2012 HONDA FIT stop start

177
uuWhen DrivinguVSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel.
To turn the VSA® system on and off, press and
hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA® will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the (VSA® OFF)
button until you hear a beep.
VSA® is turned on every time you start the
engine, even if you turned it off the last time
you drove the vehicle.
■
VSA® On and Off
1VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Without VSA®, your vehicle will have normal braking
and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA®
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA® system is off, the traction control
system is also off. You should only attempt to free
your vehicle with the VSA® off if you are not able to
free it when the VSA® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving
your vehicle with the VSA® and traction control
systems switched off.
If the low tire pressure
* or TPMS indicator
* comes on
or blinks, the VSA® system comes on automatically. In
this case, you cannot turn the system off by pressing
the button.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
VSA® OFF Indicator
* Not available on all models

181
Continued
Driving
BrakingBrake SystemUse the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply:
Pull the lever fully up without pressing the
release button.
To release:
1.Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
the release button.
2.Lower the lever down all the way, then
release the button.■
Parking Brake
1Parking Brake
NOTICERelease the parking brake fully before driving. The
rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive
with the parking brake applied.
If you start driving without fully releasing the parking
brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning.
Always apply the parking brake when parking.
To prevent the parking brake from freezing when the
outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply
it, but do the following:
Put the shift lever in
(P
, then use a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Put the shift lever in
(R
or
(1
, then use a block or
other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models
a
b

183
uuBrakinguABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■
ABS
1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

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

255
uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
Handling the Unexpected
■
Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the high temperature
indicator goes off.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2.Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the
MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■
Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the high temperature
indicator.
If the high temperature indicator is off, resume driving. If it stays on, contact a dealer
for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3
WARNING
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.
MAX Reserve Tank
MIN

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

257
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
Handling the Unexpected
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
■
Reasons for indicator lamp to come on or blink
•Comes on when there is a problem with the engine emissions control
system, or the fuel fill cap is missing, or loose.
•Blinks when engine misfiring is detected.
■
What to do when the indicator lamp comes on
Avoid high speeds and immediately get your vehicle inspected at a
dealer.
■
What to do when the indicator lamp blinks
Park the vehicle in a safe place with no flammable items and wait at least
ten minutes or more with the engine stopped until it cools.
■
The message appears on when:
An evaporative system leak is detected. This may be caused by the fuel fill cap being
loose or not being installed.
■
What to do when the message appears:
1.Stop the engine.
2.Check that the fuel fill cap is fully installed.
uIf not, loosen the cap, and then retighten it until it clicks at least once.
3.Drive for several days of normal driving.
uThe message should go off.
■
When the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Malfunction indicator lamp comes on if the system continues to detect a leak of
gasoline vapor. If this happens, check the fuel fill cap using the procedures described
above.
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Check/Tighten Fuel Cap Message
1If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks
NOTICEIf you drive with the malfunction indicator lamp on,
the emissions control system and the engine could be
damaged.
If the malfunction indicator lamp blinks again when
restarting the engine, drive to the nearest dealer at
31 mph (50 km/h) or less. Have your vehicle
inspected.

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.