Honda 2003 Civic Hybrid Owner's Manual page 168

Second (S) − Selecting Second
shifts the transmission into a lower
range of ratios for better accelera-
tion and increased engine braking.
Use Second when you are going
down a steep hill, or in stop-and-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.
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Engine Speed Limiter
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.
169
Driving