8. Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance
is noticeably less, or that there is unnecessary engine
miss, or any other engine trouble, such as with the
ignition, etc. If it is impractical to stop driving immedi-
ately, reduce the speed and drive for only a short time.
Have an inspection made by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
9. In an unusual event of a severe engine malfunction, a
scorching odor may indicate severe and abnormal cata-
lytic converter overheating. If this occurs, the vehicle
should be stopped in a safe place, the engine shut off and
the vehicle allowed to cool. Once the engine is cool, the
vehicle should immediately be taken to a dealer for
service.
VEHICLE PREPARATION BEFORE DRIVING
Before starting on a trip, perform the following checks to
obtain the greatest possible enjoyment and safety from
your vehicle:
Seat belts and seats
1. Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and
all your passengers are seated and properly wearing the
seat belts (with children in the rear seat, in appropriate
restraints), and that all doors are locked.
2.
Adjust the driver's seat as far back as possible, while still
maintaining good visibility, and good control of the steering
wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Examine the instru-
ment panel indicators for any possible malfunction.
3. Have the front passenger adjust their seat as far
rearward as possible.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defroster mode and set
the blower switch for high speed operation. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the windshield.
(See ªHeater /Air conditioningº page 236.)
Tires
Examine all tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks.
STARTING AND DRIVING 199
5
over curbs or parking stop blocks. Always use caution
when traveling up or down sharp inclines as your
bumper may contact the road surface.
2. Maintain specified tire inflation pressures. Replace
tires before they are excessively worn.
3. If you plan to drive in another country, comply with
the vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel.
OPERATION DURING COLD WEATHER
1. Check the battery, including terminals and cables.
During extremely cold weather, the battery capacity will
decrease. Also, the battery power level may drop because
more power is needed for cold starting and operation.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are at their usual
intensity. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.
During cold weather, it is possible that a discharged
battery could freeze.
WARNING!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could seriously injury or kill you.
Always wear protective clothes and a face shield
when doing battery maintenance, or let a skilled
technician do it.
2. Manual transaxles may be more difficult to shift
during cold weather operation. This is normal and shift
effort will become easier as the transaxle reaches a
normal operating temperature.
Maintain low-speed operation at first to allow the trans-
axle oil to be distributed to all lubrication points.
3. Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is a shortage of coolant due to leakage or engine
overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze
and water. The recommended ratio is about 50% water
and 50% anti-freeze. This ratio provides adequate corro-
sion, boiling, and freeze protection.
202 STARTING AND DRIVING
How to use the controls
Heating
Set the mode selection dial to the position shown in the
illustration and set the air selection switch (A) to the
ªoutsideº position.
Adjust the temperature by turning the temperature con-
trol dial clockwise. Select the desired blower speed.
NOTE: When maximum heating is needed, set the
blower speed to the fourth position.
Defrosting or defogging of the windshield and
door windows
CAUTION!
For safety, make sure you have a clear view through
all windows before driving.
To remove frost or fog from the windshield and door
windows, use the mode selection dial (ª
ºorªº).
H03B0710
H03H0320
244 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mIf the vehicle breaks down................261
NIf the engine quits.....................261
mOperation under adverse driving conditions...261
NIf your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow..............................261
NOnawetroad........................262
NOn snowy or icy roads..................263
mSpare tire, jack and tool set storage.........264
NHandling spare tire....................264
NJack...............................265
mCompact spare tire.....................265
mWheel covers (if so equipped).............266
mJacking and tire changing................268
NJacking up the vehicle..................268
mEngine overheating.....................277
mJump-starting the engine.................278
NIf your vehicle has anti-lock brakes.........282
mTowing..............................282
mFuses...............................284
NFuse block...........................285
mFusible links..........................285
NFuse load capacities....................286
mReplacement of light bulbs................291
NBulb capacity.........................291
8
IF THE VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN
If the vehicle breaks down on the road, move to the
shoulder and activate the hazard warning flashers. If
there is no shoulder, or the shoulder is not safe, drive in
the right lane, slowly, with the hazard flashers activated,
until you reach a safe place to stop. Keep the flashers
activated.
If the engine quits
If the engine stops, power will be lost to the steering and
brakes, making steering and braking difficult.
1. The brake booster becomes inoperative and the brake
pedal will be harder to push than usual.
2. Since power steering system is not operative, the
steering wheel will be stiff when turning. Turn the wheel
with more effort than usual.
OPERATION UNDER ADVERSE DRIVING
CONDITIONS
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the wheels.
Move the gearshift lever or selector lever rhythmically
between 1st and REVERSE position (with manual trans-
axle), ``L'' (Low) and ``R'' (REVERSE) position (with
automatic transaxle), Autostick and ``R'' (REVERSE) po-
sition (with automatic transaxle), while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator pedal.
Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels. Pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes to let the
transaxle cool between rocking attempts.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking at-
tempts, seek other assistance.
EMERGENCIES 261
8
ENGINE OVERHEATING
If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator enters
the ªHº (hot) position, the engine may be overheated.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Maintenance Section of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
EMERGENCIES 277
8
Engine coolant......................... 318
Engine coolant level warning light.......... 107
Engine coolant temperature gauge.......106,111
Engine hood release...................... 41
Engine oil and oil filter.................. 314
Engine overheating..................... 277
Engine serial number.................... 371
Engine specifications.................... 375
Exhaust system.....................328,375
Fluid
Automatic transaxle fluid............... 325
Brake fluid.......................... 319
Clutch fluid......................... 320
Fog light switch........................ 123
Front fog lamp indicator lamp............. 114
Front seat adjustment..................... 57
Fuel
Filler Cap........................... 148
Fuel economy........................ 149
Fuel filler............................ 39
Fuel gauge.......................106,109
Fuel hoses.......................... 311Fuel selection........................ 144
Low-fuel warning light..............107,113
Fuses................................ 284
Fusible links.......................... 285
Garage Door Opener.................... 132
GasCap .............................. 148
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 146
Gauges.........................106,109,111
Gear positions......................... 156
General maintenance
Maintenance service................... 314
General vehicle data..................... 373
Glove compartment..................213,214
Handling of Compact Discs............... 232
Hazard warning flasher switch............. 124
Hazard warning light.................107,112
Head restraints......................... 66
Headlights (Type 1)..................... 292
Headlights (Type 2)..................... 293
Headlights
Aiming............................. 295
390 INDEX