2017 HONDA FIT radiator cap

22 || 23
S
AFETYSAFETY
Safety Label Locations
Safety labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential haz\
ards that
can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels carefully.
Reporting Safety Defects
In the U.S.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash \
or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda \
Motor Co.,
Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and \
if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recal\
l and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-
4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
In Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash \
or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform Honda Canada, Inc.,\
and you
may also inform Transport Canada.
If Transport Canada receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if
it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may le\
ad to a recall and
remedy campaign. However, Transport Canada cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or Honda Canada, Inc.
To contact Transport Canada’s Defect Investigations and Recalls Division, you may
call 1-800-333-0510. For more information on reporting safety defects or\
about motor
vehicle safety, go to http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety.
Sun visor
U.S. models
Canadian models
Dashboard
U.S. models
Radiator cap

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

114 || 115
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, changethe engine oil every year.
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
Replace engine oi l*1
BReplace engine oil and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension component s
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*2:If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).*3:If you drive primarily in urban areas with high concentrations of soot i\
n the air from industryand diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lte r*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transmission uid
4Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolan t
Under the Hood
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.
3.
Push 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.
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised. The hood will strik\
e the
wipers, and may damage either the hood or the wipers.
NOTICE
Engine coolant reserve tank
Washer fluid
(blue cap) Engine oil fill cap
Engine oil
dipstick (orange)
Brake fluid
(black cap)
Battery
Radiator cap
Lever
Support
rod Grip
Clamp

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