With a 2017 Honda Civic that uses a push-button Start/Stop and an Intelligent Key, you start the car by having the fob inside the vehicle, pressing the brake, and then pressing the Start/Stop button. If the key fob’s battery is dead, you can still wake the system by holding the fob against the Start button and then starting the engine; if your model has a manual transmission, depress the clutch while starting. This guide covers the standard startup, backup procedures for a dead fob, and notes for manual transmission variants.
What you need to start the Civic (standard case)
Before attempting to start, make sure you have the Intelligent Key fob inside the car and that the vehicle is in the correct gear. The following steps assume a typical automatic-transmission Civic with push-button start.
- Verify the key fob is inside the vehicle (or very close, per your model’s setup) so the system can recognize it.
- Ensure the transmission is in Park (P) for automatic models. If your Civic has a manual transmission, ensure it is in Neutral and the parking brake is engaged as needed.
- With your foot on the brake pedal, press the Start/Stop button once to activate the system.
- Press the Start/Stop button again (while still holding the brake, if required) to start the engine.
- Allow the engine to idle and remove your foot from the brake once the engine is running. If the engine doesn’t start, check the fob battery or consult a dealer as needed.
Starting the Civic with the fob inside is designed to be quick and seamless, provided the system detects the key and the car is in the proper gear. If you run into trouble, verify the fob is functioning and nearby, and try the fallback methods described below.
Starting when the key fob battery is dead
If the key fob battery is dead or the vehicle won’t recognize the fob, use the following fallback steps. These are designed to let you get moving while you arrange a replacement fob battery.
- Hold or place the key fob against the Start/Stop button area. Many Honda models allow the system to detect the fob when it is in close proximity, even with a dead battery.
- With your foot on the brake (and clutch if you have a manual), press the Start/Stop button to start the engine.
- Once the engine is running, replace the fob’s battery as soon as possible and ensure the system recognizes the fob again.
- If the above method does not work, consult your owner’s manual or call roadside assistance for guidance on emergency starting or battery replacement.
Note: If your fob is completely unavailable (lost or severely damaged) and you cannot get the car started, you may need to contact a Honda dealer or roadside service for assistance with a replacement key or remote programming. Always follow local laws and vehicle owner guidelines when dealing with a non-functional key fob.
Manual transmission considerations
For 2017 Civics equipped with a manual transmission, starting still follows the push-button Start/Stop approach when the fob is present. Be sure to press the clutch pedal to the floor while pressing the Start button, and make sure the car is in Neutral with the parking brake engaged. If the fob is dead, the proximity-start fallback described above remains valid, but the clutch requirement remains in effect for manual transmissions.
Additional notes and safety tips
- Never attempt to start the car while it is in gear without the proper procedure, as it could move unexpectedly. Always ensure the car is in Park (automatic) or Neutral with the parking brake engaged (manual) before starting.
- If the engine cranks but does not start, check for fuel delivery, battery health, and fob reliability. A dead battery in the car or in the fob can affect starting and electrical systems.
- If you’ve recently received a new key fob, ensure it is properly paired with the vehicle to avoid starting issues. Replacement or programming may require a dealer visit.
Summary
Starting a 2017 Honda Civic with a keyless ignition revolves around having the Intelligent Key fob inside the vehicle, depress the brake, and press the Start/Stop button. If the fob battery is dead, you can often start by placing the fob against the Start button to wake the system. For manual transmissions, remember to press the clutch while starting. In any case, if the vehicle won’t start, check the fob battery, ensure correct gear, and consult the owner's manual or roadside assistance for further help.