Page 137 of 371

Features of your vehicle
56
4
Rear window wiper and washer 
switch 
The rear window wiper and washer 
switch is located at the end of the wiper
and washer switch lever. Turn the switch
to the desired position to operate the rear
wiper and washer. 
ON - Normal wiper operation 
INT - Intermittent wiper operation 
(if equipped) 
OFF - Wiper is not in operation Push the lever away from you to spray 
rear washer fluid and to run the rear 
wipers 1~3 cycles. The spray and wiper 
operation will continue until you release
the lever.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the
washer pump, do not operate the washer when the fluid reservoir is
empty.
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 your vision.
CAUTION
 To prevent possible damage to the wipers or windshield, do not
operate the wipers when thewindshield is dry.
 To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline,kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
 To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, donot attempt to move the wipers
manually.
OAM049103NOXM049125     
     
        
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545
Driving your vehicle
 Adjust your mirrors to reduce the glarefrom other driver's headlights.
 Keep your headlights clean and prop- erly aimed. Dirty or improperly aimed 
headlights will make it much more diffi- 
cult to see at night. Headlight operation when using windshield wipers is
mandatory in some states.
 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 missing areas 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. Allow adequate 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.
1VQA3003   
     
        
        Page 288 of 371
7
Engine compartment / 7-2 
Maintenance services / 7-3
Owner maintenance / 7-4
Scheduled maintenance service / 7-6
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-18 
Engine oil / 7-21 
Engine coolant / 7-22
Brake/clutch fluid / 7-25
Washer fluid / 7-26
Parking brake / 7-27
Air cleaner / 7-28 
Climate control air filter / 7-29 
Wiper blades / 7-31
Battery / 7-34
Tires and wheels / 7-37
Fuses / 7-50
Light bulbs / 7-59 
Appearance care / 7-66 
Emission control system / 7-72 
California perchlorate notice / 7-75
Maintenance  
     
        
        Page 292 of 371

75
Maintenance
While operating your vehicle:
 Note any changes in the sound of theexhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes 
in the vehicle.
 Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering
effort or looseness in the steering
wheel, or change in its straight-ahead position.
 Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when trav-
eling on smooth, level road.
 When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side, 
increased brake pedal travel or “hard- 
to-push” brake pedal.
 If any slipping or changes in the oper- ation of your transaxle occurs, check
the transaxle fluid level.
 Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
 Check the parking brake. 
 Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air condition- 
ing system during or after use is nor-mal).
At least monthly:
 Check the coolant level in the enginecoolant 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 the 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 the automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
 Clean the battery and terminals.
 Check the brake/clutch* fluid level.
* : if equipped    
     
        
        Page 318 of 371

731
Maintenance
WIPER BLADES 
Blade inspection
✽✽NOTICE
Commercial hot waxes applied by auto- 
matic car washes have been known to
make 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 othersolvents on or near them.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiperarms or other components, do notattempt to move the wipers manual-
ly.
CAUTION
The use of a non-specified wiperblade could result in wiper malfunc-
tion and failure.