2007 HONDA FIT engine

The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
3. 4.
2. 1.
5.6.
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
181
RADIATOR CAP
RESERVE TANK

Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
Check the fluid level by removing
the cap and looking at the level
gauge. The
low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page ).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges. 64On Canadian models:
Windshield Washers
182
LEVEL GAUGE
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut of f the engine.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the f iller hole
to bring it to the upper mark.Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Remove the dipstick, and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission f luid). If it’s
not available, you may use a
DEXRON
III automatic
transmission f luid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect the shift quality. Have
the transmission f lushed and ref illed
with Honda ATF-Z1 by your dealer
as soon as it is convenient.
1.
2. 3.
5. 4.
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Maint enance
183
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK

Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle on level
ground. Remove the transmission
f iller bolt, and caref ully f eel inside
the bolt hole with your f inger. The
f luid level should be up to the edge
of the bolt hole. If it is not, add
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid
(MTF) until it starts to run out of the
hole.Put a new washer on the f iller bolt,
then reinstall the f iller bolt and
tighten it securely.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stif f er shif ting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer.
6.
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid
184
WASHER
Correct level FILLER BOLT

Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn off the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip f rom the
inner f ender, then pull the inner
f ender cover back.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area, readjustment may be
required. Adjustments should be
done by your dealer or other
qualif ied mechanic.
1.
2.
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
186
HOLDING CLIP
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn of f the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip f rom the
inner f ender, then pull the inner
f ender cover back.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms. Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise. Reinstall the inner f ender cover.
Then reinstall the holding clip, and
lock it in place by pushing on its
center. Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
1. 2.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.
Lights
Replacing a Parking L ight/Front
Side Marker Bulb and a Turn
Signal Light Bulb
188
HOLDING CLIP
PARKING LIGHT/FRONT SIDE MARKER
BULB TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULB

Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
Vehicle Storage
204

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .206
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .207
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .212
................................
Jump Starting .214
..............
If the Engine Overheats .216
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .218
..........
Charging System Indicator .218
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .219
...............
Brake System Indicator .220
..............................................
Fuses .221
..............................
Fuse Locations .224
......................
Emergency Towing .226
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .227
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
205