2010 HONDA FIT manual transmission

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 notaccelerate.
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 reaches the highest
threshold 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. ●
You upshift before the engine
speed reaches the lowest
threshold 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)
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Driving
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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 only
With 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 selectedgear.
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)
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When you accelerate from a stop, the
transmission starts in first gear, and
you must manually upshift between
first and fifth gears. Make sure you
upshift before the engine speed
reaches the tachometer's red zone.
The transmission remains in the
selected gear (5, 4, 3, 2, or 1). There
is no automatic downshift when you
push the accelerator pedal to thefloor.
When you are driving in 4th or 5th
gear, the transmission downshifts to
the lower gear under the followingconditions:● The vehicle slows down to a
certain speed.
● You press the brake pedal. 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 also shifts
automatically as the vehicle comes to
a complete stop. It downshifts to first
gear when the vehicle speed reaches
6 mph (10 km/h) or less.
The automatic transmission will not
allow you to shift up or down if:
● You downshift before the engine
speed reaches the highest
threshold 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.
CONTINUED
Driving with the Paddle Shifters (Sport only)
227
Driving
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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
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Driving
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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
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Driving
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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 ofyourself.
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
page 335 for 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

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 COOLANTRESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
Fluid Locations
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Use only Honda Genuine ATF-Z1
(automatic transmission fluid). Do not
mix with other transmission fluids.
Using transmission fluid other than
Honda Genuine ATF-Z1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting from the use of
transmission fluid other than Honda
Genuine ATF-Z1 is not covered by the
Honda new vehicle warranty.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way backinto the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
If you are not sure how to add fluid,
contact your dealer. Manual Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle on levelground.
Remove the transmission filler bolt,
and carefully feel inside the bolt hole
with your finger. The fluid level
should be up to the edge of the bolt
hole. If it is not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole.Put a new washer on the filler bolt,
then reinstall the filler bolt and
tighten it securely.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certification seal that says
‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES ’’as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as soon
as it is convenient.
If you are not sure how to check and
add fluid, contact your dealer.
FILLER BOLT
Correct level WASHER
Transmission Fluid
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