Picked up a rebuilt 2011 Honda Fit Sport the other day, my first Honda. I've never been one to work on or modify cars, but I feel like I'll want to do some stuff to this little guy. I have some questions, but first some pics!






So now some questions and problems.

1) First and foremost, I was pretty surprised by it's lack of pep when you first accelerate. Really sounds and feels like it's struggling. Also, I gotta say I was surprised by the loudness of the engine as well. I guess these two things are normal?

2) I'd like to replace the stereo with something that has Bluetooth and maybe Nav or rear camera, but it seems like a big deal bc of the large panel the stereo is in. Any tips or links to options for doing so?

3) The driver's side power lock is not functioning. If you sit int he car and use the fob to lock/unlock it clicks like it's trying but it doesn't work. All other doors are fine.

4) I have a fog light out and need to replace the bulb, what does it need?

5) I'm also open to sites I can browse aftermarket options for my car. Any links?

Thanks guys!

 

Congrads, I too have a '11 Sport (~70k miles) but mine is an auto trans (AT).

As for lighting, the fog is a H11:


You don't mention the mileage / transmission. You may need new air filters (cabin filter behind the glove box is a favorite spot for mice to build a nest - check it out).

I'd look at the oil level and oil appearance before driving it much. What about the front brake pads?

I never had the door apart but that appears to be where the problem resides.

Many times, I turn the radio off, so I'm no help with sound system but I've seen others here post about a full replacement with a unit that allows you add sub-modules to get a rear view camera, etc.

More power, again, there are posts about replacing the engine and others suggesting adding a $3000 supercharger, but the FIT's ~1500 cc engine is what it is.

As for vendors, this forum has a "marketplace" / "vendor" section that have links to many potential suppliers.

Not sure how cold it get in KY, but the 151r battery is pretty underwhelming and many have done some mods to the battery tray to utilize the 51r. The battery only seems to be a concern to certain owners in the colder climates.

I haven't had any major problems but want to adjust my valves this summer. You can also read about the #2 & #3 spark plugs working loose, mine did but it can easily be addressed. The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) is what gripes me and I had to replace all of mine (dead batteries) prior to 50K miles.

Good luck on your adventure,

 

I have a 2012 and one reason I bought it was the ease of replacing/updating the head unit. Mine is a Base so I don't have any steering wheel controls. If you buy from Crutchfield, they provide the replacement dashboard kit to support the aftermarket head unit. I am pleased with the look. They also provide directions on how to remove the original one. Two tricks, you have to remove one screw and then pry it out carefully. Get a set of plastic trim removal tools from Crutchfield. If you go with an Apple car play/Android auto unit, you'll get Navigation from your phone and can install a backup camera. I didn't think I needed the backup camera since the car is small and visibility is good, but it's fun to have. Get this camera - http://r.ebay.com/dGGeBz
It replaces one of the license plate lights and works great. I took my time and researched using youtube and this forum for how to do it all. I tapped into the reverse lights so the camera goes on and triggers the head unit to display when you put it in reverse.
I love my Fit because it's easy to modify. This is the head unit I got - JVC KW-V830BT - they do go on sale - as low as 350.
I use mine around town. It isn't a quiet car on the highway and you do have to allow it to downshift going up hills on the interstate, but rev it up and it does fine. This isn't a car for long drives at 75, but around town it's great and all I need - I have two of them, both 2012's.

 

By the sounds of it you got the slush-box (either regular Auto or CVT).
In the MT versions you feel it's got some pep in the lower gears and especially at higher revs (over 3k rpm).
Everyone that says the "Fit is fun to drive" is likely only talking about MT, because the slush boxes "eat up" some of the power and feel slower, being designed to maximize fuel efficiency over sporty driving.

The engine is definitely loud in the 3,500 rpm-to-redline range. Nothing to do about that, other than start enjoying it.
If you have the CVT version, you likely won't ever enjoy it, as it's designed to keep the revs high the whole time you have your foot down on the gas. With the CVT you won't have the classic sound of increasing & decreasing revs as you go thru the gears, unless you have the power-shifters to artificially "change gears".
However if yours is also loud at idle or below 3K rpm then you might need a valve clearance adjustment.

 

It seems mine is def the AT, not CVT. It has the paddles, and you feel it move thru the gears. Are you calling AT (automatics) slush-boxes?

 

LOL - all automatics are slush boxes
For proper enjoyment, manuals are the way to go.


I am not a specialist on the FIT's auto transmissions, so my earlier comments may not be necessarily accurate. I only shared some generalizations from all my car research.

I don't know if the regular AT or the CVT come with paddle shifters. That may depend on year and trim models too.

Also apparently newer CVT's are designed to mimic the gear changes and rpm drops, even though that makes the CVT less efficient, it's done that way because of customer expectations.
People really disliked the early CVT's that kept the rpm's high the entire time you accelerated, which is the most efficient way to accelerate.

 

That looks very much like my old 2010 Honda Fit Sport which was a "regular" automatic, not a CVT.

I loved it. The reason I own a 2016 Honda Fit today, is because of how much I liked my 2010 Honda Fit before.

I liked it because of it's design, interior, magic seats...and because I felt it was peppy and fun to drive.

But the OP may have driving expectations that are different than mine. But I was always impressed with the driving feel of the vehicle.

I also note the OP say's "rebuilt" -I hope being rebuilt doesn't mean it has hidden problems.

I found my purchased new 2010 Honda Fit to have a naturally loud engine. I adjusted and got use to it. It became, not a big deal. But it never was the quietest vehicle I have owned.

But if it's a rebuilt? Then I have no idea if the loudness the OP is hearing is normal, or a sign of something else.

But I can attest to, I think that's a great year (Cycle) for the Honda Fit, and I really enjoyed mine.

 

As long as the repairs were done by a reputable mechanic/shop, I wouldn't have any concerns about it.
If it was done in a sketchy way or by shady people...then anything is possible.

My 2013 Fit is rebuilt as well. I've had mine for over 2 years and over 30 K miles (50 K km) and no problems. Other than checking the VIN on body panels, you can't tell it was rebuilt.

My parents have had a rebuilt Matrix & Camry for 5 years and also no problems at all.

 

@GSB: There's good information in this thread, but I will add my two cents.

1) What is "rebuilt"?

2) A "noisy Fit engine" could be normal. They are noisy.

3) Total miles on the car and engine? What's the odometer reading?

4) Speaking as the owner of a manual transmission, the power kicks in on a normal Fit above 3,000 rpm, and you really feel it when the VTEC starts working above 4,000 rpm. If your car is a dog, and has high milage on it, you may need a valve adjustment.

Good luck. And keep posting here on the Forum. We love it.