2012 HONDA FIT check engine light

191
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 192
Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 193Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 194
Maintenance Minder
TM
..................... 195
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 199Opening the Hood ........................... 200
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 201
Oil Check ......................................... 202
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 203Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter..... 204
Engine Coolant ................................ 206
Transmission Fluid ............................ 208
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 210
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 211
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 212
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 218Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 222
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 223
Tire Labeling .................................... 223
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 225Wear Indicators................................ 227Tire Service Life ................................ 227
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 228
Tire Rotation .................................... 229
Winter Tires ..................................... 230
Battery............................................... 231
Remote Transmitter Care
*
Replacing the Battery ....................... 232
Heating and Cooling
* System
Maintenance................................... 233
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 234
Exterior Care.................................... 235
* Not available on all models

205
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
4.Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5.Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
uIf it is stuck, you must detach it.
6.Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
uApply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7.Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
uTightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8.Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
uEngine oil change capacity (including
filter):
3.8 US qt (3.6 L)
9.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
10.Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11.Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
uIf necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

250Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START
(e
and check the
starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 231
●
If the interior lights come on normally
2 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 263
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 161
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 90
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 72
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 263
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 264
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2Jump Starting P. 251

251
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Jump StartingTurn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1.Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle’s battery + terminal.
uRemove the cover from the under-hood
fuse box.
2Engine Compartment Fuse Box P. 260
2.Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle’s + terminal.
uUse a 12-volt booster battery only.
3.Connect the second jumper cable to the
assisting vehicle’s - terminal.
4.Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the grounding strap as
shown.
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part.
5.If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
6.Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
■
Jump Starting Procedure
1Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and
may prevent the engine from starting.
3
WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow
the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking
materials away from the battery.
Booster Battery

256Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/BlinkingIf the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.
■
What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
2.If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.
■
What to do after parking the vehicle
1.Stop the engine and let it sit for about one minute.
2.Open the hood and check the oil level.
uAdd oil as necessary.
3.Start the engine and check the low oil pressure indicator.
uThe light goes out: Start driving again.
uThe light does not go out within 10 seconds: Stop the engine and
contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the heating and cooling
* system, rear defogger, and other
electrical systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
NOTICERunning the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engine may rapidly discharge
the battery.
* Not available on all models

258
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
•The brake fluid is low.
•There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
•If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
•If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
•Comes on when there is a problem with EPS.
•If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada
1If the EPS Indicator Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

263
uuFusesuInspecting and Changing Fuses
Handling the Unexpected
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1.Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
. Turn
headlights and all accessories off.
2.Check the fuses in the engine
compartment.
uIf the fuse is blown, have it replaced by a
dealer.
3.Inspect the small fuses in the engine
compartment and the vehicle interior.
uIf there is a burned out fuse, remove it
with the fuse puller and replace it with a
new one.
1Inspecting and Changing Fuses
NOTICEReplacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating
greatly increases the chances of damaging the
electrical system.
Replace fuse with a spare fuse of the same specified
amperage.
Confirm the specified amperage using the charts on
P. 260 and P. 261.
There is a fuse puller on the back of the engine
compartment fuse box cover.
Fuse
BlownFuse Puller

Index
279
Index
Index
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 183
Accessories and Modifications................ 190
Accessory Power Socket........................... 115
Active Head Restraints............................. 107
Additives
Coolant .................................................. 206
Engine Oil ............................................... 201
Washer ................................................... 211
Additives, Engine Oil............................... 201
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 110
Front Seats.............................................. 103
Head Restraints ....................................... 105
Headlights .............................................. 212
Mirrors.................................................... 102
Rear Seats ............................................... 108
Steering Wheel ....................................... 101
Air Conditioning System (Heating and
Cooling System)...................................... 118
Cooling................................................... 120
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows .............................................. 120
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 233
Heating................................................... 119
Air Pressure...................................... 223, 269
Airbags....................................................... 34
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 40
After a Collision ........................................ 38
Airbag Care .............................................. 48
Event Data Recorder ................................. 19Front Airbags (SRS) .................................... 37
Indicator ........................................ 45, 67, 69
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 46
Sensors ...................................................... 34
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 43
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 47
Side Airbags .............................................. 41
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 44
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).................. 183
Indicator .................................................... 67
Armrest..................................................... 110
Audio System............................................ 122
Adjusting the Sound ................................ 126
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 123
Error Messages ........................................ 135
General Information ................................ 137
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 133
Recommended CDs ................................. 137
Recommended Devices ............................ 139
Remote Controls ......................................... 3
Security Code .......................................... 124
Theft Protection ....................................... 124
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 123
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 139
Authorized Manuals................................. 277
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking................... 84
Customize ................................................. 85
Automatic Transmission........................... 164
Creeping ................................................. 164
Fluid ........................................................ 208
Kickdown ................................................ 164Operating the Shift Lever........... 13, 166, 168
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 169
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 253
Shifting ........................................... 165, 167
Auxiliary Input Jack.................................. 123
Average Fuel Economy.............................. 74
BBattery...................................................... 231
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 256
Jump Starting .......................................... 251
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 231
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 232
Belts (Seat).................................................. 26
Beverage Holders..................................... 114
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®..................... 140
Booster Seats (For Children)...................... 60
Brake System............................................ 181
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 183
Brake Assist System ................................. 184
Fluid ........................................................ 210
Foot Brake............................................... 182
Indicator............................................ 64, 258
Parking Brake .......................................... 181
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel)...... 99
Bulb Replacement.................................... 212
Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light and
Rear Turn Signal Lights .......................... 216
Fog Lights ............................................... 214
Headlights ............................................... 212