heating HONDA FIT 2012 2.G User Guide

118Controls
Heating and Cooling
*
Using Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Mode Control DialChange airflow.
Fan Control DialAdjusts the fan speed. Rotate the dial all
the way to OFF to turn everything off.
A/C Button
*
Press to cool the interior or dehumidify
while heating.
Temperature Control DialAdjusts the interior temperature.
Fresh Air/Recirculation LeverThis lever controls the source of the air going
into the system.
(Recirculation) Mode:
Recirculates air from the vehicle’s interior
through the system.
(Fresh Air) Mode:
Maintains outside ventilation. Keep the
system in fresh air mode in normal situations.
Dashboard
ventsDashboard
and floor
ventsFloor vents Floor and
defroster
ventsDefroster
vents
* Not available on all models

Continued
119
uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Controls
The heater uses engine coolant to warm the
air.
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2.Select and .
3.Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
■
To rapidly warm up the interior
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Select .
3.Set the temperature to maximum heat.
4.Select .
■
To dehumidify the interior
*
When used in combination with the heater, the air conditioning system makes the
interior warm and dry and can prevent the windows from fogging up.
1.Turn the fan on.
2.Press the A/C button to turn on the air conditioning.
3.Select and . Adjust the temperature to your preference.■
Heating
1To rapidly warm up the interior
Change to fresh air mode as soon as the interior gets
warm enough. The windows may fog up if kept in
recirculation mode.
* Not available on all models

uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
120Controls
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2.Select and .
3.Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
4.Press the A/C button (the indicator on).■
To rapidly cool down the interior
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Set the temperature to maximum cool.
3.Select .
1.Select turns the air conditioning system
on.
2.Select .
■
To rapidly defrost the windows
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Select .
3.Select .
4.Set the temperature to maximum heat.
■
Cooling
*
1To rapidly cool down the interior
If the interior is very warm, you can cool it down
more rapidly by partially opening the windows.
■
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
*
1Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
*
For your safety, make sure you have a clear view
through all the windows before driving.
Do not set the temperature near the upper or lower
limit.
When cold air hits the windshield, the outside of the
windshield may fog up.
If the side windows fog up, adjust the vents so that
the air hits the side windows.1To rapidly defrost the windows
After defrosting the windows, switch over to fresh air
mode.
If you keep the system in recirculation mode, the
windows may fog up from humidity. This impedes
visibility.
* Not available on all models

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

222Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining TiresChecking TiresTo safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.■
Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
■
Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
•Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
•Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
•Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•Excessive tread wear.
2Wear Indicators P. 227
•Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or release air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher than if
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly
balanced.
3
WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance.

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

237
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 238
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 239
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*..... 245
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 250
Jump Starting.................................... 251
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 253
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 254Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On................................................ 256If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 256
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ..................................... 257If the Brake System Indicator Comes On .. 258If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 258
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 259
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 259Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 260
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 263
Emergency Towing........................... 264
* Not available on all models

254Handling the Unexpected
OverheatingHow to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
•The high temperature indicator comes on or the engine suddenly loses power.
•Steam is coming out of the engine compartment.■
First thing to do
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
uMove the shift lever to
(P
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
uMove the shift lever to
(N
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. No steam coming out: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
Steam coming out: Turn off the engine and wait until steam goes away. Then,
open the hood.
1How to Handle Overheating
NOTICEContinuing to drive with the high temperature
indicator on may damage the engine.
3
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models