2008 HONDA FIT suspension

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Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
af f ect the handling and stability.
Removing parts f rom your vehicle,
or replacing components, with
non-Honda components could
seriously af f ect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.
Lowering the vehicle with a non-
Honda suspension kit that
signif icantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.
Herearesomeexamples:
Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components and will not be
compatible with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) .
Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interf ere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.
Modif ying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety features can make the
systems inef f ective.
If you plan to modif y your vehicle,
consult your dealer. : If equipped
A ccessories and Modif ications
Modif ying Your Vehicle
Bef ore Driving
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Curbs and steep inclines could
damage the f ront and rear
bumpers. Low curbs that do not
affect the average vehicle may be
high enough to hit the bumper on
your vehicle. The f ront or rear
bumper may scrape when trying to
drive onto an incline, such as a
steep driveway or trailer ramps.
Your vehicle is designed to give you
optimum handling and perf ormance
on well-maintained roads. As part of
this design, your vehicle has a
minimum of ground clearance.
Use caution if you ever drive your
vehicleonveryroughorrutted
roads. You could damage the
suspension and underbody by
bottoming out. Going too f ast over
parking lot ‘‘speed bumps’’ can
also cause damage.
On Sport model
Driving Guidelines
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2008 Fit

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Maintenance Minder
185
:See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page .
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.
If the message, ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Independent of maintenance message in the information display, replace
the brake fluid every 3 years.
NOTE: 1:
184
Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace
every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter 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).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle
speeds results in higher transmission temperatures.
This requires transmission fluid changes more
frequently than recommended by the Maintenance
Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under
these conditions, have the transmission fluid
changed at 60,000 miles (100,000 km), then every
30,000 miles (48,000 km). (For A/T only)
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)
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
51
Maintenance Minder
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2008 Fit

Mount tire chains on your tires when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Install them only on the
f ront tires.
Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, mount only SAE Class ‘‘S’’
cable-type traction devices, with
rubber chain tensioners, on the f ront
tires. Use traction devices only when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Make sure they are the
correct size f or your tires. Metal link-
type ‘‘chains’’ should not be used. Check the condition of the batterymonthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. The test indicator window’s
location dif f ers according to the
battery manuf acturer.
When installing cables, f ollow the
manuf acturer’s instructions, and
mount them as tight as you can.
Make sure they are not contacting
the brake lines or suspension. Drive
slowly with them installed. If you
hear them coming into contact with
the body or chassis, stop and
investigate. Remove them as soon as
you begin driving on cleared roads.
Tires, Checking the Battery
Checking the BatteryT ire Chains
214
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
Traction devices that are the wrong
size or improperly installed can
damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of
the vehicle.
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