Page 280 of 498
7-55
If you start to lose traction or momentum when
climbing, and decide you will be unable to contin-
ue, use the brakes to stop. Do not attempt to turn
the vehicle around. With your foot on the brake
pedal, look behind you and plan your descent.
Shift the drive select lever into reverse so you can
use engine braking to slow your descent. Release
the brake and begin to coast down the hill. Use en-
gine braking as much as possible, gently applying
the brakes when necessary.
Downhill
Check the terrain carefully before going downhill.
When possible, choose a path that lets you drive
your vehicle straight downhill. Choose your path
carefully and drive slowly enough to be able to re-
act to obstacles that you encounter.
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7-57
For more traction and control, before going down
steeper and/or rougher slopes, shift into low gear
and select “4WD” or “DIFF LOCK”. Engine braking
will help you go downhill slowly. Go as slowly as
possible. If you begin to go too fast, apply the
brakes gently. Avoid hard application of the
brakes, which could cause the vehicle to slide.
If you are sliding or skidding, try to steer in the di-
rection the vehicle is sliding, to regain control. For
example, if you feel the back of the vehicle start to
slide to your right, steer to the right.
If you must turn on the hill to avoid an obstacle, do
so slowly and carefully. If the vehicle starts to tip,
immediately steer in the downhill direction if there
are no obstacles in your path. As you regain prop-
er balance, gradually steer again in the direction
you want to go.
EE.book Page 57 Monday, January 19, 2009 5:30 PM
Page 292 of 498
7-67
Brush or wooded areas
When operating in areas with brush or trees,
watch carefully on both sides and above the vehi-
cle for obstacles such as branches that the vehicle
might hit, causing an accident. Watch for brush
that might enter the vehicle as you pass, and strike
you or passengers.
Never hold onto the cage/frame. Every passenger
should always hold onto the handholds with both
hands.
The muffler and other engine parts become ex-
tremely hot during operation and remain hot after
the engine has stopped. To reduce the risk of fire
during operation or after leaving the vehicle, do not
let brush, grass and other materials collect under
the vehicle, near the muffler or exhaust pipe, or
next to other hot parts. Check under the vehicle af-
ter operating in areas where combustible materials
may have collected. Do not idle or park the vehicle
in long dry grass or other dry ground cover.
EE.book Page 67 Monday, January 19, 2009 5:30 PM
Page 298 of 498
8-3
WARNING
Turn off the engine when performing mainte-
nance unless otherwise specified.
A running engine has moving parts that
can catch on body parts or clothing and
electrical parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
Running the engine while servicing can
lead to eye injury, burns, fire, or carbon
monoxide poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See pages 2-15–2-17 for more infor-
mation about carbon monoxide.
EE.book Page 3 Monday, January 19, 2009 5:30 PM
Page 303 of 498

8-8
EVU01650
General maintenance and lubrication chart
ITEM ROUTINEWhichever
comes firstINITIAL EVERY
month136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1,200
(750)2,400
(1,500)2,400
(1,500)4,800
(3,000)
hours 20 75 150 150 300
Cooling system*Check coolant leakage.
Repair if necessary.
Replace coolant every 24 months.
Air filter elementClean.
Replace if necessary.Every 20–40 hours
(More often in wet or dusty areas.)
Engine oilReplace (warm engine before draining).Engine oil filter cartridgeReplace.Front differential gear oil
Check oil level/oil leakage.
Replace.Rear differential gear oil
Front brake*Check operation/brake pad wear/fluid leakage/see page 8-9.
Correct if necessary. Replace pads if worn to the limit.Rear brake*Check operation/brake pad wear/fluid leakage/see page 8-9.
Correct if necessary. Replace pads if worn to the limit.Parking brake*Check operation and free play/brake pad wear.
Correct if necessary. Replace pads if worn to the limit.Accelerator pedal*Check operation and free play.V-belt*Check operation.
Check for wear, cracks, or damage.Wheels*Check balance/damage/runout.
Repair if necessary.Wheel bearings*Check bearing assemblies for looseness/damage.
Replace if damaged.Front and rear
suspension*Check operation and for leakage.
Correct if necessary.Steering system*Check operation and for looseness/Replace if damaged.
Check toe-in/Adjust if necessary.Rear upper and lower
knuckle pivots*Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
EE.book Page 8 Monday, January 19, 2009 5:30 PM
Page 304 of 498
8-9
TIP
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinder and calipers, and
change the brake fluid.
Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
Engine mount*Check for cracks or damage.
Check bolt tightness.Front and rear axle boots*Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if necessary.Stabilizer bushings*Check for cracks or damage.Fittings and fasteners*Check all chassis fittings and fasteners.
Correct if necessary.
ITEM ROUTINEWhichever
comes firstINITIAL EVERY
month136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1,200
(750)2,400
(1,500)2,400
(1,500)4,800
(3,000)
hours 20 75 150 150 300
EE.book Page 9 Monday, January 19, 2009 5:30 PM
Page 320 of 498
8-25 1. Oil filler hole access panel
1. Cache d’accès à l’orifice de remplissage d’huile
1. Panel de acceso a la boca de llenado de aceite
1
5B410012
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge
Check engine oil level before each operation. In
addition, change the oil and the oil filter cartridge at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove the oil filler hole access panel by
pulling it outward.
3. Check the engine oil level on a cold engine. If
the engine was started before checking the
oil level, be sure to warm up the engine suffi-
ciently, and then wait at least ten minutes un-
til the oil settles for an accurate reading.
EE.book Page 25 Monday, January 19, 2009 5:30 PM
Page 322 of 498
8-27 1. Engine oil dipstick
1. Jauge d’huile moteur
1. Varilla de medición del aceite del motor
1
1. Engine oil dipstick 2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Jauge d’huile moteur 2. Repère de niveau maximum
3. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Varilla de medición del aceite del motor
2. Marca de nivel máximo 3. Marca de nivel mínimo
2
3
1
4. Remove the engine oil dipstick, and then
wipe it off with a clean rag.
5. Insert the dipstick completely into the oil filler
hole with the arrow mark on the dipstick knob
pointing upward as shown, and then remove
it again to check the oil level. The engine oil
should be between the minimum and maxi-
mum level marks.
6. If the engine oil is at or below the minimum
level mark, add sufficient oil of the recom-
mended type to raise it to the correct level.
7. Insert the dipstick completely into the oil filler
hole with the arrow mark on the dipstick knob
pointing upward.
EE.book Page 27 Monday, January 19, 2009 5:30 PM