2009 HONDA FIT light

Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use. This
reservoir supplies the windshield and
rear window washers.
On U.S. models:
To check the
windshield washer fluid level, open
the hood and look the windshield
washer reservoir located behind the
right headlight. You will see a ‘‘1/2 ’’
mark on the reservoir.
On Canadian models:
The low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page65).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze
can damage your vehicle's paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer fluid.
WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR Fill up to here
Windshield Washers258
2009 Fit

Clutch FluidManual Transmission onlyThe fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the brake
system.
A low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area, readjustment may be
required. Adjustments should be
done by your dealer or another
qualified mechanic.
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by pulling the
connector straight back.
3. Remove the rubber weather seal by pulling on the tab.
MAX
MIN
BULB
ELECTRICAL
CONNECTOR
RUBBER WEATHER SEAL HOLD-DOWN
WIRE
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Lights262
2009 Fit

4. Unclip the end of the hold-downwire from its slot. Pivot the wire
out of the way, then remove the
bulb.
5. Install the new bulb into the hole, making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place, and clip the end into
the slot.
6. Make sure that the hold-down wireis installed properly and securely.
You can check its installation from
the inspection window on the
headlight assembly.
7. Install the rubber seal over the back of the headlight assembly.
8. Push the electrical connector onto the new bulb. Make sure it is
connected securely. Turn on the
headlights to test the new bulb. Replacing a Parking Light/Front
Side Marker Bulb
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
4. Reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
INSPECTION WINDOW HOLD-DOWN
WIRE
CONTINUED
Lights
263
Maintenance
2009 Fit

5. Turn on the lights to make surethe new bulb is working.
Replacing a Front Turn Signal
Light Bulb1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
3. Remove the bulb from the socket by pushing the bulb in and turning
it counterclockwise until it unlocks.
4. Install the new bulb in the socket. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place. 5. Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
6. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
Lights264
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

Replacing Rear Bulbs1. Open the tailgate. Place a cloth onthe edge of the light assembly
cover. Remove the cover by
carefully prying in the notch on its
middle edge with a flat-tip
screwdriver.
2. Determine which of the threebulbs is burned out: stop/taillight,
back-up light, or turn signal light.
3. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise. 4. Remove the burned out bulb from
the socket by pulling it straight out
of its socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the socket.
6. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
7. Reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks.
8. Reinstall the light assembly cover.
LIGHT ASSEMBLY COVER
Lights266
2009 Fit

If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for 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 fuel tank.●Wash and dry the exterior
completely.●Clean the interior. Make sure the
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 for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.●Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).●Disconnect the battery.●Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.●To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.
●Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable ’’cover, one made
from 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 full
operating temperature (the cooling
fans cycle on and off twice).
Preferably, do this once a month.
Vehicle Storage
281
Maintenance
2009 Fit

Except all Canadian models withautomatic transmissionIf you have a flat tire while driving,
stop in a safe 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.
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.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park (automatic)
or reverse (manual). Apply the
parking brake.
2. 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.
3. Lift the rear center head restraint.
4. Open the tailgate. Raise the cargo area floor lid by lifting it up with
the back of the strap. To keep the
floor lid open, hook the looped
side of the strap to the legs of the
rear center head restraint.
5. Take the tool kit out of the spare tire.
FLOOR LID LOOP
SPARE
TIRE
TOOL KIT JACK
STRAP
CONTINUED
Changing a Flat Tire
285
Taking Care of the Unexpected
2009 Fit