2014 HONDA FIT tow

200
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1.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 HoodNOTICEDo 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
RodGrip
Clamp

202
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe 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

231Maintenance
BatteryChecking the Battery
Check 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.
2Entering the Audio Security Code P. 124
•The clock resets.
2Setting the Clock P. 76
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories 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.
3
WARNING
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

237
Handling the Unexpected
This 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 ............. 254Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On................................................ 256If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 256
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes
On or Blinks ..................................... 257If the Brake System Indicator Comes On .. 258If the EPS System Indicator Comes On258
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 259
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 259Fuses
Fuse Locations ................................. 260
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 263
Emergency Towing........................... 264
* Not available on all models

238Handling the Unexpected
ToolsTypes 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
JackModels with compact spare tireModels with tire repair kit

245
uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Temporarily Repairing a Flat TireIf 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 TireCanadian 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.NOTICEDo not use a puncture-repairing agent other than the
one provided in the kit 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
Yes
No Contact
Area
Instruction
Manual Air Compressor Wheel
Label Sealant Bottle Expiration Date
Speed Limit
Label

uuIf a Tire Goes FlatuTemporarily Repairing a Flat Tire
248Handling 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

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.
2Emergency Towing P. 264u33 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.