2016 HONDA FIT tow

353
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safe ty precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explos ion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
u Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a co mmercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and prot ective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if th ere is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on le vel ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
u Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instruct ed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1 Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a pr oblem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner’s manual.
3WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and prec autions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner’s manual.

360
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOpening 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.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Pull 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.1 Opening 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 lifti ng the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cl eaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Lever
Support
Rod
Grip
Clamp

362
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engi ne oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minu tes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil. 1.Remove the dipstick (orange).
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

392
uuBattery uCharging the Battery
Maintenance
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent da maging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.1 Battery
When you find corrosion, cl ean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel dry
the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.

401
Handling the Unexpected
This chapter explains how to handle unexpected troubles.
ToolsTypes of Tools .................................. 402
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 403
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 409
If the Smart Entry Remote Battery is Weak ....... 410
Emergency Engine Stop ................... 411
Jump Starting .................................... 412
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 414
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 415 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On................................................ 417
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 417
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ..................................... 418
If the Brake System Indicator (Red) Comes On...................................................... 419
If the Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Indicator Comes On ....................... 419 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 420
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 421
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 425
Emergency Towing ........................... 426
When You Cannot Open the Tailgate..... 427

402
Handling the Unexpected
Tools
Types of Tools
1Types of Tools
The tools are stored in the cargo area.
Wheel Nut Wrench/
Jack Handle
Jack Handle Bar Detachable Towing Hook
Tool Case Jack
Jack

409
Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not Start
Checking the Engine
If the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter conditionChecklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check the brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.
●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2 Battery P. 391●If the interior lights come on normally 2 Fuses P. 421
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2 Starting the Engine P. 309, P. 311
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 110
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 85
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 425
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 426
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehi cle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 412

426
Handling the Unexpected
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoti ng arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency Towing
NOTICE
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.
NOTICE
Improper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.