2017 HONDA FIT weight

8 || 9
S
AFETYSAFETY
Seat Belt with Detachable Anchor
The seat belt for the rear center seat is located in the ceiling.
1.
Pull out the seat belt’s small latch plate and
the latch plate from each holding slot in the
ceiling.
2.
Line up the triangle marks on the small
latch plate and anchor buckle. Make sure
the seat belt is not twisted. Attach the belt
to the anchor buckle.
3.
Insert the latch plate into the buckle.
Properly fasten the seat belt the same way
you fasten the lap/shoulder seat belt.
To unlatch the detachable anchor, insert
the latch plate into the slot on the side of
the anchor buckle.
Using the seat belt with the detachable anchor unlatched increases the
chance of serious injury or death in a crash.
Before using the seat belt, make sure the detachable anchor is correctly\

latched.
WARNING
Airbags
Your vehicle is equipped with three types of airbags: front airbags, side\
airbags, and
side curtain airbags.
Front Airbags (SRS) The front SRS airbags inflate in a moderate-to-severe frontal collisio\
n to help
protect the head and chest of the driver and/or front passenger. They are housed
in the center of the steering wheel for the driver, and in the dashboard for the front
passenger. Both airbags are marked SRS AIRBAG.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicates that the airbags are des\
igned to
supplement seat belts, not replace them. Seat belts are the occupant’\
s primary
restraint system.
Advanced AirbagsYour front airbags have advanced features to help reduce the likelihood o\
f airbag-
related injuries to smaller occupants.
The driver’s advanced front airbag system includes
a seat position sensor. If the seat is too far forward,
the airbag inflates with less force, regardless of the
severity of the impact.
If there is a problem with the driver’s seat position
sensor, the SRS indicator will come on and the
airbag will inflate with full (normal) force, regardless
of the driver’s seating position.
The passenger’s advanced front airbag system
has weight sensors. Although Honda recommends
against carrying an infant or small child in front, if
the sensors detect the weight of a child (up to 65 lbs
or 29 kg), the system will automatically turn off the
passenger’s front airbag.
For both advanced front airbags to work properly:
•
Do not spill any liquid on or under the seats.
•
Do not put any object under the passenger’s seat.
•
Make sure any objects are positioned properly on the floor. Improperly
positioned objects can interfere with the advanced airbag sensors.
•
All occupants should sit upright and wear their seat belts properly.
•
Do not place any cover over any part of the passenger side dashboard.
Driver’s
seat
position
sensor
Passenger’s
seat
weight
sensors
Latch plate
Anchor
buckle
Latch plate
Buckle
Latch plate
Small latch plate
Anchor
buckle

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S
AFETYSAFETY
Passenger Airbag Off indicator
The indicator comes on to alert you that the front
passenger’s front airbag has been turned off. This
occurs when the front passenger’s weight sensors
detect 65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant
or small child, on the seat.
Infants and small children should always ride properly restrained in a b\
ack seat.
Objects placed on the seat can also cause the indicator to come on.
If the front passenger‘s seat is empty, the passenger’s front airbag will not deploy
and the indicator will not come on.
If the indicator comes on with no occupant or objects in the front passe\
nger’s
seat, something may be interfering with the weight sensors, such as:
•
An object hanging on the seat or in the seat-back pocket.
•
A child seat or other object pressing against the rear of the seat-back.\
•
A rear passenger pushing or pulling on the back of the front passenger’\
s seat.
•
The front seat or seat-back is forced against an object on the seat or fl\
oor
behind it.
•
An object placed under the front passenger’s seat.
If none of these conditions exist, have your vehicle checked by a dealer\
as soon
as possible.
The passenger airbag off indicator may go on and off repeatedly if the t\
otal weight
on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.
1 Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) front airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center
of the steering wheel; the front
passenger’s airbag is stored in the
dashboard. Both are marked SRS
AIRBAG.
2 Two side airbags, one for the driver and one for the front passenger.
The airbags are stored in the outer
edges of the seat-backs. Both are
marked SIDE AIRBAG.
3 Two side curtain airbags, one for each side of the vehicle. The
airbags are stored in the ceiling,
above the side windows. The front
and rear pillars are marked SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG.
4 An electronic control unit that continually monitors and can
record information about the
sensors, the airbag activators, the
seat belt tensioners, and driver and
front passenger seat belt use when
the vehicle is on.
5 Automatic front seat belt tensioners. The driver’s and front passenger’s
seat belts incorporate sensors that
detect whether or not they are
fastened.
6 A driver’s seat position sensor. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag
will inflate with less force.
7 Weight sensors in the front passenger’s seat. The front
passenger’s airbag will be turned off
if the weight on the seat is 65 lbs (29
kg) or less (the weight of an infant or
small child).
8 Impact sensors that can detect a moderate-to-severe front or side
impact.
9 An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the front passenger’s
front airbag has been turned off.
10 An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem
with the airbag system or seat belt
tensioners.
11 A rollover sensor that detects whether the vehicle is about to roll
over.
Airbag System Components
6
789
11
810
8
8
8
8
U.S. model shown

