This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire .266
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .267
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 271
................................
Jump Starting .272
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 274
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 276
..........
Charging System Indicator . 276
..................
Malf unction Indicator . 277
...............
Brake System Indicator . 278
..............................................
Fuses .279
..............................
Fuse Locations .283
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Taking Care of the Unexpected
265
Emergency Towing ....................... 278
´´
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page . Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
Open the hood, and check the
physical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly (see page ).
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
battery. Connect the other end to
the positive ( ) terminal on the
booster battery. Turn of f all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, climate
control, stereo system, lights, etc.
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
You cannot start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it. Put the transmission in neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
1.
2.
3.
64
279 Emergency
T owing Jump Starting
To Jump Start Your Vehicle:
If the Engine Won’t Start, Jump Starting
272
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
278
The pointer of the vehicle’s
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange. If it climbs to the red
mark, you should determine the
reason (hot day, driving up a steep
hill, etc.).
If the vehicle overheats, you should
take immediate action. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming f rom under the hood.If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running, and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
If you do not f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood. Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral or
Park, and set the parking brake.
Turn of f all the accessories, and
turn on the hazard warning lights.
5.
6. 4.
1.
2. 3.
If the Engine Overheats
Emergency
T owing
274
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to the engine. on page278).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA
indicator come on with the brake
system indicator, have the vehicle
inspected by your dealer
immediately.
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
The brake system
indicator normally
comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to the
ON (II) position, and as a reminder
to check the parking brake. It will
stay on if you do not f ully release the
parking brake.
If the f luid level is low, take the
vehicle to your dealer and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
the next time you stop at a service
station (see page ). 246 Emergency
T owing
278
U.S. Canada
Brake System IndicatorEmergency Towing
,
However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit on page
278).
Emergency T owing
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
Any other method of towing will
damage the drive system. When you
contact the towing agency, inf orm
them a f lat-bed is required. The operator will load
your vehicle on the back of a truck. The only way you can saf ely tow
your vehicle is with f lat-bed
equipment.
Towing your vehicle with two tires on
the ground will damage parts of the
4WD system. It s hould be transported
on a f lat-bed truck or trailer.
The vehicle’s f uses are located in
f our f use boxes. The interior f use
boxes are located under the
dashboard on the driver’s and
passenger’s side.
CONT INUED
Emergency Towing, Fuses
Taking Care of the Unexpected
279
DRIVER’ S SIDE INTERIOR
If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with all f our wheels on the
ground, do the f ollowing:With all f our wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shif t to D f or several seconds,
then to N.
Turn of f the engine.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If you cannot
shif t the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the all f our wheels of f
the ground. The steerin
g system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I)
position, and make sure the steering
wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin
towing.
Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage.
The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle’s weight. Fuses
........................
Certif ication Label .286
............................................
Chains .261
....................
Changing a Flat Tire .267
Change Oil ........................................
How to .240
......................................
When to .229
...
Charging System Indicator . 62,276
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 198
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 83
Child Seats .........................................
LATCH .47
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 51
...............
Climate Control System . 112
.........................
Clock, Setting the .140
.....................
Code, Audio System .139
........................
CO in the Exhaust .293
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 199
......................
Compact Spare Tire .266
...................
Console Compartment . 99
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 300
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 59
Coolant ........................................
Adding .242
....................................
Checking .189
.........................
Proper Solution .242
...................
Temperature Gauge . 71...................
Conversation Mirror .100
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System .293
............
Cruise Control Operation . 175
....
Customer Service Inf ormation . 300
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard .4, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 76
Daytime Running Lights .......................................
Indicator .67
.................................
Dead Battery .272
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 302
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 77
......
Def rosting the Windows . 108,110
....................................
Dimensions .288
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 75
Dipstick ..........
Automatic Transmission . 244
..................................
Engine Oil .189
....................
Directional Signals . 66,75
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 210
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .241 Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 82
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 290
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
...........................................
Driving .197
....................................
Economy .190
...................................
DVD Player .142
........
DVD Player Error Message . 171
..............................
Economy, Fuel .190
............
Emergencies on the Road . 265
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 272
...........
Brake System Indicator . 278
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 267
.....
Charging System Indicator . 276
..................
Checking the Fuses . 279
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 276
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 277
..................
Overheated Engine . 274
...........................
Emergency Brake .97
......................
Emergency Flashers .77
.......................
Emissions Controls .293
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 296
Index
D
E
II
Emergency Towing .......................278