2012 HONDA FIT engine

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

uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuChanging a Flat Tire
*
242Handling the Unexpected
1.Place the jack under the jacking point
closest to the tire to be changed.
2.Turn the end bracket (as shown in the
image) clockwise until the top of the jack
contacts the jacking point.
uMake sure that the jacking point tab is
resting in the jack notch.
3.Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar
and the jack handle, until the tire is off the
ground.
■
How to Set Up the Jack
1How to Set Up the Jack
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the
vehicle.
Use the jack provided in your vehicle.
Other jacks may not support the weight (“load”) or
their shape may not match.
The following instructions must be followed to use
the jack safely.•Do not use while the engine is running.•Use only where the ground is firm and level.•Use only at the jacking points.•Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.•Do not put anything on top of or underneath the
jack.
3
WARNING
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack,
seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire
exactly, and never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the jack.
Jack
Handle
BarWheel Nut
Wrench as Jack Handle

Continued
247
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
6.Remove the bottle cap from the bottle
adapter.
7.Attach the air compressor hose onto the
bottle adapter. Screw it until it is tight.
8.Plug in the compressor to the accessory
power socket. Be careful not to pinch the
cord in a door or window.
9.Turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY
(q
.
uIn freezing temperatures, start the
engine on and leave it running while
the flat tire is being serviced.
2Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 61
10.Turn the air compressor on to inflate the
tire.
uThe compressor starts injecting sealant
and air into the tire.
11.Inflate the tire.
12.After the air pressure reaches to 33 psi
(230 kPa), turn off the kit.
uCheck the air pressure gauge on the air
compressor.
1Injecting Sealant and Air
NOTICEOperating the pump for more than 15 minutes may
cause it to overheat and become permanently
damaged.
Until the sealant injection is complete, the pressure
shown on the pressure gauge will appear higher than
actual. After the sealant injection is complete the
pressure will drop and then begin to rise again as the tire
is inflated with air. This is normal. To accurately measure
the air pressure using the gauge, turn the air compressor
off only after the sealant injection is complete.
If the required air pressure is not reached within 15
minutes, the tire may be too severely damaged for
the kit to provide the necessary seal and your vehicle
will need to be towed.
Keep the empty bottle after the sealant is injected.
The sealant bottle will be used to collect the injected
sealant by a professional.
3
WARNING
Running the engine with the vehicle in an
enclosed or even partly enclosed area can
cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon
monoxide.
Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Only run the engine to power the air
compressor with the vehicle outdoors.
Bottle Adapter
Air Compressor HoseBottle Cap
Air Compressor Switch
OFF
ON

250Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START
(e
and check the
starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 231
●
If the interior lights come on normally
2 Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 263
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 161
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 90
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 72
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 263
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 264
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2Jump Starting P. 251

251
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Jump StartingTurn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.
1.Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle’s battery + terminal.
uRemove the cover from the under-hood
fuse box.
2Engine Compartment Fuse Box P. 260
2.Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle’s + terminal.
uUse a 12-volt booster battery only.
3.Connect the second jumper cable to the
assisting vehicle’s - terminal.
4.Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the grounding strap as
shown.
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part.
5.If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
6.Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
■
Jump Starting Procedure
1Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions and
may prevent the engine from starting.
3
WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow
the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking
materials away from the battery.
Booster Battery

252
uuJump Startingu
Handling the Unexpected
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following
order.
1.Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s ground.
2.Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s battery
- terminal.
3.Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s battery + terminal.
4.Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the assisting vehicle’s battery
+ terminal.
Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.■
What to Do After the Engine Starts

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