2011 HONDA FIT coolant temperature

High Temperature Indicator
This indicator monitors the
temperature of the engine coolant. It
normally comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II) position
and goes off after a few seconds. In
normal driving conditions, this
indicator should not blink or stay on. In
severe driving conditions, such as very
hot weather or a long period of uphill
driving, this indicator may blink. This
means the engine coolant temperature
is high. If the indicator begins to blink
while you are driving, be sure to slow
down to prevent overheating. If the
indicator stays on, pull safely to the
side of the road and turn off the engine.
See page 303 for instructions and
precautions on checking the engine's
cooling system.
Do not drive the vehicle while the
indicator is on or the engine may bedamaged.Low Temperature Indicator
This indicator monitors the
temperature of the engine coolant. If
there is no problem, this indicator
comes on when the engine is cold. If
it comes on when the engine is warm
(normal operating temperature),
have the vehicle inspected by your
dealer as soon as possible.Turn Signal and
Hazard WarningIndicators
The left or right turn signal indicator
blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If an indicator does not blink
or blinks rapidly, it usually means
one of the turn signal bulbs is burned
out (see pages 266 and 268). Replace
the bulb as soon as possible, since
other drivers cannot see that you aresignaling.
When you press the hazard warning
button, both turn signal indicators
and all turn signals on the outside of
the vehicle flash.
CONTINUED
Instrument Panel Indicators
63
Instruments and Controls
Main MenuTable of Contents

When you selector, the
system automatically turns on the
A/C (if equipped). You cannot turn
the A/C off in this mode. Ventilation
The flow-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then discharges
it through vents near the tailgate.
1. Set the temperature to the lower limit.
2. Make sure the A/C is off.
3. Select
and.
4. Set the fan to the desired speed. Using the Heater
The heater uses engine coolant to
warm the air. If the engine is cold, it
will be several minutes before you
feel warm air coming from thesystem.
1. Select
and.
2. Set the fan to the desired speed.
3. Adjust the warmth of the air with the temperature control dial. Using the A/C
If equipped
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Check the high
temperature indicator (see page 63).
If the indicator begins to blink, turn
off the A/C until the indicator goesoff.
1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The indicator in the button
comes on when a fan speed isselected.
2. Make sure the temperature is set to maximum cool.
3. Select
.
4. If the outside air is humid, select recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select
.
5. Set the fan to the desired speed.
Vents, Heating, and A/C
112
Main MenuTable of Contents

The high temperature indicator
should be off under most conditions.
If the engine coolant temperature
gets higher than normal, the
indicator will blink. If it stays on, you
should determine the reason (hot
day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).
If the vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the high
temperature indicator blinking or
remaining on. Or you may see steam
or spray coming from under thehood.
Driving with the high temperature
indicator on can cause serious damage
to your engine.
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in neutral
(manual) or Park (automatic), and
set the parking brake. Turn off all
accessories, and turn on the
hazard warning lights.
2. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn
off the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood. 3. If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running, and
check the high temperature
indicator. If the high heat is due to
overloading, the engine should
start to cool down almost
immediately. If it does, wait until
the high temperature indicator
goes off, then continue driving.
4. If the high temperature indicator stays on, turn off the engine.
CONTINUED
If the Engine Overheats
303
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Main MenuTable of Contents

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

Bulb ReplacementBack-up Lights ........................268
Brake Lights ........................... 268
Fog Lights ............................... 267
Front Parking Lights ...............265
Front Side Marker Lights ........265
Front Turn Signal Lights .........266
Headlights .............................. 264
High-mount Brake Light .........268
Rear Bulbs .............................. 268
Specifications .......................... 321
Taillights ................................. 268
Turn Signal Lights ..........266, 268
Bulbs, Halogen .......................... 264
C
Capacities Chart .........................321
Carbon Monoxide Hazard ............53
Cargo ......................................... 210
Cargo Hooks .............................. 214
Cargo, How to Carry ..................210
Carrying Cargo .......................... 210
CAUTION, Explanation of ............iii
CD Care ..................................... 187CD Error Messages
............
128, 157
CD Player ........................... 122, 149
Ceiling Light .............................. 107
Certification Label ......................318
Chains, Tires .............................. 280
Changing a Flat Tire ..................287
Changing Oil How to .................................... 256
When to .................................. 247
Charging System Indicator ........................... 60, 305
Check Fuel Cap Indicator .............70
Checklist, Before Driving ...........217
Childproof Door Locks .................83
Child Safety .................................. 34
Booster Seats ........................... 50
Child Seats .................... 39, 40, 41
Important Safety Reminders .....38
Infants ...................................... 39
Larger Children .......................49
LATCH ..................................... 43
Risks with Airbags ...................35
Small Children ......................... 40
Tethers .................................... 47
Warning Labels ........................36
Where Should a Child Sit? ........35Child Seats
............................. 34, 41
LATCH Anchorage Points ........43
Tether Anchorage Points .........47
Cleaning the Seat Belts ..............269
Clock .......................................... 193
Clutch Fluid ............................... 263
Code, Audio System ...................192
CO in the Exhaust ................53, 328
Cold Weather, Starting in ...........218
Compact Spare Tire ....................286
Controls, Instruments and ............57
Coolant
Adding .................................... 258
Checking ................................ 204
Proper Solution .......................258
Temperature Indicator .............63
Crankcase Emissions Control System ................................... 328
Cruise Control Indicator ...............65
Cruise Control Operation ...........195
Cruise Main Indicator ..................65
Cup Holders ............................... 106
Customer Service .......................334
Index
II
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