Honda HR-V (2019 year). Manual - part 28

432

uu

When Driving

u

Precautions While Driving

Driving

Precautions While Driving

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Honda accessory).

Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or 
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.

■

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

■

In Rain

1

Precautions While Driving

NOTICE

Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the 
accelerator pedal. You could damage the 
transmission.

NOTICE

If you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an 
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel in 
the full left or right position for a while, the electric 
power steering (EPS) system heats up. The system 
goes into a protective mode, and limits its 
performance. The steering wheel becomes harder 
and harder to operate. Once the system cools down, 
the EPS system is restored. Repeated operation under 
these conditions can eventually damage the system.

If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY 

(

q

*1

 

while driving, the engine will shut down and all 
steering and brake power assist functions will stop, 
making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Do not put the shift lever in 

(

N, as you will lose 

engine braking (and acceleration) performance.

During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, 
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so 
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.

Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are 
replaced.

*1: Models with the smart entry system have an 
ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition 
switch.

433

uu

When Driving

u

Continuously Variable Transmission

Driving

If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location. 
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.

Continuously Variable Transmission

The engine runs at a higher idle speed and creeping increases.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.

Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the 
transmission to drop to a lower ratio, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. 
Depress the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.

■

Other Precautions

■

Creeping

■

Kickdown

1

Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle

Failure to operate your vehicle correctly might result 
in a crash or a rollover.

2 Important Handling Information P. 36
2 Precautions While Driving P. 432

434

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift lever positions

Continuously variable transmission models without paddle shifters

1

Shifting

You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK 

(

0 and 

remove the key unless the shift lever is in 

(

P.

The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in 

(

N while the engine is cold.

Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary, 
apply the parking brake.

When shifting positions in extremely low 
temperatures (-22°F/-30°C), there may be a short 
delay before the shift position is displayed. Always 
confirm you are in the correct shift position before 
driving.

Park
Used when parking or starting the 
engine

Reverse
Used when reversing

Neutral
Transmission is not locked

Drive
Used for normal driving

Drive (S)
Used:

●

For better acceleration

●

To increase engine braking

●

When going up or down hills

Release Button

Low

●

Used to further increase engine 
braking

●

Used when going up or down hills

435

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

■

Shift Lever Operation

1

Shift Lever Operation

NOTICE

When you change the shift lever from 

(

D to 

(

R and 

vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the 
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come 
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.

Use the shift lever position indicator to check the 
lever position before pulling away.

If the transmission indicator blinks when driving, in 
any shift position, there is a problem with the 
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission 
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine 
speeds in or over the tachometer red zone (engine 
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a 
slight jolt.

It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the 
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release 
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.

Shift Lever Position Indicator 
(Transmission indicator)

Tachometer’s red zone

Depress the brake pedal and press 
the shift lever release button to shift.

Shift without pressing the shift lever 
release button.

Press the shift lever release button 
and shift.

Models with information display

Models with multi-information display

436

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

Shifting

Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.

■

Shift lever positions

Continuously variable transmission models with paddle shifters

1

Shifting

You cannot change the power mode from ON to 
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK) unless the shift lever is in 

(

P.

The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in 

(

N while the engine is cold.

Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary, 
apply the parking brake.

When shifting positions in extremely low 
temperatures (-22°F/-30°C), there may be a short 
delay before the shift position is displayed. Always 
confirm you are in the correct shift position before 
driving.

Park
Used when parking or starting the 
engine

Reverse
Used when reversing

Neutral
Transmission is not locked

Drive
Used:

●

For normal driving

●

When temporarily driving in the 
7-speed manual shift mode

Release Button

Drive (S)
Used for:

●

For better acceleration

●

To increase engine braking

●

When going up or down hills

●

When driving in the 7-speed manual 
shift mode

Continued

437

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

■

Shift Lever Operation

1

Shift Lever Operation

NOTICE

When you change the shift lever from 

(

D to 

(

R and 

vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the 
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come 
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.

Use the shift lever position indicator to check the 
lever position before pulling away.

If the transmission indicator blinks when driving, in 
any shift position, there is a problem with the 
transmission.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission 
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine 
speeds in or over the tachometer red zone (engine 
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a 
slight jolt.

It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the 
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release 
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.

M (7-Speed Manual Shift Mode) 
Indicator/Shift Indicator

Tachometer’s red zone

Depress the brake pedal and press 
the shift lever release button to shift.

Shift without pressing the shift lever 
release button.

Press the shift lever release button 
and shift.

Models with information display

Models with multi-information display

Shift Lever Position Indicator (Transmission indicator)

Shift Lever Position Indicator 
(Transmission indicator)

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

438

Driving

Use the paddle shifters to change between 1st and 7th speeds without removing 
your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission switches to the 7-speed 
manual shift mode when you pull a paddle shifter while driving. This mode is useful 
when engine braking is needed.

■

When the shift lever is in 

(

D:

The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode temporarily, and the 
number is displayed in the shift indicator.
The 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled automatically if you drive at constant 
speed or accelerate, and the number in the shift indicator goes off.
You can cancel this mode by pulling the 

 paddle shifter for a few seconds.

