Honda 2003 Civic Owner's Manual page 174

Recommended Shift Points
Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you the best
fuel economy and effective emis-
sions control. The following shift
points are recommended:
Shift up Normal acceleration
1st to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 27 mph (43 km/h)
3rd to 4th 39 mph (63 km/h)
4th to 5th 53 mph (85 km/h)
Shift up Cruise from acceleration
1st to 2nd 9 mph (14 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 20 mph (32 km/h)
3rd to 4th 33 mph (53 km/h)
4th to 5th 48 mph (77 km/h)
Engine Speed Limiter
On EX and LX models in the U.S., and
all models in Canada
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.
Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer's red zone.
5-speed Manual Transmission
On DX model in the U.S.
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.
Before downshifting, make sure the
car speed is low enough that you will
not activate the engine speed limiter
in the lower gear.
173
Driving