2012 Honda Accord Coupe Owners Manual

2.

Say ‘‘

Change language

.’’

Follow the HFL prompts to change the language to English or French.

If you have not named your paired phone in the language you just selected, HFL will ask you to name it in the current language.

When French is your currently selected language, you can give voice commands in French.

2012 Accord Coupe

Bluetooth

Bluetooth Wireless Technology The name and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

AsrequiredbytheFCC: ThisdevicecomplieswithPart15ofthe FCCrules.Operationissubjecttothe followingtwoconditions:(1)Thisdevice maynotcauseharmfulinterference,and (2)thisdevicemustacceptany interferencereceived,including interferencethatmaycauseundesired operation.

Changesormodificationsnotexpressly approvedbythepartyresponsiblefor compliancecouldvoidtheuser’s authoritytooperatetheequipment.

ThisdevicecomplieswithIndustry CanadaStandardRSS-210. Operationissubjecttothefollowingtwo conditions:(1)thisdevicemaynotcause interference,and(2)thisdevicemust acceptanyinterferencethatmaycause undesiredoperationofthedevice.

Bluetooth HandsFreeLink

281

2012 Accord Coupe

282

2012 Accord Coupe

Before Driving

Before you begin driving your vehicle, you should know what gasoline to use and how to check the levels of important fluids. You also need to know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this section will help you. If you plan to add any accessories to your vehicle, please read the information in this section first.

Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation Service Station Procedures

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

Refueling Check Fuel Cap Message Opening and Closing

. 284
. 284
. 286
. 286
. 287

the Hood

Oil Check Engine Coolant Check

. 289
. 291
. 292
Fuel Economy . 293
Accessories and Modifications . 296
. 298
Carrying Cargo

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

283

2012 Accord Coupe

Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation

Fuel Recommendation Your vehicle is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 87 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise that can lead to engine damage.

Onmodelswithmanualtransmission You may hear a knocking noise from the engine if you drive the vehicle at low engine speed (below about 1,000
rpm) in a higher gear. To stop this, raise the engine speed by shifting to a lower gear.

Break-in Period Help assure your vehicle’s future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.

Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).

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.

284

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

291

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.

346

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.

293

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.

295

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.

297

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.

309

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)