
3 119
Knowing your vehicle
Troubleshooting Poor Radio
Reception
Problem:
Fading Signals / Interference /
Increased interference/ Static
FM Broadcasts - The further you move
away from the radio station's transmitting
source (normally within a city or town),
the weaker the signal will be. You might
experience abrupt breaks in transmis-
sion, garbled sound and also static even
though your radio remains tuned to the
same frequency.
AM Broadcasts - Even though AM radio
signals travel further and stronger than
FM radio signals, weather or terrain con-
ditions might adversely affect your radio's
ability to receive the signals.
Solution:
Use your audio system's Scan function to
automatically search for and select
another radio station with good signal
strength.Problem:
High-pitched static, distortion or a
'fluttering' sound (Multi-Path
Cancellation)
Radio stations transmitting on frequen-
cies that are very close to each other
may cause distortion or 'fluttering'. This
effect is known as Multi-Path
Cancellation. This normally occurs when
your tuner is receiving a station's trans-
mission as both direct and 'reflected'
radio signals or when your tuner receives
signals from more than 1 radio station
transmitting on frequencies that are very
close to each other.
Solution:
If the problem is caused by a temporary
deterioration in the signal strength of one
station's transmission, reduce the levels
of your audio system's Treble and Middle
settings to suppress the sound. If the
problem is caused by interference from
another station, select another radio sta-
tion with good and clear signal strength.Problem:
Interference from another FM radio
broadcast ('station-swapping')
FM radio stations transmit on frequen-
cies that are very close to each other on
the FM band. When you travel further
and further away from a transmitting
source, the signal strength of that trans-
mission decreases. Your radio's ability to
'lock' on to that specific frequency is
affected. This is because your radio is
designed to lock on to the strongest sig-
nal it can detect. Therefore, another radio
station broadcasting on a frequency very
close to your original station could 'inter-
fere' with your reception and you might
start to hear the broadcast of the second
station. You will normally experience this
when you are moving away from a weak
signal and towards a stronger one. 

Knowing your vehicle
120 3
Solution:
Use your audio system's Scan function to
automatically search for and select
another radio station with good signal
strength.
Problem:
Interference caused by cellular
phones and 2-way radios
Operating cellular phones and 2-way
radios inside or within close proximity of
your car may interfere with your radio
reception. You may hear static, clicks,
sounds or other types of white noise from
your speakers.
Solution:
Cease operation of cellular phone or 2-
way radios. Alternatively, move away
from your car. The interference to your
radio reception should be reduced.Caring for your Audio System
Your audio system contains sophisticat-
ed electronics and precision-engineered
parts and components that are not user-
serviceable. To ensure trouble-free oper-
ation, please observe the following pre-
cautions:
1. General Use and Operation
Your audio system contains precision
electronic components that are tempera-
ture-, moisture-, and static-sensitive. You
should take care not to subject your
audio system to extremes in tempera-
tures or moisture. For example, if you
have parked your car in the sun, the inte-
rior of the car could be very hot. Ventilate
the car to reduce the interior temperature
before trying to operate the audio sys-
tem.
Never try to insert anything other than
properly formatted CDs into the CD play-
er. Foreign objects can cause the deli-
cate mechanism to jam and render your
CD player unusable. You must also follow
the instructions displayed on your audio
system's LCD screen.
For example, if your audio system is dis-
playing "Wait", you should never try to
force-load a CD into the CD player.
WARNING
• Your car's electrical systems con-
tain sensitive electronics compo-
nents. Interference from cellular
phones, 2-way radios and other
transmitting devices could
adversely affect the safe opera-
tion of your vehicle. This could
compromise the safety of both
the driver and other passengers
in the vehicle.
• When using cellular phones,2-
way radios and other transmitting
devices in your vehicle, always
use a separate external antenna.
For restrictions on the use of
communications and transmitting
devices, please consult the rele-
vant product documentation.
• Local laws may prohibit the use
of cellular phones while driving. If
you need to make or answer a call
while driving, please s
top the
vehicle in a safe place before pro-
ceeding. 

4
Ignition switch / 4-2
Starting the engine / 4-4
Automatic transmission / 4-5
Four wheel drive (4WD) / 4-10
Limited slip differential / 4-19
Brake system / 4-20
Steering wheel / 4-25
Cruise control system / 4-27
Electronic stability control / 4-30
Rear parking assist system / 4-33
Instrument cluster / 4-36
Gauges / 4-37
Warnings and indicators / 4-39
Multi-meter / 4-45
Lighting / 4-51
Wipers and washers / 4-54
Defroster / 4-57
Hazard warning flasher / 4-58
Manual climate control system / 4-59
Automatic climate control system / 4-66
Windshield defrosting and defogging / 4-75
Driving your vehicle 

