2016 HONDA FIT transmission

2 || 3
S
AFETY
VISUAL INDEX
Dashboard and Other Controls
1  Touchscreen*   p. 56
2  Hazard warning button 
3 Climate control system p. 44
4  USB/HDMI* port   p. 47
Auxiliary input jack*   p. 48
Accessory power socket p. 47
5 Hood release handle p. 115
6 Fuel ll door handle p. 97
7 Power window switches p. 33
  Door lock switches   p. 31
    Door mirror controls   p. 42
8  Shift lever*   p. 88
  Manual transmission* p. 90
*if equipped Your safety—and the safety of others—is very important, and operating this vehicle
safely is an important responsibility. While we strive to help you make informed 
decisions about safety, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. Therefore, you must use your own good judgment.
Important Safety Information
This guide explains many of your vehicle’s safety features and how to use them.
Please read this information carefully. Following the instructions below will also help to keep you and your passengers safe.
Important Safety Precautions
• 
Always wear your seat belt.
•  Secure all children in the proper restraint system.
•  Be aware of airbag hazards.
•  Don’t drink and drive. •  Pay appropriate attention to the task of driving safely.
•  Control your speed.
•  Keep your vehicle in safe condition.
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.
Safety Messages
When you see the following messages throughout this guide, pay close attention.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow    
instructions. You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow    
instructions. You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your
vehicle, other property, or the environment.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
SAFETY INFORMATION
17
64
3
5
2
8

24 || 25
I
NSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Smart Entry system* There is a problem with the smart entry system. Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light)
• The emissions control system may have a problem, or the fuel cap is loose   or missing.
• (Blinks) A misire in the engine’s cylinders is detected. Stop in a safe place, 
and wait for the engine to cool down. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
There is a problem with the anti-lock brake system. Your vehicle still has 
normal braking ability, but no anti-lock function. 
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (U.S. models only)
There is a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system, or the vehicle is  tted with the compact spare tire.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®
)
There is a problem with the VSA system or hill start assist system. Brake system There is a problem with a braking system component. Electric power steering There is a problem with the system. Stop in a safe place, and restart the vehicle. Starter system* There is a problem with the starter system. High temperature The engine coolant temperature is high. Drive slowly to prevent overheating. If the indicator remains on, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place (see page 100). Low temperature
The engine coolant temperature is low. If the indicator remains on, there  may be a problem with temperature sensors.
Canada U.S.
U.S.
Canada
Learn about the indicators, gauges, and displays related to driving the vehicle. Indicators briely appear with each engine start and then go out. Red and amber 
indicators are most critical. Blue and green indicators are used for general information.
Malfunction Indicators
These are the most critical indicators. If they come on and stay lit while driving or at 
any other time, there may be a problem. See your dealer if necessary.
Brake system
• Brake luid is low.• The brake system has a problem.Press the brake pedal lightly to check pedal pressure. If normal, check 
the brake luid level when you stop. If abnormal, take immediate action. If 
necessary, downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle using engine
braking. Have your vehicle repaired immediately. Low oil pressure
Engine oil pressure is low. Stop in a safe place. Open the hood. Check the oil 
level, and add oil if necessary (see page 117). If the indicator does not turn 
off, have your vehicle repaired immediately. Charging system
The battery is not charging. Turn off all electrical items, but do not turn off  the vehicle to prevent further battery discharge. Have your vehicle repaired 
immediately. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
There is a problem with one of the airbag systems or seat belt tensioners. 
Canada
U.S.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
*if equipped

86 || 87
DRIVING
DRIVING
Load limits example
Example 1
Max load
850 lbs
(385 kg) Pass
enger weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo weight

550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example 2
Max load
850 lbs
(385 kg) Pa
ssenger w eight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
(68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo weight

100 lbs (45 kg)
The headlight aim on your vehicle was set by the factory, and does not need to be 
adjusted. However, if you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area, have the aiming readjusted at your dealer or by a qualiied technician.
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your warranties. Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a  crash in which you can be hurt or killed. Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this guide.
WARNING
Starting the Ignition*
Insert the key into the ignition and turn to turn on the vehicle or start the engine.
0
LOCK: Insert and remove the key in this position.
I
ACCESSORY: Operate the audio system and other
accessories in this position.
II
ON: This is the position when driving.
III
START: This position is for starting the engine.
The switch returns to ON when you release the key.
Starting to Drive
Turn on the vehicle and start the engine to begin driving.
Before Starting the Engine
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Check that the shift lever is in Park (P), then press
the brake pedal. Keep your foot irmly on the brake  pedal when starting the engine.
Manual transmission
Check that the shift lever is in Neutral (N). Press the brake pedal with your right foot, and press the  clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot. Keep your foot irmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.
Brake pedal
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found at altitudes
above 8,000 feet (2,400 m). When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off 
all electrical accessories such as the lights, climate control system, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
*if equipped
Brake pedal
Clutch pedal

88 || 89
DRIVING
DRIVING
Changing the Power Mode*
Use the
ENGINE START/STOP button to cycle through power modes or start the 
engine. Accessory or On mode: Press ENGINE START/STOP 
once without pressing the brake pedal for Accessory  mode. Press it again for On mode. Starting the engine: Press and hold the brake pedal 
(and the clutch for manual transmission), then press
ENGINE START/STOP. Keep your foot irmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.
Turning the vehicle off: Shift to Park (P) (or apply the parking brake for manual 
transmission), then press ENGINE START/STOP. If you press the button and the  shift lever is not in Park (P), the vehicle goes into Accessory mode.
*if equipped
Shifting
Change the shift position based on your driving needs.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)*
Park (P): Used for parking or starting/stopping 
the engine. Press the brake pedal, then press the  release button to shift. Reverse (R): Used for reversing.
Neutral (N): Used for idling.
Drive (D): Used for normal driving.
Drive (S): Used for better acceleration, increased 
engine braking, driving in hilly terrain, or when using  paddle shifters*. Low (L)*: Used for stronger engine braking when driving in hilly terrain.
When you change the shift lever from D to R and vice versa, come to a complete  stop and keep the brake pedal pressed. Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the accelerator pedal. You could  damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Release button
Paddle Shifters*
Use the paddle shifters to change gears from 1st through 7th without removing your hands from the steering wheel.
*if equipped
When the shift lever is in D:
The vehicle goes into manual shift mode temporarily,
and the gear number appears. When you start traveling at a constant speed,  manual shift mode automatically switches off, and the gear number goes off.  When the shift lever is in S: The vehicle goes into manual shift mode, and the
M indicator and gear number appear. When the vehicle comes to a stop, it 
automatically shifts down into 1st gear. You can pull away only in 1st gear. If the 
vehicle speed increases and the engine speed approaches the tachometer’s red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up. As the vehicle speed slows down,
the transmission automatically shifts down accordingly.
To cancel manual shift mode, move the shift lever from S to D. The M indicator and gear number go off. 
M indicator/gear  position indicator
Shift up Normal acceleration1 to 215 mph (24 km/h)
2 to 32 5 mph (40 km/h)
3 to 440 mph (64 km/h)
4 to 54 5 mph (72 km/h)
5 to 650 mph (80 km/h)
6 to 75 5 mph (89 km/h)
Recommended shift points
(-) paddle shifter:

Pull to shift down
to a lower gear. (+) paddle shifter:

Pull to shift up to
a higher gear.

90 || 91
DRIVING
DRIVING
Manual Transmission*
Fully press the clutch pedal to operate the shift lever and change gears.
Do not shift to Reverse (R) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This can  damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer’s red
zone. This can severely damage your engine. 
NOTICE
Shift up Normal acceleratio n1st to 2n d16 mph (25 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 26 mph (42 km/h)
3rd to 4th35 mph (56 km/h)
4th to 5th 41 mph (66 km/h)
5th to 6th43 mph (69 km/h)
Recommended shift points
*if equipped
Braking
Slow down or stop your vehicle, and keep it from moving when parked.
Foot Brake
Press the brake pedal to slow down or stop your  vehicle from moving.Brake pedal
Brake pedal
CVT
Manual transmission
Parking Brake
Keep your vehicle from moving while parked.
To apply: Fully pull up the lever without pressing the
release button.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly, and press
and hold the release button. Lower the lever down 
all the way, then release the button.
The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size. 
NOTICE
Brake Assist System
During hard or emergency braking, the system increases braking force. The brake 
pedal may move slightly or make a noise; this is normal. Continue to hold the brake pedal rmly down.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
During hard or emergency braking, the system rapidly pumps the brakes to 
prevent wheel lockup and help you maintain steering control. The brake pedal may 
pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the brake pedal, and continue to hold it rmly down.
Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be  damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied.
NOTICE

