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Features of your vehicle
76
4
AUTO (Automatic) control
(if equipped)
The rain sensor located on the upper end of the windshield glass senses the
amount of rainfall and controls the wiping
cycle for the proper interval. The more it
rains, the faster the wiper operates. When
the rain stops, the wiper stops. To vary the speed setting, turn the speedcontrol knob (1).
If the wiper switch is set in AUTO mode
when the ignition switch is ON, the wiper
will operate once to perform a self-check
of the system. Set the wiper to off posi-
tion when the wiper is not in use.
CAUTION
When the ignition switch is ON and
the windshield wiper switch isplaced in the AUTO mode, use cau-
tion in the following situations toavoid any injury to the hands or other parts of the body:
Do not touch the upper end of the windshield glass facing the rain
sensor.
Do not wipe the upper end of the windshield glass with a damp orwet cloth.
Do not put pressure on the wind- shield glass.
OEL049900
Rain sensor
CAUTION
When washing the vehicle, set thewiper switch in the off position to
stop the auto wiper operation.
The wiper may operate and be dam-aged if the switch is set in the AUTOmode while washing the vehicle.
Do not remove the sensor coverlocated on the upper end of the pas- senger side windshield glass.Damage to system parts couldoccur and may not be covered by
your vehicle warranty.
When starting the vehicle in winter,set the wiper switch in the off posi-tion. Otherwise, wipers may operate
and ice may damage the windshieldwiper blades. Always remove all snow and ice and defrost the wind-shield properly prior to operating
the windshield wipers.
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477
Features of your vehicle
Windshield washers (front)
In the O (Off) position, pull the lever gen-
tly toward you to spray washer fluid on
the windshield and to run the wipers 1-3
cycles. Use this function when the windshield is
dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will con-
tinue until you release the lever.
If the washer does not work, check the
washer fluid level. If the fluid level is not
sufficient, you will need to add appropri-
ate non-abrasive windshield washer fluid
to the washer reservoir.
The reservoir filler neck is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the
passenger side.
OXM049048E
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
the windshield and obscure yourvision.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the wipers or windshield, do notoperate the wipers when the
windshield is dry.
To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or othersolvents on or near them.
To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, do
not attempt to move the wipersmanually.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the
washer pump, do not operate the
washer when the fluid reservoir isempty.
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Driving your vehicle
48
5
Adjust your mirrors to reduce the glare
from other driver's headlights.
Keep your headlights clean and prop- erly aimed on vehicles not equipped with the automatic headlight aiming
feature. Dirty or improperly aimed
headlights will make it much more diffi-cult to see at night.
Avoid staring directly at the headlights of oncoming vehicles. You could be
temporarily blinded, and it will take
several seconds for your eyes to read-
just to the darkness.
Driving in the rain
Rain and wet roads can make driving
dangerous, especially if you’re not pre-
pared for the slick pavement. Here are a
few things to consider when driving in the
rain:
A heavy rainfall will make it harder tosee and will increase the distance
needed to stop your vehicle, so slow
down.
Keep your windshield wiping equip- ment in good shape. Replace your
windshield wiper blades when they
show signs of streaking or missingareas on the windshield. If your tires are not in good condition,
making a quick stop on wet pavement
can cause a skid and possibly lead to
an accident. Be sure your tires are in
good shape.
Turn on your headlights to make it eas- ier for others to see you.
Driving too fast through large puddles can affect your brakes. If you must go
through puddles, try to drive through
them slowly.
If you believe you may have gotten your brakes wet, apply them lightly
while driving until normal braking oper-
ation returns.
Driving in flooded areas
Avoid driving through flooded areas
unless you are sure the water is no high-
er than the bottom of the wheel hub.
Drive through any water slowly. Allowadequate stopping distance because
brake performance may be affected.
After driving through water, dry the
brakes by gently applying them several
times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
1JBB3303
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7
Engine compartment / 7-2 Maintenance services / 7-3
Owner maintenance / 7-5Scheduled maintenance service / 7-7Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-30Engine oil / 7-34Engine coolant / 7-35Brake/clutch fluid / 7-38Automatic transaxle fluid / 7-39
Washer fluid / 7-41Parking brake / 7-41
Fuel filter / 7-42
Air cleaner / 7-43
Wiper blades / 7-44Battery / 7-47
Tires and wheels / 7-50Fuses / 7-60Light bulbs / 7-71
Appearance care / 7-79
Emission control system / 7-85
Maintenance
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Maintenance
6
7
At least monthly:
Check the coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn sig-
nals and hazard warning flashers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year
(i.e., every Spring and Fall):
Check the radiator, heater and air con- ditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
Check the headlight alignment.
Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year:
Clean the body and door drain holes.
Lubricate the door hinges and checks,and hood hinges.
Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake/clutch fluid level.
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Maintenance
44
7
WIPER BLADES
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper
arms or other components, do not
attempt to move the wipers manual- ly.
CAUTION
The use of a non-specified wiperblade could result in wiper malfunc-tion and failure.Blade inspection
✽✽ NOTICE
Commercial hot waxes applied by auto-
matic car washes have been known tomake the windshield difficult to clean.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the wiper blades with foreign matter can
reduce the effectiveness of the wind-
shield wipers. Common sources of con-
tamination are insects, tree sap, and hot
wax treatments used by some commer-
cial car washes. If the blades are not wip-
ing properly, clean both the window and
the blades with a good cleaner or mild
detergent, and rinse thoroughly with
clean water. Blade replacement When the wipers no longer clean ade-
quately, the blades may be worn or
cracked, and require replacement.
1JBA5122CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents on or near them.
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I11
Index
Winter driving ································································5-50
Snow tires ·································································5-50
Tire chains ································································5-51
Wiper blades ··································································7-44
Wipers and washers ·······················································4-75
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