2008 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 .218
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .219
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start .224
................................
Jump Starting .226
..............
If the Engine Overheats .228
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .230
..........
Charging System Indicator .230
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .231
...............
Brake System Indicator .232
..............................................
Fuses .233
..............................
Fuse Locations .236
......................
Emergency Towing .238
..........
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .239
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
217
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Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. Seeon 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
corroded. 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 f aster
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? Ref er 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 f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
154 77
238
214 226 233
238
If theEngineWon’tStart
Emergency T owing T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
225
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Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (seeon page ).
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter 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 f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If you don’t f ind 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 of f
bef ore checking the radiator. 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.
11.
238
238
Emergency
Towing
Emergency T owing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
229
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.
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However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel 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 f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
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 caref ully.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeon page ). If the ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
The brake system indicator (red)
normallycomesonwhenyouturn
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 f ully release the parking
brake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
f luid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
f eels normal. If it does, check the
brake f luid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
).
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. 195238
Emergency
Towing
Brake System
Indicator (Red)
Brake System Indicator
232
U.S.
Canada
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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. Start the engine.
Release the parking brake.
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
below 35 mph (55 km/h).
Shif t to D position and hold f or 5
seconds, then to N. Let the engine
runfor3minutes,thenturnitoff.
Turn of f the engine.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
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
238
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.
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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.
238
CONT INUED
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
239
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.
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Î
CONT INUED
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading .246
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission .155
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety .5
...........................................
Driving .151
....................................
Economy .141
........................
Driving Guidelines .152
Driving with the Paddle
.......................................
Shif ters .162
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter .205
..............................
Economy, Fuel .141
..................................
Emergencies .217
.............
Battery, Jump Starting .226
...........
Brake System Indicator .232
................
Changing a Flat Tire .219
.....
Charging System Indicator .230
..................
Checking the Fuses .234
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers .74
............................
Jump Starting .226
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .230
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp .231
..................
Overheated Engine .228
.......................................
Towing .238 ...........................
Emergency Brake .96
......................
Emergency Flashers .74
......................
Emergency Towing .238
.......................
Emissions Controls .251
........................
Emissions Testing .254
Engine
............
Adding Engine Coolant .190
Coolant Temperature
...................................
Indicator .63
.........................
If It Won’t Start .224
Malf unction Indicator
......................................
Lamp .231
.......................................
Oil Lif e .179
........
Oil Pressure Indicator .60,230
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use .187
...............................
Overheating .228
............................
Specif ications .244
....................
Speed Limiter .156,160
.......................................
Starting .154
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .136
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls .251
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by .16 ...................................
Fan, Interior .103
.........................................
Features .101
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank .137
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen .205
...............................................
Oil .188
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning .74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a .219
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission .193
..........................................
Brake .195
.........................................
Clutch .195
..............
Manual Transmission .194
..................
Windshield Washer .192
.........
Folding the Rear Seat Down .91
...............
Folding the Rear Seat Up .90
..........................
Four-way Flashers .74
..............................
Front Airbags .9,25
Front Seat
......................................
Adjusting .86
.....................................
Airbags .9,25
Index
E F
INDEX
III
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Î
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Î ÎÎ
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...............................................
Tires .208
..............................
Air Pressure .210
........................................
Chains .214
.........................
Checking Wear .210
....
DOT Tire Quality Grading .246
......................................
Inf lation .209
..................................
Inspection .210
.....................................
Labeling .248
Low Tire Pressure
.........................
Indicator .64,170
..............................
Maintenance .211
Pressure Monitoring
..................................
System .170
...................................
Replacing .212
......................................
Rotating .212
...........................................
Snow .213
............................
Specif ications .245
...................
Tools, Tire Changing .219
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer .173
................
Emergency Wrecker .238
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring ................................
System) .170
.............................
Indicator .64,171
Required Federal
............................
Explanation .249 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic .193
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual .194
..................
Fluid Selection .193,194
..............
Identif ication Number .243
.............
Shif ting the Automatic .157
..................
Shif ting the Manual .155
.....................................
Treadwear .246
.......................................
Trip Meter .67
....................................
Turn Signals .72
Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the .217
..
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading .246
........................
Unleaded Gasoline .136
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of .189
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load .147
......................
Vehicle Dimensions .244
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number .242 .............................
Vehicle Storage .216
.....................................
Ventilation .104
.................................................
VIN .242
..................................
Viscosity, Oil .187
............
WARNING, Explanation of .iii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of .54
..................
Warranty Coverages .259
Washers, Windshield
........
Checking the Fluid Level .192
..............
Fluid Level Indicator .65
.....................................
Operation .71
Wheels ...............
Adjusting the Steering .75
............
Alignment and Balance .212
..........
Aluminum Alloy Wheels .208
.....................................
Cleaning .208
..............................
Wrench, Nut .221
Windows ...................................
Auto Down .94
..................
Operating the Power .94
...........................
Rear, Def ogger .74
Index
V W
UINDEX
IX
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