2011 HONDA FIT emergency towing

This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If
not, you will also find instructions on
getting your vehicle towed.Compact Spare Tire
....................286
Changing a Flat Tire ...................287
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire ......................................... 293
If the Engine Won't Start .............299
Jump Starting .............................. 301
If the Engine Overheats ..............303
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .........305
Charging System Indicator .........305
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........306
Brake System Indicator ...............307
Fuses .......................................... 308
Fuse Locations ............................ 311
Emergency Towing .....................313
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck ..........314
Taking Care of the Unexpected
285
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Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
are OK, there is probably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. See
Emergency Towing on page 313.
If the headlights dim noticeably or go
out when you try to start the engine,
either the battery is discharged or
the connections are corroded. Check
the condition of the battery and
terminal connections (see page 281).
You can then try jump starting the
vehicle from a booster battery (see
page 301). The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's speed
sounds normal, or even faster than
normal, when you turn the ignition
switch to the START (III) position,
but the engine does not run.
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page 79).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to Starting the
Engine on page 218.
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see
page 308).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find the
problem. See Emergency Towing on
page 313.
If the Engine Won't Start
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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
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Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle stopped. 1. Safely pull off the road, and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page 204). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other drivingmaneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 255).
4. Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving(see Emergency Towing on page
313). Charging System Indicator
If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technicalassistance.
Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
305
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U.S. Canada
Brake System
Indicator (Red)
The brake system indicator (red)
normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, and as a reminder to check
the parking brake. It will stay on if
you do not fully release the parkingbrake.
If the brake system indicator (red)
comes on while driving, the brake
fluid level is probably low. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page263).
If the fluid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads/shoes. However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system's dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on thepedal.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Emergency
Towing on page 313).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and carefully. If the ABS indicator and the VSA
system indicator (if equipped) come
on with the brake system indicator,
have your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately.
Brake System Indicator
307
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If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is verydangerous.
There are two ways to tow your vehicle:
Flat-bed EquipmentThe operator
loads your vehicle on the back of atruck. This is the best way to
transport your vehicle.
Wheel-lift Equipment The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on
the ground. This is an acceptable
way to tow your vehicle. If, due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the front wheels on
the ground, do this:
Manual transmission:

Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to neutral.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Automatic transmission:
Start the engine.
Shift to the D position and hold for
5 seconds, then to N.
Turn off the engine.
Leave the ignition switch in the
ACCESSORY (I) position so the
steering wheel does not lock.
Release the parking brake.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), your
vehicle must be transported with the
front wheels off the ground.
With the front wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).
CONTINUED
Emergency Towing
313
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Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle's weight.
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 begin towing.If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow, call a towing service to
pull it out (see page 313).
For very short distances, such as
freeing the vehicle, you can use the
detachable towing hook that mounts
on the anchor in the front bumper.
To use the towing hook:
1. Take the towing hook and the
extension out of the tool kit in the
cargo area.
2. Put a cloth on the notch of the cover. Using the extension,
carefully pry on the notch of the
cover to remove it.
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
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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
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