cooling HONDA FIT 2012 2.G User Guide

161
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(N
. Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
uThe clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling
* system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

164
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic TransmissionThe following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase
creeping:
•Immediately after the engine starts.
•When the heating and cooling
* system is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.
■
Creeping
■
Kickdown
* Not available on all models

191
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 192
Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 193Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 194
Maintenance Minder
TM
..................... 195
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 199Opening the Hood ........................... 200
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 201
Oil Check ......................................... 202
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 203Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter..... 204
Engine Coolant ................................ 206
Transmission Fluid ............................ 208
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 210
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 211
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 212
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 218Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 222
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 223
Tire Labeling .................................... 223
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 225Wear Indicators................................ 227Tire Service Life ................................ 227
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 228
Tire Rotation .................................... 229
Winter Tires ..................................... 230
Battery............................................... 231
Remote Transmitter Care
*
Replacing the Battery ....................... 232
Heating and Cooling
* System
Maintenance................................... 233
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 234
Exterior Care.................................... 235
* Not available on all models

206
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2.If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■
Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICEIf Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that 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.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s coolant system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN

233
Maintenance
Heating and Cooling
* System Maintenance
Dust and Pollen FilterThe heating and cooling system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder message will let
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the heating and cooling system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.
* Not available on all models

255
uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■
Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the high temperature
indicator goes off.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2.Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the high temperature
indicator.
If the high temperature indicator is off, resume driving. If it stays on, contact a dealer
for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
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.
MAX Reserve Tank
MIN

256Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/BlinkingIf the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■
What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2.If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■
What to do after parking the vehicle
1.Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2.Open the hood and check the oil level.
uAdd oil as necessary.
3.Start the engine and check the low oil pressure indicator.
uThe light goes out: Start driving again.
uThe light does not go out within 10 seconds: Stop the engine and
contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the heating and cooling
* system, rear defogger, and other
electrical systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICERunning the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engine may rapidly discharge
the battery.
* Not available on all models

Index
279
Index
Index
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 183
Accessories and Modifications................ 190
Accessory Power Socket........................... 115
Active Head Restraints............................. 107
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 206
Engine Oil ............................................... 201
Washer ................................................... 211
Additives, Engine Oil............................... 201
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 110
Front Seats.............................................. 103
Head Restraints ....................................... 105
Headlights .............................................. 212
Mirrors.................................................... 102
Rear Seats ............................................... 108
Steering Wheel ....................................... 101
Air Conditioning System (Heating and
Cooling System)...................................... 118
Cooling................................................... 120
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 120
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 233
Heating................................................... 119
Air Pressure...................................... 223, 269
Airbags....................................................... 34
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 40
After a Collision ........................................ 38
Airbag Care .............................................. 48
Event Data Recorder ................................. 19Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 37
Indicator ........................................ 45, 67, 69
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 46
Sensors ...................................................... 34
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 43
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 47
Side Airbags .............................................. 41
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 44
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).................. 183
Indicator .................................................... 67
Armrest..................................................... 110
Audio System............................................ 122
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 126
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 123
Error Messages ........................................ 135
General Information ................................ 137
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 133
Recommended CDs ................................. 137
Recommended Devices ............................ 139
Remote Controls ......................................... 3
Security Code .......................................... 124
Theft Protection ....................................... 124
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 123
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 139
Authorized Manuals................................. 277
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking................... 84
Customize ................................................. 85
Automatic Transmission........................... 164
Creeping ................................................. 164
Fluid ........................................................ 208
Kickdown ................................................ 164Operating the Shift Lever........... 13, 166, 168
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 169
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 253
Shifting ........................................... 165, 167
Auxiliary Input Jack.................................. 123
Average Fuel Economy.............................. 74
BBattery...................................................... 231
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 256
Jump Starting .......................................... 251
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 231
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 232
Belts (Seat).................................................. 26
Beverage Holders..................................... 114
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 140
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 60
Brake System............................................ 181
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 183
Brake Assist System ................................. 184
Fluid ........................................................ 210
Foot Brake............................................... 182
Indicator............................................ 64, 258
Parking Brake .......................................... 181
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel)...... 99
Bulb Replacement.................................... 212
Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light and
Rear Turn Signal Lights .......................... 216
Fog Lights ............................................... 214
Headlights ............................................... 212

