2012 HONDA FIT oil level

8Quick Reference Guide
Instrument Panel
(P63)
Lights Reminders
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA®) System
Indicator
VSA® OFF Indicator
Electric Power
Steering (EPS)
Indicator Lights On Indicator High Beam Indicator
Immobilizer System
Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
System Indicators
CRUISE MAIN
Indicator
*
Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator Side Airbag Off
Indicator
Door and Tailgate
Open Indicator
TachometerSpeedometerFuel Gauge Security System Alarm Indicator
*
Shift Lever Position Indicator
*
Low Fuel Indicator
Gauges
(P72)
/Information Display
(P73)
/System Indicators
(P64)
Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators High Temperature
Indicator
Low Temperature
Indicator
System Indicators System Indicators
Low Tire Pressure
IndicatorU.S. models only
Parking Brake
and Brake System
Indicator
CRUISE CONTROL
Indicator
*
System Indicators
Charging System
Indicator
U.S.U.S.Canada
TPMS IndicatorU.S. models onlyWasher Level
Indicator
*
Daytime Running
Lights Indicator
*
Maintenance
Minder Indicator Fog Light Indicator
*
Canada

64Instrument Panel
IndicatorsIndicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Parking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w
, then
goes off.
●
Comes on when the parking brake is
applied, and goes off when it is released.
●
Comes on when the brake fluid level is
low.
●
Comes on if there is a problem with the
brake system.
●
The beeper sounds and the indicator
comes on if you drive with the parking
brake not fully released.
●
Comes on while driving - Make sure the parking
brake is released. Check the brake fluid level.
2What to do when the indicator comes on while
driving P. 258
●
Comes on along with the ABS indicator - Have
the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2If the Brake System Indicator Comes On P. 258
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●
Comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to ON
(w
, and goes off when the
engine starts.
●
Comes on when the engine oil pressure
is low.
●
Comes on while driving - Immediately stop in a
safe place.
2If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
P. 256
U.S.Canada

163
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While DrivingAvoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.■
In Rain
■
Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q
or
LOCK
(0
while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N
, as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
NOTICEThe following can damage the under spoiler:•Parking the vehicle by a parking block•Parallel parking along the road shoulder•Driving towards the bottom of a hill•Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)•Driving on a rutted or bumpy road•Driving on a road with potholes.Sport Models

192Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 208
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 210
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 222
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs P. 212
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 218
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the information display.
2Maintenance Service Items P. 197
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com.
2Authorized Manuals P. 277
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

197
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message Maintenance
Minder Indicator
Sub Items Main Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
*2: Canadian A/T models only
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●
Replace engine oil
*1
B
●
Replace engine oil and oil filter
●
Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary
●
Check parking brake adjustment
●
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
●
Inspect suspension components
●
Inspect driveshaft boots
●
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
●
Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
●
Inspect exhaust system
#
●
Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
●
Check expiration date for TRK bottle
*2
*3: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*5: If you tow a Fit behind a motorhome, the transmission fluid must be changed every 2 years or 30,000
miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first. (For A/T only)CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●
Rotate tires
2
●
Replace air cleaner element
*3
●
Replace dust and pollen filter
*4
●
Inspect drive belt
3
●
Replace transmission fluid
*5
4
●
Replace spark plugs
●
Inspect valve clearance
5
●
Replace engine coolant

202
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark

205
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
4.Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
5.Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
uIf it is stuck, you must detach it.
6.Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
uApply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
7.Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
uTightening torque:
29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8.Pour the recommended engine oil into the
engine.
uEngine oil change capacity (including
filter):
3.8 US qt (3.6 L)
9.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
10.Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
11.Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
uIf necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Oil Filter

209
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park the vehicle on level ground.
2.Remove the transmission filler bolt and
washer. Carefully feel inside the bolt hole
with your fingers.
uCheck if the fluid level is up to the edge
of the bolt hole.
3.If the fluid level is not up to the edge of the
bolt hole, add Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid (MTF) until it runs out of the hole.
4.Put a new washer on the filler bolt, then
reinstall the filler bolt.
uTightening torque:
33 lbf∙ft (44 N∙m, 4.5 kgf∙m)■
Manual Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
1Manual Transmission Fluid
If Honda MTF is not available, you may use the API
certificated SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity motor
oil as a temporary measure.
Replace with MTF as soon as possible. Motor oil does
not contain the proper additives for the transmission
and continued use can cause decreased shifting
performance and lead to transmission damage.
Filter Bolt
Washer