43
Driving your vehicle
START
Turn the ignition key to the START posi-
tion to start the engine. The engine will
crank until you release the key; then it
returns to the ON position. The brake
warning lamp can be checked in this
position.
✽
NOTICE
If difficulty is experienced in turning the
ignition key, turn the steering wheel
right and left to release the tension and
then turn the key.
Automatic transmission
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P (Park) position.
WARNING-Ignition key
• Never turn the ignition switch to
LOCK or ACC while the vehicle is
moving. This would result in loss
of directional control and braking
function, which could cause an
immediate accident.
• Before leaving the driver’s seat,
always make sure the shift lever
is engaged in 1
stgear for manual
transmission or P (Park) for auto-
matic transmission,set the park-
ing brake fully and shut the
engine off. Unexpected and sud-
den vehicle movement may occur
if these precautions are not
taken.
(Continued)
(Continued)
• Never reach for the ignition
switch, or any other controls
through the steering wheel while
the vehicle is in motion. The pres-
ence of your hand or arm in this
area could cause a loss of vehicle
control, an accident and serious
bodily injury or death.
• Do not place any movable objects
around the driver’s seat as they
may move while driving, interfere
with the driver and lead to an
accident. 

Driving your vehicle
4 4
1. Make sure the parking brake is
applied.
2.Automatic Transmission -Place the
transmission shift lever in P (Park).
Depress the brake pedal fully.
You can also start the engine when
the shift lever is in the N (Neutral)
position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to START and
hold it there until the engine starts (a
maximum of 10 seconds), then
release the key.
4. In extremely cold weather (below 
0°F / -18°C) or after the vehicle has
not been operated for several days, let
the engine warm up without depress-
ing the accelerator.
Whether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without depressing
the accelerator.The starter will not operate if:
Automatic Transmission -the shift lever
is NOT in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
STARTING THE ENGINE   
CAUTION-Stall
If the engine stalls while you are in
motion, do not attempt to move the
shift lever to the P (Park) position. If
traffic and road conditions permit,
you may put the shift lever in the N
(Neutral) position while the vehicle
is still moving and turn the ignition
switch to the START position in an
attempt to restart the engine.
CAUTION
Do not engage the starter for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine stalls
or fails to start, wait 5 to 10 seconds
before re-engaging the starter.
Excessive or improper use of the
starter may damage it.
WARNING
Always wear appropriate shoes
when operating your vehicle.
Unsuitable shoes (high heels,ski
boots,etc.) may interfere with your
ability to use the brake and acceler-
ator pedal, and the clutch pedal (if
equipped). 

45
Driving your vehicle
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
OBL046900N
+ (UP)
- (DOWN)Sports mode
Automatic mode
The lock release button must be depressed while moving the shift lever. Depress the brake pedal and push the button when shifting.
The shift lever can be moved without depressing the lock release button.
Lock release button prevents shift lever movement
without first depressing the button. 

Driving your vehicle
6 4
Automatic transmission operation
All normal forward driving is done with
the shift lever in the D (Drive) position.
To move the shift lever from the P (Park)
position, the brake pedal must be
depressed and the lock release button
must be depressed.
For smooth operation, depress the brake
pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a
forward or reverse gear.
WARNING- Automatic
transmission
Before leaving the driver’s seat,
always make sure the shift lever is
in the P (PARK) position; then set
the parking brake fully and shut the
engine off. Unexpected and sudden
vehicle movement can occur if
these precautions are not followed
in the order identified.
OBL046900 + (UP)
- (DOWN) Automatic
mode
Sports mode
CAUTION
• To avoid damage to your trans-
mission, do not accelerate the
engine in R (Reverse) or any for-
ward gear position with the
brakes on.
• When stopped on an upgrade, do
not hold the vehicle stationary
with engine power. Use the serv-
ice brake or the parking brake.
• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P
(Park) into D (Drive), or R
(Reverse) when the engine is
above idle speed. 

47
Driving your vehicle
Transmission ranges
P (park)
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into P. This position locks the
transmission and prevents the front
wheels from rotating.
R (reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle
backward.
N (neutral)
The wheels and transmission are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on
the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or service brakes are applied.
D (drive)
This is the normal forward driving posi-
tion. The transmission will automatically
shift through a 4-gear sequence, provid-
ing the best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing grades, depress the
accelerator fully, at which time the trans-
mission will automatically downshift to
the next lower gear.
(Continued)
• Before leaving the driver’s seat,
always make sure the shift lever
is in the P (PARK) position. Set
the parking brake fully,shut the
engine off and take the key with
you. Unexpected and sudden
vehicle movement can occur if
you do not follow these precau-
tions in the order specified.
• Never leave a child unattended in
a vehicle.
WARNING-Automatic
transmission
• Shifting into P (Park) while the
vehicle is in motion will cause the
drive wheels to lock which will
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle.
• Do not use the P (Park) position
in place of the parking brake.
Always make sure the shift lever
is latched in the P (Park) position
so that it cannot be moved unless
the lock release button is pushed
in, AND set the parking brake
fully.
(Continued)
CAUTION
The transmission may be damaged
if you shift into P (Park) while the
vehicle is in motion.
CAUTION
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R
(Reverse); you may damage the
transmission if you shift into R
while the vehicle is in motion.