2012 HONDA FIT power steering

8Quick Reference Guide
Instrument Panel
(P63)
Lights Reminders
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA®) System
Indicator
VSA® OFF Indicator
Electric Power
Steering (EPS)
Indicator Lights On Indicator High Beam Indicator
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
System Indicators
CRUISE MAIN
Indicator
*
Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator Side Airbag Off
Indicator
Door and Tailgate
Open Indicator
TachometerSpeedometerFuel Gauge Security System Alarm Indicator
*
Shift Lever Position Indicator
*
Low Fuel Indicator
Gauges
(P72)
/Information Display
(P73)
/System Indicators
(P64)
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators High Temperature
Indicator
Low Temperature
Indicator
System Indicators System Indicators
Low Tire Pressure
IndicatorU.S. models only
Parking Brake
and Brake System
Indicator
CRUISE CONTROL
Indicator
*
System Indicators
Charging System
Indicator
U.S.U.S.Canada
TPMS IndicatorU.S. models onlyWasher Level
Indicator
*
Daytime Running
Lights Indicator
*
Maintenance
Minder Indicator Fog Light Indicator
*
Canada

10Quick Reference Guide
Steering Wheel
(P101)
●To adjust, pull the adjustment lever
towards you, adjust to the desired
position, then lock the lever back in place.
Tailgate
(P88)
●To open the tailgate, pull the tailgate
open handle, and lift up.
Power Door Mirrors (P102)
●With the ignition switch in ON
(w
, move
the selector switch to L or R.
●Push the appropriate edge of the
adjustment switch to adjust the mirror.
Selector Switch
Adjustment Switch
Power Windows
(P92)
●With the ignition switch in ON
(w
, open
and close the power windows.
●If the power window lock button is in the
off position, each passenger’s window
can be opened and closed with its own
switch.
●If the power window lock button is in the
on position, each passenger’s window
switch is disabled.
Power Window Lock Button
Window
Switch

68
uuIndicatorsu
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
VSA® (Vehicle
Stability Assist)
System Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
, then
goes off.
●
Blinks when VSA® is active.
●
Comes on if there is a problem with the
VSA® system.
●
Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle checked by
a dealer.
2VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System P. 176
VSA® (Vehicle
Stability Assist) OFF
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
, then
goes off.
●
Comes on when you deactivate VSA®.
2VSA® On and Off P. 177
Door and Tailgate
Open Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds if you turn
the ignition switch to ON
(w
, then goes
off.
●
Comes on if any door or the tailgate is
not completely closed.
●
Goes off when all doors and the tailgate are closed.
EPS (Electric Power
Steering System)
Indicator
●
Comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to ON
(w
, and goes off when the
engine starts.
●
Comes on if there is a problem with the
EPS (Electric Power Steering System).
●
Stays on constantly or does not come on at all
- Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2If the EPS Indicator Comes On P. 258

75
Controls
This chapter explains how to operate the various controls necessary for driving.
Setting the Clock................................ 76
Locking and Unlocking the Doors
Key Types and Functions .................... 77
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ............................................ 79
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ............................................... 82
Childproof Door Locks ....................... 83
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking
*.......... 84
Opening and Closing the Tailgate
Using the Key
*................................... 88
Using the Tailgate Open Handle ......... 89
Security System.................................. 90
Immobilizer System ............................ 90Security System Alarm
*...................... 90
Opening and Closing the Windows.. 92
Operating the Switches Around the
Steering Wheel
Ignition Switch ................................... 94
Turn Signals ....................................... 95
Light Switches.................................... 95
Fog Lights
*........................................ 96
Daytime Running Lights ..................... 96
Wipers and Washers .......................... 97
Brightness Control ............................. 99
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
*
Button ........................................... 100
Adjusting the Steering Wheel........... 101Adjusting the Mirrors....................... 102
Interior Rearview Mirror ................... 102
Power Door Mirrors ......................... 102
Adjusting the Seats.......................... 103
Adjusting the Seat Positions ............. 103
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience
Items................................................ 111
Interior Lights .................................. 111
Interior Convenience Items .............. 113
Heating and Cooling
*....................... 118
Using Vents, Heating and A/C
*........ 118
* Not available on all models

100
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluRear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
* Button
Controls
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
* Button
Press the rear defogger and heated door
mirror button to defog the rear window and
mirrors when the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
1Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
* Button
NOTICEWhen cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to damage the heating wires.
It is critical to wipe the window from side to side
along the defogger heating wires.
This system consumes a lot of power, so turn it off
when the window has been defogged.
Also, do not use the system for a long period when
the engine is idling. This may weaken the battery,
making it difficult to start the engine.
Models with navigation systemModels without navigation system* Not available on all models

159
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome.
Perform the following procedure before towing your vehicle.
1.Check the transmission fluid level.
uMake sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks.
2.Start the engine.
3.Depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions.
4.Shift to
(D
and hold for five seconds, then to
(N
. Let the engine run for three
minutes, then turn it off.
5.Release the parking brake.
6.Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY
(q
.
uMake sure the steering wheel does not lock.
7.Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.
uThis can prevent the battery from running down.
1.Shift to
(N
.
2.Release the parking brake.
3.Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY
(q
.
uMake sure the steering wheel does not lock.
4.Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.
uThis can prevent the battery from running down.
■
When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
1Towing Your Vehicle
NOTICEFailure 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 or trailer.
Do not exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Consult your towing parts sales or rental agency if
any other items are recommended or required for
your towing situation.
If you tow your vehicle behind a motorhome, the
transmission fluid must be changed every 2 years or
30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.Automatic transmission modelsAutomatic transmission models
1When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
NOTICESevere transmission damage will occur if the vehicle is
shifted from
(R
to
(N
and then towed with the drive
wheels on the ground.
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

163
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingAvoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■
In Rain
■
Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q
or
LOCK
(0
while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N
, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
NOTICEThe following can damage the under spoiler:•Parking the vehicle by a parking block•Parallel parking along the road shoulder•Driving towards the bottom of a hill•Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)•Driving on a rutted or bumpy road•Driving on a road with potholes.Sport Models

uuBrakinguBrake System
182Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may
be disc or drum, depending on the model. A power assist helps reduce the effort
needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping force
when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.
2Brake Assist System P. 184
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 183
■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.