2012 HONDA INSIGHT Owners Manual

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If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to between the
MIN and MAX lines. Inspect the
cooling system f or leaks. Always use Honda Long-lif e Anti-
f reeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant
is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antif reeze and 50 percent distilled
water. Never add straight antif reeze
or plain water.
If Honda antif reeze/coolant is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporaryreplacement.Makesureit
is a high-quality coolant
recommended f or aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda
coolant can result in corrosion,
causing the cooling system to
malf unction or f ail. Have the cooling
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda antif reeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
CONT INUED
A dding Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant
Maint enance
317
RESERVE TANK
If you regularly drive your vehicle
under severe conditions in very low
temperature (under 31°F, 35°C), a
higher concentration of coolant should
be used. Consult your Honda dealer
f or more inf ormation on the proper
coolant.

If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank. Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill any.
Clean up any spill immediately; it
could damage components in the
engine compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on, and
tighten it fully.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise. Relieve any pressure in the cooling
system by turning the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without
pressing down. Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
Engine Coolant
318
RADIATOR CAP
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.

Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
Check the f luid level by removing
the cap and looking at the level
gauge.When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them. Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather. If the washer f luid is low, a
‘‘WASHER FLUID LOW’’ message
appears on the multi-inf ormation
display.
On U.S. modelsOn all Canadian models
Windshield Washers
Maint enance
319
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.

Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. There is a HOT
side and a COLD side on the
dipstick. The f luid level should be
between the upper and lower
marks on the HOT side.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2.
3. 4.
2.
1. Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
Automatic Transmission Fluid
320
DIPSTICK
HOT
Range
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARK

CONT INUED
Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
You will also see the ‘‘BRAKE
FLUID LOW’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display when the brake
f luid level is low.
Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid when this
service is indicated by a maintenance
message on the multi-inf ormation
display.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer.
If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda CVTF
(continuously variable
transmission f luid).
Independent of the Maintenance
Minder inf ormation, replace the
brake f luid every 3 years.
6.
5.
Automatic Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid
Maint enance
321

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Brake Fluid
322
MAX
MIN

CONT INUED
Open the hood.
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth. Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area, readjustment may be
required. Adjustments should be
done by your dealer or another
qualif ied technician.
To change the bulb on the right
side, remove the upper part of the
windshield washer reservoir tank.
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the holding clip, then
remove the upper part by pulling it
straight up.Remove the electrical connector
f rom the cover by pushing on the
tab to unlock it, then slide the
connector of f the cover.
Remove the cover on the back of
the headlight assembly by turning
it counterclockwise.
1. 2.
3.
Headlight A iming
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
High Beam Headlight
Maint enance
323
HOLDING CLIP
CONNECTOR
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.

Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.Remove the bulb f rom the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.Install the new bulb, and turn it
one-quarter turn clockwise to lock
it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Reinstall the cover over the back
of the headlight assembly and turn
it clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the cover.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
4. 5. 6.
7.
8.
9.
Lights
324
BULB
COVER
CONNECTOR