2017 HONDA FIT Quick Guide

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 sto\
p. This can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE
Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachomete\
r’s red
zone. This can severely damage your engine.
NOTICE
Shift up Normal acceleratio n1st to 2n d16 mph (26 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 hol\
d the brake
pedal firmly 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 p\
edal may
pulsate slightly during ABS operation; this is normal. Do not pump the b\
rake pedal,
and continue to hold it firmly 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®)
Also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), VSA helps to stabili\
ze the vehicle
during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than what was intende\
d. It
assists in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces by regulating engin\
e 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 ma\
ke 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 th\
e
accelerator pedal. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where yo\
u 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 ControlPress 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 e\
ngine,
transmission, air conditioning, 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.
*if equipped

94 || 95
DRIVING
DRIVING
LaneWatch™*
Check the passenger-side rear areas in the upper display when the right turn signal
is activated.
LaneWatch display
Activating LaneWatch
Activate the right turn signal. The LaneWatch display
appears. Check the display for blind spots, and
visually confirm that it is safe to change lanes.
You can also press the LaneWatch button on the end
of the turn signal switch to view a constant real-time
display. Press it again to turn the display off.
Changing SettingsCustomize the display and how and when the display appears.
1.
From the HOME screen, select Settings.
2.
Select Camera.
3.
Select LaneWatch.
4.
Select an option and make the preferred changes.
5.
Press BACK to exit the menu.
Important Safety Reminder
Like all assistance systems, LaneWatch has limitations. Over-reliance on the
system may result in a collision.
Failure to visually confirm that it is safe to change lanes before doi\
ng so may
result in a crash and serious injury or death.
Do not rely only on LaneWatch while driving. Always look in your mirrors, to
either side of your vehicle, and behind you for other vehicles before ch\
anging
lanes.
WARNING
*if equipped
Multi-View Rear Camera
When you shift into Reverse (R), a real-time image of the area behind \
your vehicle is
shown in the display, along with helpful parking guidelines.
Models with color audio system
Wide view Normal viewTop down view
Changing Camera Settings
Turn the guidelines on or off. Use the selector knob to make and enter se\
lections.
1.
Press the MENU/CLOCK button.
2.
Select Settings.
3.
Select Rear Camera.
4.
Select Camera Guideline.
5.
Select On or Off.
6.
Press the Back button to exit the menu.
Press the selector knob to change views.

96 || 97
DRIVING
DRIVING
The rear camera view is restricted. You cannot see the corner ends of the bumper or what is
underneath the bumper. Its unique lens also makes objects appear closer or farther than they \
actually are.
Visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up. Certain c\
onditions (such as weather,
lighting, and high temperatures) may also restrict the rear view. Do not rely on the rearview display,
which does not give you all information about conditions at the rear of \
your vehicle.
Changing Camera Settings
Turn the guidelines on or off.
1.
From the HOME screen, select Settings.
2.
Select Camera.
3.
Select Rear Wide Camera.
4.
Select one of the options.
Fixed Guideline: Guidelines appear when you
shift into Reverse. Select On or Off.
Dynamic Guideline

: Guidelines move as you turn
the steering wheel. Select On or Off.
5.
Press BACK to exit the menu.
Models with touchscreen
Press the icons on the touchscreen to change views.
Wide view Normal view Top down view
Refueling
Use the proper fuel and refueling procedure to ensure the best performan\
ce and
safety of your vehicle.
Fuel Information
Use of unleaded gasoline of 87 octane or higher is recommended.
•
Honda recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline where available.
•
Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol.
•
Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol.
•
Do NOT use gasoline containing MMT.
How to Refuel
1.
The fuel fill door is located at the left rear of the
vehicle. Park next to the service pump that is
most accessible.
2.
Turn off the engine.
3.
Pull the fuel fill door release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard. The fuel fill
door opens.
4.
Turn the fuel fill cap slowly to open. Place the fuel
fill cap in the holder.
5.
Insert the filler nozzle fully. When the tank is full,
the fuel nozzle clicks off automatically.
6.
Replace the fuel fill cap. Tighten it until you hear
at least one click. Close the fuel fill door.
W

e recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help
prevent fuel system and engine deposits. In addition, in order to mainta\
in good
performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend the
use of gasoline that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based fuel addit\
ives
such as MMT, if such gasoline is available.
NOTICE
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
•
Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
•
Handle fuel only outdoors.
•
Wipe up spills immediately.
WARNING
Holder Cap

