2017 HONDA FIT warning

106 || 107
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Replacing the Flat Tire
1.
Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire.
2.
Mount the compact spare tire. Replace the
wheel nuts, and lightly tighten them.
3.
Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Tighten
the wheel nuts in the order indicated in the
image. Go around, tightening the nuts, two to
three times in this order. Do not overtighten the
wheel nuts.
Models with wheel covers:

Make sure the wire
support ring is hooked into the clips around the
edge of the wheel cover.
Align the valve mark on the wheel cover to the
tire valve on the wheel, then install the wheel
cover.
If you drive with the spare tire installed, the low tire pressure/TPMS i\
ndicator*
appears. The indicator stays on until a regular tire is installed.
*if equipped
Wheel
nuts
Clips
Clips
Valve mark
Storing the Flat Tire1.
Remove the center cap, if necessary.
2.
Place the flat tire face down in the spare tire
well.
3.
Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, flip
it over, and insert it back on the bolt. Secure the
flat tire with the wing bolt.
Models with wheel covers: Make sure the wire
support ring is on the outer side of the tire valve
as shown.
4.
Securely store the wheel nut wrench, jack handle bar, and jack back in the tool
case. Store the case in the cargo area under the cargo floor lid.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and can seriously i\
njure the
occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
WARNING
Wing bolt
Spacer
cone
For compact spare tire
For full-size
tire
Tire valve
Wire support ring

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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Safety Precautions
Some of the most important safety precautions are listed below; however, we cannot
warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing mainte\
nance.
Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.
Maintenance Safety
•
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, 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. H\
eat from
the engine and exhaust can ignite them, causing a fire.
•
To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery\
or
compressed air.
•
Do not run the engine in confined spaces where carbon monoxide gas can\

accumulate.
Vehicle Safety
•
The vehicle must be stationary, and parked on level ground with the parking
brake set and the engine off.
•
Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
•
Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem befo\
re
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 guide.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can \
cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and precautions in this guide.
WARNING
Learn about basic maintenance that you can perform on the vehicle yourse\
lf, as well
as information about how to best maintain the vehicle.
MAINTENANCEMaintenance Minder™
When maintenance is due, the Maintenance Minder indicator comes on and a\

message appears on the display every time you turn the vehicle on. Press\
the select/
reset knob to change displays.
See the service code table on page 114 to check which items need mainten\
ance
based on the main and sub items shown in the display.
Maintenance
Minder indicatorMain items
Sub items
Maintenance Minder display
• Independent of the Maintenance Minder information, replace the brake fl\
uid 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.
U.S. models
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and sys\
tems
may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individuals using \
parts that
are certified to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenan\
ce on the
maintenance main items marked with # will not void your emissions war

ranties.
However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the multi-information display.

118 || 119
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant\
level in the
radiator. We recommend Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the Reserve Tank
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.
Adding Coolant 1.
Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2.
Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system. Do
not push the cap down when turning.
3.
Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4.
The coolant level should be up to the base of the
filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5.
Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it fully.
6.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches
the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the reserve
tank.
If 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 malfuncti\
on or fail.
Have the cooling system flushed and refilled with Honda antifreeze/c\
oolant as
soon as possible.
NOTICE
Reserve tank MAX
MIN
Radiator cap
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 radiato\
r
cap.
WARNING
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
Brake Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of\
the
reservoir. We recommend using Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3.
Pour the fluid carefully.
If the fluid level is at or below the MIN mark, have a
dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as soon as
possible.
Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid by looking
at the reservoir. If the washer fluid level is low, fill the
washer reservoir. Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not
overflow the reservoir.
Canadian models
If the washer fluid level is low, the washer level
indicator appears (see page 27).
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshie\
ld washer
reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A vinegar/water solution
can damage the windshield washer pump.
NOTICE
Washer reservoir
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your vehicle’s braking system
and can cause extensive damage.
NOTICE
MAX
MIN

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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
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.
WARNING
Checking the Battery
The battery condition is monitored by a sensor on the negative terminal.\
If there is a
problem with the battery, the charging system indicator appears (see page 24). Have
your vehicle checked by a dealer.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion monthly.
For jump starting, see page 98.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead\

compounds. Wash your hands after handling.
Changing Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades leave streaks across the windshield, try cleaning th\
em first with a
paper towel or soft cloth and wiper fluid. If the wiper blade rubber h\
as deteriorated,
you should change the wiper blades.
Changing the Front Wiper Blade Rubber
1.
Lift the driver side wiper arm first, then the
passenger side.
2.
Press and hold the tab, then slide the blade
from the wiper arm.
3.
Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by
pulling the tabbed end out.
4.
Slide the new wiper blade onto the holder from
the bottom end. The tab on the blade should fit
in the indent of the top of the wiper holder.
5.
Slide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm
securely.
6.
Lower the passenger side wiper arm first, then
the driver side.
Lock tab
Blade
Ta b Blade
Avoid dropping the wiper arm, as it may damage the windshield.
NOTICE

