2010 Honda Fit Owners Manual

come out of the holder.

TOP

Make sure the two rubber tabs inside the blade fit to each notch of the reinforcement, as shown.

270

5. Place the top of the wiper blade on the end of the blade assembly, and slide the blade onto the assembly. Make sure the blade is completely installed.

Wiper Blades

6. Slide the wiper blade assembly

onto the wiper arm. Push down the lock tab. Make sure the wiper blade assembly locks in place.

7. Lower the wiper arm down against

the windshield, the passenger's side first, then the driver's side.

To replace the rear wiper blade: 1. Raise the wiper arm off the rear

window.

2. Disconnect the blade assembly

from the wiper arm by pivoting the blade assembly upward.

CONTINUED 271

Wiper Blades

BLADE

3. Slide the blade out of the holder.

REINFORCEMENT

4. Examine the new wiper blades. If

they have no plastic or metal reinforcement along the back edge, remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade, and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade.

5. Slide the new blade into the

holder. Make sure it is engaged in the slot along its full length. Insert both ends of the blade into the holder. Make sure they are secure.

6. Install the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place.

7. Lower the wiper arm against the

windshield.

272

To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated. The following pages give more detailed information on how to take care of your tires and what to do when they need to be replaced.

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.

Inflation Guidelines Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life, and riding comfort. ● Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

● Overinflated tires can make your

vehicle ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)ꭧ warns you when a tire pressure is low. See page 235 for more information. ꭧ: If equipped

Tires

Even though your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, we recommend that you visually check your tires every day. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately with a tire gauge. Use a gauge to measure the air pressure in each tire at least once a month. Even tires that are in good condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm2) per month. Remember to check the spare tire (if equipped) at the same time. Check the air pressures when the tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Add or release air, if needed, to match the recommended cold tire pressures.

CONTINUED 273

Ifequipped The compact spare tire pressure is: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2) For convenience, the recommended tire sizes and cold tire pressures are on a label on the driver's doorjamb. For additional information about your tires, see page 323.

Recommended Tire Pressures The following charts show the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal and high-speed driving conditions. AllmodelsexceptSport

Tire Size

175/65R15 84S

Sportmodel Tire Size

185/55R16 83H

Cold Tire Pressure for Normal Driving

Front/Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm2)

Cold Tire Pressure for Normal Driving

Front/Rear: 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2)

Tires

If you check air pressures when the tires are hot [driven for several miles (kilometers)], you will see readings 4
to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm2) higher than the cold readings. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the recommended cold air pressure. The tire will be underinflated. You should get your own tire pressure gauge and use it whenever you check your tire pressures. This will make it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges. While tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure.

274

Tire Inspection Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear.

You should look for: ● Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions. ● Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric or cord.

● Excessive tread wear.

INDICATOR LOCATION MARK

TREAD WEAR INDICATOR Your tires have wear indicators molded into the tread. When the tread wears down, you will see a 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the tread. This shows there is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A tire this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see three or more tread wear indicators.

Tires

Tire Service Life The service life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to, driving habits, road conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).

In addition to your regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five years old. It is also recommended that all tires, including the spare, be removed from service after 10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear. The last four digits of the TIN (tire identification number) are found on the sidewall of the tire and indicate the date of manufacture (See Tire Labeling on page 323).

CONTINUED 275

Tires

Tire Maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment. Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel. When you have new tires installed, make sure they are balanced. This increases riding comfort and tire life. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance.

On vehicles with aluminum wheels, improper wheel weights can damage your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use only Honda wheel weights for balancing.

276

Tire Rotation

Front

Front

(For Directional Tires and Wheels)

(For Non-directional Tires and Wheels) To help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly, rotate the tires according to the maintenance messages displayed on the information display. Move the tires to the positions shown in the illustration each time they are rotated. If you purchase directional tires, rotate only front-to-back. When the tires are rotated, make sure the air pressures are checked.

Replacing Tires and Wheels Replace your tires with radial tires of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire's sidewall). Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on your vehicle can reduce braking ability, traction, and steering accuracy. Using tires of a different size or construction can cause the ABS and vehicle stability assist system (VSA)ꭧ to work inconsistently. The ABS and VSA systemꭧ work by comparing the speed of the wheels. When replacing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Tire size and construction can affect wheel speed and may cause the system to activate. ꭧ: If equipped

It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle's handling. If you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel's specifications match those of the original wheels. Also be sure you use only TPMS specific wheels (if equipped). If you do not, the tire pressure monitoring system will not work. Replacement wheels are available at your dealer.

Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner's manual.

Tires

Wheel and Tire Specifications Wheels:

AllmodelsexceptSport 15 x 5 1/2J Sportmodel 16 x 6J

Tires:

AllmodelsexceptSport 175/65R15 84S Sportmodel 185/55R16 83H

See page 321 for DOT tire quality grading information, and page 323
for tire size and labeling information.

CONTINUED 277

Tires

Winter Driving Tires marked ‘‘M ＋ S’’ or ‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have an all- weather tread design suitable for most winter driving conditions. For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions, you should install snow tires or tire chains. They may be required by local laws under certain conditions. SnowTires If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels. The traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may be lower than your original tires. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.

278

TireChains Mount tire chains on your tires when required by driving conditions or local laws. Install them only on the front tires. Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, Honda strongly recommends using the chains listed below, made by Security Chain Company (SCC). AllmodelsexceptSport SC1026
Sportmodel SC1030
When installing cables, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and mount them as tight as you can. Make sure they are not contacting the brake lines or suspension. Drive slowly with them installed. If you hear them coming into contact with the body or chassis, stop and investigate. Remove them as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.

Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting any part of the vehicle.

Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage the brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner's manual regarding the selection and use of tire chains.

Wheels Clean the wheels as you would the rest of the exterior. Wash them with the same solution, and rinse them thoroughly. Ifequipped Aluminum alloy wheels have a protective clear-coat that keeps the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing. Cleaning the wheels with harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or a stiff brush can damage the clear-coat. To clean the wheels, use a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge.

Checking the Battery

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

Check the condition of the battery monthly by looking at the test indicator window. The label on the battery explains the test indicator's colors. The location of the test indicator window varies between manufacturers.

Tires, Checking the Battery

Check the terminals for corrosion (a white or yellowish powder). To remove it, cover the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. It will bubble up and turn brown. When this stops, wash it off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion. If additional battery maintenance is needed, see your dealer or a qualified technician.

CONTINUED 279

Onvehicleswithnavigationsystem The navigation system will also disable itself. The next time you turn on the ignition switch, the system will require you to enter ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ before it can be used. Refer to the navigation system manual.

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.

Wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled technician do the battery maintenance.

Checking the Battery

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling. If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system. Always disconnect the negative (－) cable first, and reconnect it last. Onvehicleswithoutnavigationsystem If your vehicle's battery is disconnected, or goes dead, the time setting is lost. To reset the time, see page 192. If your vehicle's battery is disconnected, or goes dead, the audio system may disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio, you will see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the code (see page 191).

280

If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your vehicle back on the road. If possible, store your vehicle indoors. ● Fill the fuel tank. ● Wash and dry the exterior

completely.

● Clean the interior. Make sure the

carpeting, floor mats, etc., are completely dry.

● Leave the parking brake off. Put

the transmission in reverse (manual) or Park (automatic).

● Block the rear wheels.

● If the vehicle is to be stored for a

longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the tires are off the ground.

● Leave one window open slightly (if

the vehicle is being stored indoors).

● Disconnect the battery. ● Support the front and rear wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield.

● To minimize sticking, apply a

silicone spray lubricant to all door and tailgate seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and tailgate seals.

Vehicle Storage

● Cover the vehicle with a

‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Non-porous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage the paint.

● If possible, periodically run the

engine until it reaches full operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle on and off twice). Preferably, do this once a month.

281

282

Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more common problems that motorists experience with their vehicles. It gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road, you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions on getting your vehicle towed.

Compact Spare Tire .................... 284
Changing a Flat Tire ................... 285
Temporarily Repairing a Flat

Tire......................................... 291
If the Engine Won't Start............. 297
Jump Starting.............................. 299
If the Engine Overheats .............. 301
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ......... 303
Charging System Indicator ......... 303
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........ 304
Brake System Indicator............... 305
Fuses .......................................... 306
Fuse Locations............................ 309
Emergency Towing..................... 311
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck .......... 312

283

Compact Spare Tire

ExceptallCanadianmodelswith automatictransmission Use the compact spare tire as a temporary replacement only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced, and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can. Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2)

284

Follow these precautions: ● Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). ● This tire gives a harsher ride and

less traction on some road surfaces. Use greater caution while driving.

