2013 HONDA INSIGHT brake fluid

If it stays on after you have fully
released the parking brake while
the engine is running, or if it
comes on while driving, it can
indicate a problem in the brake
system. You will also see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ or
‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-inf ormation
display. For more inf ormation, see
page .
This indicator comes on brief ly when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position. It will then go of f if
you have inserted a properly coded
ignition key. If it is not a properly
coded key, the indicator will blink,
and the engine’s f uel system will be
disabled (see page).
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the 12 volt battery
is not being charged, and you will
also see a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display. For more
inf ormation, see
page. This indicator has two f unctions:
Itcomesonwhenyouturnthe
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position. It is a reminder to check
the parking brake. Driving with
the parking brake not f ully
released can damage the brakes
and tires.
If you drive without releasing the
parking brake, a beeper will sound,
and you will also see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message on
the multi-information display (see
page ).
1.
2.
130 151
364
366
Instrument Panel Indicators
Immobilizer System
Indicator 12 Volt Battery Charging
System IndicatorParking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator (Red)
63
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Inst rument s and Cont rolsTOC
2013 Insight

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
If you have the skills and tools to
perf orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the service manual. See
pagef or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer.
U.S. Vehicles:
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
Maintenance Minder messages on
the multi-information display, and
instructions for simple
maintenance tasks you may want
to take care of yourself.
......................Maintenance Saf ety.298
.................Maintenance Minder .299
..............................Fluid Locations.309
........................Adding Engine Oil.310
.........Changing the Oil and Filter .312
..............................Engine Coolant.315
....................Windshield Washers. 317
....Automatic Transmission Fluid .318
Continuously Variable
............Transmission (CVT) .318
....................................Brake Fluid.319
.............................................Lights.321
..............................Audio Antenna.331
................Cleaning the Seat Belts .331
.....................................Floor Mats.331
..................DustandPollenFilter .332
.................................Wiper Blades.332
...............................................Tires.338
......Checking the 12 Volt Battery. 344
.............................Vehicle Storage.346
397
Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Maint enance
297
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2013 Insight

µµµ
µ µ
Ì µ
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
youfillthefueltank.Seepage .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See
page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page. Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-
inf ormation display. Lights Check the operation of
all the lights monthly. See
.
249
250
318 319 338
321
CONT INUED
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
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Maint enanceTOC
page page
.
2013 Insight

Î
Î
Ì Ì
Î
Ì
Maintenance Minder
308
:
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Maintenance Main Items
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect these items: Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections Maintenance Sub Items
Rotate tires
Replace air cleaner element If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
Replace dust and pollen filter 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).
Inspect drive belt
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace engine coolant
A
B
Symbol
Symbol
1
2
3
4
5
Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km).
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty in the first column
on
page .
Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake
fluid every 3 years.
If the message ‘‘SERVICE’’ does not appear more than 12 months after the
display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.
NOTE: :
307
Maintenance Minder
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TOC
2013 Insight

Fluid Locations
309
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange
loop) AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (CVT)
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow
loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Black cap)
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
ENGINE COOLANT
RESERVOIR
WASHER FLUID
(Blue
cap)
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Maint enanceTOC
2013 Insight

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
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Maint enanceTOC
2013 Insight

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
320
MAX
MIN
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Maint enanceTOC
2013 Insight

However, if the brake pedal does
not feel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will feel the brake
pedal go down much farther before
the vehicle begins to slow down,
and you will have to press harder
on the pedal.
Slow down and pull to the side of the
road when it is saf e. Because of the
long distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeonpage ). If this indicator comes on for any
other reason, have your vehicle
inspected by your dealer. There
may be a malfunction with the
electric brake distribution (EBD)
system. Avoid hard braking and
high speed driving.
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer, and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page).
The brake system indicator normally
comes on when you turn the ignition
switch to the ON (II) position and as
a reminder to check the parking
brake. If you do not release the
parking brake, the indicator will stay
on, and you will see a ‘‘RELEASE
PARKING BRAKE’’ message on the
multi-inf ormation display.
You will also see a ‘‘BRAKE FLUID
LOW’’ or ‘‘CHECK BRAKE
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display (see
page).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator comes on with
the brake system indicator, have
your vehicle inspected by your
dealer immediately. 89
319 374
Brake System Indicator
Emergency
Towing
(Red)
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U.S. Canada
T aking Care of t he Unexpect edTOC
2013 Insight