tow HONDA FIT 2013 3.G User Guide

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. Co nsult 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 lab el 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)
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

159
Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your warranties.
Towing Your Vehicle
Your 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
NOTICE
Failure to follow the recommended instructions
exactly will result in se vere 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 models
Automatic transmission models
1When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
NOTICE
Severe 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 models
Manual transmission models
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

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.
2 Interior 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
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

163
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine,
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK (0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N , as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced.
NOTICE
The following can damage the under spoiler: • Parking the vehicle by a parking block
• Parallel parking along the road shoulder
• Driving towards the bottom of a hill
• Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)
• Driving on a rutted or bumpy road
• Driving on a road with potholes.
Sport Models
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

193
uuBefore Performing MaintenanceuSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task. • To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
uHeat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
uOnly operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
uMake sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
uMake sure to let the engine and exhau st system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
uDo not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away from moving parts.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow th e inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3WARNING
Failure to properly fol low maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

197
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo Use Maintenance Minder TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance Service Items
• Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.
• Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
• Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message
Maintenance Minder Indicator
Sub Items
Main Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
*2: Canadian A/T models only
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A ●
Replace engine oil *1
B●
Replace engine oil and oil filter
● Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary
● Check parking brake adjustment
● Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
● Inspect suspension components
● Inspect driveshaft boots
● Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
● Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
● Inspect exhaust system #
● Inspect fuel lines and connections #
● Check expiration date for TRK bottle *2
*3: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*5: If you tow a Fit behind a motorhome, the transmission fluid must be changed every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first. (For A/T only)
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1 ●
Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element *3
● Replace dust and pollen filter *4
● Inspect drive belt
3 ●
Replace transmission fluid *5
4●
Replace spark plugs
● Inspect valve clearance
5 ●
Replace engine coolant
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

200
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood1.Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
uThe hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Lever
Support
Rod
Grip
Clamp
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

202
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

231
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the BatteryCheck the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system *
is disabled.
2 Entering the Audio Security Code P. 124
• The clock resets.
2 Setting the Clock P. 76
• The navigation system *
is disabled.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cab le first, and reconnect it last.
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessori es contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
The test indicator’s color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window
* Not available on all models
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

237
Handling the UnexpectedThis 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 ............. 254 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On................................................ 256
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 256
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ..................................... 257
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On .. 258
If the EPS System Indicator Comes On258
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes On ................................................. 259
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 259 Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 260
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 263
Emergency Towing ........................... 264
Main Menu
Main Menu