Page 113 of 316

When you switch to , f romor , the A/C stays on.
This helps prevent the windows f rom
rapidly f ogging up when the air is
suddenly routed away f rom the
windshield. If you want to turn the
A/C off, press and release the A/C
button until the indicator in the
buttoncomesonandthengoesoff.
When you press again or the
MODE button, the A/C returns to its
original setting, either on or of f , as
displayed by the A/C ON or A/C
OFF indicator. If the original setting
is A/C OFF, the system switches to
AUTO. Select . The system
automatically switches to f resh air
mode and turns on the A/C. The
A/C indicator (LX model) or the
A/C ON indicator in the display
(EX and EX-L models) will not be
displayed if it was previously of f .
Select .
Set the f an and temperature
controls to maximum level.
For your saf ety, make sure you have
a clear view through all the windows
bef ore driving.
To clear the windows f aster, you can
close the dashboard corner vents by
rotating the wheel below it. This will
send more warm air to the
windshield def roster vents.
Continuous use of the recirculation
mode can cause humidity to build up
inside the vehicle. Once the
windshield is clear, select the f resh
air mode to avoid fogging the
windows. 1.
2.
3.
On LX models
On EX and EX-L models
Vents, Heating, and A/C
T o Remove Exterior Frost or Ice
From the Windows
Features
111
Page 200 of 316

Your vehicle has a higher ground
clearance that allows you to travel
over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good
visibility so you can anticipate
problems earlier.
Because your vehicle rides higher
of f the ground, it has a high center
of gravity that can cause it to roll
over if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a signif icantly higher
roll over rate than other types of
vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible. Make sure the doors and the
tailgate are securely closed and
locked. Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ). Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ). Check the seat adjustment (see
page ). Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle. Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof . Do not modif y your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ). 3.
2. 1. 4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
15
92
61
78
87
258
See page f or additional driving of f - highway guidelines. 223
Driving Guidelines
Preparing to Drive
198
Page 209 of 316

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 on an
incline.
Set the parking brake bef ore you put
the transmission in Park. This keeps
the vehicle from moving and putting
pressure on the parking mechanism
in the transmission.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 downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb. If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors.
Check the indicator on the driver’s
door to verify 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. Make sure the moonroof (if
equipped) and the windows are
closed.
On vehicles with security system
Parking T ips
Parking Tips
Driving
207
Page 264 of 316

µ
Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f urther corrosion. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
262
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
Page 265 of 316

Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter.Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield. Disconnect the battery.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.If possible periodically run the
engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle twice).
Pref erably, do this once a month.
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
263
Page 278 of 316

Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure light. If it does not go out
within ten seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving.
(Seeon page
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance. Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
1.
2.
3.
4. 189
239
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owingCharging System Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
276
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
278).
Page 284 of 316

If you cannot drive the vehicle
without f ixing the problem, and you
do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse
of the same rating or a lower rating
from one of the other circuits. Make
sureyoucandowithoutthatcircuit
temporarily (such as the accessory
power socket or radio).
If you replace the blown f use with a
spare f use that has a lower rating, it
might blow out again. This does not
indicate anything wrong. Replace the
f use with one of the correct rating as
soon as you can.If the replacement fuse of the
same rating blows in a short time,
there is probably a serious
electrical problem with your
vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in
that circuit, and have your vehicle
checked by a qualif ied mechanic.
If a trailer light is burned out, check
if thesefusesareblownwhenyou
replace the light bulbs:
If thosefusesareOK,butthetrailer
lights still do not work, there are two
blown 7.5 amp f uses in the trailer
hitch wiring. To access the 7.5 amp
f uses:
Open the tailgate and remove the
cargo f loor lid.
Pull out the bottom of the tailgate
rubber seal.
Remove rear trim panel by pulling
up on the inside edge of the rear
trim panel, and unhooking the f our
clips and tabs.
Af ter replacing f uses, and reinstall
the rear trim panel in the reverse
order of removal. Primary under-hood f use box
fuses5,7,and24
Interior driver’s side f use box: 10
Interior passenger’s side f use box:
10
If the driver’s power window f use is
removed, the AUTO function of the
driver’s window will be disabled. To
reset the AUTO f unction, see page
.
If the radio f use is removed, the
audio system will disable itself . The
nexttimeyouturnontheradioyou
will see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the
f requency display. Use the preset
buttons to enter the digit code (see
page ). 6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
95
139
On EX and EX-L models
Trailer Fuses
Fuses
282
Replacing a f use with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a
replacement f use with the proper rating
f or the circuit, install one with a lower
rating.
Page 285 of 316
µµ
No. Amps.No.Circuits Protected
No. Circuits Protected
Amps.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
Circuits Protected
No. Amps.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 20 A
30 A
20 A
15 A
15 A
20 A
20 A
20 A
40 A
40 A
30 A
40 A 14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Rear A/C
Heater Motor
Cooling Fan
Spare Fuse
Spare Fuse
Spare Fuse
Battery
Condenser Fan
MG Clutch
IGI Main
Trailer (accessory)
7
8
9
10
11 ET CS
IG Coil
LAF
TPMS
(FR FOG)
30 A
40 A
30 A
7.5 A 10 A
15 A
120 A 30 A
7.5 A 50 A
15 A
15 A
15 A
7.5 A
(20 A)
Spare Fuse
Spare Fuse
Right Headlight
ACG S
Hazard
Not used
Stop, Horn
Left Headlight
Radio
Power Window Motor
Power Seat
Rear Defroster
Back Up, ACC
AC INVERTER
VSA F/S Relay
VSA Motor
VTM-4
ACM
Rear Accessory Socket
1
2
3
4
5
6 20 A
40 A
30 A
20 A
10 A
15 A
Fuse Locations
Taking Care of the Unexpected
283
PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX