2012 HONDA FIT heating

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

118Controls
Heating and Cooling
*
Using Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Mode Control DialChange airflow.
Fan Control DialAdjusts the fan speed. Rotate the dial all
the way to OFF to turn everything off.
A/C Button
*
Press to cool the interior or dehumidify
while heating.
Temperature Control DialAdjusts the interior temperature.
Fresh Air/Recirculation LeverThis lever controls the source of the air going
into the system.
(Recirculation) Mode:
Recirculates air from the vehicle’s interior
through the system.
(Fresh Air) Mode:
Maintains outside ventilation. Keep the
system in fresh air mode in normal situations.
Dashboard
ventsDashboard
and floor
ventsFloor vents Floor and
defroster
ventsDefroster
vents
* Not available on all models

Continued
119
uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Controls
The heater uses engine coolant to warm the
air.
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2.Select and .
3.Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
■
To rapidly warm up the interior
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Select .
3.Set the temperature to maximum heat.
4.Select .
■
To dehumidify the interior
*
When used in combination with the heater, the air conditioning system makes the
interior warm and dry and can prevent the windows from fogging up.
1.Turn the fan on.
2.Press the A/C button to turn on the air conditioning.
3.Select and . Adjust the temperature to your preference.■
Heating
1To rapidly warm up the interior
Change to fresh air mode as soon as the interior gets
warm enough. The windows may fog up if kept in
recirculation mode.
* Not available on all models

uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
120Controls
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2.Select and .
3.Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
4.Press the A/C button (the indicator on).■
To rapidly cool down the interior
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Set the temperature to maximum cool.
3.Select .
1.Select turns the air conditioning system
on.
2.Select .
■
To rapidly defrost the windows
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Select .
3.Select .
4.Set the temperature to maximum heat.
■
Cooling
*
1To rapidly cool down the interior
If the interior is very warm, you can cool it down
more rapidly by partially opening the windows.
■
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
*
1Defrosting the Windshield and Windows
*
For your safety, make sure you have a clear view
through all the windows before driving.
Do not set the temperature near the upper or lower
limit.
When cold air hits the windshield, the outside of the
windshield may fog up.
If the side windows fog up, adjust the vents so that
the air hits the side windows.1To rapidly defrost the windows
After defrosting the windows, switch over to fresh air
mode.
If you keep the system in recirculation mode, the
windows may fog up from humidity. This impedes
visibility.
* Not available on all models

161
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P
, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N
, it is safer to start it in
(P
.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(N
. Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
uThe clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling
* system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

164
uuWhen DrivinguAutomatic Transmission
Driving
Automatic TransmissionThe following conditions cause the engine to run at high revolutions, and increase
creeping:
•Immediately after the engine starts.
•When the heating and cooling
* system is in use.
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed when stopped.
Quickly depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill may cause the
transmission to drop to a lower gear, unexpectedly increasing vehicle speed. Depress
the accelerator pedal carefully, especially on slippery roads and curves.
■
Creeping
■
Kickdown
* Not available on all models

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