2012 HONDA FIT heating

222Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining TiresChecking TiresTo safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.■
Inflation guidelines
Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and comfort.
Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specification’s page for the specified pressure.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more likely to fail from overheating.
Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
■
Inspection guidelines
Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems.
Look for:
•Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,
splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.
•Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
•Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•Excessive tread wear.
2Wear Indicators P. 227
•Cracks or other damage around valve stem.
1Checking Tires
Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or release air until the specified
pressure is reached.
If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm
2) higher than if
checked when cold.
Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly
balanced.
3
WARNING
Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding tire inflation and
maintenance.

233
Maintenance
Heating and Cooling
* System Maintenance
Dust and Pollen FilterThe heating and cooling system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder message will let
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the heating and cooling system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.
* Not available on all models

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

254Handling the Unexpected
OverheatingHow to Handle OverheatingOverheating symptoms are as follows:
•The high temperature indicator comes on or the engine suddenly loses power.
•Steam is coming out of the engine compartment.■
First thing to do
1.Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place.
uMove the shift lever to
(P
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
uMove the shift lever to
(N
and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories
and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. No steam coming out: Keep the engine running and open the hood.
Steam coming out: Turn off the engine and wait until steam goes away. Then,
open the hood.
1How to Handle Overheating
NOTICEContinuing to drive with the high temperature
indicator on may damage the engine.
3
WARNING
Steam and spray from an overheated
engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models

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

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

280Index
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 217
Rear License Plate Light............................ 217
Bulb Specifications.................................... 268
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 61
Cargo Floor Box........................................ 115
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 117
Carrying Cargo.................................. 155, 157
CD Player................................................... 129
Certification Label.................................... 270
Changing Bulbs......................................... 212
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 256
Child Safety................................................. 49
Childproof Door Locks ............................... 83
Child Seat.................................................... 49
Booster Seats ............................................. 60
Child Seat for Infants ................................. 51
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 52
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 56
Larger Children .......................................... 59
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 51
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 53
Childproof Door Locks................................ 83
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 235
Cleaning the Interior................................ 234
Clock............................................................ 76
Clutch Fluid............................................... 210
Coat Hook................................................. 116Compact Spare Tire.......................... 239, 269
Controls....................................................... 75
Coolant (Engine)...................................... 206
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 207
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 206
High Temperature Indicator ....................... 67
Low Temperature Indicator........................ 67
Overheating ............................................ 254
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 164
Cruise Control........................................... 173
Indicator.................................................... 71
Cup Holders.............................................. 114
Customer Service Information................. 278
DDaytime Running Lights............................ 96
Dead Battery............................................. 251
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 120
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 271
Dimming
Headlights ................................................. 95
Rearview Mirror....................................... 102
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................. 202
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............... 95
Door Mirrors............................................. 102
Doors........................................................... 77
Auto Door Locking .................................... 84
Auto Door Unlocking ................................ 84
Door and Tailgate Open Indicator ........ 25, 68Keys.......................................................... 77
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ...................................................... 82
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................... 79
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 81
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 225
Driving...................................................... 153
Automatic Transmission .......................... 164
Braking ................................................... 181
Cruise Control ........................................ 173
Shifting Gear .......................... 165, 167, 171
Starting the Engine ................................. 161
Dust and Pollen Filter.............................. 233
EElectric Power Steering System (EPS)
Indicator ........................................... 68, 258
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............ 176
Emergency................................................ 264
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)...... 273
Engine....................................................... 270
Coolant .................................................. 206
Jump Starting ......................................... 251
Oil .......................................................... 201
Starting................................................... 161
Switch Buzzer ........................................... 94
Engine Coolant........................................ 206
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 207
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 206