2009 HONDA FIT brake fluid

High Beam Indicator
This indicator comes on with the
high beam headlights. For more
information, see page75.
This indicator comes on with
reduced brightness when the
daytime running lights (DRL) are on
(see page75).Daytime Running Lights
Indicator
If this indicator comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position and the parking brake is
released, it means there is a problem
in the circuit. Have your vehicle
checked by your dealer.
Cruise Main Indicator
On Sport model and Canadian LX modelThis indicator comes on when you
turn on the cruise control system by
pressing the CRUISE button (see
page194).
Cruise Control Indicator
On Sport model and Canadian LX modelThis indicator comes on when you
set the cruise control. See page194
for information on operating the
cruise control.
Washer Level Indicator
Canadian models onlyThis indicator comes on when the
washer fluid level is low. Add washer
fluid when you see this indicator
come on (see page258).
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
65
Instruments and Controls
2009 Fit

Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.Towing Your Vehicle Behind a
Motorhome
Your vehicle can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). Do not
exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Otherwise, severe transmission
damage will occur.
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manufacturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer's attachment
instructions carefully.
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 freely before you begin
towing.
Automatic transmission:Perform the following procedure
every day immediately before you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage will
occur.
1. Check the transmission fluid level
(see page259).
Do not overfill.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press on the brake pedal. Movethe shift lever through all its
positions.
4. Shift to the D position and hold for 5 seconds, then to N. Let the
engine run for 3 minutes, then turn
it off.Severe transmission damage will occur
if the vehicle is shifted from reverse to
neutral and then towed with the drive
wheels on the ground.
Towing a Trailer, Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome238
2009 Fit

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance minder messages on
the information display, and
instructions for simple maintenance
tasks you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
page335for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.Maintenance Safety
.....................
244
Maintenance Minder
..................
245
Fluid Locations
...........................
252
Adding Engine Oil
......................
253
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
.......................................
254
Engine Coolant
...........................
256
Windshield Washers
...................
258
Transmission Fluid
.....................
259
Automatic Transmission Fluid
...................................
259
Manual Transmission Fluid
....
260
Brake and Clutch Fluid
...............
261
Lights
..........................................
262
Cleaning the Seat Belts
...............
267
Floor Mats
..................................
267
Audio Antenna
............................
268
Dust and Pollen Filter
.................
268
Wiper Blades
..............................
269
Tires
...........................................
273
Checking the Battery
..................
279
Vehicle Storage
...........................
281
Maintenance
243
Maintenance
2009 Fit

However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect. Maintenance may be done by
any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service facility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out your
Honda Service History or Canadian
Maintenance Log. Check your
warranty booklet for more
information.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘ certified ’’to EPA standards.
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with＃ will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the information
display.
Owner's Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If you
are unsure of how to perform any
check, turn to the appropriate page
listed.
●Engine oil level －Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page
201.●Engine coolant level －Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page202.●Automatic transmission －Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
259.●Brakes －Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 261.●Tires－Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
274.●Lights －Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page 262.
Maintenance Minder250
2009 Fit

SymbolMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
ꭧ 1
B
●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
＃
ꭧ 1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page 249.
NOTE:
●Independent of maintenance message in the information display, replace
the brake fluid every 3 years.●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.
Symbol Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).●Replace dust and pollen filterIf 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
3●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)
4●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance Minder
251
2009 Fit

CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK (Yellow loop)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop) ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
Fluid Locations252
2009 Fit

Check the brake fluid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
There are up to two reservoirs,
depending on the model. They are:●Brake fluid reservoir (all models)●Clutch fluid reservoir
(manual transmission models
only)
Replace the brake fluid according to
the time recommendation in the
maintenance minder schedule.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can
cause corrosion and decrease the life
of the system. Have the brake
system flushed and refilled with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible. Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads/shoes.
MAX
MIN
CONTINUED
Brake and Clutch Fluid
261
Maintenance
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