Page 254 of 449

With the system set, you can still
open the trunk with the remote
transmitter without triggering the
alarm. The alarm will sound if the
trunk lock is f orced, or the trunk is
opened with the trunk release lever
or the emergency trunk opener.
The security system helps to protect
your vehicle and valuables f rom thef t.
The horn sounds and a combination
of headlights, parking lights, side
marker lights and taillights f lashes if
someone attempts to break into your
vehicle or remove the audio unit.
This alarm continues for two
minutes, then the system resets. To
deactivate the system before the two
minutes have elapsed, unlock the
driver’s door with the key or the
remote transmitter.
The security system automatically
sets 15 seconds after you lock the
doors, hood, and trunk. For the
system to activate, you must lock the
doors f rom the outside with the key,
or use driver’s lock tab, master door
lock switch, or remote transmitter.
The security system indicator on the
instrument panel starts blinking
immediately to show you the system
is setting itself . Once the security system sets,
opening any door, the trunk, or hood
without using the key or the remote
transmitter, will cause the alarm to
activate. It also activates if the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
(II) position, the audio unit is
removed f rom the dashboard, or the
wiring is cut.The security system does not set if
any door, the trunk, or hood is not
f ully closed. Bef ore you leave the
vehicle, make sure the doors, trunk
and hood are securely closed.
CONT INUED
Except LX
Security System
Features
249
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 292 of 449
Bef ore you begin driving your
vehicle, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check the
levels of important f luids. You also
need to know how to properly store
luggage or packages. The
inf ormation in this section will help
you. If you plan to add any
accessories to your vehicle, please
read the information in this section
first..............................
Break-in Period . 288
.................
Fuel Recommendation . 288
.........
Service Station Procedures . 290
....................................
Ref ueling . 290
........
Check Fuel Cap Message . 291
Opening and Closing
................................
the Hood . 293
...................................
Oil Check . 295
.............
Engine Coolant Check . 296
...............................
Fuel Economy . 297
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 300
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 302
Bef ore Driving
Bef ore Driving
287
Main Menu
Page 298 of 449
Park the vehicle, and set the
parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower lef t corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.Reach in between the hood and
the f ront grille with your f ingers.
The hood latch handle is above
the ‘‘H’’ logo. Push this handle up
until it releases the hood. Lif t thehood.If the hood latch handle moves stif f ly,
or if you can open the hood without
lifting the handle, the mechanism
should be cleaned and lubricated.
1. 2.
CONT INUED
Opening and Closing the Hood
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
293
LATCH
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 351 of 449

Remove the oil f ilter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.
Open the hood, and remove the
engine oil f ill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer f rom the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
Always change the oil and f ilter
according to the maintenance
messages shown on the inf ormation
display. The oil and f ilter collect
contaminants that can damage your
engine if they are not removed
regularly.
Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off. Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the contacting surface
of the engine. If it is, remove it
bef ore installing a new oil f ilter.
Changing the oil and f ilter requires
special tools and access f rom
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lif t f or this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
technician.
3.
2.
1.
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
346
OIL DRAIN BOLT
WASHER
OIL DRAIN BOLT V6 models
4-cylinder models WASHER
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 362 of 449
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be done by your dealer or
another qualif ied technician.Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Open the hood.
To change a bulb on the
passenger’s side, remove the
engine coolant reserve tank by
pulling it out of its stay.
1.
CONT INUED
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Lights
High Beam Headlight
Maint enance
357
STAY
4-cylinder modelsHalogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 365 of 449
Install the new bulb, and turn it
one-quarter turn clockwise to lock
it in place.
Push the electrical connector onto
the bulb.
Put the inner f ender cover in place.
Install the two holding clips. Lock
each one in place by pushing on
the center.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Open the hood.
To change the turn signal bulb on
the passenger’s side, remove the
engine coolant reserve tank by
pulling it out of its stay.Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
To remove the burned out bulb,
push it in and turn it
counterclockwise until it unlocks.
Remove the air intake duct (see
page ).
1.
2.
8.
7.
6. 9.
3.
358
Driver’s side on V6 models
Lights
Replacing a Front T urn Signal/
Parking L ight Bulb
360
BULB
STAY
V6 model is shown.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 374 of 449
To replace a wiper blade:Raise the wiper arm of f the
windshield. Raise the driver’s side
first, then the passenger’s side.
Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months.
Replace them if you f ind signs of
cracking in the rubber, areas that are
getting hard, or if they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.
Disconnect the blade assembly
from the wiper arm:
Put a cloth on the edge of the lock
tab to prevent scratches, then
push up on the lock tab caref ully
with a flat-tip screwdriver.
2.
1.
CONT INUED
Wiper Blades
Maint enance
369
WIPER ARMS
LOCK TAB
Do not open the hood when the wiper
arms are raised, or you will damage the
hood and wiper arms.
Main MenuTable of Contents
Page 397 of 449

Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions. Open the hood, and check thephysical condition of the battery.
In very cold weather, check the
condition of the electrolyte. If it
seems slushy or f rozen, do not try
jump starting until it thaws.
To jump start your vehicle:
Turn of f all the electrical
accessories: heater, A/C, audio
system, lights, etc. Put the
transmission in neutral (manual)
or Park (automatic), and set the
parking brake.
You cannot start your vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it.
The numbers in the illustrations
show you the order to connect the
jumper cables.
1. 2.
Jump Starting
392
BOOSTER BATTERY
4-cylinder models
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyonenearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery. If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can f reeze.
Attempting to jump start with a f rozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
Main MenuTable of Contents