2005 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 143

Automatic Transmission (CVT) Drive (D) Use this position for your normal driving. The transmission automatically adjusts to keep the engine at the best speed for driving conditions. To help the engine warm up faster, the transmission will select ratios that allow the engine to run at higher speeds when it is cold. Second (S) Selecting Second shifts the transmission into a lower range of ratios for better acceleration and increased engine braking. Use Second when you are going down a steep hill, or in stopand-go driving. Low (L) To shift to Low, press the release button on the front of the shift lever. Use Low to get more power when climbing, and for maximum engine braking when going down steep hills. For faster acceleration when in D, S or L, the transmission will automatically ''kick down'' to a lower range of ratios by pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor. Maximum Allowable Speeds The CVT shifts automatically to maintain proper engine speed in any shift position. When the vehicle reaches the maximum speed in any shift position, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter (112 mph, 180 km/h) in the engine's computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the speed to below the maximum. 144