2012 HONDA FIT steering

uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluWipers and Washers
98Controls
The rear wiper and washer can be used when
the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
■
Wiper switch (OFF, ON)
The wiper operates intermittently after
completing a few sweeps.
■
Washer ( )
Sprays while you rotate the switch to this
position.
Hold it to activate the wiper and to spray the
washer. Once released, it stops operating
after a few more sweeps.
■
Operating in reverse
When you shift the transmission to
(R
with the front wiper activated, the rear wiper
operates automatically as follows even if its switch is off.
■
Rear Wiper/Washer
1Wipers and Washers
If the wiper stops operating due to any obstacle such
as the build-up of snow, park the vehicle in a safe
place.
Rotate the wiper switch to OFF, and turn the ignition
switch to ACCESSORY
(q
or LOCK
(0
, then remove
the obstacle.
The wiper motor is equipped with a breaker that may
stop motor operation temporarily to prevent an
overload. Wiper operation will return to normal
within a few minutes, once the circuit has returned to
normal.
a ON: Intermittent
b OFF
c Washera
b c
cFront Wiper Position
Rear Wiper Operation
INT (Intermittent)
Intermittent
LO (Low speed wipe)
HI (High speed wipe)
Continuous

99
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluBrightness Control
Controls
Brightness Control
When the parking lights are turned on and the
ignition switch is in ON
(w
, you can use the
(select/reset) knob to adjust instrument
panel brightness.
Brighten: Turn the knob to the right.
Dim: Turn the knob to the left.
You will hear a beeper when the brightness
reaches minimum or maximum. The
information display will return to its original
state several seconds after you adjust the
brightness.
■
Brightness level indicator
The brightness level is shown on the
information display while you are adjusting it.
1Brightness Control
Pressing the knob switches the display.
If you turn the knob to the right until the brightness
display is up to max, the beeper sounds. This cancels
the reduced instrument panel brightness when the
parking lights are on.
The brightness can be set differently for when the
exterior lights are on, and when they are off.
Select/Reset Knob

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

101
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluAdjusting the Steering Wheel
Controls
Adjusting the Steering WheelThe steering wheel height and distance from your body can be adjusted so that you
can comfortably grip the steering wheel in an appropriate driving posture.
1.Pull the steering wheel adjustment lever up.
uThe steering wheel adjustment lever is
under the steering column.
2.Move the steering wheel up or down, and
in or out.
uMake sure you can see the instrument
panel gauges and indicators.
3.Push the steering wheel adjustment lever
down to lock the steering wheel in position.
uAfter adjusting the position, make sure
you have securely locked the steering
wheel in place by trying to move it up,
down, in, and out.
1Adjusting the Steering Wheel
Make any steering wheel adjustments before you
start driving.
3
WARNING
Adjusting the steering wheel position while
driving may cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and be seriously injured in a crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only when the
vehicle is stopped.
To adjust
To lock

103
Continued
Controls
Adjusting the SeatsAdjusting the Seat Positions
Adjust the driver’s seat as far back as possible
while allowing you to maintain full control of
the vehicle. You should be able to sit upright,
well back in the seat and be able to
adequately press the pedals without leaning
forward, and grip the steering wheel
comfortably. The passenger’s seat should be
adjusted in a similar manner, so that it is as far
back from the front airbag in the dashboard
as possible.
■
Adjusting the front seat
1Adjusting the Seats
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow
at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the
steering wheel and the chest.
Always make seat adjustments before driving.
3
WARNING
Sitting too close to a front airbag can result
in serious injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the front
airbags as possible while maintaining
control of the vehicle.
Move back. Allow sufficient
space.
1Adjusting the front seat
Once a seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and
forth to make sure it is locked in position.
Horizontal Position
AdjustmentPull up on the bar to move the
seat, then release the bar.Driver’s seat is shown.
Seat-back Angle
AdjustmentPull up the lever to
change the angle.

uuAdjusting the SeatsuAdjusting the Seat Positions
104Controls
Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a comfortable,
upright position, leaving ample space
between your chest and the airbag cover in
the center of the steering wheel.
The front seat passenger should also adjust
their seat-back to a comfortable, upright
position.
Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the
occupant’s chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the
chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a
seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury.
■
Adjusting the Seat-Backs
1Adjusting the Seat-Backs
Do not put a cushion, or other object, between the
seat-back and your back.
Doing so may interfere with proper seat belt or airbag
operation.
If you cannot get far enough away from the steering
wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend
that you investigate whether some type of adaptive
equipment may help.
3
WARNING
Reclining the seat-back too far can result in
serious injury or death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an upright position,
and sit well back in the seat.

Continued
155
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Store or secure all items on board properly.
uCarrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 157
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
uThey can block your view and may be thrown forward in the event of sudden
braking.
•Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat
*.
uAn object or unsecured floor mat can interfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.
•If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
uThey may interfere with driving and a crash could occur.
•Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
2Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 82
•Adjust your seating position properly.
uAdjust the head restraint, too.
2Adjusting the Seats P. 103
2Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 105
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
uAdjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2Adjusting the Mirrors P. 102
2Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 101
■
Interior Checks
1Interior Checks
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the cargo area, have the aiming
readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified technician.
* Not available on all models

159
Continued
Driving
Towing a TrailerYour vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome.
Perform the following procedure before towing your vehicle.
1.Check the transmission fluid level.
uMake sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks.
2.Start the engine.
3.Depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions.
4.Shift to
(D
and hold for five seconds, then to
(N
. Let the engine run for three
minutes, then turn it off.
5.Release the parking brake.
6.Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY
(q
.
uMake sure the steering wheel does not lock.
7.Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.
uThis can prevent the battery from running down.
1.Shift to
(N
.
2.Release the parking brake.
3.Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY
(q
.
uMake sure the steering wheel does not lock.
4.Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.
uThis can prevent the battery from running down.
■
When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
1Towing Your Vehicle
NOTICEFailure to follow the recommended instructions
exactly will result in severe automatic transmission
damage. If you cannot shift the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be transported on a
flat-bed truck or trailer.
Do not exceed 65 mph (100 km/h).
Consult your towing parts sales or rental agency if
any other items are recommended or required for
your towing situation.
If you tow your vehicle behind a motorhome, the
transmission fluid must be changed every 2 years or
30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.Automatic transmission modelsAutomatic transmission models
1When Your Vehicle is Towed Behind a Motorhome
NOTICESevere transmission damage will occur if the vehicle is
shifted from
(R
to
(N
and then towed with the drive
wheels on the ground.
Automatic transmission models
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission models