio systems should not interfere with your vehicle’s computer controlled systems, such as your airbags, anti-lock brakes, and tire pressure monitoring system.


296


Before installing any accessory:


Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights, or interfere with proper vehicle operation or performance.


Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits (see page the proper operation of your vehicle.


) or interfere with


408


Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact your dealer for assistance. If possible, have your dealer inspect the final installation.


Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the rear windows. Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the side curtain airbags.


2012 Accord Coupe


Accessories and Modifications


Modifying Your Vehicle Removing parts from your vehicle, or replacing components with non-Honda components could seriously affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and reliability.


Some examples are:


Lowering the vehicle with a non- Honda suspension kit that significantly reduces ground clearance can allow the undercarriage to hit speed bumps or other raised objects, which could cause the airbags to deploy.


Raising your vehicle with a non-Honda suspension kit can affect the handling, stability, and reliability.


Non-Honda wheels, because they are a universal design, can cause excessive stress on suspension components and will not be compatible with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).


Larger or smaller wheels and tires can interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and other systems.


Modifying your steering wheel or any other part of your vehicle’s safety features can make the systems ineffective.


If you plan to modify your vehicle, consult your dealer.


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2012 Accord Coupe


Carrying Cargo


DOOR POCKET


Your vehicle has several convenient storage areas:


CONSOLE COMPARTMENT


CENTER POCKETS


Glove box


DRIVER’S SEAT-BACK POCKET *



If equipped


298


TRUNK


PASSENGER’S SEAT-BACK POCKET


GLOVE BOX


Door and seat-back pockets


Center pockets


Console compartment


Trunk, including the rear seat when folded down


However, carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. Before carrying any type of cargo, be sure to read the following pages.


2012 Accord Coupe


Load Limits The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).


See Tire And Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.


Label Example


Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.


Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.


This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.



Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit (1)


Locate the statement ‘‘The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s placard.


(2)


Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.


(3)


Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.


Carrying Cargo


(4)


The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400


150) = 650 lbs.)


750 (5



×


(5)


Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.


(6)


If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.


CONTINUED


299


2012 Accord Coupe In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.


Carrying Cargo


Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg)


Passenger Weight 150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)


Cargo Weight 550 lbs (249 kg)


Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg)


Passenger Weight 150 lbs x 4 = 600 lbs (68 kg x 4 = 272 kg)


Cargo Weight 250 lbs (113 kg)


Max Load 850 lbs (385 kg)


Passenger Weight 150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)


Cargo Weight 100 lbs (45 kg)


Example 1


Example 2


Example 3


300


2012 Accord Coupe


Carrying Items in the Passenger Compartment


Store or secure all items that could be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash.


Keep the glove box closed while driving. If it is open, a passenger could injure their knees during a crash or sudden stop.


Do not put any items on top of the rear shelf. They can block your view and be thrown around the vehicle during a crash.


Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats and interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.


Keep all cargo below the bottom of the windows. If it is higher, it could interfere with the proper operation of the side curtain airbags.


Carrying Cargo


Carrying Cargo in the Trunk


Distribute cargo evenly on the floor of the trunk, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible.


If you fold down the back seat, tie down items that could be thrown about the vehicle during a crash or sudden stop.


If you carry large items that prevent you from closing the trunk lid, exhaust gas can enter the passenger area. To avoid the possibility of poisoning on page


, follow the instructions .51


carbon monoxide


301


2012 Accord Coupe


Carrying Cargo


Cargo Net Optional The cargo net can be used to help hold down items stored in the trunk.


302


2012 Accord Coupe


Driving


This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions, and how to operate the manual and automatic transmissions. It also includes important information on parking your vehicle, the braking system, the vehicle stability assist (VSA ) system, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and facts you need if you are planning to tow a trailer.


Preparing to Drive Starting the Engine Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission Driving with the Paddle


........................ ....................... ................... ..............


Shifters


....................................... Parking ........................................... Braking System ............................. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ............... Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ),


. 304
. 305
. 306
. 309


. 315
. 320
. 321
. 322


aka Electronic Stability Control .......................


(ESC), System


. 324


Tire Pressure Monitoring


System (TPMS)


Towing a Trailer


........................ ...........................


. 326
. 329


303


2012 Accord Coupe 11.


When you start the engine, check the gauges and indicators in the instrument panel (see page ).


55


Preparing to Drive


You should do the following checks and adjustments before you drive your vehicle.


1.


Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.


2.


Check that the hood is fully closed.


3.


Check that the trunk is fully closed.


4.


5.


Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its pressure.


Check that any items you may be carrying are stored properly or fastened down securely.


304


6.


7.


Onvehicleswithpower adjustable seats Check the seat adjustment (see page


93


).


Onvehicleswithmanual adjustable seats Check the seat adjustment (see page


94


).


Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page


106


).


8.


Check the steering wheel adjustment (see page 76


).


9.


Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked.


10.


Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seat belts (see page ).


14


2012 Accord Coupe


1.


Apply the parking brake.


4.


2.


3.


In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.


Manualtransmission: Press the clutch pedal down all the way. The START (III) position does not function unless the clutch pedal is pressed.


