Page 222 of 324

Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance .............. 222
Safety When Performing
Maintenance .................................... 223
Parts and Fluids Used in
Maintenance Service ........................ 224
Maintenance Minder
™ ........................ 225
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood .. 229
Opening the Hood ............................. 231
Recommended Engine Oil .................. 234
Oil Check ........................................... 235
Adding Engine Oil .............................. 237Engine Coolant .................................. 240
Transmission Fluid .............................. 242
Brake/Clutch Fluid .............................. 244
Refilling Window Washer Fluid ........... 246
Replacing Light Bulbs ......................... 247
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades ................................................ 257
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................... 259
Tire and Loading Information Label .... 260
Tire Labeling ...................................... 260
DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S. Vehicles)
.................................... 262Wear Indicators .................................. 264
Tire Service Life .................................. 264
Tire and Wheel Replacement ............. 265
Tire Rotation ...................................... 266
Winter Tires ....................................... 267
Battery ................................................. 268
Remote Transmitter Care ................... 269
Replacing the Battery ........................ 269
Climate Control System
Maintenance ..................................... 270
Cleaning
Interior Care ........................................271
Exterior Care ...................................... 273
221
Page 224 of 324

Before Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
223
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a
given task.
Maintenance SafetyTo reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames t
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not t
gasoline.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or t
compressed air.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you. t
Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
Vehicle Safet yThe vehicle must be in a stationary condition. t
Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set,
and the engine is off.
Be aware that hot parts can burn you. t Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
Be aware that moving parts can injure you. t Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs
away from moving parts.
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause
you to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.
Page 269 of 324

Battery
268Maintenance
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look
at the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
The audio system is disabled. t
Entering the audio security code
P.14 0
The clock resets. t
Setting the Clock
P. 8 8
The navigation system is disabled. A PIN code will be required. t
Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical
system. Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first, and reconnect it last.
BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Rinse the terminals with water. Cloth/towel dry
the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
WARNING
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 technician do any
battery maintenance.
Test Indicator Window
Page 270 of 324
269
Remote Transmitter Care
Maintenance
Replacing the Battery NOTICE An improperly disposed of battery can hurt the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Replacing the BatteryIf the indicator does not come on when the button is pushed, replace the battery.
Battery type: CR1616
1. Unscrew the cover with a small Phillips-
head screwdriver. Push a button to pry
open the transmitter.2. Open the keypad.
Wrap the small flat-tip screwdriver
with a cloth to prevent scratching the
transmitter.
3. Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
Keypad
Screw
Battery
Page 275 of 324

Cleaning
Exterior Care
274Maintenance
Applying Wax
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth
and clean water.
Cleaning the Window
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners)
or a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
Applying Wax NOTICE Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe
up spills immediately. Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material
when you want to repair the painted surface of the
parts made of resin. Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.
Page 284 of 324

283
Engine Does Not Start
Handling the Unexpected
Checking the EngineIf the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to START III
and check the
starter.
Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
Jump Starting
P. 2 8 4
Starter condition Checklist
Starter doesn't turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.
If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all t
Battery Inspection and Maintenance P. 2 6 8
If the interior lights come on normally t
Fuse Inspection and Replacement
P. 2 9 4
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn't start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
Starting the Engine P.1 9 1
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
Immobilizer System P. 9 8
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
Fuel Gauge P. 7 5
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 2 9 7
If the problem continues:
Emergency Towing P. 2 9 8
Page 285 of 324

Jump Starting
284Handling the Unexpected
Jump Starting Procedure
Turn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the
engine, then open the hood.
Jump Starting
6-cylinder models 1. Slide out the battery terminal cover. All models 2. Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle's battery
terminal.
3. Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the assisting vehicle's
terminal.
Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
4. Connect the second jumper cable to the
assisting vehicle's
terminal.
WARNING
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.Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models Booster Battery
Cover
Page 286 of 324
285
Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Battery performance degrades in cold conditions
and may prevent the engine from starting. Jump Starting
5. Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable:
4 -cylinder models with automatic transmission
Engine mounting bolt
4 -cylinder models with manual transmission
Transmission mounting bolt
6-cylinder models
Engine hanger
Do not connect this jumper cable to any
other part of the engine.
6. If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle's engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
7. Attempt to start your vehicle's engine. If
it turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Jump Starting
6-cylinder models 4-cylinder models with
automatic transmission 4-cylinder models with
manual transmissionBooster Battery