● Do not mount tire chains on the

compact spare tire.

● Do not use your compact spare tire

on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model.

● On vehicles with the TPMS system, the low tire pressure indicator comes on and stays on after you replace the flat tire with the compact spare tire. After several miles (kilometers) driving with the compact spare tire, the TPMS indicator comes on and the low tire pressure indicator goes off.

INDICATOR LOCATION MARK

TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR

Replace the tire when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the spare wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.

ExceptallCanadianmodelswith automatictransmission If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area to stop that is far away from the traffic lanes.

The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath. Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.

1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and

non-slippery ground. Put the transmission in Park (automatic) or reverse (manual). Apply the parking brake.

2. Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle while you change the tire.

3. Lift the rear center head restraint.

Changing a Flat Tire

FLOOR LID

LOOP

SPARE TIRE

TOOL KIT 4. Open the tailgate. Raise the cargo

STRAP

JACK

area floor lid by lifting it up with the back of the strap. To keep the floor lid open, hook the looped side of the strap to the legs of the rear center head restraint.

5. Take the tool kit out of the spare

tire.

CONTINUED 285

Changing a Flat Tire

EXTENSION

WHEEL NUT

6. Take the jack out of the cargo area.

Turn the jack's end bracket counterclockwise to loosen it, then remove the jack by lifting it straight up.

7. Unscrew the wing bolt and take

the spare tire out of its well.

WHEEL COVER

8. On all models except Sport and Canadian LX model with manual transmission, remove the wheel cover by carefully prying under its edge with the flat tip of the extension.

WHEEL NUT WRENCH

9. Loosen each wheel nut 1/2 turn

with the wheel nut wrench.

286

Changing a Flat Tire

EXTENSION

BRAKE HUB

JACKING POINT 10. Place the jack under the jacking point nearest the tire you need to change. It is pointed to by a △ mark molded into the underside of the body (Sport model). Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch.

WHEEL NUT WRENCH

11. Use the extension and the wheel nut wrench as shown to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.

12. Remove the wheel nuts, then

remove the flat tire. Handle the wheel nuts carefully; they may be hot from driving. Place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface facing up.

13. Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth. Wipe the hub carefully; it may be hot from driving.

CONTINUED 287

Changing a Flat Tire

14. Put on the spare tire. Put the

wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel nut wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten the wheel nuts fully.

15. Lower the vehicle to the ground,

and remove the jack.

288

TAB

FLOOR LID

18. Remove the strap loop from the

legs of the head restraint and lower the cargo area floor lid.

19. Pull the floor lid toward you and

remove the tabs.

20. Pull the floor lid out.

16. Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf·ft (108 N·m, 11 kgf·m) 17. OnSportmodelandCanadianLX modelwithmanualtransmission: Remove the center cap before storing the flat tire.

For normal tire

For spare tire

21. Place the flat tire face down in the

spare tire well.

22. Secure the flat tire by screwing the

wing bolt back into its hole.

Changing a Flat Tire

23. Store the jack. Place the tool kit in

the center of the flat tire.

24. Place the floor lid in the cargo

area.

Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and could seriously injure the occupants.

Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.

25. Store the wheel cover or center

cap in the cargo area. Make sure it will not get scratched or damaged.

26. Close the tailgate. 27. OnU.S.models

Your vehicle's original tire has a tire pressure monitoring system sensor. To replace a tire, refer to Changing a Tire with TPMS (see page 237).

CONTINUED 289

Changing a Flat Tire

Installingawheelcover

CLIPS

CLIPS

AllmodelsexceptSportandCanadian LXmodelwithmanualtransmission 1. Make sure the wire support ring is

hooked into the clips around the edge of the wheel cover.

2. Align the valve mark on the wheel

cover to the tire valve on the wheel, then install the wheel cover.

WIRE SUPPORT RING

3. Make sure the wire support ring is

on the outer side of the tire valve as shown.

290

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

How to Use the Tire Repair Kit AllCanadianmodelswithautomatic transmission To reduce weight, your vehicle is equipped with a tire repair kit instead of a spare tire. This kit will allow you to temporarily repair a flat tire under the following conditions: ● Only one tire is flat. ● The puncture is smaller than

3/16ths of an inch (4 mm).

● The puncture is located within the

tread.

