trailer HONDA FIT 2009 2.G Owners Manual

Fuel Economy Factors
The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:●Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)●Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic●Cold engine operation (engines
are more efficient when warmed
up)●Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running●Improperly inflated tiresImproving Fuel Economy
Vehicle MaintenanceA properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
information display (see
Owner's
Maintenance Checks on page250).
For example:●Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page
253).●Maintain proper tire inflation －
An under-inflated tire increases
‘‘ rolling resistance, ’’which
reduces fuel economy.●Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle －It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.
●Keep your vehicle clean －In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.
Drive Efficiently●Drive moderately －Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.●Observe the speed limit －
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.●Always drive in the highest gear
possible －If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your fuel economy by up
shifting as early as possible.
Fuel Economy204
2009 Fit

Load Limits (Payload)
The maximum load for your vehicle
is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire And Loading Information
label attached to the driver's
doorjamb.Label Example
This figure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if
you are towing a trailer.
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.Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
－
(1) Locate the statement ‘‘The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg
or XXX lbs. ’’on your vehicle's
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
CONTINUED
Carrying Cargo
209
Before Driving
2009 Fit

(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if the‘‘XXX ’’amount equals 1,400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 －750 (5 ꭦ150) ＝650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle. Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on
a label on the driver's doorjamb.
Max Load (850 lbs) Passenger Weight
(150 lbs
ꭦ2＝ 300 lbs) Cargo Weight
(550 lbs)Max Load (850 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs
ꭦ4＝ 600 lbs) Cargo Weight
(250 lbs)Max Load (850 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs
ꭦ5＝ 750 lbs) Cargo Weight
(100 lbs)
Carrying Cargo210
2009 Fit

This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual and automatic transmissions.
It also includes important information
on parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the vehicle stability assist
(VSA
®), and the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS). Driving Guidelines
......................
214
Preparing to Drive
......................
215
Starting the Engine
.....................
216
Manual Transmission
.................
217
Automatic Transmission
.............
219
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
(Sport only)
.............................
224
Parking
.......................................
229
Braking System
..........................
230
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............
231
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System
.....................
233
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
...................................
235
Towing a Trailer
..........................
238
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a
Motorhome
.............................
238
Driving
213
Driving
2009 Fit

On Sport modelYour vehicle is designed to give you
optimum handling and performance
on well-maintained roads. As part of
this design, your vehicle has a
minimum of ground clearance.●Use caution if you ever drive your
vehicle on very rough or rutted
roads. You could damage the
suspension and underbody by
bottoming out. Going too fast over
parking lot‘‘speed bumps ’’can
also cause damage.
●Curbs and steep inclines could
damage the front and rear
bumpers. Low curbs that do not
affect the average vehicle may be
high enough to hit the bumper on
your vehicle. The front or rear
bumper may scrape when trying to
drive onto an incline, such as a
steep driveway or trailer ramps.
Driving Guidelines214
2009 Fit

Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.Towing Your Vehicle Behind a
Motorhome
Your vehicle can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Otherwise, severe transmission
damage will occur.
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manufacturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer's attachment
instructions carefully.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns freely before you begin
towing.
Automatic transmission:Perform the following procedure
every day immediately before you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage will
occur.
1. Check the transmission fluid level
(see page259).
Do not overfill.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press on the brake pedal. Movethe shift lever through all its
positions.
4. Shift to the D position and hold for 5 seconds, then to N. Let the
engine run for 3 minutes, then turn
it off.Severe transmission damage will occur
if the vehicle is shifted from reverse to
neutral and then towed with the drive
wheels on the ground.
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome238
2009 Fit

5. Release the parking brake.Manual transmission:1. Move the shifter into the Neutralposition.
2. Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock. Make
sure the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets are
turned off so you do not run down
the battery.
When you stop towing your vehicle
and shift out of the neutral position,
you may not be able to move the shift
lever from neutral to reverse or Park.
If this happens, press the brake pedal
and turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position, then shift out of
neutral.
Extended TowingIf you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours
(when you stop for fuel, etc.)Failure to follow the recommended
instructions exactly will result in severe
automatic transmission damage. If you
cannot shift the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer. When towing your vehicle for long
periods, remove the 20A Accessory
Socket and 30A Radio fuses to
reduce drain on battery. These fuses
are located in the interior fuse box
and are shown as number 13 and 61
below.
CONTINUED
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
239
Driving
2009 Fit

Tether Anchorage Points
.............
47
Theft Protection, Radio
..............
191
Three Way Catalytic Converter
...............................
328
Tilt the Steering Wheel
................
77
Time, Setting the
........................
192
Tire Chains
................................
278
Tire, How to Change a Flat
........
285
Tire Information
.........................
323
Tire Labeling
..............................
323
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
...........................
235, 324
Tires
..........................................
273
Air Pressure
............................
274
Chains
.....................................
278
Checking Wear
.......................
275
Compact Spare
........................
284
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
.............................
321
Inflation
...................................
273
Inspection
...............................
275
Labeling
..................................
323
Low Tire Pressure Indicator
(U.S. only)
.....................
64, 235
Maintenance
...........................
276 Pressure Monitoring System
(U.S. only)
...........................
235
Replacing
................................
276
Rotating
..................................
276
Snow
.......................................
278
Specifications
..........................
320
Tools, Tire Changing
.................
285
Towing A Trailer
..................................
238
Emergency Wrecker
...............
311
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) (U.S. only)
............
235
Indicator (U.S.only)
...........
64, 236
Required Federal Explanation
.........................
324
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, Automatic
............................
259
Checking Fluid Level, Manual
................................
260
Fluid Selection
................
259, 260
Identification Number
.............
316
Shifting the Automatic
.............
219
Shifting the Manual
.................
217
Treadwear
..................................
321
Trip Meter
...................................
69 Turn Signals
.................................
63
U
Unexpected, Taking Care of the
..........................................
283
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (U.S. only)
..............................
321
Unleaded Gasoline
.....................
198
Upper Glove Box
........................
105
USB Flash Memory Device Error Messages
........................
142, 183
Used Oil, How to Dispose of......
255
V
Vehicle Capacity Load
................
209
Vehicle Dimensions
...................
318
Vehicle Identification Number
...
316
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System....
233
VSA System Indicator
..............
67
Vehicle Storage
..........................
281
IndexX
2009 Fit