Introduction and My Commute

PaleMelanesian · #11 05-30-2012, 03:28 PM

Since it's a Honda automatic it's probably fine to FAS anywhere below 35 mph and up to 50 miles at a stretch. Check the manual for instructions on towing. Since you're not going to FAS for 50 miles, you can safely push the upper speed a bit, to maybe 45 mph.

ksstathead · #12 05-31-2012, 11:25 AM

I have done up to 42 mpg in our 08 Fit Sport AT.

In your FASing, be sure to turn off accessories like climate control and radio, and avoid when needing headlights. If you have a scangauge, you can watch voltage, but without it, know that the little battery can fade fast. You retain power steering at an electrical cost.

PaleMelanesian · #13 05-31-2012, 11:27 AM

I concur. I have the same 7/8th scale battery in my car and it doesn't last long with a load on it.

CRT1 · #14 05-31-2012, 11:49 AM

Thanks for the tips. I have a Scangauge II on order from Wayne. Can't wait to plug that in and roll . . . slowly!

I am just FASing when in view of a fresh red stoplight at this point in order to extend my engine-off time. I might get a little more adventurous as time goes on but we'll see.

PaleMelanesian, what is the technical reason for an upper limit to the FASing speed? Again, I am not planning on putting it to practice, but I am just curious.

ksstathead: Great to meet another FIT driver! I am regularly getting 40 mpg now on my commute (50/50 city highway). Before this car I drove a '97 Civic MT from cradle to grave. I love the car so far, but I am still trying to get used to the AT. Does your '09 have the paddles? What tricks do us use to coax the best FE from this slushbox? What tire pressure do you run?

PaleMelanesian · #15 05-31-2012, 12:08 PM

An early FAS into a red light is a great practice.

Upper limit on FAS speed? Probably something about extra heat generated by spinning the gears faster, but I really don't know. It's been the standard spec on Honda autos for years.

ksstathead · #16 05-31-2012, 12:53 PM

'08 Fit Sport does have paddle shifters. On the OEM tires I ran max sidewall of 51 psi. On the new tires my son bought, I run 45-50 psi with max sidewall of 44. Best mileage is slow freeway and suburban driving where you can hold 5th and stay below the higher wind resistance, with few stops. Any brake usage is a direct waste of fuel. Combine errands to maximize warm engine time.

I don't regularly drive the Fit. It is now assigned to our college-age son. I drive it some while he is abroad. My regular ride is my bicycle. Our main car now is the '10 Prius; looking to trade for a plug-in Prius. The CRV is my seldom used car when my son is in the states. Right now, the CRV is still on its December 2nd fillup. 6 months on the tank as of Saturday.

We love the Fit for its cargo flexibility. After the Prius, anything else is unacceptable to us for a car driven lots of miles.

On FAS speeds, check the owner manual. Look at flat-tow restrictions. You have one of the few ATs that can be FAS'd, based on how the tranny gets lubricated.