● The wheel rim is not damaged. ● The tire bead is seated. When making a temporary repair, carefully follow all instructions in this owner's manual and in the instructions that came with the kit.

If you have a flat tire while driving, park the vehicle on a level surface in a safe place, put the transmission in Park (P), set the parking brake, and turn the hazard lights on. Thoroughly examine the tire for a puncture or other damage. If a puncture is wider than 3/16ths of an inch (4 mm), or is located in the tire sidewall, do not attempt to repair the tire. Have your vehicle towed to a Honda service center. In Canada or the continental U.S.A. simply call 1- 800-465-PLUS (7587) for Honda Plus Roadside Assistance. If the damage is smaller than 3/16ths of an inch (4 mm) and within the tire tread, proceed with the following instructions.

TIRE VALVE

VALVE CAP 1. Park vehicle on a level surface in a

safe place. Set shifter lever into PARK and engage the parking brake. Turn hazard light on. Remove valve cap from tire valve.

CONTINUED 291

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

FLOOR LID

STRAP

TIRE REPAIR KIT 2. Open the tailgate. 3. Raise the cargo area floor lid by lifting it up with the back of the strap. Remove the tire repair kit.

Your tire repair kit contains: ● An air pump with a power cord and

an air hose attached.

● A bottle of sealant with a filler hose

attached.

● Two labels, one for the tire wheel and one for the instrument panel.

● An instruction sheet.

292

● An empty recovery bottle. A tire

repair professional will use this to collect the injected sealant from the tire during the permanent repair.

EXPIRATION DATE

4. Remove the sealant bottle and

check the expiration date on the label. If the date has expired, do not continue. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest Honda service center. In Canada or the continental U.S.A. simply call 1-800- 465-PLUS (7587) for Honda Plus Roadside Assistance.

If the date has not expired, shake the bottle thoroughly and proceed to step 5.

TIRE VALVE

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

AIR PUMP

BOTTLE CAP ADAPTER

PLUG

BOTTLE CAP

BOTTLE HOSE 5. Screw the sealant filler hose onto

the tire valve. Make sure the bottle remains upright to ensure all of the sealant flows into the tire.

AIR PUMP HOSE

ACCESSORY SOCKET

6. Unscrew the bottle cap from the

bottle adapter.

7. Remove the air pump from the

repair kit, then screw the air pump hose onto the bottle adapter tightly.

8. Route the power cord into the

vehicle, and insert the plug into the accessory power socket. Pay attention not to have the power cord pinched by the door.

9. Turn the ignition switch to the

ACCESSORY (I) position.

CONTINUED 293

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

In freezing temperatures, turn the engine on and leave it running while the flat tire is being serviced. Prolonged exposure to the cold may cause the vehicle's battery to weaken. Under cold conditions, safely start the vehicle's engine and keep the engine running at idle when operating the air pump.

AIR PUMP SWITCH

OFF

ON

Running the engine with the vehicle in an enclosed or even partly enclosed area can cause a rapid build-up of toxic carbon monoxide. Breathing this colorless, odorless gas can cause unconsciousness and even death. Only run the engine to power the air pump with the vehicle outdoors.

10. Turn the air pump on to inflate the

tire. Do not run the air pump for more than 15 minutes or it may overheat. The air pressure gauge will show about 40 to 60 psi (275 to 415 kPa) for the first few minutes while the sealant is pumped into the tire, and then the pressure will go down to about 10 to 20 psi (70
to 140 kPa).

294

11. Inflate the tire to 33 psi (230 kPa), then turn the air pump switch OFF for an accurate pressure reading. If the pressure fails to reach 33 psi (230 kPa) within 15 minutes, do not continue, and have the vehicle towed. In Canada or the continental U.S.A. simply call 1- 800-465-PLUS (7587) for Honda Plus Roadside Assistance.

12. Turn the ignition switch to the

LOCK (0) position.

13. Remove the sealant bottle hose from the tire valve, then reinstall the tire valve cap.

AIR PRESSURE GAUGE

LABEL

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

DEFLATE BUTTON

14. Push the deflate button on the air pump until the air pressure gauge shows 0 psi.

WHEEL LABEL

15. Remove the wheel label from the

repair kit, wipe any dirt off the wheel with a clean cloth, and attach the label to the center of the wheel. The label may adhere poorly when cold. Clean the surface and securely attach the label.

