2005 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 139

Automatic Transmission Neutral (N) Use Neutral if you 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. Drive (D) Use this position for your normal driving. The transmission automatically selects a suitable gear for your vehicle speed and acceleration. You may notice the transmission shifting up at higher speeds when the engine is cold. This helps the engine warm up faster. Drive (D3) This position is similar to D, except only the first three gears are selected. Use D3 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. Second (2) To shift to Second, 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. Engine Speed Limiter All models except U.S. DX and Value Package 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. U.S. DX and Value Package models If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, 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 engine speed by upshifting or slowing down. 140