2010 HONDA FIT tow

4. The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the ‘‘XXX ’’amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.(1,400 －750 (5 ꭦ150) ＝650
lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
In addition, the total weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must
not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on
a label on the driver's doorjamb.
Max Load (850 lbs) Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 2
＝300 lbs) Cargo Weight
(550 lbs)
Max Load (850 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 4
＝600 lbs) Cargo Weight
(250 lbs)
Max Load (850 lbs)
Passenger Weight
(150 lbs x 5
＝750 lbs) Cargo Weight
(100 lbs)
Carrying Cargo
210
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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual and automatic transmissions.
It also includes important information
on parking your vehicle, the braking
system, the vehicle stability assist(VSA
®), and the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS).
Driving Guidelines ......................214
Preparing to Drive ......................
215
Starting the Engine .....................
216
Manual Transmission .................
217
Automatic Transmission .............
219
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
(Sport only) .............................
224
Parking .......................................
229
Braking System ..........................
230
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............
231
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®),
aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), System .....................
233
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ...................................
235
Towing a Trailer ..........................
238
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a
Motorhome .............................
238
Driving
213
Driving

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 anincline.
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 thetransmission.Parking Tips
● Make sure the windows areclosed.
● Turn off the lights.
● Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them withyou.
● Lock the doors and the tailgate.
On Sport model
Check 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
Table of Contents

Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.Towing Your Vehicle Behind aMotorhome
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 begintowing.
Automatic transmission:
Perform the following procedure
every day immediately before you
begin towing. Otherwise severe
automatic transmission damage willoccur.
1. Check the transmission fluid level
(see page 259).
Do not overfill.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press on the brake pedal. Move
the 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 Motorhome
238
Table of Contents

5. Release the parking brake.
Manual transmission:
1. Move the shift lever into theNeutral position.
2. Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock. Make
sure the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets are
turned off so you do not run down
the battery.
When you stop towing your vehicle
and shift out of the neutral position,
you may not be able to move the shift
lever from neutral to reverse or Park.
If this happens, press the brake pedal
and turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position, then shift out ofneutral.
Extended Towing
If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, you should repeat the above
procedure at least every 8 hours
(when you stop for fuel, etc.).Failure to follow the recommended
instructions exactly will result in severe
automatic transmission damage. If you
cannot shift the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a flat-bed truck ortrailer.
CONTINUED
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
239
Driving
Table of Contents

When towing your vehicle for long
periods, remove the 30A Radio fuse
to reduce drain on battery. This fuse
is located in the interior fuse box and
shown as number 61 below.Only remove the fuse after you have
performed the transmission shifting
procedure, and the key is in the
ACCESSORY (I) position. Store the
fuse in an obvious location (center
pocket, etc) as a reminder to re-
install the fuse before driving thevehicle.
RADIO FUSE
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
240
Table of Contents

Automatic transmission
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 comesfirst.
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
241
Driving
Table of Contents

Symbol Maintenance Main ItemsA ●
Replace engine oilꭧ1
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/VSA)
● All fluid levels and condition of fluids
● Exhaust system
＃
●Fuel lines and connections＃
●Check expiration date for TRK bottleꭧ2
ꭧ 1: If the message ‘‘SERVICE ’’does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
ꭧ 2: Canadian A/T models only
＃ : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page 249.
NOTE: ●
Independent of maintenance messages 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 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
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
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