towing HONDA FIT 2012 2.G Owners Manual

ContentsThis owner’s manual should be considered a permanent part of the
vehicle and should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This owner’s manual covers all models of your vehicle. You may find
descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your
particular model.
Images throughout this owner’s manual (including the front cover)
represent features and equipment that are available on some, but
not all, models. Your particular model may not have some of these
features.
This owner’s manual is for vehicles sold in the United States and
Canada.
The information and specifications included in this publication were
in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications
or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
2Safe Driving P. 21For Safe Driving P. 22 Seat Belts P. 26 Airbags P. 342Instrument Panel P. 63Indicators P. 64 Gauges and Displays P. 722Controls P. 75Setting the Clock P. 76 Locking and Unlocking the Doors P. 77
Opening and Closing the Windows P. 92
Adjusting the Seats P. 1032Features P. 121Audio System P. 122 Audio System Basic Operation P. 125
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
* P. 140
2Driving P. 153Before Driving P. 154 Towing a Trailer P. 159
Refueling P. 186 Fuel Economy P. 1892Maintenance P. 191Before Performing Maintenance P. 192 Maintenance Minder
TM P. 195
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 218
Heating and Cooling
* System Maintenance P. 233
2Handling the Unexpected P. 237Tools P. 238 If a Tire Goes Flat P. 239
Overheating P. 254 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking P. 2562Information P. 267Specifications P. 268 Identification Numbers P. 270
Emissions Testing P. 273 Warranty Coverages P. 275

Contents
Child Safety P. 49 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 61 Safety Labels P. 62Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 88 Security System P. 90
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 94 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 102
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 111 Heating and Cooling
* P. 118
Audio Error Messages P. 135 General Information on the Audio System P. 137When Driving P. 161 Braking P. 181 Parking Your Vehicle P. 185
Accessories and Modifications P. 190Maintenance Under the Hood P. 199 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 212
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 222 Battery P. 231 Remote Transmitter Care
* P. 232
Cleaning P. 234
Engine Does Not Start P. 250 Jump Starting P. 251 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 253
Fuses P. 260 Emergency Towing P. 264 Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 271 Reporting Safety Defects P. 272
Authorized Manuals P. 277 Customer Service Information P. 278
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 21
Instrument Panel
P. 63
Controls
P. 75
Features
P. 121
Driving
P. 153
Maintenance
P. 191
Handling the Unexpected
P. 237
Information
P. 267
Index
P. 279

16Quick Reference Guide
Handling the Unexpected
(P237)
Flat Tire
(P239)
●Park in a safe location and repair the flat
tire with the compact spare tire
*, or using
the tire repair kit
* in the cargo area.
Indicators Come On (P256)
●Identify the indicator and consult the
owner’s manual.
Engine Won’t Start (P250)
●If the battery is dead, jump start using a
booster battery.Blown Fuse
(P260)
●Check for a blown fuse if an electrical
device does not operate.
Overheating
(P254)
●Park in a safe location. If you do not see
steam under the hood, open the hood,
and let the engine cool down.
Emergency Towing (P264)
●Call a professional towing service if you
need to tow your vehicle.

153
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 154
Maximum Load Limit........................ 157
Towing a Trailer
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 159
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 161
Precautions While Driving................. 163
Automatic Transmission ................... 164
Shifting ............................................ 165
Shifting ............................................ 167
Models with 7 positions ATModels with 5 positions AT
Shifting ............................................ 171
Cruise Control
*............................... 173
VSA
® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 176
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) .. 178Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Explanation ......... 179
Braking
Brake System ................................... 181
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 183
Brake Assist System.......................... 184Manual transmission models
Parking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 185
Parking ............................................ 185
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 186
How to Refuel ................................. 187
Fuel Economy.................................... 189
Improving Fuel Economy .................. 189
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories ...................................... 190
Modifications................................... 190
* Not available on all models

157
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
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.
(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 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue
load.
2Specifications P. 268
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 268
3
WARNING
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.
Label Example

158
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(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.
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.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load
850 lbs
(385 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2
Max Load
850 lbs
(385 kg)Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)

159
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome.
Perform the following procedure before towing your vehicle.
1.Check the transmission fluid level.
uMake sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks.
2.Start the engine.
3.Depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions.
4.Shift to
(D
and hold for five seconds, then to
(N
. Let the engine run for three
minutes, then turn it off.
5.Release the parking brake.
6.Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY
(q
.
uMake sure the steering wheel does not lock.
7.Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.
uThis can prevent the battery from running down.
1.Shift to
(N
.
2.Release the parking brake.
3.Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY
(q
.
uMake sure the steering wheel does not lock.
4.Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.
uThis can prevent the battery from running down.
■
When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
1Towing Your Vehicle
NOTICEFailure 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.
Do not exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Consult your towing parts sales or rental agency if
any other items are recommended or required for
your towing situation.
If you tow your vehicle behind a motorhome, the
transmission fluid must be changed every 2 years or
30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.Automatic transmission modelsAutomatic transmission models
1When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
NOTICESevere transmission damage will occur if the vehicle is
shifted from
(R
to
(N
and then towed with the drive
wheels on the ground.
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

160
uuTowing a TraileruTowing Your Vehicle
Driving
■
Extended Towing
If you tow more than 8 hours in one day, you should repeat the “before towing your
vehicle procedure” at least every 8 hours.
You also need to perform the following procedure to prevent the battery from
running down.
1.Remove the 30 A accessory radio fuse. This
fuse is located in the interior fuse box.
2Interior Fuse Box P. 261
2.Store the fuse in a safe place so you do not
lose it.
uMake sure to reinstall the fuse before
you start driving your vehicle.
Interior Fuse Box
Radio Fuse

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

238Handling the Unexpected
ToolsTypes of Tools
1Types of Tools
2How to Set Up the Jack P. 242
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack HandleJack
Jack Handle BarDetachable Towing Hook