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S
AFETYSAFETY
Airbag Care
You do not need to, and should not, perform any maintenance on or replace\
any
airbag system components yourself. However, you should have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer in the following situations:
When the airbags have deployed
If an airbag has inflated, the control unit and other related parts mu\
st be replaced.
Similarly, once an automatic seat belt tensioner has been activated, it must be
replaced.
When the vehicle has been in a moderate-to-severe collision
Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the foll\
owing: the
driver’s seat position sensor, weight sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat
belt tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash.
Do not remove or modify a front seat without first consulting a dealer
This would likely disable the driver’s seat position sensor or the weight sensors
in the passenger’s seat. If it is necessary to remove or modify a front seat to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact a Honda dealer. For U.S.
vehicles, call Honda Automobile Customer Service at (800) 999-1009. Fo\
r Canadian
vehicles, call Honda Canada Customer Relations at (888) 946-6329.Child Safety
Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle collisi\
ons are the
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada
recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in \
a rear seat.
Some states or provinces/territories have laws restricting where childre\
n may ride.
To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian \
province
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained \
when they ride
in a vehicle.
Protecting Child Passengers•
An inflating front or side airbag can injure or kill a child sitting i\
n the front seat.
•
A child in the front seat is more likely to interfere with the driver’\
s ability to
safely control the vehicle.
•
Statistics show that children of all sizes and ages are safer when they \
are
properly restrained in a rear seat.
•
Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrai\
ned in an
approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either\
the lap
belt portion of the lap/shoulder belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.
•
Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them \
in the
event of a collision.
•
Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the bel\
t would
likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.
•
Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be ve\
ry
seriously injured in a crash.
•
Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows, or seat adjusters.
•
Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weath\
er when
the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could al\
so activate
vehicle controls, causing it to move unexpectedly.
Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously \
injured or killed in a crash.
Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a c\
hild
seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt, usi\
ng

a
booster seat if necessary.
WARNING

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AFETYSAFETY
Protecting Infants
An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the
infant reaches the seat maker’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the infant
is at least one year old. Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat for
a child up to two years old if the child’s height and weight are appropriate for a
rear-facing seat.
Child seats must be placed and secured in a rear
seating position. Rear-facing child seats should
never be installed in a forward-facing position.
When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their\
seat-back
in the desired position. If this occurs, we recommend that you install t\
he child
seat directly behind the front passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward as
needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing
child seat.
Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or
death during a crash.
Always place a rear-facing child seat in the rear seat, not the front.
WARNING
Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or wrap one around their neck \
can
result in serious injury or death.
Instruct children not to play with any seat belt and make sure any unuse\
d
seat belt a child can reach is buckled, fully retracted, and locked.
WARNING Protecting Smaller ChildrenIf a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicate\
d by the child
seat manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly secured
forward-facing child seat.
We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing
child seat in a rear seating position.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat
can be hazardous, even with advanced front airbags
that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag
off. A rear seat is the safest place for a child.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in seri\
ous
injury or death if the front airbag inflates.
If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, move the vehicle\
seat
as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.
WARNING
Selecting a Child SeatMost child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Some have a rigid-type connector, while others have a flexible-type connector.
Both are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child s\
eats can
only be installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow\
the child
seat manufacturer’s use and care instructions as well as the instructions in this
manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing your child’s safety.
In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for add\
ed security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they\
can be
secured with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addit\
ion, the
child seat manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a \
LATCH-
compatible seat once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read t\
he child
seat owner’s manual for proper installation instructions.
Important considerations when selecting a child seat
Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:
•
The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.
•
The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.
•
The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

