2008 HONDA FIT tailgate

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.If youfoldtherearseatsupor
down, tie down items that could be
thrown about the vehicle during a
crash or sudden stop. Also, keep
all cargo below the bottom of the
windows. If it is higher, it could
interf ere with the proper operation
of thesidecurtainairbags.Distribute cargo evenly on the
f loor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.
Be sure items placed on the f loor
behind the f ront seats cannot roll
underneath and interf ere with the
proper operation of the seats, the
sensors under the seats, or the
driver’s ability to operate the
pedals. Do not stack items higher than the
back of the rear seats. They can
block your view and be thrown
around the vehicle during a crash.
If you carry large items that
prevent you f rom closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of
, f ollow the instructions
on page . 53
Carrying Cargo in the Cargo A rea
Carrying Cargo in the Passenger
Compartment
carbon monoxide
poisoning
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
149
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2008 Fit

Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
tailgate are securely closed and
locked.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ).
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
1.
2.
10.14
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
95
75
59
209 86
Preparing to Drive
Driving
153
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2008 Fit

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly, or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.Make sure the windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors and the tailgate.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear
and set the parking brake.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If you have a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear
and set the parking brake.
On Sport model
Parking T ips
Parking
166
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2008 Fit

Open the tailgate. Place a cloth on
the edge of the light assembly
cover. Remove the cover by
caref ully prying in the notch on its
middle edge with a f lat-tip
screwdriver.Determine which of the f our bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillight, back-
up light, turn signal light, or
taillight.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.Remove the burned out bulb f rom
the socket by pulling it straight out
of its socket.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn on the lights to make sure
the new bulb is working.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
Reinstall the light assembly cover.
1. 2.
3.4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Replacing Rear Bulbs
Lights
Maint enance
201
LIGHT ASSEMBLY COVER
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2008 Fit

Open the tailgate. Remove the
light assembly cover by pushing in
the tabs on both sides and pulling
the cover of f .
Remove the socket f rom the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.Put the socket back into the light
assembly, and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Press the brake pedal to make
sure the new bulb is working. Put the cover back on the light
assembly. Push it in until it locks
in place.
1.
2. 3.
4.5.
6.
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
Lights
202
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2008 Fit

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 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.
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.
Fill the f uel tank.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
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.
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.
Vehicle Storage
216
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2008 Fit

If you have a f lat tire while driving,
stop in a saf e place to change it.
Drive slowly along the shoulder until
you get to an exit or an area to stop
that is far away from the traffic lanes.Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic)
or reverse (manual). Apply the
parking brake.Open the tailgate. Raise the cargo
area f loor lid by lif ting it up with
the strap that has a loop. To keep
the f loor lid open, hook the loop of
the strap to a leg of the rear center
head restraint.
Take the tool kit out of the spare
tire.
4.
3.
2.
1.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
219
JACK STRAP
TOOL KIT
SPARE
TIRE
LOOP
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
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2008 Fit

CONT INUED
Store the jack. Place the tool kit in
the center of the flat tire.
Store the wheel cover or center
cap in the cargo area. Make sure it
will not get scratched or damaged.
Remove the strap loop from the
leg of the head restraint, then
lower the f loor lid, and close the
tailgate.Align the valve mark on the wheel
cover to the tire valve on the
wheel, then install the wheel cover.
Make sure the wire support ring is
hooked into the clips around the
edge of the wheel cover.
1.
2.
19.
20.
21.
All models except Sport
Changing a Flat Tire
Inst alling a wheel cover
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
223
CLIPS
CLIPS
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.
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2008 Fit