2009 HONDA FIT sport mode

Using the Paddle Shifters in D
position (D-Paddle Shift Mode)U.S. models onlyWhen you are driving in D position,
you can shift the transmission up or
down manually with the paddle
shifters.
To shift up or down, use the＋
(right) or －(left) paddle shifter on
each side of the steering wheel.
Each time you pull the ＋(right)
paddle, the transmission shifts to a
higher gear. Pull the －(left) paddle
to downshift. You will see the
selected gear number on the
instrument panel.
When you pull either paddle shifter,
the gear position indicator shows you
the selected gear number.
When the transmission returns to
drive mode (D), the displayed gear
number disappears.GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Sport only)224
2009 Fit

Downshifting with the paddle shifter
allows you to increase the engine
braking when going down steep or
long hills, and provides more power
when climbing uphills. You can
upshift the transmission manually to
reduce the rpm. Driving in the
higher gear helps fuel economy.
The transmission control system
monitors the accelerator pedal use
and your driving conditions. When
you press the accelerator pedal as in
normal driving, the system judges
that you are driving at a constant
cruising speed without using the
paddle shifters. Under these
conditions, D-paddle shift mode is
canceled, and the transmission
automatically returns to drive mode
(D).The transmission remains in the
selected gear if you do not
accelerate.
Each time you pull either paddle
shifter, the transmission shifts one
gear up or down. If you want to shift
up or down more than two gears, pull
the paddle shifter twice, pause, and
then pull it again.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
●You downshift before the engine
speed falls below the upper limit of
the lower gear.
If you try to do this, the gear position
indicator will flash the number of the
lower gear several times, then return
to a higher gear.
Here are the speed ranges for
downshifting. To shift
from Speed range
5 → 4 under 112 mph
(181 km/h)
4 → 3 under 79 mph (127 km/h)
3 → 2 under 51 mph (82 km/h)
2 → 1 under 20 mph (32 km/h)
●You upshift before the engine
speed rises above the lower limit
of the higher gear.●You pull both paddle shifters at the
same time.
The transmission downshifts to first
gear and returns to drive mode (D)
when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop or the vehicle speed is
about 6 mph (10 km/h).
CONTINUED
Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Sport only)
225
Driving
2009 Fit

When you pull and hold the＋
(right) paddle shifter, the
transmission automatically returns to
drive mode (D).
If there is a problem in the
transmission while you are driving
with the paddle shifters, the D
indicator flashes, the D-paddle shift
mode is canceled, and the
transmission returns to drive mode
(D). Using the Paddle Shift in S
position (Sequential Shift Mode)
U.S. models onlyWith the shift lever in the S position,
you can manually shift up or down
with the paddle shifters. The
transmission goes into the sequential
shift mode and holds the selected
gear.
To enter the sequential shift mode,
press the release button on the front
of the shift lever, move the lever to
the S position, then pull either paddle
shifter. To return to drive mode (D),
move the shift lever to the D
position. While you are driving in the
sequential shift mode, the
transmission will not automatically
return to drive mode (D).
When you move the shift lever from
‘‘
D ’’to the ‘‘S ’’position and pull
either paddle shifter, the gear
position indicator displays ‘‘M ’’
along with the selected gear number.
To upshift, pull the ＋(right) paddle
shifter. To downshift, pull the －
(left) paddle shifter.
GEAR POSITION INDICATOR
‘‘M ’’INDICATOR
Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Sport only)226
2009 Fit

Here are the speed ranges for
upshifting and downshifting.To shift from Speed range
1 → 2 over 0 mph (0 km/h)
2 → 3 over 6 mph (10 km/h)
3 → 4 over 21 mph (34 km/h)
4 → 5 over 27 mph (44 km/h)
To shift from Speed range
2 → 1 under 26 mph (42 km/h)
3 → 2 under 51 mph (82 km/h)
4 → 3 under 79 mph (127 km/h)
Starting in Second GearWhen you are in sequential shift
mode, and the vehicle is stopped,
pull the ＋(right) paddle shifter to
shift to second gear. You will see
‘‘ M2 ’’in the display. Starting in
second gear helps to reduce
wheelspin in deep snow or on a
slippery surface.
Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Sport only)228
2009 Fit

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly, or your
vehicle may roll if it is parked on an
incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.Parking Tips
●Make sure the windows are
closed.●Turn off the lights.●Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them with
you.●Lock the doors and the tailgate.On Sport modelCheck the indicator on the
instrument panel to verify that the
security system is set.●Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
●If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in first gear
and set the parking brake.●If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear
and set the parking brake.●Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
Parking
229
Driving
2009 Fit

Replacing a Fog Light BulbOn Sport modelThe fog lights use halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it
carefully. See page262for more
information.1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver toremove the screw.
2. To remove the fog light assembly, pull it out of the bumper.
3. Remove the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by squeezing the
connector to unlock the tab, then
slide the connector off the bulb.
4. Remove the bulb by turning it about one-quarter turn
counterclockwise. 5. Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
6. Push the electrical connector back onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
7. Turn on the fog lights to test the new bulb.
8. Reinstall the fog light assembly, then tighten the screw.
SCREW
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
CONTINUED
Lights
265
Maintenance
2009 Fit

If you check air pressures when the
tires are hot [driven for several miles
(kilometers)], you will see readings 4
to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm
2) higher than the cold
readings. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the recommended
cold air pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.
You should get your own tire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
While tubeless tires have some
ability to self-seal if they are
punctured, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure. Recommended Tire Pressures
The following charts show the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal and high-speed driving
conditions.
All models except Sport
Tire Size
Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
175/65R15 84S Front/Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa,
2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Sport model
Tire SizeCold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
185/55R16 83H Front/Rear: 33 psi (230 kPa,
2.3 kgf/cm
2)
If equippedThe compact spare tire pressure is:
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
For convenience, the recommended
tire sizes and cold tire pressures are
on a label on the driver's doorjamb.
For additional information about your
tires, see page323.
Tires274
2009 Fit

It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, replace the two front
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle's handling.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specific wheels (if equipped). If you
do not, the tire pressure monitoring
system will not work.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
Installing improper tires on your
vehicle can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner's manual.Wheel and Tire Specifications
Wheels:
All models except Sport15 x 5 1/2JSport model16 x 6J
Tires:All models except Sport175/65R15 84SSport model185/55R16 83H
See page321for DOT tire quality
grading information, and page323
for tire size and labeling information.
CONTINUED
Tires
277
Maintenance
2009 Fit