2007 HONDA FIT emergency towing

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

Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. See
on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
co rroded. Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page ). You can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page ). In
this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to
on page .
Are
you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ). Do
you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page ).
Ifyoufindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See
on page .
226
203 214 76
148 221
226
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
213

Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
on page ).
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off. Start
the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If
you don’t find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the high
temperature indicator goes off
befo re checking the radiato r. Put
the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the high temperature indicator. If
it begins to blink or comes on
again, the engine needs repair
(see on page ).
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
9.
8.
7. 6. 5.
10.
226
11.226
Emergency
Towing
Emergency T owing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
217
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.

However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully.
Slow
down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it to wed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
on page ).
The
brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position, and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. It will stay on if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it feels normal.
If it does, check the brake fluid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ). If the ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads/shoes. 185
226Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
220
Canada
U.S.

µµ
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. Therearetwowaystotowyour
vehicle: If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do this:
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to neutral.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront) and lif t them
of f the ground. The other two tires
remain on the ground. Turn of f the engine. ShifttoD,thentoN.
Start the engine.
Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.With the f ront wheels on the ground,
do not tow the vehicle more than 50
miles (80 km), and keep the speed
below35mph(55km/h).
Manual transmission:
Automatic transmission:
Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
T his is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
T his is an
acceptable way to tow your
vehicle.
Emergency Towing
226
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
f ront wheels of f the ground.

If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service
to pull it out (see page ).
For very short distances, such as
f reeing the vehicle, you can use the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on the anchor in the f ront bumper.
To use the towing hook:Take the towing hook and the
extension out of the tool kit in the
cargo area.
Lift the upper part of the cover
f rom the bumper by pushing the
lower part with your f inger. Put a
cloth into the space behind the
upper part of the cover. Using the
extension, remove the cover f ully.
1.
2.
226
CONT INUED
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
227
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight.
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.

Î
CONT INUED
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 234
Downshif ting, Manual .............................
Transmission .149
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving .145
....................................
Economy .137
........................
Driving Guidelines .146
Driving with the Paddle .......................................
Shif ters .156
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 194
..............................
Economy, Fuel .137
..................................
Emergencies .205
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 214
...........
Brake System Indicator . 220
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 207
.....
Charging System Indicator . 218
..................
Checking the Fuses . 221
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 73
............................
Jump Starting .214
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 218
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 219
..................
Overheated Engine . 216
.......................................
Towing .226 ...........................
Emergency Brake .95
......................
Emergency Flashers .73
......................
Emergency Towing .226
.......................
Emissions Controls .237
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 240
Engine ............
Adding Engine Coolant . 180
Coolant Temperature ...................................
Indicator .63
.........................
If It Won’t Start .212
Malf unction Indicator ......................................
Lamp .219
...................................
Oil Lif e .167
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 60, 218
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 177
...............................
Overheating .216
............................
Specif ications .232
....................
Speed Limiter . 150, 154
.......................................
Starting .148
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .132
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 237
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .16 ...................................
Fan, Interior .101
...........................................
Features .99
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 133
Filters .........................
Dust and Pollen .194
...............................................
Oil .178
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 73
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 207
Fluids ..........
Automatic Transmission . 183
..........................................
Brake .185
.........................................
Clutch .185
..............
Manual Transmission . 184
..................
Windshield Washer . 182
.........
Folding the Rear Seat Down . 90
...............
Folding the Rear Seat Up . 89
..........................
Four-way Flashers .73
..............................
Front Airbags . 9, 25
Front Seat ......................................
Adjusting .85
.....................................
Airbags . 9, 25
Index
E F
INDEX
III

ÎÎ
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
Work .30
.............................
SRS Indicator . 30, 61
....
START (Ignition Key Position) . 77
.......................
Starting the Engine .148
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .148
................
With a Dead Battery . 214
..............
State Emissions Testing . 240
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 216
Steering Wheel ..................................
Adjustment .74
.............
Anti-theft Column Lock . 77
...............
Steering Wheel Buttons . 127
...................
Stereo Sound System . 105
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .204
..........................................
Sun Visor .98
Supplemental Restraint ..................................
System .9,22
......................................
Servicing .32
.........................
SRS Indicator . 30, 61
...................
System Components . 22
..................................
Synthetic Oil .178 Tailgate
............................
Open Indicator .62
.................................
Opening the .80
..........
Taillights, Changing Bulbs . 191
.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 205
Technical Descriptions ....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 234
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 237
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels .132
Three Way Catalytic ...............................
Converter .238
...................
Temperature Indicator . 63
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 47
................
Thef t Protection, Radio . 124
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 238
..................
Tilt the Steering Wheel . 74
..........................
Time, Setting the .125
....................................
Tire Chains .202
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 207
...........................
Tire Inf ormation .236
...............................................
Tires .197
..............................
Air Pressure .198
........................................
Chains .202
.........................
Checking Wear .199 ....
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 234
......................................
Inf lation .197
..................................
Inspection .199
.....................................
Labeling .236
..............................
Maintenance .199
...................................
Replacing .200
......................................
Rotating .200
...........................................
Snow .201
............................
Specif ications .233
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 207
Towing .....................................
A Trailer .164
................
Emergency Wrecker . 226
Transmission Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .183
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .184
..................
Fluid Selection . 183, 184
..............
Identif ication Number . 231
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 151
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 149
.....................................
Treadwear .234
.......................................
Trip Meter .66
....................................
Turn Signals .71
Index
T
VIII