2012 HONDA FIT maintenance

235
uuCleaninguExterior Care
Continued
Maintenance
Exterior CareDust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
•If driving on roads with road salt.
•If driving in coastal areas.
•If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.
•Remove the audio antenna.
•Fold in the door mirrors.
Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated vehicle wash.
•Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.
•Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior. Do not spray water into the engine compartment.■
Washing the Vehicle
■
Using an Automated Vehicle Wash
■
Using High Pressure Cleaners
1Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents or engine
compartment. It can cause a malfunction.
Air Intake Vents

uuCleaninguExterior Care
236Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.■
Applying Wax
■
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■
Cleaning the Window
■
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
*
1Applying Wax
NOTICEChemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.1Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.
* Not available on all models

277
Information
Authorized Manuals■
Service Express
For electronic copies of service publications, you can purchase a subscription to
Service Express. Visit www.techinfo.honda.com for pricing and options.
■
For U.S. Owners:
The publications listed below can be purchased from Helm Incorporated. You can
order a manual by phone at (800) 782-4356 (credit card orders only), or online at
www.helminc.com.
Make an inquiry to Helm Inc. at (800) 782-4356 if you are interested in ordering
other models’ or other years’ manuals.Publication
Form Number
Form Description
61TK603
2012 Honda Fit Service Manual
61TK603EL
2012 Honda Fit
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
61TK630
2009 Honda Fit Body Repair Manual
31TK6630
2012 Honda Fit Owner’s Manual
31TK6830
2012 Honda Fit Navigation System Owner’s Manual
31TK6M30
2012 Honda Fit Honda Service History
31TK6Q30
2012 Honda Fit Technology Reference Guide
HON-R
Order Form for Previous Years-
Indicate Year and Model Desired
1Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Covers maintenance and recommended procedures
for repair to engine and chassis components. It is
written for the journeyman technician, but it is simple
enough for most mechanically inclined owners to
understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
Complements the Service Manual by providing in-
depth troubleshooting information for each electrical
circuit in your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
Describes the procedures involved in the replacement
of damaged body parts.
For Canadian Owners:
Si vous avez besoin d’un Manuel du Conducteur en
français, veuillez demander à votre concessionnaire
de commander le numéro de pièce 33TK6C00

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

283
Index
Low Battery Charge................................. 256
Low Fuel Indicator..................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. 64, 256
Lower Anchors........................................... 54
Lubricant Specifications Chart................ 269
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit)............. 157MMaintenance............................................ 191
Battery .................................................... 231
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 210
Cleaning ................................................. 234
Coolant .................................................. 206
Heating and Cooling System ................... 233
Maintenance Minder
TM............................ 195
Oil .......................................................... 202
Precautions ............................................. 192
Radiator .................................................. 207
Remote Transmitter ................................ 232
Replacing Light Bulbs .............................. 212
Safety ..................................................... 193
Service Items ........................................... 197
Tires........................................................ 222
Transmission Fluid ................................... 208
Under the Hood ...................................... 199
Malfunction Indicator Lamp............. 65, 257
Manual Transmission............................... 171
Map Lights................................................ 111
Maximum Load Limit............................... 157
Meters, Gauges.......................................... 72Mirrors....................................................... 102
Adjusting ................................................. 102
Door........................................................ 102
Exterior .................................................... 102
Interior Rearview ..................................... 102
Modifications (and Accessories).............. 190
MP3................................................... 129, 133
NNumbers (Identification).......................... 270OOdometer.................................................... 73
Oil (Engine)............................................... 201
Adding .................................................... 203
Checking ................................................. 202
Displaying Oil Life .................................... 195
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .................. 64, 256
Recommended Engine Oil ........................ 201
Viscosity .................................................. 201
Opening/Closing
Hood ....................................................... 200
Power Windows ........................................ 92
Tailgate ..................................................... 88
Overheating.............................................. 254PPaddle Shifters (Sequential Shift
Mode)................................................ 13, 169Panic Mode................................................. 91
Parking...................................................... 185
Parking Brake........................................... 181
Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator............................................ 64, 258
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator................. 46
Passing Indicators....................................... 95
Precautions While Driving....................... 163
Rain ........................................................ 163
Pregnant Women....................................... 32
Puncture (Tire).................................. 239, 245
RRadiator.................................................... 207
Radio (FM/AM)......................................... 127
Radio Data System (RDS)......................... 128
RDS (Radio Data System)......................... 128
Readiness Codes (Emissions Testing)....... 273
Rear Defogger/Heated Door Mirror
Button..................................................... 100
Rear Seats (Folding Down)...................... 108
Rearview Mirror....................................... 102
Refueling.................................................. 186
Fuel Gauge................................................ 72
Gasoline .......................................... 186, 268
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 66
Regulations............................... 179, 225, 271
Remote Transmitter................................... 79
Replacement
Battery .................................................... 232