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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and
loading information. Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause\

a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding tire inflation
and maintenance
.
WARNING
Original
tire sizes
Number of
people your
vehicle can
carry Proper cold
tire pressure
Total weight
your vehicle
can carry
(do not exceed)
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rati\
ng, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires
of a different size or construction can cause certain vehicle systems to\
work
incorrectly. It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’\
t possible,
replace the front or rear tires in pairs.
If you change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels.
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stabil\
ity.
This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires recommended in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
Tire Service LifeThe life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving h\
abits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance,\
it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires re\
ach
five years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from\
service after
10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or \
state of
wear.
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M\
+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance \
between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges\
that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire ChainsInstall tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains:
Cable type: SCC Radial Chain SC1026.
Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they do not touch\
the
brake lines or suspension.
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can dama\
ge your
vehicle’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting
any part of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage th\
e
brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or k\
illed.
Follow all instructions in this guide regarding the selection and use of\
tire
chains.
WARNING

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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you\

should be aware of are described below.
Here is an example of what each marking means:
P185/55R16 83V
•
P: vehicle type (passenger)
•
185: tire width in millimeters
•
55: aspect ratio (tire section height as
a percentage of its width)
•
R: tire construction code (radial)
•
16: rim diameter in inches
•
83: load index (code indicating
maximum load tire can carry)
•
H: speed symbol (code indicating
maximum speed rating)
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number
(TIN) is a group of numbers
and letters that look like the
example shown. TIN is located
on the sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire TerminologyCold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a gi\
ven
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the\
tire
can hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure\

recommended by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal gr\
ooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread\
.
Tire size
Tire
identication
number (TIN)
Maximum
tire load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire size
DOT B97R FW6X 2209\n
DOT: This in\ficat\bs t\nhat th\b tir\b m\b\bts all
r\bquir\bm\bnts of th\b U.S\n. D\bpartm\bnt of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufactur\br’s \ni\f\bntifcation mark
FW6X: Tir\b typ\b co\f\b
22 09: Dat\b of Transp\nortation

Year
Week
DOT Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All\
tires are
also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according
to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall betwee\
n tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of th\
e tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test\
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) tim\
es as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance \
of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, servi\
ce practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those \
grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concre\
te. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hy\
droplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.

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MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the\
tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat w\
hen tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test whee\
l. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and re\
duce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Th\
e grade
C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel th\
an the
minimum required by law.
WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla\
tion, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat b\
uildup
and possible tire failure.Testing of Readiness Codes
Your vehicle has readiness codes as part of the onboard self-diagnostic s\
ystem.
Some states use these codes to verify whether your vehicle’s emissions components
are working properly. The codes may not be read if you go through the emissions
testing just after the battery has gone dead or been disconnected.
To check if they are set, turn the vehicle on without starting the engine\
. The
malfunction indicator lamp will come on for several seconds. If it goes \
off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes \
are not set.
If you are required to have your vehicle emissions tested before the rea\
diness codes
are set, prepare the vehicle for retesting by doing the following:
1.
Fill the gas tank to approximately 3/4 full.
2.
Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 6 hours or more.
3.
Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40°F and 95°F (4°\
C and 35°C).
4.
Start the engine without touching the accelerator pedal, and let it idle\
for 20
seconds.
5.
Keep the vehicle in Park (P) or Neutral (manual transmission). Incre\
ase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there for about 3 minutes.
6.
Let the engine idle with your foot off the accelerator for 20 seconds.
7.
Select a nearby, lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed
of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the \
highway with
the vehicle in Drive (D) or 6th gear (manual transmission). Do not u\
se cruis

e
control. When traffic allows, drive for 90 seconds without using the a\
ccelerator
pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary slightly; this is OK.) If you cannot do this for
a continuous 90 seconds because of traffic conditions, drive for at le\
ast 30
seconds, then repeat two more times (for a total of 90 seconds).
8.
Drive in city or suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffi\
c conditions
allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the acceler

ator
pedal or the brake pedal.
9.
Park the vehicle and leave the engine off for 30 minutes.
The readiness codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set\
again
only after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If an emissions testing facility determines that the readiness codes are\
not set, you
may be requested to return at a later date to complete the test, or see \
your dealer.