NOTE:
If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be
sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system oremission control system could r e-
sult from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause
the “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” to turn on.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfill-
ing, do not “top off” the fuel tank
after filling. When the fuel nozzle
“clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.WARNING!
Never have any smoking materi-als lit in or near the vehicle when
the gas cap is removed or the tank
is being filled.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
A fire may result if gasoline is
pumped into a portable container
that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas
containers on the ground while
filling.
NOTE:
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound. This is
an indication that the gas cap is
tightened properly. The MIL in
the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured
properly. Make sure that the gas
cap is tightened each time the
vehicle is refueled.
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP
MESSAGE
If the vehicle diagnostic system deter-
mines that the fuel filler cap is loose,
improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP” message will be
displayed in the EVIC (Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the odometer reset button to
turn the message off. If the problem
continues, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started.
Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic Sys-
tem” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
NOTE:
If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be
sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.
VEHICLE LOADING
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION
LABEL
Your vehicle has a certification label
attached to the rear of the
driver's
door.
The label contains the following infor -
mation:
Name of manufacturer
Month and year of manufacture
161
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of Vehicle
Month Day and Hour of Manufac- ture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scan-
ner to read the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
RATING (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable
weight of your vehicle. This includes
driver, passengers, and cargo. The to-
tal load must be limited so that you do
not exceed the GVWR.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT
RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity
of the front and rear axles. Distribute
the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the
vehicle, it is important that you do
not exceed the maximum front or
rear GAWR. A dangerous driving
condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of
the vehicle and have a collision.
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle,
springs, tires, wheels, etc.) of your
vehicle will provide satisfactory ser-
vice as long as you do not exceed the
GVWR and front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total
weight of your vehicle is to weigh it
when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial
scale to ensure that it is not over the
GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and
rear of the vehicle separately. It is
important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles. Overloading can cause potential
safety hazards and shorten useful ser-
vice life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily in-
crease the
vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first
figure out its empty weight, axle by
axle and side by side. Store heavier
items down low and be sure you dis-
tribute their weight as evenly as pos-
sible. Stow all loose items securely
before driving. If weighing the loaded
vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either GAWR, but the total load is
within the specified GVWR, you must
redistribute the weight. Improper
weight distribution can have an ad-
verse effect on the way your vehicle
steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not
recommended.
162
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 ENGINE OIL OVERHEATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
TIREFIT KIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 TIREFIT STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
TIREFIT KIT COMPONENTS ANDOPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
TIREFIT USAGE PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . 168
SEALING A TIRE WITH TIREFIT . . . . . . . . . 169
JUMP-STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP-START . . . . . . . 173
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . 173
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . 176 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY . . . . . . . . . . . 177
165
HAZARD WARNING
FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is
located on the instrument panel, be-
low the radio.Press the switch to turn on the
Hazard Warning flasher. When
the switch is activated, all di-
rectional turn signals will flash on and
off to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Press the switch a second
time to turn off the Hazard Warning
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system
and it should not be used when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to
seek assistance, the Hazard Warning
flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the
OFF position.
NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard
Warning flashers may wear down
your battery. IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you
can reduce the potential for overheat-
ing by taking the appropriate action.
On the highways — Slow down.
In city traffic — While stopped, put
transaxle in NEUTRAL, but do not
increase engine idle speed.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If tem-
perature gauge reads “H”, pull over
and stop the vehicle with the engine
at idle, when safe. Turn the air con-
ditioner off and wait until the
pointer drops back into the normal
range. After appropriate action has
been taken, if the pointer remains on
the “H”, turn the engine off imme-
diately, and call for service.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to
slow down an impending overheat
condition: If your air conditioner (A/C) is
on, turn it off. The A/C system
adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off
can help remove this heat.
You can also turn the tempera- ture control to maximum heat,
the mode control to floor and the
blower control to high. This al-
lows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and
aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned
by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or
steam from your radiator. If you see
or hear steam coming from under
the hood, do not open the hood until
the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
166
Using The Power ButtonPush and release the Power
Button (4) once to turn On
the TIREFIT kit. Push and
release the Power Button
(4) again to turn Off the TIREFIT kit.
Using The Deflation Button Press the Deflation Button
(2) to reduce the air pres-
sure in the tire if it becomes
over-inflated.
TIREFIT USAGE
PRECAUTIONS
Replace the TIREFIT Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (6)
prior to the expiration date (printed
on the bottle label) to assure opti-
mum operation of the system. Refer
to “Sealing a Tire with TIREFIT”
section (F) “Sealant Bottle and
Hose Replacement”.
The Sealant Bottle (1) and Sealant Hose (6) are a one tire application
use. After each use, always replace
these components immediately at
an authorized dealer. When the TIREFIT sealant is in a
liquid form, clean water, and a
damp cloth will remove the mate-
rial from the vehicle or tire and
wheel components. Once the seal-
ant dries, it can easily be peeled off
and properly discarded.
For optimum performance, make sure the valve stem on the wheel is
free of debris before connecting the
TIREFIT kit.
You can use the TIREFIT air pump to inflate bicycle tires. The kit also
comes with two needles, located in
the Accessory Storage Compart-
ment (on the bottom of the air
pump) for inflating sport balls,
rafts, or similar inflatable items.
However, use only the Air Pump
Hose (7) and make sure the Mode
Select Knob (5) is in the Air Mode
when inflating such items to avoid
injecting sealant into them. The
TIREFIT Sealant is only intended
to seal punctures less than 6 mm
diameter in the tread of your ve-
hicle. Do not lift or carry the TIREFIT kit
by the hoses.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to seal a tire on the
side of the vehicle closest to traf-
fic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit
when using the TIREFIT kit.
Do not use TIREFIT or drive the
vehicle under the following cir-
cumstances:
If the puncture in the tire tread is approximately 6 mm or
larger.
If the tire has any sidewall
damage.
If the tire has any damage from
driving with extremely low tire
pressure.
If the tire has any damage from
driving on a flat tire.
If the wheel has any damage.
If you are unsure of the condi-
tion of the tire or the wheel.
Keep TIREFIT away from open
flames or heat source.
(Continued)
168
WARNING!(Continued)
A loose TIREFIT kit thrown for-
ward in a collision or hard stop
could endanger the occupants of
the vehicle. Always stow the
TIREFIT kit in the place pro-
vided. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in injuries
that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others
around you.
Take care not to allow the con-
tents of TIREFIT to come in con-
tact with hair, eyes, or clothing.
TIREFIT is harmful if inhaled,
swallowed, or absorbed through
the skin. It causes skin, eye, and
respiratory irritation. Flush im-
mediately with plenty of water if
there is any contact with eyes or
skin. Change clothing as soon as
possible, if there is any contact
with clothing.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
TIREFIT Sealant solution con-
tains latex. In case of an allergic
reaction or rash, consult a physi-
cian immediately. Keep TIREFIT
out of reach of children. If swal-
lowed, rinse mouth immediately
with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce
vomiting! Consult a physician im-
mediately.
SEALING A TIRE WITH
TIREFIT
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use
TIREFIT:
1. Pull over to a safe location and
turn on the vehicle’s Hazard Warning
flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the
wheel with the deflated tire) is in a
position that is near to the ground.
This will allow the TIREFIT Hoses
(6) and (7) to reach the valve stem
and keep the TIREFIT kit flat on the
ground. This will provide the best po-
sitioning of the kit when injecting the
sealant into the deflated tire and run- ning the air pump. Move the vehicle as
necessary to place the valve stem in
this position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK
(auto transmission) or in Gear
(manual transmission) and turn Off
the ignition.
4. Set the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use TIREFIT:
1. Turn the Mode Select Knob (5) to
the Sealant Mode position.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) and
then remove the cap from the fitting
at the end of the hose.
3. Place the TIREFIT kit flat on the
ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve
stem and then screw the fitting at the
end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the
valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and in-
sert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt
power outlet.
NOTE:
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g.,
screws or nails) from the tire.
169
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn
off the TIREFIT kit.
2. Remove the Speed Limit sticker
from the top of the Sealant Bottle (1)
and place the sticker on the instru-
ment panel.
3. Immediately disconnect the Seal-
ant Hose (6) from the valve stem,
reinstall the cap on the fitting at the
end of the hose, and place the TIRE-
FIT kit in the vehicle storage location.
Quickly proceed to (D) “Drive Ve-
hicle”.CAUTION!
The metal end fitting from PowerPlug (8) may get hot after use, so
it should be handled carefully.
Failure to reinstall the cap on the
fitting at the end of the Sealant
Hose (6) can result in sealant con-
tacting your skin, clothing, and
the vehicle’s interior. It can also
result in sealant contacting inter-
nal TIREFIT kit components
which may cause permanent
damage to the kit. (D) Drive Vehicle:
Immediately after injecting sealant
and inflating the tire, drive the vehicle
8 km or 10 minutes to ensure distri-
bution of the TIREFIT Sealant within
the tire. Do not exceed 88 km/h.
WARNING!
TIREFIT is not a permanent flat tire
repair. Have the tire inspected and
repaired or replaced after using
TIREFIT. Do not exceed 88 km/h
until the tire is repaired or replaced.
Failure to follow this warning can
result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and
others around you.
(E) After Driving:
Pull over to a safe location. Refer to
“Whenever You Stop to Use TIRE-
FIT” before continuing.
1. Turn the Mode Select Knob (5) to
the Air Mode position.
2. Uncoil the power plug and insert
the plug into the vehicle's 12 Volt
power outlet. 3. Uncoil the Air Pump Hose (7)
(black in color) and screw the fitting
at the end of hose (7) onto the valve
stem.
4. Check the pressure in the tire by
reading the Pressure Gauge (3).
If tire pressure is less than 1.3 Bar,
the tire is too badly damaged. Do not
attempt to drive the vehicle further.
Call for assistance.
If the tire pressure is 1.3 Bar or
higher:
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn
on TIREFIT and inflate the tire to the
pressure indicated on the tire and
loading information label on the
driver
-side door opening.
NOTE:
If the tire becomes over-inflated,
press the Deflation Button to re-
duce the tire pressure to the rec-
ommended inflation pressure be-
fore continuing.
2. Disconnect the TIREFIT kit from
the valve stem, reinstall the cap on the
valve stem and unplug from 12 Volt
outlet.
171
3. Place the TIREFIT kit in its proper
storage area in the vehicle.
4. Have the tire inspected and re-
paired or replaced at the earliest op-
portunity at an authorized dealer or
tire service center.
5. Replace the Sealant Bottle (1) and
Sealant Hose (6) assembly at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to “(F) Sealant Bottle and Hose
Replacement.”
NOTE:
When having the tire serviced, ad-
vise the authorized dealer or ser-
vice center that the tire has been
sealed using the TIREFIT service
kit.
(F) Sealant Bottle And Hose
Replacement:
1. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) (clear
in color).
2. Locate the round Sealant Bottle
release button in the recessed area
under the sealant bottle.3. Press the Sealant Bottle release
button. The Sealant Bottle (1) will
pop up. Remove the bottle and dis-
pose of it accordingly.
4. Clean any remaining sealant from
the TIREFIT housing.
5. Position the new Sealant Bottle (1)
in the housing so that the Sealant
Hose (6) aligns with the hose slot in
the front of the housing. Press the
bottle into the housing. An audible
click will be heard indicating the
bottle is locked into place.
6. Verify that the cap is installed on
the fitting at the end of the Sealant
Hose (6) and return the hose to its
storage area (located on the bottom of
the air pump).
7. Return the TIREFIT kit to its stor-
age location in the vehicle.
JUMP-STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged bat-
tery it can be jump-started using a set
of jumper cables and a battery in an-
other vehicle or by using a portable
battery booster pack. Jump-starting
can be dangerous if done improperly
so please follow the procedures in this
section carefully.
NOTE:
When using a portable battery
booster pack follow the manufac-
turer's operating instructions and
precautions.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery
booster pack or any other booster
source with a system voltage greater
than 12 Volts or damage to the bat-
tery, starter motor, alternator or
electrical system may occur.WARNING!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the
battery is frozen. It could rupture or
explode and cause personal injury.
172