Explaining The Honda Fit’s B1 Service Code

Honda Fit’s B1 service warning could puzzle the owners because it is not descriptive. Every vehicle has a maintenance schedule and specific service needs. Honda has developed a maintenance program for their vehicles. Equipped with onboard technology, the program tracks the servicing needs. The Honda maintenance B1 service comes standard with Honda Fit models.

When The Honda B1 Service Comes On?

Honda’s onboard maintenance technology is a service pack that monitors a number of variables and records performance of various parts to determine whether the car needs servicing or not. It kicks in when fuel in the tank reaches 15%. A message reading ‘service due soon’ appears on the dashboard, followed by a letter ‘A’ or ‘B’ and numbers from 1 to 5. The extra letter and number indicate the type of additional service besides the oil change.

honda maintenance b1
The message indicates the time for an oil change (Photo Source: dailydriven)

     SEE MORE

For example, the service message with A1 is likely to come on after 6,800 miles. It is a reminder for changing oil without changing the fuel filter. The number ‘1’ indicates you need to rotate tires or examine them for wear or pressure adjustment. Similarly, the message will appear with B1 when the mileage reaches approximately 14,000 miles.

Remember that the maintenance service is programmed to send the alerts at specific intervals. You don’t need to change the oil as soon as the message appears because oil changing depends on a number of variables.

Explaining Honda Fit’s B1 Service

Deciphering the service codes is nothing complex if you know what it stands for. Here’s an overview of the maintenance tasks that B1 indicates.

Changing oil and replacing the oil filter. The engine parts need proper lubrication to function properly. Delaying the oil change for too long will create excessive friction between components and speed up wear and tear. Dry engine parts will result in major engine damage, horsepower loss, and poor fuel economy.

Inspection of front and rear brakes. A problem with the braking system means the car won’t stop immediately after pushing the brake pedal, which could be dangerous on many occasions. When the message comes on, you can choose auto brake services including inspection of brakes and repair and replacement if needed.

Honda Fit's B1 Service
The number ‘1’ suggests tire checking. (Photo Source: classicarwalls)

Other systems and parts that need to be examined are:

  • Examining the parking brake adjustment and all brake hoses and lines.
  • Checking driveshaft boots and suspension components.
  • Scan the steering gearbox and tie-rod ends for problems.
  • Look into the fuel lines and connections.
  • Probe the exhaust system.
  • Check the condition of all fluids and their level.

The code does not necessarily mean that you have to repair all these components. You may not need to take any service except for the oil change. However, you still should take the car to a garage for checking all the systems mentioned in the list.

Remember that whether it’s Honda Fit’s B1 service message or something else, regular maintenance will increase the efficiency, performance, and safety of a car. So, try not to ignore the service messages.