2011 HONDA FIT engine overheat

5. Look for any obvious coolantleaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergency
Towing on page 313).
6. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
7. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the high
temperature indicator goes off
before checking the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
8. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comesoff. 9. Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck. If you do not have the proper
coolant mixture available, you can
add plain water. Remember to
have the cooling system drained
and refilled with the proper
mixture as soon as you can.
10. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check
the high temperature indicator. If
it begins to blink or comes on
again, the engine needs repair (see
Emergency Towing on page 313).
11. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has gone
down, add coolant to the MAX
mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
If the Engine Overheats
304
Main MenuTable of Contents

D
DANGER, Explanation of.............iii
Dashboard ............................... 3, 58
Daytime Running Lights ..............75
Daytime Running Lights Indicator ................................... 65
Dead Battery .............................. 301
Defects, Reporting Safety ...........336
Defogger, Rear Window ...............76
Defrosting the Windows ............113
Detachable Anchor ......................99
Dimensions ................................ 320
Dimming the Headlights ..............74
Dipstick Automatic Transmission .........261
Engine Oil ............................... 204
Directional Signals .................63, 74
Disc Brake Wear Indicators .......232
Disc Care ................................... 187
Disc Player .......................... 122, 149
Disc Player Error
Messages ........................ 128, 157
Disposal of Used Oil ...................257Doors
Auto Door Locking/ Unlocking .............................
83
Childproof Door Locks .............83
Locking and Unlocking ............81
Power Door Locks ...................82
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) ................................ 323
Downshifting, Manual
Transmission .......................... 219
Driver and Passenger Safety ..........5
Driving ....................................... 215
Economy ................................. 205
Driving Guidelines .....................216
Driving with the Paddle Shifters
(Sport only) ............................ 226
Dust and Pollen Filter ................270
E
Economy, Fuel ........................... 205
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator ................................... 62
Emergencies on the Road ..........285
Battery, Jump Starting .............301 Brake System Indicator
.....
60, 307
Changing a Flat Tire ...............287
Charging System Indicator ........................ 60, 305
Checking the Fuses ................309
Driving with a Flat Tire ...........287
Hazard Warning Flashers ........76
Jump Starting .......................... 301
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator ........................ 60, 305
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp ............................. 60, 306
Overheated Engine .................303
Towing .................................... 313
Emergency Brake ......................103
Emergency Flashers ....................76
Emergency Towing ....................313
Emissions Controls ....................328
Emissions Testing ......................331
CONTINUED
Index
III
INDEX
Main Menu

EngineAdding Engine Coolant ...........258
Coolant Temperature Indicator ............................... 63
If it Won't Start ........................299
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............................. 60, 306
Oil Life Indicator .....................247
Oil Pressure Indicator .......60, 305
Oil, What Kind to Use .............255
Overheating ............................ 303
Specifications .......................... 320
Speed Limiter ..................220, 224
Starting ................................... 218
Engine Coolant .......................... 258
Engine Number .........................319
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................200
Evaporative Emissions Controls .................................. 328
Exhaust Emissions Controls ......329
Exhaust Fumes ............................ 53
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by .................................... 16F
Fan, Interior
............................... 111
Features ..................................... 109
Filters
Dust and Pollen .......................270
Oil ........................................... 256
Flashers, Hazard Warning ...........76
Flat Tire, Changing a .................287
Floor Mats ................................. 269
Fluids Automatic Transmission .........261
Brake ...................................... 263
Clutch ..................................... 263
Location .................................. 254
Manual Transmission ..............262
Windshield Washer .................260
FM/AM Radio Reception ...........185
Fog Lights .................................... 75
Four-way Flashers ........................76
Front Airbags ........................... 9, 24
Front Seat
Adjusting .................................. 93
Fuel ............................................ 200
Check Fuel Cap Indicator .........70 Economy
.................................
205
Fill Door and Cap ....................201
Gauge ...................................... 70
Low Fuel Indicator ...................62
Octane Requirement ...............200
Reserve Indicator .....................62
Tank, Filling the ......................201
Fuel Economy ............................ 205
Fuses, Checking the ..................309
G
Gas Mileage, Improving .............206
Gasoline ..................................... 200
Low Fuel Indicator ...................62
Octane Requirement ...............200
Tank, Refueling .......................201
Gas Station Procedures ..............201
Gauges Fuel .......................................... 70
Odometer ................................. 70
Speedometer ............................ 68
Tachometer .............................. 68
Index
IV
Main Menu

Shifting................................... 219
Manual Transmission Fluid .......262
Meters, Gauges ............................ 68
Methanol in Gasoline .................200
Mirrors, Adjusting ......................102
Modifications ............................. 209
Modifying Your Vehicle .............209
N
Neutral Gear Position .................223
New Vehicle Break-in .................200
Normal Shift Speeds ...........220, 230
NOTICE, Explanation of ................i
Numbers, Identification .............318
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline ................................. 200
Odometer ..................................... 70
Odometer, Trip ............................ 69
Oil Change, How to ......................256
Change, When to ....................247Checking Engine
....................
204
Life, Engine ............................. 247
Pressure Indicator .............60, 305
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart ................................... 255
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery ................................ 328
ON (Ignition Key Position) ..........80
Outside Mirrors .........................101
Overheating, Engine ..................303
Owner's Maintenance Checks ....252
Oxygenated Fuels ......................200
P
Paddle Shifters ........................... 226
Panel Brightness Control .............76
Park Gear Position .....................222
Parking ...................................... 231
Parking Brake ............................ 103
Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator ........................... 60, 307
Parking Lights ............................. 74
Parking Over Things that
Burn ................................ 231, 330Passenger Airbag Off Indicator
....
31
PGM-FI System .......................... 329
Playing a Disc .....................122, 149
Playing an iPod

Protecting Children......................34
General Guidelines ..................34
Protecting Infants .....................39
Protecting Larger Children ......49
Protecting Small Children ........40
Using Child Seats with Tethers ................................. 47
Using LATCH .......................... 43
R
Radiator Overheating .................303
Radio/Disc Sound System ............................ 115, 143
Radio Theft Protection ...............192
Readiness Codes ........................331
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement ........................... 268
Rearview Mirror .........................101
Rear Window Defogger ................76
Rear Window Wiper and Washer ..................................... 73
Recommended Shift Speeds ............................. 220, 230
Refueling .................................... 201Reminder Indicators
.....................
60
Remote Audio Controls ..............190
Remote Transmitter .....................90
Replacement Information
Dust and Pollen Filter .............270
Engine Oil and Filter ...............256
Fuses ...................................... 308
Light Bulbs ............................. 264
Schedule ................................. 253
Spark Plugs ............................. 320
Tires ....................................... 278
Wiper Blades .......................... 271
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash ........................................ 20
Reporting Safety Defects ............336
Reserve Tank, Engine
Coolant ............................ 204, 258
Restraint, Child ............................ 34
Reverse Gear Position ................223
Reverse Lockout ........................219
Rotation, Tire ............................. 278
S
Safety Belts .............................. 8, 18Safety Defects, Reporting
...........
336
Safety Features .............................. 7
Airbags ................................. 9, 22
Door Locks .............................. 11
Head Restraints ........................13
Seat Belts ........................ 8, 14, 18
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 .................................. 269
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
Index
VIII
Main Menu