16. Remove the front pillar label from the repair kit and place it as shown above.

17. Remove the power plug from the

accessory power socket.

18. Return all items except the air

pump to the repair kit, and store the kit in the cargo floor box. Keep the air pump handy as you may need it soon.

CONTINUED 295

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire

19. Drive carefully within the speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) for 5 minutes.

VALVE CAP

TIRE VALVE

AIR PUMP HOSE

20. Stop safely and check the pressure

in the tire. Remove the tire valve cap, screw the air pump hose onto the tire valve, and check the air gauge. (You do not need to attach the power cord or turn the air pump switch on.)

If pressure is less than 19 psi (130
kPa), do not drive the vehicle further or attempt to re-inflate the tire. Call or wait for help. If pressure is lower than 33 psi (230
kPa) and higher than 19 psi (130
kPa), use air pump to bring tire pressure to 33 psi (230 kPa).

21. Then, drive carefully within the speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) for 5
minutes more.

22. Stop safely and check the pressure

in the tire.

296

Temporarily Repairing a Flat Tire, If the Engine Won't Start

If the pressure is lower than 32 psi (220 kPa) and higher than 19 psi (130 kPa), use the air pump to bring air to the desired level as described in step 11. Then drive to the nearest service station at no more than 50 mph (80 km/h). If the pressure is below 19 psi, do not continue. Have the vehicle towed (see page 311).

In any case, be sure to have the damaged tire permanently repaired as soon as possible. Remember to return the tire sealant bottle to your Honda service center for proper disposal.

If the Engine Won't Start Diagnosing why the engine won't start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position: ● You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine's starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.

● You can hear the starter motor

operating normally, or the starter motor sounds like it is spinning faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.

Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound, a series of clicks, or nothing at all. Check these things: ● Check the transmission interlock. If you have a manual transmission, the clutch pedal must be pushed all the way to the floor or the starter will not operate. With an automatic transmission, it must be in Park or neutral.

● Turn the ignition switch to the ON

(II) position. Turn on the headlights, and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or do not come on at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting on page 299.

CONTINUED 297

The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor's speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position, but the engine does not run. ● Are you using a properly coded

key? An improperly coded key will cause the immobilizer system indicator in the instrument panel to blink rapidly (see page 79).

● Are you using the proper starting procedure? Refer to Starting the Engine on page 216.

● Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the low fuel indicator may not be working.

● There may be an electrical

problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page 306).

If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Emergency Towing on page 311.

If the Engine Won't Start

● Turn the ignition switch to the

START (III) position. If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. See Emergency Towing on page 311. If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connections (see page 279). You can then try jump starting the vehicle from a booster battery (see page 299).

298

Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.

A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.

Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.

You cannot start your vehicle with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it.

ToJumpStartYourVehicle: 1. Open the hood, and check the

physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can freeze. Attempting to jump start with a frozen battery can cause it to rupture.

2. Turn off all the electrical

accessories: heater, A/C (if equipped), audio system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in neutral (manual) or Park (automatic), and set the parking brake.

Jump Starting

BOOSTER BATTERY The numbers in the illustration show you the order to connect the jumper cables.

CONTINUED 299

Jump Starting

3. Remove the cover from the under-

hood fuse box (see page 306). Connect one jumper cable to the positive (＋) terminal on your battery. Connect the other end to the positive (＋) terminal on the booster battery.

4. Connect the second jumper cable

to the negative (－) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the ground strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.

300

5. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle. 6. Start your vehicle. If the starter

motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.

7. Once your vehicle is running,

disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.

Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.

The high temperature indicator should be off under most conditions. If the engine coolant temperature gets higher than normal, the indicator will blink. If it stays on, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.). If the vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the high temperature indicator blinking or remaining on. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.

Driving with the high temperature indicator on can cause serious damage to your engine.

Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.

1. Safely pull to the side of the road.

Put the transmission in neutral (manual) or Park (automatic), and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning lights.

2. If you see steam and/or spray

coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.

If the Engine Overheats

3. If you do not see steam or spray,

leave the engine running, and check the high temperature indicator. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the high temperature indicator goes off, then continue driving.

4. If the high temperature indicator

stays on, turn off the engine.

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If the Engine Overheats

5. Look for any obvious coolant

leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you continue driving (see Emergency Towing on page 311).