The 7-speed manual shift mode is especially useful when reducing the vehicle speed 
temporarily before making a turn.

■

When the shift lever is in 

(

S:

The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode. The M indicator and the 
speed number are displayed in the shift indicator. As the vehicle speed slows down, 
the transmission automatically shifts down accordingly. When the vehicle comes to 
a stop, it automatically shifts down into 1st.

If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s 
red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.

You can only pull away in 1st speed.

When canceling the 7-speed manual shift mode, move the shift lever from 

(

S to 

(

D. When the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled, the M indicator and shift 

indicator go off.

■

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode

1

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode

In the 7-speed manual shift mode, the transmission 
shifts up or down by operating either paddle shifter 
under the following conditions:
Shift Up: The engine speed reaches the lowest 
threshold of the higher speed position.
Shift Down: The engine speed reaches the highest 
threshold of the lower speed position.

When the engine speed reaches near the 
tachometer’s red zone, the transmission shifts up 
automatically.
When the engine speed reaches the lowest threshold 
of the selected speed position, the transmission shifts 
down automatically.

Operating the paddle shifters on slippery surfaces 
may cause the tires to lock up. In this case, the 7-
speed manual shift mode is canceled and goes back 
to the normal 

(

D driving mode.

439

uu

When Driving

u

Shifting

Driving

■

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode Operation

1

7-Speed Manual Shift Mode Operation

Each paddle shift operation makes a single speed 
change.
To change continuously, release the paddle shifter 
before pulling it again for the next speed.

The shift indicator blinks when you cannot shift up or 
down. It indicates that your vehicle speed is not in its 
allowable shifting range.
Slightly accelerate to shift up and decelerate to shift 
down while the indicator is blinking.

Upshifting when pulling 
the 

(

+ paddle shifter 

(Changes to higher speed 
number)

Downshifting when pulling 
the 

(

- paddle shifter 

(Changes to lower speed 
number)

(

- Paddle Shifter 

(Shift down)

(

+ Paddle Shifter 

(Shift up)

440

uu

When Driving

u

ECON Button

Driving

ECON Button

The ECON button turns the ECON mode on 
and off. The ECON mode helps you improve 
your fuel economy by adjusting the 
performance of the engine, transmission, 
heating and cooling system

*

/climate control 

system

*

, and cruise control

*

.

1

ECON Button

While in ECON mode, the climate control system has 
greater temperature fluctuations.

Models with climate control system

Models with information display

Models with multi-information display

* Not available on all models

441

uu

When Driving

u

Cruise Control

*

Continued

Driving

Cruise Control

*

Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the 
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a 
constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.

1

Cruise Control

*

It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed 
when driving uphill or downhill.

When not using cruise control:
Turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE 
button.

While in ECON mode, it may take relatively more time 
to accelerate to maintain the set speed.

3

WARNING

Improper use of the cruise control can lead 
to a crash.

Use the cruise control only when traveling 
on open highways in good weather.

■

Shift positions for cruise control: 
In 

(

D or 

(

S

Always keep sufficient distance 
between you and the vehicle in 
front of you.

■

Vehicle speed for cruise control: 
Desired speed in a range above 
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~

When to use

CRUISE MAIN is on in 
the instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to 
use.

■

Press the 

CRUISE

 

button on the 
steering wheel.

How to use

* Not available on all models

442

uu

When Driving

u

Cruise Control

*

Driving

Take your foot off the pedal and press the –/SET button when you reach the desired 
speed. 

The moment you release the –/SET button, the set speed is fixed, and cruise control 
begins. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator comes on.

■

To Set the Vehicle Speed

–

/SET Button

On when cruise control begins

Press and release

On

On

443

uu

When Driving

u

Cruise Control

*

Driving

Increase or decrease the vehicle speed using the RES/+ or –/SET buttons on the 
steering wheel.

• Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is increased or decreased by 

about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

• If you keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or decreases until you 

release it. This speed is then set.

To cancel cruise control, do any of the following:
• Press the CANCEL button.
• Press the CRUISE button.
• Depress the brake pedal.

The CRUISE CONTROL indicator goes off.

■

To Adjust the Vehicle Speed

1

To Adjust the Vehicle Speed

You can set the vehicle speed using the 

–

/SET button 

on the steering wheel when adjusting the speed with 
the accelerator and brake pedals.

■

To Cancel

To decrease speed

To increase speed

1

To Cancel

Resuming the prior set speed:
After cruise control has been canceled, you can still 
resume the prior set speed by pressing the RES/+ 
button while driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40 
km/h) or more.

You cannot set or resume in the following situations:

•

When vehicle speed is less than 25 mph (40 km/h)

•

When the CRUISE button is turned off

At vehicle speeds of 22 mph (35 km/h) or less, cruise 
control is canceled automatically.

CRUISE Button

CANCEL 
Button

444

uu

When Driving

u

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic 
Stability Control (ESC), System

VSA® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 
than what was intended. It also assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. 
It does so by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.

