2011 HONDA FIT light

Cargo Hooks
The two or four hooks on the floor
can be used to install a net for
securing items.
Your vehicle also has cargo hooks on
side panel in the cargo area.
They are designed to hold light
items. Heavy objects may damage
the hook. Make sure any items put
on each hook weigh less than 2.2 lbs
(1 kg).HOOK
 : If equipped HOOK

Carrying Cargo
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You should do the following checks
and adjustments before you drive
your vehicle.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors,and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
2. Check that the hood is fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page 275).
4. Check that any items you may be carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely. 5. Check the seat adjustment (see
page 93).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page101).
7. Check the steering wheel adjustments (see page 77).
8. Make sure the doors and the tailgate are securely closed andlocked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 14).
10. When you start the engine, check the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page 59).
Preparing to Drive
217
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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Your vehicle is equipped with front
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on the
brake pedal. The anti-lock brake
system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking veryhard.
Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their
effectiveness. Use the engine to
assist the brakes by taking your foot
off the accelerator and downshifting
to a lower gear.Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
Braking System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
If the front brake pads need
replacing, you will hear a distinctive,
metallic screeching sound when you
apply the brake pedal. If you do not
have the brake pads replaced, they
will screech all the time. It is normal
for the brakes to occasionally squeal
or squeak when you apply them.
Braking System
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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 337 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.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. Maintenance Safety
.....................246
Maintenance MinderTM............... 247
Fluid Locations ........................... 254
Adding Engine Oil ......................255
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter ....................................... 256
Engine Coolant ........................... 258
Windshield Washers ...................260
Transmission Fluid .....................261
Automatic Transmission Fluid ................................... 261
Manual Transmission Fluid ....262
Brake and Clutch Fluid ...............263
Lights .......................................... 264
Cleaning the Seat Belts ...............269
Floor Mats .................................. 269
Audio Antenna ............................ 270
Dust and Pollen Filter .................270
Wiper Blades .............................. 271
Tires ........................................... 275
Checking the Battery ..................281
Vehicle Storage ........................... 283
Maintenance
245
Maintenance
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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 moreinformation.
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:
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items markedwith
will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the informationdisplay.
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 pagelisted.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page204.
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 204.
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page261.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 263.
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page276.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page 264.
Maintenance MinderTM
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Check the fluid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use. This
reservoir supplies the windshield and
rear window washers.
On U.S. models:To check the
windshield washer fluid level, open
the hood and look for the windshield
washer reservoir located behind the
right headlight. You will see a ‘‘1/2 ’’
mark on the reservoir.
On Canadian models:The low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page 65).
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
When you refill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze
can damage your vehicle's paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer fluid.
WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR Fill up to here
Windshield Washers
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Clutch Fluid
Manual Transmission only
The 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 brakesystem.
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 cleancloth.
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, Lights
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