2012 HONDA FIT p 212

Contents
Child Safety P. 49 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 61 Safety Labels P. 62Opening and Closing the Tailgate P. 88 Security System P. 90
Operating the Switches Around the Steering Wheel P. 94 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 102
Interior Lights/Interior Convenience Items P. 111 Heating and Cooling
* P. 118
Audio Error Messages P. 135 General Information on the Audio System P. 137When Driving P. 161 Braking P. 181 Parking Your Vehicle P. 185
Accessories and Modifications P. 190Maintenance Under the Hood P. 199 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 212
Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 222 Battery P. 231 Remote Transmitter Care
* P. 232
Cleaning P. 234
Engine Does Not Start P. 250 Jump Starting P. 251 Shift Lever Does Not Move P. 253
Fuses P. 260 Emergency Towing P. 264 Devices that Emit Radio Waves P. 271 Reporting Safety Defects P. 272
Authorized Manuals P. 277 Customer Service Information P. 278
Quick Reference Guide
P. 2
Safe Driving
P. 21
Instrument Panel
P. 63
Controls
P. 75
Features
P. 121
Driving
P. 153
Maintenance
P. 191
Handling the Unexpected
P. 237
Information
P. 267
Index
P. 279

Visual Index
6Quick Reference Guide
❙How to Refuel
(P187)
❙High-Mount Brake Light
(P217)
❙Tailgate Open Handle
(P89)
❙Opening/Closing the Tailgate (P88)❙Back-Up Lights
(P216)
❙Brake/Taillights
(P216)
❙Rear Wiper
(P98, 220)
❙Maintenance Under the Hood
(P199)
❙Windshield Wipers
(P97, 218)
❙Tires
(P222, 239)
❙Fog Lights
* (P96, 214)
❙Door Lock/Unlock Control
(P79)
❙Power Door Mirrors
(P102)
❙Audio Antenna
(P124)
❙Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Lights (P95, 213, 214)❙Headlights
(P95, 212)
❙Rear Turn Signal Lights
(P216)

15Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P191)
U
n
d
er t
h
e
H
oo
d
(P199)
●Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
●Check brake fluid and clutch fluid.
●Check the battery regularly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P212)
●Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P218)
●Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P222)
●Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
●Check tire pressures regularly.
●Install snow tires for winter
driving.
* Not available on all models

191
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 192
Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 193Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 194
Maintenance Minder
TM
..................... 195
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 199Opening the Hood ........................... 200
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 201
Oil Check ......................................... 202
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 203Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter..... 204
Engine Coolant ................................ 206
Transmission Fluid ............................ 208
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 210
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 211
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 212
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 218Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 222
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 223
Tire Labeling .................................... 223
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 225Wear Indicators................................ 227Tire Service Life ................................ 227
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 228
Tire Rotation .................................... 229
Winter Tires ..................................... 230
Battery............................................... 231
Remote Transmitter Care
*
Replacing the Battery ....................... 232
Heating and Cooling
* System
Maintenance................................... 233
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 234
Exterior Care.................................... 235
* Not available on all 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

212Maintenance
Replacing Light BulbsHeadlight BulbsWhen replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the coupler.
2.Remove the rubber weather seal.
3.Remove the hold-down wire, then remove
the bulb.
4.Insert a new bulb.High/Low beam headlight: 60/55 W (HB2)■
High/Low Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICEHalogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
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.
The HB2 type is halogen bulb.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights’ inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Rubber Weather Seal
Coupler
Bulb
Hold-Down Wire

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

280Index
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 217
Rear License Plate Light............................ 217
Bulb Specifications.................................... 268
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 61
Cargo Floor Box........................................ 115
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 117
Carrying Cargo.................................. 155, 157
CD Player................................................... 129
Certification Label.................................... 270
Changing Bulbs......................................... 212
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 256
Child Safety................................................. 49
Childproof Door Locks ............................... 83
Child Seat.................................................... 49
Booster Seats ............................................. 60
Child Seat for Infants ................................. 51
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 52
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 56
Larger Children .......................................... 59
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 51
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 53
Childproof Door Locks................................ 83
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 235
Cleaning the Interior................................ 234
Clock............................................................ 76
Clutch Fluid............................................... 210
Coat Hook................................................. 116Compact Spare Tire.......................... 239, 269
Controls....................................................... 75
Coolant (Engine)...................................... 206
Adding to the Radiator ............................ 207
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 206
High Temperature Indicator ....................... 67
Low Temperature Indicator........................ 67
Overheating ............................................ 254
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 164
Cruise Control........................................... 173
Indicator.................................................... 71
Cup Holders.............................................. 114
Customer Service Information................. 278
DDaytime Running Lights............................ 96
Dead Battery............................................. 251
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 120
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 271
Dimming
Headlights ................................................. 95
Rearview Mirror....................................... 102
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................. 202
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............... 95
Door Mirrors............................................. 102
Doors........................................................... 77
Auto Door Locking .................................... 84
Auto Door Unlocking ................................ 84
Door and Tailgate Open Indicator ........ 25, 68Keys.......................................................... 77
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Inside ...................................................... 82
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the
Outside ................................................... 79
Lockout Prevention System ....................... 81
DOT Tire Quality Grading........................ 225
Driving...................................................... 153
Automatic Transmission .......................... 164
Braking ................................................... 181
Cruise Control ........................................ 173
Shifting Gear .......................... 165, 167, 171
Starting the Engine ................................. 161
Dust and Pollen Filter.............................. 233
EElectric Power Steering System (EPS)
Indicator ........................................... 68, 258
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............ 176
Emergency................................................ 264
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes)...... 273
Engine....................................................... 270
Coolant .................................................. 206
Jump Starting ......................................... 251
Oil .......................................................... 201
Starting................................................... 161
Switch Buzzer ........................................... 94
Engine Coolant........................................ 206
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 207
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 206