engine coolant HONDA FIT 2009 2.G Owners Manual

High Temperature
Indicator
This indicator monitors the
temperature of the engine coolant. It
normally comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II) position
and goes off after a few seconds. In
normal driving conditions, this
indicator should not blink or stay on. In
severe driving conditions, such as very
hot weather or a long period of uphill
driving, this indicator may blink. This
means the engine coolant temperature
is high. If the indicator begins to blink
while you are driving, be sure to slow
down to prevent overheating. If the
indicator stays on, pull safely to the
side of the road and turn off the engine.
See page301for instructions and
precautions on checking the engine's
cooling system.
Do not drive the vehicle while the
indicator is on or the engine may be
damaged.
Low Temperature
Indicator
This indicator monitors the
temperature of the engine coolant. If
there is no problem, this indicator
comes on when the engine is cold. If
it comes on when the engine is warm
(normal operating temperature),
have the vehicle inspected by your
dealer as soon as possible.
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
The left or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If an indicator does not blink
or blinks rapidly, it usually means
one of the turn signal bulbs is burned
out (see page 264).Replace the bulb
as soon as possible, since other
drivers cannot see that you are
signaling.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signal indicators
and all turn signals on the outside of
the vehicle flash.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
63
Instruments and Controls
2009 Fit

When you select
or
, the
system automatically turns on the
A/C (if equipped). You cannot turn
the A/C off in this mode.
Ventilation
The flow-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then discharges
it through vents near the tailgate.
1. Set the temperature to the lower limit.
2. Make sure the A/C is off.
3. Select
and
.
4. Set the fan to the desired speed. Using the Heater
The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes before you
feel warm air coming from the
system.
1. Select
and
.
2. Set the fan to the desired speed.
3. Adjust the warmth of the air with the temperature control dial. Using the A/C
If equippedAir conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Check the high
temperature indicator (see page63).
If the indicator begins to blink, turn
off the A/C until the indicator goes
off.
1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The indicator in the button
comes on when a fan speed is
selected.
2. Make sure the temperature is set to maximum cool.
3. Select
.
4. If the outside air is humid, select recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select
.
5. Set the fan to the desired speed.
Vents, Heating, and A/C112
2009 Fit

Before you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important fluids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
information in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first.Break-in Period
...........................
198
Fuel Recommendation
................
198
Service Station Procedures
.........
199
Refueling
.................................
199
Opening and Closing the Hood
...................................
200
Oil Check
................................
201
Engine Coolant Check
............
202
Fuel Economy
.............................
203
Accessories and Modifications
..........................
206
Carrying Cargo
...........................
208
Before Driving
197
Before Driving
2009 Fit

Engine Coolant CheckLook at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, seeAdding
Engine Coolant on page256for
information on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to
Owner's Maintenance
Checks on page250for information
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
RESERVE TANK
MAX
MIN
Service Station Procedures202
2009 Fit

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page335for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.Maintenance Safety
.....................
244
Maintenance Minder
..................
245
Fluid Locations
...........................
252
Adding Engine Oil
......................
253
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
.......................................
254
Engine Coolant
...........................
256
Windshield Washers
...................
258
Transmission Fluid
.....................
259
Automatic Transmission Fluid
...................................
259
Manual Transmission Fluid
....
260
Brake and Clutch Fluid
...............
261
Lights
..........................................
262
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
267
Floor Mats
..................................
267
Audio Antenna
............................
268
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
268
Wiper Blades
..............................
269
Tires
...........................................
273
Checking the Battery
..................
279
Vehicle Storage
...........................
281
Maintenance
243
Maintenance
2009 Fit

However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect. Maintenance may be done by
any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service facility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out your
Honda Service History or Canadian
Maintenance Log. Check your
warranty booklet for more
information.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘ certified ’’to EPA standards.
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with＃ will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the information
display.
Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.
●Engine oil level －Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
201.●Engine coolant level －Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page202.●Automatic transmission －Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
259.●Brakes －Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 261.●Tires－Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
274.●Lights －Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page 262.
Maintenance Minder250
2009 Fit

SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
ꭧ 1
B
●Replace engine oil and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect these items:●Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots●Suspension components●Driveshaft boots●Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)●All fluid levels and condition of fluids●Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections
＃
ꭧ 1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page 249.
NOTE:
●Independent of maintenance message in the information display, replace
the brake fluid every 3 years.●Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).●Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf you drive primarily in urban areas that have high
concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from
diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher transmission temperatures.
This requires transmission fluid changes more
frequently than recommended by the maintenance
minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these
conditions, have the transmission fluid changed at
60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km). (For A/T only)
If you tow a FIT behind a motorhome, the transmission
fluid must be changed every 2 years or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km), whichever comes first. (For A/T only)
4●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
251
2009 Fit

CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK (Yellow loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop) ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
Fluid Locations252
2009 Fit

Adding Engine CoolantIf the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX
line. Inspect the cooling system for
leaks.Always use Honda Long-life Anti-
freeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent water.
Never add straight antifreeze or plain
water.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum
engines. Continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
RESERVE TANK
Engine Coolant256
2009 Fit

1. Make sure the engine and radiatorare cool.
2. Relieve any pressure in the cooling system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
4. The coolant level should be up tothe base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pour the coolant slowly and
carefully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully. 6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
RADIATOR CAP
RESERVE TANK
Engine Coolant
257
Maintenance
2009 Fit