2016 HONDA FIT Owners Manual

24
Quick Reference Guide
What to Do If
*1 : Models with the smart entry system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.
The ignition switch does
not turn from
(0 to (q*1.
Why?
●The steering wheel may be locked.
●Try to turn the steering wheel left and
right while turning the ignition key.
●Move the steering wheel left and right
while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button at the same
time.
The ignition switch does
not turn from
(q to (0 and
I cannot remove the key.
Why?
The power mode does not
change from ON to
VEHICLE OFF (LOCK). Why?
The shift lever should be moved to (P.
Why does the brake pedal
pulsate slightly when
applying the brakes?This can occur when the ABS activates, and does not indicate a
problem. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Never
pump the brake pedal.
U.S. models with manual transmission
Canadian modelsModels without smart entry system
Models with smart entry system
Models without smart entry system
Models with smart entry system

25
Quick Reference Guide
The rear door cannot be
opened from inside the
vehicle. Why?Check if the childproof lock is in the
lock position. If so, open the rear door
with the outside door handle.
To cancel this function, push the lever
to the unlock position.
Why do the doors lock
after I unlocked the doors
using a remote
transmitter?If you do not open the doors within 30 seconds, the doors are
relocked automatically for security.
Why does the beeper
sound when I open the
driver’s door?The beeper sounds when:●The exterior lights are left on.
●The key is left in the ignition switch.
●The power mode is in ACCESSORY.
Why does the beeper
sound when I start driving?The beeper sounds when:
●Driver and/or front passenger are not wearing their seat belts.
●The parking brake lever is not fully released.
Why do I hear a screeching
sound when I apply the
brake pedal?The brake pads may need to be replaced. Have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Models without smart entry system
Models with smart entry system

26

27
Safe Driving
You can find many safety recommendations throughout this chapter, and throughout this manual.
For Safe Driving
Important Safety Precautions ............. 28
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features............ 30
Seat Belts About Your Seat Belts ........................ 32
Fastening a Seat Belt .......................... 35
Seat Belt Inspection............................ 40
Airbags Airbag System Components ............... 41
Types of Airbags ................................ 44
Front Airbags (SRS) ............................ 44
Side Airbags....................................... 48 Side Curtain Airbags .......................... 50
Airbag System Indicators.................... 51
Airbag Care ....................................... 53
Child Safety Protecting Child Passengers ............... 54
Safety of Infants a nd Small Children .. 56
Safety of Larger Children ................... 64
Exhaust Gas Hazard Carbon Monoxide Gas ....................... 66
Safety Labels Label Locations .................................. 67

28
Safe Driving
For Safe Driving
The following pages explain your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them
properly. The safety precautions below are ones that we consider to be among the
most important.
Important Safety Precautions
■Always wear your seat belt
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped
with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and
wear them properly.
■Restrain all children
Children ages 12 and under should ride prop erly restrained in a back seat, not the
front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in a child seat. Larger
children should use a booster seat and a lap/shoulder seat belt until they can use the
belt properly without a booster seat.
■Be aware of airbag hazards
While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants
who sit too close to them, or are not prop erly restrained. Infants, young children,
and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
■Don’t drink and drive
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one dr ink can reduce your ability to respond to
changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink.
So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive, either.
1Important Safety Precautions
Some states, provinces and territories prohibit the use
of cell phones other than hands-free devices by the
driver while driving.

29
uuFor Safe Driving uImportant Safety Precautions
Safe Driving
■Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely
Engaging in cell phone conversation or other activities that keep you from paying
close attention to the road, other vehicles , and pedestrians could lead to a crash.
Remember, situations can change quickly, and only you can decide when it is safe to
divert some attention away from driving.
■Control your speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher
the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds.
Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum
speed posted.
■Keep your vehicle in safe condition
Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous.
To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition
frequently, and perform all re gularly scheduled maintenance.

30
uuFor Safe Driving uYour Vehicle’s Safety Features
Safe Driving
Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
The following checklist will help you take an active role in protecting yourself and
your passengers.
1 Your Vehicle’s Safety Features
Your vehicle is equipped wi th many features that
work together to help protect you and your
passengers during a crash.
Some features do not require any action on your part.
These include a strong steel framework that forms a
safety cage around the passenger compartment,
front and rear crush zones, a collapsi ble steering
column, and tensioners that tighten the front seat
belts in a sufficient crash.
However, you and your passe ngers cannot take full
advantage of these features unless you remain seated
in the correct position and always wear your seat
belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to
injuries if they are not used properly.
67891011
Safety Cage
Crush Zones
Seats and Seat-Backs
Head Restraints
Collapsible Steering Column
Seat Belts
Front Airbags
Side Curtain Airbags
Seat Belt Tensioners Side Airbags
6
7
7
8
8
99
10
11
Door Locks
10

31
uuFor Safe Driving uYour Vehicle’s Safety Features
Safe DrivingFor the safety of you and your passengers, make a habit of checking these items
each time before you drive.
• After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure all doors and the tailgate are
closed and locked. Locking the doors and the tailgate helps prevent an occupant
from being ejected and an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door or the
tailgate.
2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 99
•Adjust your seat to a position suitable for driving. Be sure the front seats are
adjusted as far to the rear as possible while allowing the driver to control the
vehicle. Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious or fatal injury in a
crash.
2 Adjusting the Seats P. 133
•Adjust head restraints to the proper position. Head restraints are most effective
when the center of the head restraint alig ns with the center of your head. Taller
persons should adjust their head restraint to the highest position.
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 135
•Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Confirm that any
passengers are properly belted as well.
2 Fastening a Seat Belt P. 35
•Protect children by using seat belts or chil d seats according to a child’s age, height
and weight.
2 Child Safety P. 54
■Safety Checklist1Safety Checklist
If the door and ta ilgate open indicator is on, a door
and/or the tailgate is not completely closed. Close all
doors and the tailgate tightly until the indicator goes
off. 2 Door and Tailgate Open Indicator P. 75