Page 205 of 333

204
Driving
When Driving Shifting
7-Speed Manual Shift Mode
■
Use the paddle shifters to change between first and seventh speeds without removing your hands from the steering wheel. The transmission switches to the 7-speed manual shift mode when you pull a paddle shifter while driving. This mode is useful when engine braking is needed. You can cancel this mode by pressing any of the three driving mode buttons, or pulling the
paddle shifter for a few seconds.
When the Driving Mode is in ECON or NORMAL
■
The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode temporarily, and the number is displayed in the shift indicator.The 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled automatically if you drive at constant speed or accelerate, and the number in the shift indicator goes off.The 7-speed manual shift mode is especially useful when reducing the vehicle speed temporarily before making a turn.
When the Driving Mode is in SPORT
■
The shift mode goes into the 7-speed manual shift mode. The
M indicator and the
speed number are displayed in the shift indicator. As the vehicle speed slows down, the transmission automatically shifts down accordingly. When the vehicle comes to a stop, it automatically shifts down into first. If the vehicle speed increases and the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s red zone, the transmission automatically shifts up.
7-Speed Manual Shift Mode
To improve fuel economy, the transmission may shift up to a higher speed than the seventh under certain circumstances. In this case, the number in the shift indicator remains as "7." In the 7-speed manual shift mode, the transmission
shifts up or down by operating either paddle shifte r
under the following conditions:Shift Up: The engine speed reaches the lowest threshold of the higher speed position.Shift Down: The engine speed reaches the highest threshold of the lower speed position. When the engine speed reaches near the tachometer’s red zone, the transmission shifts up automatically.When the engine speed reaches the lowest threshold of the selected speed position, the transmission shifts down automatically. Operating the paddle shifters on slippery surfaces may cause the tires to lock up. In this case, the 7-speed manual shift mode is canceled and goes back to the normal D driving mode.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 210 of 333
209
Driving
When Driving Shifting
Reverse Lockout
■
The manual transmission has a lockout mechanism that stops you from accidentally shifting into
R from a forward gear while the vehicle is moving at a certain speed.
If you cannot shift to
R when the vehicle is stopped, do the following: 1. Depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever all the way to the left, and shift to
R.
If you still cannot shift into
2.
R, apply the
parking brake, and turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY
I or LOCK 0.
Depress the clutch pedal and shift into
3.
R.
Keep depressing the clutch pedal and start
4.
the engine.
Have the vehicle checked by a dealer if you have to go through this procedure repeatedly.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 212 of 333

211
Driving
When Driving Cruise Control
Cruise Control Maintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
Cruise Control
When the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY
or
LOCK , cruise control automatically goes off.
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed when driving uphill or downhill. When climbing a steep hill with the ECON mode, it may take relatively more time to accelerate to maintain the set speed. When not using cruise control, turn off cruise control by pressing the CRUISE button.
Manual transmission While the cruise control system is activated, the shift up or down indicator does not work.
WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash. Use the cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.When to use
How to use
Ù Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above roughly 25 mph (40 km/h). Always keep sufcient distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
CRUISE MAIN is on in the instrument panel. Cruise control is ready to use.
Automatic transmission model
Ù Press the CRUISE button on the
steering wheel.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 220 of 333

219
Driving
Braking
Brake System
Parking Brake
■
Use the parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary when parking.
To apply: Pull the lever fully up without pressing the release button. To release:
Pull the lever slightly, and press and hold
1.
the release button. Lower the lever down all the way, then
2.
release the button.
Parking Brake
NOTICE Release the parking brake fully before driving. The rear brakes and axle can be damaged if you drive with the parking brake applied. If you start driving without fully releasing the parking brake, a buzzer sounds as a warning, and "RELEASE PARKING BRAKE" appears on the multi-information display. Always apply the parking brake when parking.When the outside temperature is extremely cold, do not apply the parking brake to prevent it from freezing, and do the following:
Automatic transmission model Put the shift lever in , then place a block or other
wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Manual transmission model Put the shift lever in or , then place a block
or other wheel chock to stop the wheels from turning.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 221 of 333

220
Driving
Braking Brake System
Foot Brake
■
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.
Brake Assist System P.222
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P.221
Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water, or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the pedal several times. If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower gear for greater engine braking. Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad life. It will also confuse drivers behind you.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 222 of 333

221
Driving
Braking ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS
■
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you can do. The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading. You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as “stomp and steer.”
ABS Operation
■
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
NOTICE The ABS may not function correctly if you use an incorrect tire type and size. When the ABS indicator comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the system.While normal braking is not affected, there is a possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control during hard braking. In the following cases, your vehicle may need more stopping distance than a vehicle without ABS: When driving on rough road surfaces, including
•
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow.When tire chains are installed.
•
You may hear a motor sound coming from the
engine compartment while system checks are being performed immediately after starting the engine or while driving. This is normal.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 247 of 333

246
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood Opening the Hood
Opening the Hood1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set the parking brake.Pull the hood release handle under the
2.
lower left corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism, and open the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp using the grip. Mount the support rod in the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the hood. Remove your hand at a height of approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the hood close.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Opening the Hood
NOTICE Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised.The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage either the hood or the wipers. When closing the hood, check that the hood is securely locked. If the hood latch lever moves stifly, or if you can open the hood without lifting the lever, the mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated. Do not open the hood while the auto idle stop function is activated.
Lever
Support Rod
Grip
Clamp
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 252 of 333

251
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to the engine contact surface.
If it is stuck, you must detach it.
Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
7.
contact surface of the engine block, and install a new oil filter. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
8.
reinstall the drain bolt.
Tightening torque: 29 lbf∙ft (39 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
Pour the recommended engine oil into the
9.
engine.
Engine oil change capacity (including filter): 3.8 US qt (3.6 L)
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap back and
10.
start the engine. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
11.
then check that there is no leak from the drain bolt or oil filter. Stop the engine, wait for a few minutes,
12.
and then check the oil level on the engine oil dipstick.
If necessary, add more engine oil.
Oil Filter
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil ilter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer. When installing the new oil ilter, follow the instruction supplied with the oil ilter. Reinstall the engine oil ill cap. Start the engine. The low oil pressure indicator should go off within ive seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check your work.
Main MenuTable of Contents