6. If you don't find an obvious leak,

check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark.

7. If there was no coolant in the

reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the high temperature indicator goes off before checking the radiator.

302

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.

8. Using gloves or a large heavy

cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.

9. Start the engine, and set the temperature control dial to maximum heat. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can. 10. Put the radiator cap back on

tightly. Run the engine, and check the high temperature indicator. If it begins to blink or comes on again, the engine needs repair (see Emergency Towing on page 311).

11. If the temperature stays normal,

check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible, and you should take immediate action.

Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn off the engine as soon as you can safely get the vehicle stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road, and shut

off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning lights.

2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute.

Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page 201). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.

3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page 253).

4. Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go out within 10 seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving (see Emergency Towing on page 311).

Charging System Indicator

If the charging system indicator comes on brightly

when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged. Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly. Go to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.

303

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If this indicator comes on while driving, it means one

of the engine's emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle's performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage. If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on the information display. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least once. Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it can take several days of normal driving.

If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may go off as you continue driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible.

If you keep driving with the malfunction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle's emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle's warranties.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the malfunction indicator lamp may also come on with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.

304

Readiness Codes Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed. If the battery in your vehicle has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes are erased. It can take several days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again. To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, without starting the engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for an emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Refer to Emissions Testing for more information (see page 329).

U.S.

Canada

Brake System Indicator (Red)

The brake system indicator (red) normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, and as a reminder to check the parking brake. It will stay on if you do not fully release the parking brake. If the brake system indicator (red) comes on while driving, the brake fluid level is probably low. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 261). If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads/shoes.

However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system's dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal. Slow down by shifting to a lower gear, and pull to the side of the road when it is safe. Because of the long distance needed to stop, it is hazardous to drive the vehicle. You should have it towed and repaired as soon as possible (see Emergency Towing on page 311). If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.

Brake System Indicator

If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator (if equipped) come on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.

305

Fuses

INTERIOR

INTERIOR

UNDER-HOOD (On Battery)

FUSE LID

FUSE LABEL

The vehicle's fuses are contained in two fuse boxes. The interior fuse box is behind the fuse lid. To access it, pull the fuse lid toward you.

The under-hood fuse box is on the positive terminal of the battery.

306

FUSE

Fuses

BLOWN

FUSE PULLER

3. Check each of the large fuses in the under-hood fuse box and the interior fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside.

4. Check all smaller fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each one with the fuse puller provided in the interior fuse box.

Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, check for a blown fuse first. Determine from the chart on pages 309 and 310, or the diagram on the fuse label, which fuse or fuses control that device. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is the cause. Replace any blown fuses, and check if the device works. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the

LOCK (0) position. Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.

2. On the under-hood fuse box,

remove the cover from the fuse box. On the interior fuse box, pull the fuse lid toward you.

CONTINUED 307

Fuses

BLOWN

5. Look for a blown wire inside the fuse. If it is blown, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.

If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the accessory power socket or radio).

308

If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.

Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement fuse with the proper rating for the circuit, install one with a lower rating.

6. If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem in your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit and have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.

Onvehicleswithoutnavigationsystem If the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the code (see page 191). When the audio system is disabled, the clock setting in the audio system will be canceled. You will need to reset the clock (see page 192). Onvehicleswithnavigationsystem The navigation system will also disable itself. The next time you turn on the ignition switch, the system will require you to enter ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ before it can be used. Refer to the navigation system manual.

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

No. 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

18

19

20
21
22
23
24
25

Amps. 10 A (7.5 A) 20 A － 10 A 10 A (10 A) 7.5 A (20 A) 7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A 20 A 7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A 20 A

20 A

20 A

15 A 15 A 7.5 A 10 A 10 A －

Circuits Protected

Back Up TPMSꭧ Driver's Power Window Not Used Back Up Light SRS Transmission SOLꭧ SRS Fog Lightꭧ A/Cꭧ ABS/VSAꭧ ACG ACC Socket Key Lock/Radio Daytime Running Light Rear Wiper Front Passenger's Power Window Rear Passenger's Side Power Window Rear Driver's Side Power Window Fuel Pump Washer Meter Hazard Stop/Horn Not Used

Fuse Locations

Amps. 10 A (30 A) 20 A 10 A 30 A － 10 A 15 A 10 A (15 A) (15 A) 30 A (15 A) 15 A － －