Automatictransmission: Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal.


Starting the Engine


Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. Do not hold the key in the START (III) position for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start right away, pause for at least 10 seconds before trying again.


The engine is harder to start in cold weather. Also, the thinner air f ound at altitudes above 8,000 f eet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.


The immobilizer system protects your vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used, the engine’s f uel system is disabled. For more inf ormation, see page


78


305


2012 Accord Coupe


Manual Transmission


Come to a full stop before you shift into reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into reverse with the vehicle moving. Push down the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into reverse, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won’t ‘‘grind.’’


When slowing down, you can get extra braking from the engine by shifting to a lower gear. This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from overheating while going down a steep hill. Before downshifting, make sure the engine speed will not go into the tachometer’s red zone in the lower gear.


5-speed M/T


6-speed M/T


while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed (see page ).


308


When shifting up or down, make sure you push the clutch pedal down all the way, shift to the next gear, and let the pedal up gradually. When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster.


Onmodelswith5-speedmanual transmission,ormodels with6-speedmanualtransmission The manual transmission is synchronized in all forward gears for smooth operation. It has a lockout so you cannot shift directly from fifth to reverse.


On vehicles with 6-speed manual transmission, the lockout system prevents you from shifting directly from any forward gear to reverse


306


2012 Accord Coupe


Rapid slowing or speeding up can cause loss of control on slippery surfaces. If you crash, you can be injured.


Use extra care when driving on slippery surfaces.


Recommended Shift Points Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you good fuel economy and effective emissions control. The following shift points are recommended:


Onmodelswith5-speed manual transmission


Shift up


Normal acceleration


1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th


15 mph (25 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 40 mph (65 km/h) 50 mph (80 km/h)


Manual Transmission


Onmodelswith6-speed manual transmission


Shift up


Normal acceleration


1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th


15 mph (24 km/h) 17 mph (27 km/h) 27 mph (43 km/h) 36 mph (58 km/h) 41 mph (66 km/h)


307


2012 Accord Coupe


Manual Transmission


Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone.


Reverse Lockout 6-speedmanualtransmissiononly The manual transmission has a lockout so you cannot accidentally shift from any forward gear to reverse while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed. If you cannot shift to reverse when the vehicle is stopped, do the following:


Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer’s red zone.


2.


If you are still unable to shift to reverse, apply the parking brake, and turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position.


3.


Press the clutch pedal, and shift to reverse.


4.


With the clutch pedal still pressed, start the engine.


If you need to use this procedure to shift to reverse, your vehicle may be developing a problem. Have it checked by your dealer.


Move the shift lever in sequence.


1.


With the clutch pedal pressed, move the shift lever to the first/ second gear side of the neutral gate, then shift to reverse.


308


2012 Accord Coupe


Shift Lever Position Indicators


SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATORS


4-cylinder models


These indicators on the instrument panel show which position the shift lever is in.


GEAR POSITION INDICATOR


V6 models


Using a paddle shift mode, the gear position indicator shows you the selected gear number (see page 315


).


Automatic Transmission


The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it flashes while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission.


If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator, there is a problem with the automatic transmission control system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and have the transmission checked by your dealer as soon as possible.


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2012 Accord Coupe


Automatic Transmission


Shifting


SHIFT LEVER


RELEASE BUTTON 4-cylinder model is shown.


To shift from Park to any position, press firmly on the brake pedal, and press the release button on the front of the shift lever, then move the lever. You cannot shift out of Park when the ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I) position.


310


4-cylindermodels To shift from:


Do this:


V6models To shift from:


Press the brake pedal and press the shift lever release button.


Press the shift lever release button.


Move the shift lever.


P to R


R to P N to R D to S S to D D to N N to D R to N


P to R


R to P N to R D to D3
D3 to 2
2 to 1
1 to 2
2 to D3
D3 to D D to N N to D R to N


Do this:


Press the brake pedal and press the shift lever release button. Press the shift lever release button.


Move the shift lever.


2012 Accord Coupe


Automatic Transmission



This position mechani-


Park (P) cally locks the transmission. Use Park whenever you are turning off or starting the engine. To shift out of Park, you must press on the brake pedal and have your foot off the accelerator pedal. Press the release button on the front of the shift lever to move it.


If you have done all of the above and still cannot move the lever out of Park, see on page 313


Shift Lock Release


To avoid transmission damage, come to a complete stop before shifting into Park. You must also press the release button to shift into Park. The shift lever must be in Park before you can remove the key from the ignition switch.



Press the brake


Reverse (R) pedal and the release button on the front of the shift lever to shift from Park to reverse. To shift from reverse to neutral, come to a complete stop, and then shift. Press the release button before shifting into reverse from neutral.



Use neutral if you


Neutral (N) need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop briefly with the engine idling. Shift to the Park position if you need to leave your vehicle for any reason. Press on the brake pedal when you are moving the shift lever from neutral to another gear.



Use this position for


Drive (D) your normal driving. The transmission automatically selects a suitable gear (1 through 5) for your speed and acceleration. You may notice the transmission shifting up at higher engine speeds when the engine is cold. This helps the engine warm up faster.



