2014 HONDA FIT engine coolant

15Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P191)
Under the Hood
(P199)
●Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
●Check brake fluid and clutch fluid.
●Check the battery condition monthly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P212)
●Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P218)
●Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P222)
●Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
●Check tire pressures regularly.
●Install snow tires for winter
driving.
* Not available on all models

67
uuIndicatorsu
Continued
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System)
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w, then
goes off.
●If it comes on at any other time, there is
a problem with the ABS.
●Stays on constantly - Have the vehicle checked by
a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has
normal braking ability but no anti-lock function.
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 183
Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w, then
goes off.
●Comes on if a problem with any of the
following is detected:
-Supplemental restraint system
-Side airbag system
-Side curtain airbag system
-Seat belt tensioner
●Stays on constantly or does not come on at all
- Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
High Temperature
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w, then
goes off.
●Blinks when the engine coolant
temperature goes up, and stays on if the
temperature continues to rise.
●Blinks while driving - Drive slowly to prevent
overheating.●Stays on while driving - Immediately stop in a
safe place and allow the engine to cool.
2Overheating P. 254
Low Temperature
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch to ON
(w.
●Comes on when the engine coolant
temperature is low.
●If the indicator stays on after the engine has reached
normal operating temperature, there may be a
problem with the temperature sensors. Have the
vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Continued
119
uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Controls
The heater uses heat from the engine coolant
to warm the air.
1.Adjust the fan speed using the fan control
dial.
2.Select and .
3.Adjust the temperature using the
temperature control dial.
■To rapidly warm up the interior
1.Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2.Select .
3.Set the temperature to maximum heat.
4.Select .■To dehumidify the interior
*
When used in combination with the heater, the air conditioning system makes the
interior warm and dry and can prevent the windows from fogging up.
1.Turn the fan on.
2.Press the A/C button to turn on the air conditioning.
3.Select and . Adjust the temperature to your preference.■Heating
1To rapidly warm up the interior
Change to fresh air mode as soon as the interior gets
warm enough. The windows may fog up if kept in
recirculation mode.
* Not available on all models

161
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(P, then
depress the brake pedal.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in
(P.
2.Check that the shift lever is in
(N. Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
uThe clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling
* system, and rear defogger in order to reduce
battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

191
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 192Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 193Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 194
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 195
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 199Opening the Hood ........................... 200
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 201
Oil Check ......................................... 202
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 203Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter..... 204
Engine Coolant ................................ 206
Transmission Fluid ............................ 208
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 210
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 211
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 212Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades.......................................... 218Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 222
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 223
Tire Labeling .................................... 223DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles).. 225Wear Indicators................................ 227Tire Service Life ................................ 227
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 228
Tire Rotation .................................... 229
Winter Tires ..................................... 230
Battery............................................... 231
Remote Transmitter Care
*
Replacing the Battery ....................... 232
Heating and Cooling
* System
Maintenance................................... 233
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 234
Exterior Care.................................... 235
* Not available on all models

197
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message Maintenance
Minder Indicator
Sub Items Main Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
*2: Canadian A/T models only
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil and oil filter●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
●Check expiration date for TRK bottle
*2
*3: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: 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).
*5: If you tow a Fit behind a motorhome, the transmission fluid must be changed every 2 years or 30,000
miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first. (For A/T only)CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*3
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*4
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
*5
4
●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant

199Maintenance
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) Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Dipstick
(Yellow Loop) BatteryManual transmission
modelsAutomatic transmission
models

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 CoolantNOTICEIf 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.
If temperatures consistently below -22°F (-30°C) are
expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to
a higher concentration. Consult a dealer for more
information.
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN