Honda Civic Owner's Manual page 202

Automatic Transmission
Drive (D ) This position is
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similar to D, except only the first
three gears are selected. Use D
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain,
or to provide engine braking when
going down a steep hill. D can also
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keep the transmission from cycling
between third, fourth, and fifth gears
in stop-and-go driving.
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Second (2) To shift to second,
press the release button on the front
of the shift lever. This position locks
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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.
First (1) To shift from second to
first, press the release button. This
position locks the transmission in
first gear. By upshifting and
downshifting through 1, 2, D , and D,
you can operate the transmission
much like a manual transmission
without a clutch pedal.
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.
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