2012 HONDA FIT engine

uuLocking and Unlocking the DoorsuKey Types and Functions
78Controls
Contains a number that you will need if you
purchase a replacement key.
■
Key Number Tag
1Key Number Tag
Keep the key number tag separate from the key in a
safe place outside of a vehicle.
If you wish to purchase an additional key, contact a
dealer.
If you lose your key and you cannot start the engine,
contact a dealer.

88Controls
Opening and Closing the TailgatePrecautions for Opening/Closing the TailgateAlways make sure individuals and objects are clear of the tailgate before opening or
closing it.■
Opening the tailgate
•Open the tailgate all the way.
uIf it is not fully opened, the tailgate may begin to close under its own weight.
•Be careful when it is windy. The wind may cause the tailgate to close.
■
Closing the tailgate
Keep the tailgate closed while driving to:
uAvoid possible damage.
uPrevent exhaust gas from leaking into the vehicle.
2Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 61
Using the Key
*
Insert the key in the cylinder to lock and
unlock the tailgate.
1Precautions for Opening/Closing the Tailgate
Be careful not to put your hands between the tailgate
and the cargo area when closing the gate.
When you are storing or picking up luggage from the
cargo area while the engine is idling, do not stand in
front of the exhaust pipe. You may get burned.
Do not allow any passenger in the cargo space. They
may get hurt during hard braking, a sudden
acceleration, or a crash.
Lock
Unlock
Key
* Not available on all models

90Controls
Security SystemImmobilizer SystemThe immobilizer system prevents a key that has not been pre-registered from
starting the engine. Each key contains electronic transmitters that use electronic
signals to verify the key.
Pay attention to the following when inserting the key into the ignition switch:
•Do not allow objects that emit strong radio waves near the ignition switch.
•Make sure the key is not covered by or touching a metal object.
•Do not bring a key from another vehicle’s immobilizer system near the ignition
switch.Security System Alarm
*
The security system alarm activates when the doors, tailgate, or hood are opened
without the key, or remote transmitter.■
When the security system alarm activates
The horn sounds intermittently and all of the exterior lights flash.
■
To deactivate the security system alarm
Unlock the vehicle using the key, or remote transmitter. The system, along with the
horn and flashing lights, is deactivated.
1Immobilizer System
NOTICELeaving the ignition key in the vehicle can result in
theft or accidental movement of the vehicle.
Always take the ignition key with you whenever you
leave the vehicle unattended.
Do not alter the system or add other devices to it.
Doing so may damage the system and make your
vehicle inoperable.1Security System Alarm
*
The security alarm continues for a maximum of two
minutes until the security system deactivates.
* Not available on all models

94Controls
Operating the Switches Around the Steering WheelIgnition Switch
1Ignition Switch
You cannot take the key out unless the shift lever is
in
(P
.
If you open the driver’s door when the key is in LOCK
(0
or ACCESSORY
(q
, a warning buzzer will sound
to remind you to take the key out.
If the key won’t turn from LOCK
(0
to ACCESSORY
(q
, turn the key while moving the steering wheel left
and right. The steering wheel will unlock, allowing
the key to turn.
3
WARNING
Removing the key from the ignition switch
while driving locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Remove the key from the ignition switch
only when parked.Manual transmission modelsAutomatic transmission modelsAll models
(0
LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this
position.
(q
ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and
other accessories in this position.
(w
ON: This is the position when driving.
(e
START: This position is for starting the engine.
The switch returns to ON
(w
when you let go of
the key.

95
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluTurn Signals
Controls
Turn Signals
The turn signals can be used when the ignition
switch is in ON
(w
.
Light Switches
Rotating the light switch turns the lights on
and off, regardless of the position of the
ignition switch.■
High beams
Push the lever forward until you hear a click.
■
Low beams
When in high beams, pull the lever back to
return to low beams.
■
Flashing the high beams
Pull the lever back, and release it.
Right Turn
Left Turn
1Light Switches
If you remove the key from the ignition switch while
the lights are on, a chime sounds when the driver’s
door is opened.
When the lights are on, the lights on indicator in the
instrument panel will be on.
2Lights On Indicator P. 70
Do not leave the lights on when the engine is off
because it will cause the battery to discharge.
High Beams
Flashing the high beams
Low Beams
Turns on parking, side marker,
tail, and rear license plate lights
Turns on headlights, parking, side
marker, tail, and rear license plate
lights

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

107
uuAdjusting the SeatsuAdjusting the Seat Positions
Controls
The driver’s and front passenger’s seats have active head restraints. In a rear impact,
an occupant properly secured by a seat belt will be pushed against the seat-back and
the head restraint will move forward. This reduces the distance between the
restraint and the occupant’s head, which helps reduce the likelihood of whiplash
and injuries to the neck and upper spine.
After all occupants have adjusted their seats and head restraints, and put on their
seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their
seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is safely parked and the engine is
off.
Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if
an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or
sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly
increased.
In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or
fatally injured in a crash by striking interior parts of the vehicle or being struck by an
inflating front airbag.■
Active Head Restraints
1Active Head Restraints
In order for the active head restraints to operate
properly:•Do not hang any items on the head restraints, or
from the restraint legs.•Do not place any objects between an occupant and
the seat-back.•Install each restraint in its proper location.
After a collision, the activated restraint should return
to its normal position. If the restraint does not return
to its normal position, or in the event of a severe
collision, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer.
■
Maintain a Proper Sitting Position
1Maintain a Proper Sitting Position
3
WARNING
Sitting improperly or out of position can
result in serious injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright, well back in the seat,
with your feet on the floor.

Continued
115
uuInterior Lights/Interior Convenience ItemsuInterior Convenience Items
Controls
Pull up the strap and open the cargo area floor
lid.
The accessory power socket can be used when the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY
(q
or ON
(w
.
Open the cover to use it.
■
Cargo Floor Box
*
Cargo Floor Box
Strap
■
Accessory Power Socket
1Accessory Power Socket
NOTICEDo not insert an automotive type cigarette lighter
element.
This can overheat the power socket.
The accessory power socket is designed to supply
power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 120
watts or less (10 amps).
To prevent battery drain, only use the power socket
with the engine running.
* Not available on all models