To shift from D to D3,


4-cylindermodels Drive (D3) press the shift lever release button. This position is similar to D, except only the first three gears are selected. Use D3 when towing a trailer in hilly terrain, or to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill. D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.


CONTINUED


311


2012 Accord Coupe


Automatic Transmission



To shift to second,


4-cylindermodels Second (2) press the release button on the front of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop.


Use second gear:


For more power when climbing.


To increase engine braking when going down steep hills.


For starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow.


To help reduce wheel spin.


When driving downhill with a trailer.


312



4-cylindermodels First (1) To shift from second to first, press the release button on the front of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in first gear. By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D3, and D, you can operate this transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal.



V6models S Position (S) To shift into the S position, press the release button on the front of the shift lever, and move the lever to S. This position is similar to D, except only gears from first to fourth are selected. The S position keeps the transmission from cycling between fourth and fifth gears in stop-and-go driving.


With the shift lever in D or S, you can also use the paddle shifters to shift the transmission up or down. With the paddle shifters, you can operate the transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. For more information on driving with the paddle shifters, see page


315


2012 Accord Coupe


Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone.


Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work.


1.


Set the parking brake.


2.


Remove the key from the ignition switch.


Automatic Transmission


COVER


4-cylinder model is shown.


3.


Put a cloth on the edge of the shift lock release slot cover to prevent scratches. Use a small flat-tip screwdriver or metal fingernail file to carefully pry up the edge of the cover and remove it from the slot.


4.


Insert the key in the shift lock release slot.


CONTINUED


313


2012 Accord Coupe 6.


Remove the key from the shift lock release slot, then reinstall the cover. Make sure the notch on the cover is on the right side. Insert the key into the ignition switch, press the brake pedal, and restart the engine.


If you need to use the shift lock release, it means your vehicle is developing a problem. Have it checked by your dealer.


Automatic Transmission


RELEASE BUTTON


5.


SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT


Push down on the key while you press the release button on the front of the shift lever and move the shift lever out of Park to neutral.


314


2012 Accord Coupe


Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Automatic Transmission Only)


Using the Paddle Shifters in the D position (D-Paddle Shift Mode) V6modelsonly When you are driving in the D position, you can shift the transmission up or down manually with the paddle shifters.


Downshifting with the paddle shifter allows you to increase the engine braking when going down steep or long hills, and provides more power when climbing uphills. You can upshift the transmission manually to reduce the rpm.


To shift up or down, use the (right) or either side of the steering wheel.


(left) paddle shifter on




GEAR POSITION INDICATOR



(right), the


Each time you pull transmission shifts to a higher gear. Pull (left) to downshift. You will see the selected gear number on the instrument panel.



When you pull either paddle shifter, the gear position indicator shows you the selected gear number.


CONTINUED


315


2012 Accord Coupe


Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Automatic Transmission Only)


The transmission control system monitors the accelerator pedal use and your driving conditions. When you press the accelerator pedal as in normal driving, the system judges that you are driving at a constant cruising speed without using the paddle shifters. Under these conditions, D-paddle shift mode is canceled, and the transmission automatically returns to drive mode (D).


Hold the seconds to return to drive mode (D).


paddle shifter for 2



When the transmission returns to drive mode (D), the displayed gear number disappears.


The transmission remains in the selected gear if you do not accelerate.


Each time you pull either paddle shifter, the transmission shifts one gear up or down. If you want to shift up or down more than two gears, pull the paddle shifter twice, pause, and then pull it again.


The automatic transmission will not allow you to shift up or down if:


You downshift before the engine speed reaches the highest threshold of the lower gear.


If you try to do this, the gear position indicator will flash the number of the lower gear several times, then return to a higher gear.


You upshift before the engine speed reaches the lowest threshold of the higher gear.


You pull both paddle shifters at the same time.


316


2012 Accord Coupe


Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Automatic Transmission Only)


The transmission downshifts to first gear and returns to drive mode (D) when the vehicle comes to a complete stop or the vehicle speed is about 6 mph (10 km/h).


If there is a problem in the transmission while you are driving with the paddle shifters, the D indicator flashes, the D-paddle shift mode is canceled, and the transmission returns to drive mode (D).


Using the Paddle Shifters in the S position (Sequential Shift Mode) V6modelsonly With the shift lever in the S position, you can manually shift up or down with the paddle shifters. The transmission goes into the sequential shift mode and holds the selected gear.


To enter the sequential shift mode, press the release button on the front of the shift lever, move the lever to the S position, then pull either paddle shifter. To return to drive mode (D), move the shift lever to the D position. While you are driving in the sequential shift mode, the transmission will not automatically return to drive mode (D).


GEAR POSITION INDICATOR


‘‘M’’ INDICATOR


When you move the shift lever from ‘‘D’’ to ‘‘S’’ and pull either paddle shifter, the gear position indicator displays ‘‘M’’ along with the selected gear number.


To upshift, pull the shifter. To downshift, pull the (left) paddle shifter.



(right) paddle



CONTINUED


317


2012 Accord Coupe


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