92 || 93
DRIVING
DRIVING
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®
), aka Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) System
Helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 
than what was intended. It assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes.
Turning VSA On or Off
VSA is turned on every time you start the engine,
even if you previously turned it off. If you turn VSA  off, your vehicle has normal braking and cornering 
ability, but VSA traction and stability enhancement become less effective. Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a  beep to turn VSA on or off. The VSA OFF indicator appears when the system is off. When VSA is turned off, traction control stops functioning, which may make it
easier when trying to free your vehicle if it is stuck in mud or snow.VSA OFF indicator
VSA OFF button
Cruise Control
Maintain a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the accelerator pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
CRUISE button RES/+ button -/SET button
CANCEL button
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.
WARNING
Activating and Setting the Vehicle Speed
1.
Press CRUISE. The CRUISE MAIN indicator appears.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed (above 25 mph/
40 km/h). Take your foot off the pedal and press 
-/SET to set the speed. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator  appears.
Adjusting the Vehicle Speed
Press RES/+ to increase or -/SET to decrease. Each time you press the button, the vehicle speed is  increased or decreased by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h). If you keep the button pressed, the vehicle speed increases or decreases until you release it.
Canceling Cruise Control
Press CANCEL or the brake pedal. The CRUISE CONTROL  indicator goes off. After cruise control has been canceled, you can still  resume the prior set speed by pressing RES/+ while driving at a speed of at least 25 mph (40 km/h). Press CRUISE to turn the system off.
ECON Button*
Can help improve your fuel economy by adjusting the performance of the engine,  transmission, climate control system, and cruise control. Press the ECON button to turn the system on or off.  The ECON Mode indicator appears when the system is turned on.

98 || 99
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Learn about what to do in critical or emergency situations.
Smart Entry Remote Battery Strength*
If the battery life in your remote transmitter is weak, follow the below steps to start  the engine. 1. Touch the back of the remote transmitter to the 
ENGINE START/STOP button while the indicator is ashing.
2. With the brake pedal pressed (and the clutch pedal for manual transmission), press the ENGINE 
START/STOP button within 10 seconds.
Jump Starting
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine, then open the hood. 1. Remove the under-hood fuse box cover (see  page 108). Connect the irst jumper cable to your 
vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the irst jumper cable to the booster battery (+) terminal. Use a 12-volt 
booster battery only.
3. Connect the second jumper cable to the booster battery (-) terminal.
4. Connect the other end of the second jumper cable to the stud bolt as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part.
5. If your vehicle is connected to another vehicle, 
start the assisting vehicle’s engine and increase its
rpm slightly.
6. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it turns over slowly, make sure that the  jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
*if equipped
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously 
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open lames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
WARNING
Booster battery WARNING:
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
After the Engine Starts
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper cables in the following  order: 1. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s stud bolt.
2. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (-)  terminal.
3. Disconnect the jumper cable from your vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
4. Disconnect the other end of the jumper cable from the booster battery (+) terminal.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by a nearby service station or a dealer.
Shift Lever Does Not Move*
Follow the procedure below if you cannot move the shift lever out of Park (P). 1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition, or remove the built-in key from the remote transmitter.
3. Wrap a cloth around the tip of a small at-tip screwdriver. Put it into the shift lock release slot as
shown in the image, and remove the cover.
4. Insert the key into the shift release lock.
5. While pushing the key down, press the shift lever release button and place the shift lever into Neutral   (N). The lock is now released. Have the shift lever checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
*if equipped
Slot
Release button Shift lock release slot
Cover

100 || 101
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If the high temperature indicator comes on, the engine suddenly loses power, or  steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheating. 1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn  off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning lights.
2. If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
  If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and
wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the high temperature indicator goes off. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediately stop the engine.
4. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the reserve tank 
is low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark. If there is no coolant in the 
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator cap with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the iller neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufciently, restart it and check the high temperature
indicator. If the indicator is off, resume driving. If it stays on, contact a dealer for repairs.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you. Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you. Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may damage the engine.
NOTICE
Emergency Engine Stop*
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an 
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, choose one of the following operations: •  Press and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button for 
two seconds, or
•  Firmly press the ENGINE START/STOP button two 
times.
The steering wheel will not lock. The power mode changes to ACCESSORY (or OFF 
for manual transmission), unless the shift lever is in Park (P), in which case the
power mode changes to VEHICLE OFF. Because turning off the engine also disables the power assist the engine provides 
to the steering and braking systems, it will require signiicantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehicle. Downshift gears and use both feet on the 
brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a safe place.
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary for the engine  to be switched off.
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 pivoting 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.
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.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can  damage the transmission.
NOTICE
*if equipped
Reserve tank MAX MIN