Page 402 of 560
The cargo f loor hooks can also be
used to tie down and secure items on
the f loor.
There are hooks on the f loor and
both sides of the trunk. They can be
used to install the cargo net f or
securing items. The side cargo
hooks are designed to hold light
items (maximum load: 6 lbs or 3 kgs
for each hook). Heavy objects may
damage the side hooks.
Cargo Hooks
Carrying Cargo
Bef ore Driving
399
SIDE CARGO HOOKS CARGO FLOOR HOOKS
2009 RL
Page 405 of 560
Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood is f ully closed.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely.Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
trunk are securely closed and
locked.
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments bef ore you drive
your vehicle.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel, and the
messages on the multi-inf ormation
display (see pages , and).
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure (see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. 17
78 61 70
156
148
161
481
Preparing to Drive
402
2009 RL
Page 418 of 560

Check the indicator on the
instrument panel to verif y that the
security system is set.
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.
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 parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.
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 moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.
Lock the doors.
Parking T ips
Parking
Driving
415
2009 RL
Page 471 of 560
Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic headlight adjusting
system that adjusts the vertical angle
of the headlights automatically.
Refer to page for more
inf ormation.The low beam headlight bulbs are a
type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the
circuit even with the light switch of f
and the key removed. Because of
this, you should not attempt to
examine or change a low beam
headlight bulb yourself . If a low
beam headlight bulb fails, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it
replaced.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer (if applicable),
readjustment may be required.
Adjustmentsshouldbedonebyyour
dealer or another qualif ied
technician.
145
Lights
Headlight A iming
468
2009 RL
Page 477 of 560
Open the trunk lid, and remove
the lef t or right maintenance lid.
Remove the mounting nut with an
8mmwrench.Carefully pry in the top or bottom
edge of the trim with a small f lat-
tipped screwdriver, and pull the
trim straight back.
Remove the two mounting bolts
with an 8 mm wrench.
Pull the taillight assembly straight
back out of the body.Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned out bulb by
pulling it straight out of its socket.
2.
1. 3.
4.
5.6.
7.
Lights
Replacing a Rear Turn Signal
Light Bulb
474
MOUNTING NUT
MAINTENANCE LID TAIL LIGHT TRIMBOLTS
BULB
SOCKET
2009 RL
Page 478 of 560
Install the new bulb in the socket
by pushing it straight in the socket
until it bottoms.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly. Turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
Testthelightstomakesurethe
new bulb is working.
Tighten the mounting nut securely,
and reinstall the maintenance lid.
When reinstalling the taillight
assembly, align and pop the snap
f asteners in place. Tighten the two
mounting bolts and reinstall the
trim in place.Remove the socket f rom the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
Open the trunk.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Remove the light assembly cover
by pulling its outside edge.
9.
8.
10.
11.
12. 1.
2.
3.
4.
CONT INUED
Lights
Replacing a Back-up L ight Bulb
Maint enance
475
COVERS
BULB
SOCKET
2009 RL
Page 495 of 560

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.
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f ans cycle on and of f
twice). Pref erably, do this once a
month.
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.
Fill the f uel tank.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Park. 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.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.
Vehicle Storage
492
2009 RL
Page 498 of 560
Take the tool case out of the spare
tire.
Open the trunk, and fold the trunk
floor forward.
Unscrew the wing bolt, and
remove the spacer cone. Then
take the spare tire out of its well.
Park the vehicle on f irm, level, and
non-slippery ground. Put the
transmission in Park. Apply the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch
it.
Turn on the hazard warning lights,
and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK (0) position. Have all
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CONT INUED
Changing a Flat Tire
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
495
SPARE TIRE
TRUNK FLOOR
TOOL CASE JACK
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
2009 RL