Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
bef ore you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle f rom
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission.Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lockthedoorswiththekeyorthe
remote transmitter.
Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes. If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in reverse gear.
On EX, LX-V6, and Canadian LX-G
models
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving
183
Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels may be disc or drum,
depending on the model. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear. Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, builds up heat,
increases wear and reduces their
ef f ectiveness. It also keeps your
brake lights on all the time,
conf using drivers behind you. If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them. The f ront disc brakes have audible
brake wear indicators. They are also
in the rear disc brakes of the EX,
EX-V6, and LX-V6 models. The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Braking System
Brake Wear Indicators Braking System Design
184
When preparing to tow, and bef ore
driving away, be sure to check the
f ollowing:The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, cooling system, and
lights are in good operating
condition. Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inf lated (see page ),
and the trailer tires and spare are
trailer maker.
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections. Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the lef t
to get the trailer to move to the lef t,
andturnthewheelrighttomovethe
trailer to the right.
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including f irmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer’s tires.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly. All items in or on the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shif t
while you drive. Thehitch,safetychains,andany
other attachments are secure. All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages and ). 190 191 236
bottom
Pre-T ow Checklist
Handling Crosswinds and Buf f et ing
Backing Up
Parking
Towing a Trailer
194
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .198
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 199
............
Servicing Your Vehicle . 200
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .201
.....................
4-cylinder Models .202
.....................
6-cylinder Models .204
....................
Maintenance Record .206
..............................
Fluid Locations .210
........................
Adding Engine Oil .212
.......
Recommended Engine Oil . 212
..............................
Synthetic Oil .213
................
Engine Oil Additives . 213
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 214
....................
Windshield Washers .216
..............................
Engine Coolant .217
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 217
.......................
Transmission Fluid .219
Automatic .........................
Transmission .219
Manual .........................
Transmission .222
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 223
................................
Brake Fluid .223
...............................
Clutch Fluid .224
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 224....................................
Timing Belt .225
....................................
Hood Latch .225
.............................................
Lights .226
.......................................
Seat Belts .233
.....................................
Floor Mats .233
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 233
.................................
Wiper Blades .234
...............................................
Tires .236
......................................
Inf lation .236
..........................
Tire Inspection .238
.....................
Tire Maintenance .238
.............................
Tire Rotation .239
.........................
Replacing Tires .239
......................
Wheels and Tires .240
..........................
Winter Driving .240
.............................
Snow Tires .240
............................
Tire Chains .241
...................
Checking the Battery . 242
.............................
Vehicle Storage .243
291
Maintenance
Maint enance
197
µµ µ
µ
µ
µ µ
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page . Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See pages . Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
165
166
219 222 223
236
Maintenance Schedule
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maint enance
201
Ì
Î
Î
Ì
Ì
Î
Î
4-cylinder Models
203
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 3 years, whichever comes first
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes firstEvery 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 10
16
20
3230
4840
6450
80 70
112 80
128 90
144 100
160110
176120
192130
208140
224150
240
60
96
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 239)
Replace engine oil filter
Check front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
:
1:
2: 235 200
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
Ì
Î
Î
Î
Ì
Ì
Î
Î
ÌÎ
6-cylinder Models
205
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000 Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
15
24
30
4845
72 75
120 135
216
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or every 1 year, whichever comes first
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 2 years, whichever comes first
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions) 105
168
60
96 90
144 120
192
Inspect every 105,000 miles (168,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Inspect every 165,000 miles (264,000 km)
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or every 7 years, whichever comes first
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page
239)
Check front and rear brakes
Inspect the following items: Tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belt
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt , and inspect water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 150
240
:
1:
2:
3: 200
225 233
1
2
3
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
Fluid Locations
4-cylinder Models
210
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange handle)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
RADIATOR CAPCLUTCH FLUID
(5-speed Manual
Transmission only)
(Light gray cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
COOLANT
RESERVOIR