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S
AFETYSAFETY
Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat
A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer re\
ar
seats. A child seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rig\
id or flexible
type of connectors.
1.
Locate the lower anchors under the marks.
2.
Raise the head restraint to its highest position.
3.
Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then
attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came with the
child seat. Make sure that the lower anchors
are not obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object. If necessary, remove the cargo area
cover.*
4.
Route the tether strap between the head restraint
legs. Make sure the strap is not twisted. Secure
the tether strap hook onto the anchor.
5.
Tighten the tether strap according to the seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
6.
Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side; little
movement should be felt.
7.
Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked. If necessary, reinstall the cargo area
cover.*
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt 1.
Raise the head restraint to its highest position.
2.
Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.
3.
Route the seat belt through the child seat
according to the seat manufacturer’s
instructions, and insert the latch plate into the
buckle. Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.
4.
Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the
way out until it stops. This activates the lockable
retractor.
5.
Let the seat belt completely wind up into the
retractor, then try to pull it out to make sure the
retractor is locked. If you are able to pull the
shoulder belt out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way out, and
repeat steps 4 – 5.
6.
Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near the
buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from
the lap part of the belt. When doing this, place
your weight on the child seat and push it into the
vehicle seat.
7.
Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by
rocking it forward and back and side to side; little
movement should be felt.
8.
Make sure any unused seat belt that a child
can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted and
locked.
To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle and allow the seat belt to
wind up all the way

.
Marks
*if equipped (Canadian models)
Rigid type
Lower anchors
Flexible type
Anchor
Tether strap hook

20 || 21
S
AFETYSAFETY
Adding Security with a Tether
Two tether anchorage points are provided behind the rear outer seating po\
sitions
and one in the ceiling for the rear center. A child seat that is installed with a seat
belt and comes with a tether can use the tether for additional security.
1.
Using an outer anchor: If necessary, remove the
cargo area cover

.* Raise the head restraint to
its highest position, then route the tether strap
through the head restraint legs.

Using the center anchor: Lower the head
restraint to its lowest position. Open the anchor
cover. Route the tether strap over the head
restraint.
2.
Secure the tether strap hook onto the anchor.
Make sure the strap is not twisted.
3.
Tighten the tether strap according to the seat
manufacturer’s instructions. If necessary

,
reinstall the cargo area cover.* Protecting Larger Children
When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear sea\
t using the
lap/shoulder seat belt.
Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then ensure the followi\
ng:
•
The child’s knees bend comfortably over the edge
of the seat.
•
The shoulder belt crosses between the child’s
neck and arm.
•
The lap part of the seat belt is as low as possible,
touching the child’s thighs.
•
The child can stay seated for the whole trip.
If a lap/shoulder belt cannot be used properly, position the child in a booster seat
in a rear seating position. For the child’s safety

, check that the child meets the
booster seat manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories require children to \
use a
booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 6\
0 lbs). Be sure
to check current laws in the state or province/territory where you inten\
d to drive.
Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in the front can result in injur\
y or death
if the passenger’s front airbag inflates.
If a larger child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far to th\
e rear as
possible, then have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt pro\
perly,
using a booster seat if needed.
WARNING
Tether
anchorage
points
Tether strap hook Anchor
*if equipped (Canadian models)
Tether anchorage point
Anchor
Anchor cover

84 || 85
DRIVING
DRIVING
Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling, and
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s guide regarding accessories and
modifications.
WARNING
In addition:
•
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acc\
eleration or
full throttle operation so as not to damage the engine or powertrain.
•
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle\
’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe.
The maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg). See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Label example
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1.
Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.
Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be \
riding in your vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.
The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage \
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 \
x 150)
= 650 lbs.)
5.
Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6.
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at

owners.honda.com (U.S.) or myhonda.ca (Canada)
to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories\
,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label
on the driver’s doorjamb.

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 qualified 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 ca\
use 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 star\
t 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 firmly 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 firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
Brake pedal
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found a\
t 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, a\
nd rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
*if equipped
Brake pedal
Clutch pedal
Towing Behind a Motorhome
Models with continuously variable transmission
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motorhome. If your vehi\
cle needs to
be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information. See page 101.
Models with manual transmissionYour vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome. Perform the following proce\
dure
before towing your vehicle:
1.
Shift to Neutral.
2.
Release the parking brake.
3.
Turn the ignition switch (or power mode) to ACCESSORY. Make sure the
steering wheel does not lock.
4.
Turn off all electrical devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets. This
can prevent the battery from running down.