2013 HONDA FIT tow

200
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood1.Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set
the parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
uThe hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
1Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Lever
Support
Rod
Grip
Clamp
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

202
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We 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
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

231
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the BatteryCheck the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system *
is disabled.
2 Entering the Audio Security Code P. 124
• The clock resets.
2 Setting the Clock P. 76
• The navigation system *
is disabled.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cab le first, and reconnect it last.
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessori es contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
The test indicator’s color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry the
battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window
* Not available on all models
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

237
Handling the UnexpectedThis 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 ............. 254 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On................................................ 256
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 256
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ..................................... 257
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On .. 258
If the EPS System Indicator Comes On258
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes On ................................................. 259
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 259 Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 260
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 263
Emergency Towing ........................... 264
Main Menu
Main Menu

238
Handling the Unexpected
Tools
Types of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools were stored in the cargo area.
Wheel Nut Wrench/Jack Handle
Jack
Jack Handle Bar
Detachable Towing Hook
Tool Bag Jack
Tool Bag Jack
Models with compact spare tire
Models with tire repair kit
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

245
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
If the tire has a large cut or is otherwise severely damaged, you will need to have the
vehicle towed. If the tire only has a small puncture, from a nail for instance, you can
use the tire repair kit so that you can drive to the nearest service station for a more
permanent repair.
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then stop in a safe place. 1.Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground.
2. Put the shift lever in
(P .
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0 .
■Getting Ready to Temporarily Repair the Flat Tire
Canadian models with automatic transmission
1Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
The kit should not be used in the following situations.
Instead, contact a dealer or a roadside assistant to
have the vehicle towed.
• The tire sealant has expired.
• More than two tires are punctured.
• The puncture is greater than 3/16 inch (4 mm) in diameter.
• The tire side wall is damaged or the puncture is
outside the tire tread.
• Damage has been caused by driving with the tires
extremely under inflated.
• The tire bead is no longer seated.
• A rim is damaged.
Do not remove a nail or screw that punctured the
tire. If you remove it from the tire, you may not be
able to repair the puncture using the kit.
NOTICE
Do not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the
one provided in the ki t that came with your vehicle. If
used, you may permanently damage the tire pressure
sensor.
When the puncture is:
Smaller than 3/16 inch
(4 mm)
Larger than 3/16 inch
(4 mm) Kit Use
YesNo
Contact
Area
Instruction Manual
Air Compressor
Wheel
Label
Sealant Bottle
Expiration Date
Speed Limit Label
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
248
Handling the Unexpected
13. Unscrew the sealant/air hose from the tire
valve stem. Reinstall the valve cap.
14. Push the deflate button until the gauge returns 0 psi.
15. Apply the wheel label to the flat surface of
the wheel.
uThe wheel surface must be clean to
ensure the label adheres properly.
1. Apply the speed limit label to the location as shown.
2. Drive the vehicle for about 5 minutes.
uDo not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
3. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Air Pressure Gauge
Deflate Button
Wheel Label
■Distributing the Sealant in the Tire
1Injecting Sealant and Air
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.
1Distributing the Sealant in the Tire
Stop and recheck the air pressure after every 5
minutes of driving as necessary until you reach the
nearest service station where you should have the tire
permanently repaired or replaced.
Speed Limit Label
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents

249
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Handling the Unexpected
4.Recheck the air pressure using the gauge
on the air compressor.
uDo not turn the air compressor on to
check the pressure.
If the air pressure is:
uLess than 19 psi (130 kPa), do not add air
or continue driving. The leak is too
severe. Call for help and have your
vehicle towed.
2 Emergency Towing P. 264
u33 psi (230 kPa) or more, continue
driving for another 5 minutes or until you
reach the nearest service station. Do not
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
uGreater than 19 psi (130 kPa), but less
than 33 psi (230 kPa), add air using the
pump until the tire pressure reaches 33
psi (230 kPa), then drive carefully for 5
more minutes or until you reach the
nearest service station. Do not exceed 50
mph (80 km/h).
5. Repackage and properly stow the kit.
Main Menu
Main MenuTable of Contents