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
flashing.
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 first jumper cable to your
vehicle’s battery (+) terminal.
2.
Connect the other end of the first 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, seriou\
sly
injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the batt\
ery.
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 Par\
k (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 flat-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 po\
wer, 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 hig\
h
temperature indicator goes off. If the cooling fan is not operating, imm\
ediately
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 t\
he
reserve tank, make sure the radiator is cool, then cover the radiator ca\
p

with a
heavy cloth and open the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to the base of the
filler neck, and put the cap back on.
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, 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 radiato\
r cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge needle at the H mark may \
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
Reserve tank MAX
MIN
Emergency Engine Stop*
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. Do not press the button while driving unless
it is absolutely necessary for the engine to be switched off. If you mus\
t 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 remain unlocked. However, turning off the engine disables
the power assist to the steering and braking systems, so the vehicle wil\
l

require
significantly more effort and time to steer and slow. Downshift gears and use both
feet on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and stop immediately in a
safe place.
For CVT models, the power mode changes to ACCESSORY. Manual transmission
models change to OFF.
Canadian CVT models
Then press the ENGINE START/STOP button two times without pressing the brake
pedal.
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 tru\
ck. 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 dama\
ge. 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

102 || 103
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving. Available on U.S. models only.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly
low, the low tire pressure indicator comes on.
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Check the tire
pressure and adjust the pressure to the specified
level. The specified tire pressure is on a label on the
driver’s doorjamb.
TPMS Calibration
Any time you inflate, change, or rotate one of more
of the tires, you need to recalibrate the system.
Press and hold the TPMS button. The TPMS
indicator blinks, and calibration begins.
The calibration process requires approximately 30
minutes of cumulative driving at speeds between
30–60 mph (48–97 km/h). The process finishes
automatically.
Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. A\
n overheated
tire can fail. Always inflate your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE
TPMS
button
Low tire
pressure
indicator
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)—Required Federal Explanation
U.S. models only
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthl\
y
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the \
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure\

label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated \
on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine\
the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the\

proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenanc\
e,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This \
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the \
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be abl\
e
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle \
that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.

104 || 105
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat while driving, grasp the steering wheel firmly, and brake gradually
to reduce speed. Then, stop in a safe place. Replace the flat tire wit\
h the compact
spare tire. Go to a dealer as soon as possible to have the full-size tir\
e repaired or
replaced.
Getting Ready to Change the Tire
Park the vehicle on a firm, level, non-slippery surface. Apply the par\
king brake,
shift to Park (CVT models) or Reverse (manual transmission models), \
and turn the
vehicle off. Turn on the hazard warning lights.
1.
Open the cargo area floor lid.
2.
Take the tool case out of the cargo area. Take out
the wheel nut wrench, jack handle bar

, and jack.
3.
Unscrew the wing bolt and remove the spacer
cone. Then remove the spare tire.
4.
Place a wheel block or rock in front and rear of
the wheel diagonal to the flat tire.
5.
Place the compact spare tire (wheel side up)
under the vehicle body, near the tire that needs
to be replaced.
6.
If necessary, put the flat tip of the jack handle bar
into the edge of the wheel cover*. Carefully pry
the edge and remove the cover.
7.
Loosen each wheel nut about one turn using the
wheel nut wrench.
Tool case Spare tire
Jack
Wheel nut
Jack handle bar
Wheel
cover
Floor lid
Setting Up the Jack1.
Place the jack under the jacking point closest to
the tire to be changed.
2.
Turn the end bracket (as shown in the image)
until the top of the jack contacts the jacking
point. Make sure that the jacking point tab is
resting in the jack notch.
3.
Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar and
the jack handle, until the tire is off the ground.
The following instructions must be followed to use the jack safely:
•
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the vehicle.
•
Use the jack provided in your vehicle. Other jacks may not support the w\
eight
(“load”) or fit the jacking point.
•
Do not use while the engine is running.
•
Use only where the ground is firm and level.
•
Use only at the jacking points.
•
Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.
•
Do not put anything on top of or underneath the jack. The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone unde\
rneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
WARNING
Jack
handle
bar
Wheel nut
Wrench as jack handle
*if equipped