2012 HONDA FIT radiator

62Safe Driving
Safety LabelsLabel LocationsThese labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels
carefully.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer
for a replacement.
Sun Visor
U.S. models
Canadian models
Radiator CapDoorjambsU.S. models
U.S. models only Dashboard
Canadian models Doorjambs

199
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant ReservoirRadiator Cap Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Loop)Clutch Fluid
(Gray Cap)Manual transmission
models
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Dipstick
(Yellow Loop)
Automatic transmission
modelsBattery

206
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Maintenance
Engine CoolantThis coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
2.If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2■
Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICEIf Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s coolant system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN

207
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Maintenance
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
2.Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not push the cap down when turning.
3.Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4.The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5.Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it
fully.
6.Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
■
Radiator
1Radiator
NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
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.
Radiator Cap

208
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
Transmission FluidCheck the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2.Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3.Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4.Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the
image.
5.Remove the dipstick and check the fluid
level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6.If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer
immediately.■
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICEDo not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle’s transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda’s new vehicle warranty.NOTICEPour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark HOT
Range

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

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

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