I recently purchased a 2010 Honda Fit Sport (Automatic) with 42,000 miles and noticed some 'quirks' when starting the vehicle. Starting the car from a cold engine usually results in a high idle (1500 rpm). When I shift into Drive or Reverse, the car seems to jump and accelerate quickly (when my foot lets off the brake) without my foot on the accelerator pedal (between 5-10mph). It can be a bit alarming, especially when there are other cars or obstacles present. The car can take me a fair ways without even having to press on the gas. When the engine is warm and I start the vehicle, the idle is normal and I don't notice the acceleration issue. Any ideas as to what might be happening? Or is this normal behavior for such a lightweight car? Only maintenance I performed was: checked fluids, and installed a new battery. I replaced the radio headunit to a Sony touchscreen unit, but noticed this issue beforehand. Other than that, I am having a lot of fun driving this thing!

 

How long does the high idle condition last? If it is only 30 seconds or so, this is normal and intentional for the car to get the catalytic converter heated, get the oil flowing, etc. For the health of the car I usually start it and let it sit for a few seconds until the idle settles closer to 1k, then take off. FWIW I have not driven a modern fuel injected car that does not do this.

If your high idle condition lasts longer than that it might be worth getting checked out.

 

In very cold climate, the fast idle can last for longer.

My Fit has done that since the beginning.

 

Just checked, I feel better about the idle issue now. It goes down to 1k after about 30 seconds. I am coming from an older car (a hoopty honestly) so i am used to how that car behaved (or didn't).


Is the speed in 1st without pressing the accelerator normal for this car though? Or is that just a side effect of putting the car into gear while the idle is high? I've driven a gen 3 Fit that didn't seem to behave in this way but I have no frame of reference for the gen 2's.

 

Totally a side effect of putting the car in gear when the idle is high, like partially pushing the throttle. No worries and enjoy!!!

 

Check fuel trims.