towing HONDA INSIGHT 2013 2.G Owners Manual

If this happens, pull to the side of the
road when it is safe, check which tire
has lost pressure, and determine the
cause. If it is because of a f lat tire,
replace the flat tire with the compact
spare (seepage), and have the
f lat tire repaired as soon as possible.
If two or more tires are underinf lated,
call a prof essional towing service.
Refer to page for more
inf ormation.
If this indicator begins to flash,
there is a problem with the tire
pressure monitoring system
(TPMS). You will also see a
‘‘CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display. The indicator continues to
flash for a while (approximately 1
minute), then stays on. If this
happens, have your dealer check
the system as soon as possible.
For more information, see .
This indicator normally comes on
for a few seconds when you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates a
problem in the integrated motor
assist (IMA) system. With the IMA
indicator on, the vehicle may not
accelerate as it normally does. Have
the vehicle checked by the dealer
as soon as possible.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK IMA
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display.
See pages and .
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see
page ).
If it comes on while driving, it
indicates that one or more of your
vehicle’s tires are signif icantly low
on pressure.
This indicator has two f unctions: This indicator normally comes on f or
a f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position.
1.
2.
281 283 289349
374
U.S. models only
Instrument Panel Indicators
Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator
IMA System Indicator
A uto Idle Stop Indicator
66
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Inst rument s and Cont rolsTOC
page 290
2013 Insight

µ·
µ The resulting f igure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX’’ amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
f ive 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.
(1,400 750 (5 150) = 650 lbs.)
Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not saf ely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
If yourvehiclewillbetowinga
trailer, load f rom your trailer will
be transf erred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.
Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers f rom
XXX kg or XXX lbs. Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.’’ on your vehicle’s
placard.
Steps for Determining
Correct Load Limit
Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
The maximum load f or your vehicle
is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire And Loading Inf ormation
label attached to the driver’s
doorjamb.
Label Example
This f igure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(6) (5) (4)
CONT INUED
Load Limits
Carrying Cargo
257
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.
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Bef ore DrivingTOC
2013 Insight

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
automatic transmissions (CVT). It
also includes important inf ormation
on parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the vehicle stability assist
(VSA) system, and the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
........................Preparing to Drive.262
.......................Starting the Engine.263
........................Eco Assist System.264
.Automatic Transmission (CVT) .271
Driving with the Paddle
.......................................Shif ters.276
................................Auto Idle Stop.281
...........................................Parking.284
.............................Braking System.285
...............Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) .287
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
......................................(TPMS).289
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA),
aka Electronic Stability
....Control (ESC), System .293
...........Hill Start Assist System .295
...........................Towing a Trailer.296
Driving
261
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Bef ore Driving
2013 Insight

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
Towing a Trailer
296
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Bef ore DrivingTOC
2013 Insight

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .348
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .349
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 356
................................
Jump Starting .358
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 360
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 363
12 Volt Battery Charging System .....................................
Indicator .364
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 365
...............
Brake System Indicator . 366
..............................................
Fuses .367
..............................
Fuse Locations .372
......................
Emergency Towing .374
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck . 375
Taking Care of the Unexpected
347
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2013 Insight

When the IMA battery charge is low,
the starter motor is used to start the
engine. If the engine does not start,
check the f ollowing:If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the 12 volt battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the 12 volt battery and terminal
connections (seepage). You
canthentryjumpstartingthe
vehicle f rom a booster 12 volt
battery (see
page). If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
onpage .
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See onpage .
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See onpage .
358
374 344
358 374
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency
Towing
Jump Starting
Emergency T owing
357
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect edTOC
2013 Insight

CONT INUED
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Park, and
set the parking brake. Turn of f all
the accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning lights.If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running, and
check the high temperature
indicator. If the high heat is due to
overloading, the engine should
start to cool down almost
immediately. If it does, wait until
the high temperature indicator
goes of f , then continue driving.
If the high temperature indicator
stays on, turn of f the engine.Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
onpage ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page 250),
Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the high
temperature indicator goes of f
bef ore checking the radiator.
1. 2.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.
374
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency
Towing
361
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
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Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pushing down, to the first stop.
After the pressure releases,
push down on the cap, and turn it
until it comes off.If the temperature stays
normal, check the coolant
level in the radiator reserve
tank. If it has gone down,
add coolant to the MAX mark.
Put the cap back on tightly.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature to maximum heat
(climate control to AUTO at
‘‘ ’’). Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as
Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the high temperature indicator. If
it begins to blink or comes on
again, the engine needs repair
(see
on
8. 9.
10. 11.
If theEngineOverheats
Emergency Towing
362
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.
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect edTOC
page 374
).
you can.
2013 Insight

However, if the brake pedal does
not feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down,
and you will have to press harder
on the pedal.
Slow down and pull to the side of the
road when it is saf e. Because of the
long distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeonpage ). If this indicator comes on for any
other reason, have your vehicle
inspected by your dealer. There
may be a malfunction with the
electric brake distribution (EBD)
system. Avoid hard braking and
high speed driving.
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page).
The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. If you do not release the
parking brake, the indicator will stay
on, and you will see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display.
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ or ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see
page).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately. 89
319 374
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
(Red)
366
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U.S. Canada
T aking Care of t he Unexpect edTOC
2013 Insight

µ
µ If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your
vehicle with just a rope or chain. It
is very dangerous.
Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle:
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front) and lift them
off the ground. The other two tires
remain on the ground. The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. Start the engine.
Shif t to the D position and hold f or
5 seconds, then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.Wheel-lif t Equipment
Flat -bed Equipment
T his is an
acceptable way to tow your vehicle. T his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
Emergency Towing
374
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the f ront wheels of f
the ground.
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T aking Care of t he Unexpect edTOC
2013 Insight