2012 HONDA FIT steering wheel

uuBrakinguBrake System
182Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may
be disc or drum, depending on the model. A power assist helps reduce the effort
needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping force
when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.
2Brake Assist System P. 184
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 183
■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water,
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower
gear for greater engine braking.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.

183
uuBrakinguABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as
“stomp and steer.”■
ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■
ABS
1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving,
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being
performed immediately after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.

230
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
•Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
•Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
•Install them on the front tires only.
•Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
•Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
•Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
•Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1026Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1030
1Winter Tires
NOTICETraction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.
3
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.
Models with 175/65R15 tiresModels with 185/55R16 tires

239
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
If a Tire Goes FlatChanging a Flat Tire
*
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire with a compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full size tire repaired or
replaced.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground.
2.Put the shift lever in
(P
.
2.Put the shift lever in
(R
.
3.Set the parking brake.
4.Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
.
1Changing a Flat Tire
*
Periodically check the tire pressure of the compact
spare. It should be set to the specified pressure.
Specified Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
When driving with the compact spare tire, keep the
vehicle speed under 50 mph (80 km/h). Replace with
a full size tire as soon as possible.
The compact spare tire and wheel in your vehicle are
specifically for this model.
Do not use them with another vehicle.
Do not use another type of compact spare tire or
wheel with your vehicle.
Do not mount tire chains on a compact spare tire.
If a chain-mounted front tire goes flat, remove one of
the full-size rear tires and replace it with the compact
spare tire. Remove the flat front tire and replace it
with the full size tire that was removed from the rear.
Mount the tire chains on the front tire.
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent on a flat tire,
as it can damage the tire pressure sensor.
U.S. models only
Automatic transmission modelsManual transmission modelsAll models* Not available on all models

245
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
If the tire has a large cut or is otherwise severely damaged, you will need to have the
vehicle towed. If the tire only has a small puncture, from a nail for instance, you can
use the tire repair kit so that you can drive to the nearest service station for a more
permanent repair.
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then stop in a safe place.
1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground.
2.Put the shift lever in
(P
.
3.Set the parking brake.
4.Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
.
■
Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat Tire
1Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
The kit should not be used in the following situations.
Instead, contact a dealer or a roadside assistant to
have the vehicle towed.•The tire sealant has expired.•More than two tires are punctured.•The puncture is greater than 3/16 inch (4 mm) in
diameter.•The tire side wall is damaged or the puncture is
outside the tire tread.•Damage has been caused by driving with the tires
extremely under inflated.•The tire bead is no longer seated.•A rim is damaged.
Do not remove a nail or screw that punctured the
tire. If you remove it from the tire, you may not be
able to repair the puncture using the kit.NOTICEDo not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the
one provided in the kit that came with your vehicle. If
used, you may permanently damage the tire pressure
sensor.
When the puncture is:
Smaller than 3/16 inch
(4 mm)
Larger than 3/16 inch
(4 mm) Kit Use
Yes
No Contact
Area
Instruction
Manual Air Compressor Wheel
Label Sealant Bottle Expiration Date
Speed Limit
Label
* Not available on all models

258
uuIndicator, Coming On/BlinkinguIf the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Handling the Unexpected
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
•The brake fluid is low.
•There is a malfunction in the brake system.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on while driving
Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure.
•If normal, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop.
•If abnormal, take immediate action. If necessary, downshift the
transmission to slow the vehicle using engine braking.
If the EPS Indicator Comes On
■
Reasons for the indicator to come on
•Comes on when there is a problem with EPS.
•If you depress the accelerator pedal repeatedly to increase the engine
speed while the engine is idling, the indicator comes on, and
sometimes the steering wheel becomes harder to operate.
■
What to do when the indicator comes on
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine.
If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
1If the Brake System Indicator Comes On
Have your vehicle repaired immediately.
It is dangerous to drive with low brake fluid. If there
is no resistance from the brake pedal, stop
immediately in a safe place. If necessary downshift
the gears.
If the brake system indicator and ABS indicator come
on simultaneously, the electronic brake distribution
system is not working. This can result in vehicle
instability under sudden braking.
Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer immediately.
U.S.
Canada
1If the EPS Indicator Comes On
NOTICEIf you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an
extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on
the full left or right position for a while, the system
heats up. The system goes into a protective mode,
and limits its performance. The steering wheel
becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the
system cools down, EPS is restored. Repeated
operation under these conditions can eventually
damage the system.

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

282Index
Heating ................................................... 119
HFL (HandsFreeLink®)............................... 140
High-Beam Indicator.................................. 70
IIdentification Numbers............................ 270
Engine and Transmission.......................... 270
Vehicle Identification ............................... 270
Ignition Switch............................................ 94
Illumination Control................................... 99
Knob ......................................................... 99
Immobilizer System.................................... 90
Indicator .................................................... 70
Indicators..................................................... 64
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................... 67
Charging System ............................... 65, 256
CRUISE CONTROL .............................. 71, 174
CRUISE MAIN .................................... 71, 173
Daytime Running Lights ............................. 71
Door and Tailgate Open....................... 25, 68
EPS (Electric Power Steering System) .. 68, 258
Fog Light ................................................... 70
High Temperature...................................... 67
High-Beam ................................................ 70
Immobilizer System .................................... 70
Lights On ................................................... 70
Low Fuel .................................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure ................................ 64, 256
Low Temperature ...................................... 67
Low Tire Pressure ............................... 69, 178Maintenance Minder
TM
...................... 71, 195
Malfunction Indicator Lamp............... 65, 257
Parking Brake and Brake System ........ 64, 258
Seat Belt Reminder .............................. 27, 66
Security System Alarm ............................... 71
Shift Position ............................................. 65
Side Airbag Off ................................... 47, 69
Supplemental Restraint System ............ 45, 67
TPMS ................................................ 69, 180
Transmission ............................................. 66
Turn Signal ................................................ 70
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist)
System ............................................ 68, 176
VSA® OFF .......................................... 68, 177
Washer Level ............................................. 71
Information.............................................. 267
Information Display................................... 73
Instrument Panel........................................ 63
Brightness Control..................................... 99
Interior Lights........................................... 111
Interior Rearview Mirror.......................... 102
JJack (Wheel Nut Wrench)................ 238, 242
Jump Starting........................................... 251KKeyless Lockout Prevention....................... 81Keys............................................................. 77
Lockout Prevention ................................... 81
Master Keys .............................................. 77
Rear Door Won’t Open ............................. 83
Remote Transmitter .................................. 79
Types and Functions.................................. 77
Won’t Turn ............................................... 17
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission)...... 164
LLATCH (Child Seats)................................... 54
Lights.................................................. 95, 212
Bulb Replacement ................................... 212
Daytime Running Lights ............................ 96
Fog Lights ................................................. 96
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 70
Interior.................................................... 111
Light Switches........................................... 95
Lights On Indicator.................................... 70
Turn Signals .............................................. 95
Load Limits............................................... 157
Locking/Unlocking..................................... 77
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................... 84
Childproof Door Locks .............................. 83
From Inside ............................................... 82
From Outside ............................................ 79
Keys.......................................................... 77
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 81
Using a Key............................................... 80
Lockout Prevention System....................... 81