281
Index
High Temperature Indicator ...................... 67
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 67
Overheating ............................................ 254
Engine Oil................................................. 201
Adding ................................................... 203
Checking ................................................ 202
Displaying Oil Life ................................... 195
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 64, 256
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 201
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System).............................................. 68, 258
Exhaust Gas Hazard (Carbon Monoxide).. 61
Exterior Care (Cleaning).......................... 235
Exterior Mirrors........................................ 102
FFeatures.................................................... 121
Filters
Dust and Pollen....................................... 233
Oil .......................................................... 204
Flat Tire..................................................... 239
Floor Mats................................................ 234
Fluids
Automatic Transmission .......................... 208
Brake/Clutch ........................................... 210
Engine Coolant ....................................... 206
Manual Transmission .............................. 209
Windshield Washer ................................. 211
FM/AM Radio........................................... 127
Fog Light Indicator.................................... 70Folding Down the Rear Seats.................. 108
Foot Brake................................................. 182
Front Airbags (SRS)..................................... 37
Front Seats................................................ 103
Adjusting ................................................. 103
Fuel...................................................... 14, 186
Economy ................................................. 189
Gauge ....................................................... 72
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Recommendation .................................... 186
Refueling ................................................. 186
Fuel Economy............................................ 189
Fuel Fill Cap................................................. 14
Message .................................................. 257
Fuel Fill Door............................................... 14
Fuses.......................................................... 260
Inspecting and Changing ......................... 263
Locations ................................................. 260
GGasoline (Fuel)
Economy ................................................. 189
Gauge ....................................................... 72
Information ............................................. 186
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Refueling ................................................. 186
Gauges........................................................ 72
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission ................... 165, 167
Manual Transmission ............................... 172Glass (care)................................................ 236
Glove Box.................................................. 113
HHalogen Bulbs.................................. 212, 214
Handling the Unexpected........................ 237
HandsFreeLink® (HFL)............................... 140
Change Language ................................... 151
Help Features .......................................... 141
Making a Call .......................................... 146
Menus..................................................... 142
Muting a Call .......................................... 147
Phone Setup............................................ 144
Phonebook.............................................. 148
Receiving a Call ....................................... 147
Sending Numbers or Names During a
Call ....................................................... 147
Transferring a Call ................................... 147
Hazard Warning Button.............................. 2
Head Restraints........................................ 105
Headlights................................................... 95
Aiming .................................................... 212
Dimming ............................................. 95, 96
Operating.................................................. 95
Heated Door Mirrors................................ 100
Heating and Cooling System................... 118
Cooling ................................................... 120
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 120
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 233

283
Index
Low Battery Charge................................. 256
Low Fuel Indicator..................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. 64, 256
Lower Anchors........................................... 54
Lubricant Specifications Chart................ 269
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)............. 157MMaintenance............................................ 191
Battery .................................................... 231
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 210
Cleaning ................................................. 234
Coolant .................................................. 206
Heating and Cooling System ................... 233
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 195
Oil .......................................................... 202
Precautions ............................................. 192
Radiator .................................................. 207
Remote Transmitter ................................ 232
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 212
Safety ..................................................... 193
Service Items ........................................... 197
Tires........................................................ 222
Transmission Fluid ................................... 208
Under the Hood ...................................... 199
Malfunction Indicator Lamp............. 65, 257
Manual Transmission............................... 171
Map Lights................................................ 111
Maximum Load Limit............................... 157
Meters, Gauges.......................................... 72Mirrors....................................................... 102
Adjusting ................................................. 102
Door........................................................ 102
Exterior .................................................... 102
Interior Rearview ..................................... 102
Modifications (and Accessories).............. 190
MP3................................................... 129, 133
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 270OOdometer.................................................... 73
Oil (Engine)............................................... 201
Adding .................................................... 203
Checking ................................................. 202
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 195
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 64, 256
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 201
Viscosity .................................................. 201
Opening/Closing
Hood ....................................................... 200
Power Windows ........................................ 92
Tailgate ..................................................... 88
Overheating.............................................. 254PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)................................................ 13, 169Panic Mode................................................. 91
Parking...................................................... 185
Parking Brake........................................... 181
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator............................................ 64, 258
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator................. 46
Passing Indicators....................................... 95
Precautions While Driving....................... 163
Rain ........................................................ 163
Pregnant Women....................................... 32
Puncture (Tire).................................. 239, 245
RRadiator.................................................... 207
Radio (FM/AM)......................................... 127
Radio Data System (RDS)......................... 128
RDS (Radio Data System)......................... 128
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing)....... 273
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
Button..................................................... 100
Rear Seats (Folding Down)...................... 108
Rearview Mirror....................................... 102
Refueling.................................................. 186
Fuel Gauge................................................ 72
Gasoline .......................................... 186, 268
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Regulations............................... 179, 225, 271
Remote Transmitter................................... 79
Replacement
Battery .................................................... 232