2012 HONDA FIT towing

237
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 238
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
*....................... 239
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*..... 245
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine ........................ 250
Jump Starting.................................... 251
Shift Lever Does Not Move.............. 253
Overheating
How to Handle Overheating ............. 254Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On................................................ 256If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 256
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ..................................... 257If the Brake System Indicator Comes On .. 258If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 258
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 259
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 259Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 260
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 263
Emergency Towing........................... 264
* Not available on all models

238Handling the Unexpected
ToolsTypes of Tools
1Types of Tools
2How to Set Up the Jack P. 242
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack HandleJack
Jack Handle BarDetachable Towing Hook

249
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
4.Recheck the air pressure using the gauge
on the air compressor.
uDo not turn the air compressor on to
check the pressure.
If the air pressure is:
uLess than 19 psi (130 kPa), do not add air
or continue driving. The leak is too
severe. Call for help and have your
vehicle towed.
2Emergency Towing P. 264
u33 psi (230 kPa) or more, continue
driving for another 5 minutes or until you
reach the nearest service station. Do not
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
uGreater than 19 psi (130 kPa), but less
than 33 psi (230 kPa), add air using the
pump until the tire pressure reaches 33
psi (230 kPa), then drive carefully for 5
more minutes or until you reach the
nearest service station. Do not exceed 50
mph (80 km/h).
5.Repackage and properly stow the kit.

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

264Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■
Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
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.
1Emergency Towing
NOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.

Continued
265
uuEmergency Towingu
Handling the Unexpected
For very short distances, such as freeing the vehicle, you can use the detachable
towing hook that mounts on the anchors in the front and rear bumpers.
1.Put cloth on the edge of the cover.
Carefully pry with a small flat-tip
screwdriver or a metal fingernail file to
remove the cover.
2.Take the towing hook and the wheel nut
wrench out of the tool bag in the cargo
area.
3.Screw the towing hook into the hole, and
tighten it with the wheel nut wrench.■
Towing Hook
1Towing Hook
NOTICETo avoid damage to your vehicle, use the towing
hook for straight, flat ground towing only. Do not
tow at an angle. This hook should not be used to tow
the vehicle onto a flat bed. Do not use it as a tie
down.
Make sure to use the properly-designed and attached
towing equipment.NOTICEDo not slip the clutch for a long time to get unstuck.
This may overheat and damage the transmission.
Cover
Towing Hook
Wheel Nut Wrench

uuEmergency Towingu
266Handling the Unexpected
If you cannot open the tailgate use the following procedure.
1.Use a flat-tip screwdriver and remove the
cover on the back of the tailgate.
2.To open the tailgate, push the tailgate
while pushing the lever to the unlocking
direction.■
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate
Models without tailgate key cylinder
1When You Cannot Open or Close the Tailgate
What to do-Following up
After taking these steps, contact a dealer to have the
vehicle checked.
When you open the tailgate from inside, make sure
there is enough space around the tailgate, and it
does not hit anyone or any object.
Cover
Lever
Lock Unlock

285
Index
Winter .................................................... 230
Tools......................................................... 238
Towing a Trailer....................................... 159
Towing Your Vehicle
Emergency .............................................. 264
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System).................................................... 178
Indicator ........................................... 69, 259
Transmission............................. 165, 167, 171
Automatic............................................... 164
Fluid ............................................... 208, 209
Manual ................................................... 171
Number .................................................. 270
Sequential Shift Mode............................. 169
Shift Position Indicator .............. 65, 166, 168
Trip Meter.................................................. 73
Troubleshooting...................................... 237
Blown Fuse ..................................... 260, 261
Brake Pedal Vibrates ................................. 17
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door ......... 18
Emergency Towing ................................. 264
Engine Won’t Start ................................. 250
Noise When Braking ................................. 18
Overheating ............................................ 254
Puncture/Flat Tire ............................ 239, 245
Rear Door Won’t Open ....................... 17, 83
Select Lever Won’t Move ........................ 253
Warning Indicators.................................... 64
Turn Signals................................................ 95
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 70
UUnlocking the Doors............................ 79, 82
USB Adapter Cable........................... 122, 123
USB Flash Drives........................................ 139VVanity Mirrors............................................... 5
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)....... 270
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®).................. 176
Off Button ............................................... 177
Off Indicator .............................................. 68
System Indicator ........................................ 68
Viscosity (Oil).................................... 201, 269
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist).................. 176WWarning Indicator On/Blinking............... 256
Warning Labels........................................... 62
Warranties (Warranty Manual provided
separately)............................................... 275
Watts......................................................... 268
Wear Indicators (Tire)............................... 227
Wheel Nut Wrench (Jack Handle)... 238, 242
Window Washers........................................ 97
Adding/Refilling Fluid ............................... 211
Switch ....................................................... 97
Windshield.................................................. 97
Cleaning .................................................. 236
Defrosting/Defogging .............................. 120Washer Fluid ........................................... 211
Wiper Blades ........................................... 218
Wipers and Washers.................................. 97
Winter Tires.............................................. 230
Snow Tires .............................................. 230
Tire Chains .............................................. 230
Wipers and Washers................................... 97
Checking and Replacing Wiper
Blades ........................................... 218, 220
WMA................................................. 129, 133
Worn Tires................................................ 222