When VSA® activates, you may notice that the 
engine does not respond to the accelerator. 
You may also notice some noise from the 
hydraulic system. You will also see the 
indicator blink.

■

VSA® Operation

1

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System

The VSA® may not function properly if tire type and 
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and 
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.

When the VSA® system indicator comes on and stays 
on while driving, there may be a problem with the 
system. While this may not interfere with normal 
driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer 
immediately.

VSA® cannot enhance stability in all driving situations 
and does not control the entire braking system. You 
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate 
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient 
margin of safety.

The main function of the VSA® system is generally 
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The 
system also includes a traction control function.

VSA® System 
Indicator

445

uu

When Driving

u

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System

Driving

This button is on the driver side control panel. 
To partially disable VSA® functionality/
features, press and hold it until you hear a 
beep.

Your vehicle will have normal braking and 
cornering ability, but traction control function 
will be less effective.

To restore VSA® functionality/features, press 
the  

(VSA® OFF) button until you hear a 

beep.

VSA® is turned on every time you start the 
engine, even if you turned it off the last time 
you drove the vehicle.

■

VSA® On and Off

1

Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System

In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets 
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier 
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.

When the   button is pressed, the traction control 
function becomes less effective. This allows for the 
wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should 
only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA® off if 
you are not able to free it when the VSA® is on.

Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to 
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving 
your vehicle with the VSA® system switched off.

You may hear a motor sound coming from the 
engine compartment while system checks are being 
performed immediately after starting the engine or 
while driving. This is normal.

VSA® OFF Indicator

446

uu

When Driving

u

LaneWatch

TM

*

Driving

LaneWatch

TM

*

LaneWatch is an assistance system that allows you to check the passenger side rear 
areas displayed on the audio/information screen when the turn signal is activated to 
the passenger’s side. A camera in the passenger side door mirror monitors these 
areas and allows you to check for vehicles, in addition to your visual check and use 
of the passenger door mirror. You can also keep the system on for your convenience 
while driving.

1

LaneWatch

TM

*

Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, LaneWatch has 
limitations. Over reliance on LaneWatch may result in 
a collision.

The LaneWatch function can be affected by weather, 
lighting (including headlights and low sun angle), 
ambient darkness, camera condition, and loading.

The LaneWatch may not provide the intended display 
of traffic to the side and rear under the following 
conditions:

•

Your vehicle’s suspension has been altered, 
changing the height of the vehicle.

•

Your tires are over or under inflated.

•

Your tires or wheels are of varied size or 
construction.

3

WARNING

Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to 
change lanes before doing so may result in 
a crash and serious injury or death.

Do not rely only on LaneWatch while 
driving.

Always look in your mirrors, to either side 
of your vehicle, and behind you for other 
vehicles before changing lanes.

The system activates when you:

The passenger side view 
display appears on the 
audio/information 
screen.

Move the turn 
signal lever to the 
passenger side.

Press the 
LaneWatch 
button.

The system deactivates when you:

Pull the turn signal 
lever back.

Press the LaneWatch 
button again.

Camera

Audio/Information Screen

* Not available on all models

447

uu

When Driving

u

LaneWatch

TM

*

Driving

■

Customizing the LaneWatch settings

You can customize the following items using the audio/information screen.
• Show with Turn Signal: Selects whether LaneWatch monitor comes on when 

you operate the turn signal light lever.

• Display Time after Turn Signal Off: Changes the remaining LaneWatch 

display time after you pull the turn signal lever back.

• Reference Line: Selects whether the reference lines appear on the LaneWatch 

monitor.

• Next Maneuver Pop up

*

: Selects whether a turn direction screen of the 

navigation system interrupts the LaneWatch display.

• Display: Adjusts display settings.

2 Customized Features P. 341

■

Reference Lines

Three lines that appear on the screen can give 
an idea of how far the vehicles or objects on 
the screen are from your vehicle, respectively. 
If an object is near line 1 (in red), it indicates 
that it is close to your vehicle whereas an 
object near line 3 is farther away.

1

LaneWatch

TM

*

The LaneWatch camera view is restricted. Its unique 
lens makes objects on the screen slightly look 
different from what they are.

LaneWatch display does not come on when the shift 
lever is in 

(

R.

For proper LaneWatch operation:

•

The camera is located in the passenger side door 
mirror. Always keep this area clean. If the camera lens 
is covered with dirt or moisture, use a soft, moist cloth 
to keep the lens clean and free of debris.

•

Do not cover the camera lens with labels or stickers 
of any kind.

•

Do not touch the camera lens.

1

Reference Lines

The area around the reference line 1 (red) is very close to 
your vehicle. As always, make sure to visually confirm 
the safety of a lane change before changing lanes.

The distance between your vehicle and lines 1, 2 and 
3 on the screen vary depending on road conditions 
and vehicle loading. For example, the reference lines 
on the screen may seem to appear closer than the 
actual distances when the rear of your vehicle is more 
heavily loaded.

Consult a dealer if:

•

The passenger side door mirror, or area around it is 
severely impacted, resulting in changing the 
camera angle.

•

The LaneWatch display does not come on at all.

* Not available on all models