2012 HONDA FIT tailgate

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

89
uuOpening and Closing the TailgateuUsing the Tailgate Open Handle
Controls
Using the Tailgate Open Handle
When all the doors are unlocked, the tailgate
is unlocked.
Pull up the tailgate open handle and lift open
the tailgate.
To close the tailgate, grab the inner handle,
pull the tailgate down, and push it closed
from outside.
Tailgate Open
Handle
Models with remote transmitterAll models
Inner Handle

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

91
uuSecurity SystemuSecurity System Alarm
*
Controls
■
Setting the security system alarm
The security system alarm automatically sets when the following conditions have
been met:
•The ignition switch is in LOCK
(0
, and the key has been removed from the
ignition switch.
•The hood is closed.
•All doors and the tailgate are locked with the key or the remote transmitter.
■
When the security system alarm sets
The security system indicator in the instrument panel blinks. When the blinking
interval changes after about 15 seconds, the security system is set.
■
To cancel the security system alarm
The security system is canceled when the vehicle is unlocked using the key or remote
transmitter. The security system indicator goes off at the same time.
■
The panic button on the remote
transmitter
If you press the PANIC button for
approximately one second, the following will
occur for about 30 seconds:
•The horn sounds.
•Some exterior lights flash.
■
Canceling panic mode
Press any button on the remote transmitter, or turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
.
■
Panic Mode
*
1Security System Alarm
*
Do not set the security system alarm when someone
is in the vehicle or a window is open. The system can
accidentally activate when:•Unlocking the door with the lock tab or the master
door lock switch.
If the battery goes dead after you have set the
security system alarm, the security alarm may go off
once the battery is recharged or replaced.
If this occurs, deactivate the security system alarm by
unlocking a door using the key or remote transmitter.
Do not attempt to alter this system or add another
device to it.
Panic
Button* Not available on all models

108
uuAdjusting the SeatsuRear Seats
Controls
Rear Seats
Pull the lever on the right to change the angle
of the right half of the seat-back, and left for
the left half.
1.Unlatch the detachable anchor from the
anchor buckle and store the detachable
anchor in the retractor housing.
2.Pull the release lever and fold down the
seat-back.
■
Adjusting the Rear Seat-BacksRelease Lever■
Folding Down the Rear Seats
1Folding Down the Rear Seats
The rear seat-backs can be folded down to
accommodate bulkier items in the cargo area.
Never drive with a seat-back folded down and the
tailgate open.
2Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 61
To lock a seat-back upright, push it backwards until it
locks. When returning a seat-back to it’s original
position, push it firmly back. Also, make sure all rear
shoulder belts are positioned in front of the seatback,
and the center shoulder belt is re-positioned in the
guide.
Make sure that the folded seat-back does not press
against the front passenger seat, as this can cause the
front passenger seat weight sensor to work
improperly.
2Side Airbag Off Indicator P. 47
Anchor
Buckle
Latch Plate
Release Lever

112
uuInterior Lights/Interior Convenience ItemsuInterior Lights
Controls
The light comes on when you open the
tailgate.
■
Cargo Area Light

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

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