This shows how much fuel you have.
It may show slightly more or less
th an the actual amount. The needle
returns to the bottom after you turn
off the ignition. If
your fuel cap is loose or missing, a
‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message will
appear in the odometer/outside
temperature display. As soon as it is
safely possible, turn the engine off
and check that the fuel cap is
installed. If it is, loosen the cap and
tighten it 1 click. Although you can
use the Select/Reset button to cycle the fuel cap warning off of the display, it will be displayed again each time the engine is started. It
will take several da ys of normal
driving for the vehicle to turn the
warning off.
If the vehicle on board diagnostic
system continues to detect a
problem, the Mal function Indicator
Lamp (MIL) will illuminate. If the
MIL does not go off, have your
de aler inspect the vehicle. For more
info rmation, see page . The
information display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil life and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
information helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs for continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more information. 193
251
Fuel Gauge
Check Fuel Cap Indicator
(odometer/outside temperature
message) Maintenance Minder Display
Gauges
66
Avoid driving with an extremely low
f uel level. Running out of f uel could
cause the engine to misf ire, damaging
the catalytic converter.
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µIf the driver’s
window senses any obstacle while it
is closing automatically, it will
reverse direction, and then stop. To
close the window, remove the
obstacle, then use the window switch
again.
Auto reverse stops sensing when the
window is almost closed. You should
always check that all passengers and
objects are away from the window
bef ore closing it. If your vehicle’s battery is
disconnected or goes dead, or the
driver’s window f use is removed, the
AUTO f unction will be disabled. The
power window system needs to be
reset af ter reconnecting the battery
or installing the f use.
Start the engine. Push down and
hold the driver’s window switch
until the window is f ully open.
Pull and hold the driver’s window
switch to close the window
completely, then hold the switch
f or a second or two more.
If the power windows do not operate
properly af ter resetting, have your
vehicle checked by your dealer.
To open or close the driver’s window
partially, push down or pull back on
the window switch lightly and hold it.
The window will stop when you
release the switch.
The passenger windows cannot be
raised or lowered if the MAIN switch
is OFF. Keep the MAIN switch off
whenyouhavechildreninthe
vehicle so they do not injure
themselves by operating the
windows unintentionally.
1.
2.
AUTO REVERSE
Power Windows
92
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Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments before you d rive
your vehicle.
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page ). Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Check that the hood is fully closed.
Check that the trunk is fully
closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, u se a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely. Check the seat adjustment (see
pages to ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
pages
and ). When
you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicato rs in the
instrument panel (see pages to
).
3. 2. 1.
4.
5. 6.
7.
8.
9.
11.
10. 58
16
85 87
90 91 73 66
Preparing to Drive
168
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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. 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.
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. In all models, the f ront disc brakes
have audible brake wear indicators.
In all models except the U.S. VP, U.S.
LX and Canadian DX-G, the rear disc
brakes have audible brake wear
indicators. Brake Wear Indicators Braking System Design
Braking System
Driving
179
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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
instructions on how to read the
maintenance messages, a
maintenance record, and instructions
for simple maintenance tasks you
may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to
perform 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. ......................
Maintenance Saf ety .192
....................
Maintenance Minder . 193
....................
Maintenance Record .200
..............................
Fluid Locations .202
........................
Adding Engine Oil .204
.......
Recommended Engine Oil . 204
..............................
Synthetic Oil .205
................
Engine Oil Additives . 205
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 206
....................
Windshield Washers .208
..............................
Engine Coolant .209
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 209
.......................
Transmission Fluid .211
Automatic .........................
Transmission .211
Manual .........................
Transmission .214
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 215
................................
Brake Fluid .216
...............................
Clutch Fluid .216
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 216
....................................
Timing Belt .217
.............................................
Lights .218
.......................................
Seat Belts .224
.....................................
Floor Mats .224
.................................
Wiper Blades .225 ...............................................
Tires .227
..................
Inf lation Guidelines . 227
Recommended Tire ...............................
Pressures .228
..........................
Tire Inspection .229
.....................
Tire Maintenance .229
.............................
Tire Rotation .230
.........................
Replacing Tires .231
......................
Wheels and Tires .231
..........................
Winter Driving .232
.............................
Snow Tires .232
............................
Tire Chains .232
...................
Checking the Battery . 234
.............................
Vehicle Storage .235
281
Maintenance
Maint enance
191
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µ
µ
µ
µ
µ
Ì
U.S.
Vehicles:
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed. Lights
Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and licen se plate lights monthly.
See page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page .
Engine
oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the fluid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
.
According
to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the odometer/
trip meter display. 159
160
215
227 218
211
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
Maintenance Minder
198
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Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position: When
you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound or series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Store the wheel cover or center
cap in the trunk. Make sure it does
not get scratched or damaged. You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
You
hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page .
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or neutral.
Check these things:
21.
245
CONT INUED
If the Engine Won’t StartNothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting
Changing a Flat Tire, If the Engine Won’t Start
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
243
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools
securely before driving.
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In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to on page .
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ). Do you have fuel? Check the fuel
gauge; the low fuel indicator m
ay
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page ).
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery connections (see page ). You can then try jump
starting the vehicle from a booster
battery (see page ). Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the fuses. If the fuses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified mechanic to
determine the problem (see on page ). Ifyoufindnothingwrong,youwill
need
a qualified mechanic to find the
problem. See
on page .
255
234 245 169
75 257
255
If theEngineWon’tStart
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine
Emergency T owing Emergency T owing
244
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