2009 HONDA FIT maintenance schedule

You'll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
The recommendations on this page
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts,
not replace them. So even though
your vehicle is equipped with
airbags, make sure you and your
passengers always wear your seat
belts, and wear them properly (see
page14).Restrain All Children
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat, not the front seat. Infants and
small children should be restrained
in a child seat. Larger children
should use a booster seat and a lap/
shoulder belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat
(see pages34
－52).
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
Don't Drink and DriveAlcohol and driving don't mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don't drink
and drive, and don't let your friends
drink and drive, either.Control Your SpeedExcessive speed is a major factor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed, the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also occur
at lower speeds. Never drive faster
than is safe for current conditions,
regardless of the maximum speed
posted.Keep Your Vehicle in Safe ConditionHaving a tire blowout or a mechanical
failure can be extremely hazardous. To
reduce the possibility of such
problems, check your tire pressures
and condition frequently, and perform
all regularly scheduled maintenance
(see page245).
Important Safety Precautions6
2009 Fit

Maintenance Minder
Indicator
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position. It
reminds you that it is time to take
your vehicle in for scheduled
maintenance. The maintenance main
items and sub items will be displayed
in the information display. See page
245for more information on the
maintenance minder.
This indicator goes off when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service.
Immobilizer System
Indicator
This indicator comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will go off if you
have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine's fuel system will be
disabled (see page79). Security System Indicator
On Sport modelThis indicator comes on when the
security system is set. See page193
for more information on the security
system.
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
Instrument Panel Indicators66
2009 Fit

Break-in Period
Help assure your vehicle's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:●Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.●Avoid hard braking for the first 200
miles (300 km).●Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
You should also follow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Fuel Recommendation
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use of
a lower octane gasoline can cause a
persistent, heavy metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
We recommend using quality
gasolines containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
performance, fuel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely affect performance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact your
authorized dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with
oxygenates such as ethanol or
MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on oxygenated gasoline
containing up to 10% ethanol by
volume and up to 15% MTBE by
volume. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.
For further important fuel-related
information, please refer to your
Quick Start Guide.
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation198
2009 Fit

All service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by a
certified technician or other qualified
mechanic.
Important Safety Precautions
To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions before you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.●Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is off.●To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.●To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all fuel-related parts.●Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when working with the
battery or compressed air.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle, or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner's
manual.
Potential Vehicle Hazards●Carbon Monoxide poison from
engine exhaust. Be sure there is
adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.●Burns from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
down before touching any parts.
●Injury from moving parts. Do
not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner's
manual.
Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety244
2009 Fit

If the remaining engine oil life is 15
to 6 percent, you will see the engine
oil life indicator every time you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. The maintenance minder
indicator will also come on, and the
maintenance item code(s) for other
scheduled maintenance items
needing service will be displayed
above the‘‘OIL LIFE ’’message.
The 15 and 11 percent oil life
indicator reminds you that the time is
coming soon to take your vehicle in
for the required maintenance.
When the remaining engine oil life is
5 to 1 percent, you will see a
‘‘SERVICE ’’message along with the
same maintenance item code(s),
every time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position.
MAINTENANCE
MINDER INDICATOR
MAINTENANCE ITEM CODE(S)
ENGINE OIL LIFE
INDICATORMaintenance Minder246
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

Inflation, Proper Tire
..................
273
Recommended Pressures
.......
274
Inside Mirror
.............................
101
Inspection, Tire
..........................
275
Installing a Child Seat
..................
42
Instrument Panel
..........................
59
Instrument Panel Brightness
.......
76
Instruments and Controls
.............
57
Interior Lights
............................
107
Introduction
...................................
i
iPod
®Error Messages
.........
135, 176
J
Jacking up the Vehicle
...............
285
Jack, Tire
...................................
285
Jump Starting
.............................
299
K
Keys
.............................................
78 L
Label, Certification
.....................
316
Lane Change, Signaling
...............
74
Lap/Shoulder Belt
.................
14, 19
LATCH Anchorage System
..........
43
Lights Bulb Replacement
...................
262
Indicator
...................................
59
Interior
....................................
107
Parking
....................................
74
Turn Signal
..............................
74
Load Limit
..................................
209
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)
......
80
Locks Anti-theft Steering Column
.......
80
Childproof Door
.......................
82
Fuel Fill Door
..........................
199
Lockout Prevention
..................
82
Power Door
..............................
81
Tailgate
....................................
88
Low Coolant Level
......................
202
Lower Anchors
.............................
43
Lower Glove Box
........................
105
Low Fuel Indicator
.......................
62 Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
...........................
60, 303
Lubricant Specifications Chart...
319
Luggage, Storing (cargo)
...........
208
M
Maintenance
..............................
243
Main Items and Sub Items
......
248
Minder
....................................
245
Minder Indicator
......................
66
Owner's Maintenance Checks
................................
250
Safety
......................................
244
Schedule
.................................
251
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
.......
304
Manual Transmission
.................
217
Checking Fluid Level
..............
260
Shifting
...................................
217
Manual Transmission Fluid
.......
260
Meters, Gauges
............................
68
Methanol in Gasoline
.................
198
Mirrors, Adjusting
......................
101
Modifications
.............................
207
Modifying Your Vehicle
.............
207
IndexVI
2009 Fit

Rear View Mirror
.......................
101
Rear Window Defogger
................
76
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
.....................................
73
Recommended Shift Speeds
.......
218
Refueling
....................................
199
Reminder Indicators
.....................
60
Remote Audio Controls
..............
189
Remote Transmitter
.....................
90
Replacement Information Dust and Pollen Filter
.............
268
Engine Oil and Filter
...............
254
Fuses
......................................
306
Light Bulbs
.............................
262
Schedule
.................................
251
Tires
.......................................
276
Wiper Blades
..........................
269
Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash
........................................
20
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)
................................
334
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant
............................
202, 256
Restraint, Child
............................
34
Reverse Gear Position
................
221
Reverse Lockout
........................
223 Rotation, Tire
.............................
276
S
Safety Belts
..............................
8, 18
Safety Defects, Reporting (U.S. only)
.......................................
334
Safety Features
..............................
7
Airbags
......................................
9
Door Locks
..............................
11
Head Restraints
........................
13
Seat Belts
..............................
8, 14
Seats & Seat-Backs
..............
11, 12
Safety Labels, Location of
.............
54
Safety Messages
..........................
iii
Seat Belts
.................................
8, 18
Additional Information
.............
18
Advice for Pregnant Women
....
16
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
...........................
20
Cleaning
..................................
267
Detachable Anchor
..................
99
Lap/Shoulder Belt
..............
14, 19
Maintenance
............................
20 Reminder Indicator and
Beeper
.............................
18, 60
System Components
................
18
Use During Pregnancy
.............
16
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt
..................................
14, 19
Seats
............................................
93
Seats, Adjusting the
.....................
93
Seat Under Box
..........................
106
Security System
.........................
193
Sensors Driver's Seat Position Sensor...
27
Front Passenger's Weight Sensors
................................
27
Impact Sensors
...................
22, 23
Serial Number
............................
316
Service Intervals
.........................
245
Service Manual (U.S. only)
........
335
Service Station Procedures
........
199
Setting the Clock
........................
192
Shifting the Automatic Transmission
..........................
219
Shift Lever Position Indicators
...
219
Shift Lock Release
......................
223
IndexVIII
2009 Fit