133
uuAdjusting the Seats uRear Seats
Controls
Rear Seats
1. Remove the center shoulder belt from the
guide.
2. Pull the release lever in the trunk to release
the lock.
3. Fold the seat-back down.
If the rear head restraints get caught on the
front seat-backs, remove the head restraints.
2 Removing and Reinst alling the Head
Restraints P. 131
■Folding Down the Rear Seats1Folding Down the Rear Seats
The rear seat-back(s*) can be folded down to
accommodate bulkier items in the trunk.
Never drive with the seat-b ack folded down and the
trunk lid open. 2 Exhaust Gas Hazard P. 62
To lock the seat-back upri ght, push it backwards until
it locks.
When returning a seat-back to its original position,
push it firmly back. Also, ma ke sure all rear shoulder
belts are positioned in front of the seat-back, and the
center shoulder belt is re -positioned in the guide.
Make sure that the folded seat-back does not press
against the front passenger seat, as this can cause the
weight sensors in the front passenger seat to work
improperly. 2 Passenger Airbag Off Indicator P. 48
Also make sure all items in the trunk or items
extending through the opening into the rear
seats are properly secure d. Loose items can fly
forward if you h ave to brake hard.
The front seat(s) must be far enough forward so they
do not interfere with the rear seats as they fold
down.
Guide
Center
Shoulder
Belt
Release
Lever*
Release Lever
* Not available on all models
213
Driving
This chapter discusses driving, refueling, and information on items such as accessories.
Before Driving
Driving Preparation .......................... 214
Maximum Load Limit........................ 217
Towing a Trailer
Towing Preparation .... ...................... 219
Driving Safely with a Trailer .............. 221
Towing Your Vehicle ........................ 222
When Driving
Starting the Engine .......................... 223
Precautions While Driv ing................. 225
Automatic Transmission ................... 226
Shifting .......................................... 227
Automatic transmission models
Shifting .......................................... 229
ECON Button*................................. 232
Cruise Control*............................... 233VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC
(Electronic Stability Control), System ...... 236
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) ... 238
Tire Pressure Monito ring System (TPMS) -
Required Federal Expl anation ......... 239
Braking
Brake System ................................... 241
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........... 243
Brake Assist System.......................... 244
Manual transmission modelsParking Your Vehicle
When Stopped ................................ 245
Rearview Camera
*............................ 246
Refueling
Fuel Information .............................. 247
How to Refuel ................................. 248
Fuel Economy
Improving Fuel Econom y .................. 250
Accessories and Modifications Accessories ...................................... 251
Modifications................................... 251
* Not available on all models
Continued215
uuBefore Driving uDriving Preparation
Driving
• Store or secure all items on board properly.
u Carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle's
handling, stability, stopping distan ce, and tires, and make it unsafe.
2Maximum Load Limit P. 217
•Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
u They can block your view and may be th rown forward in the event of sudden
braking.
• Do not place anything in th e front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mat
*.
u An object or unsecured floor mat can inte rfere with your brake and accelerator
pedal operation while driving.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move around in the vehicle.
u They may interfere with driv ing and a crash could occur.
• Securely close and lock all doors and the trunk.
2 Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Inside P. 103
•Adjust your seating position properly.
u Adjust the head restraint, too.
2 Adjusting the Seats P. 127
2 Adjusting the Head Restraints P. 130
•Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel properly for your driving.
u Adjust them while sitting in the proper driving position.
2 Adjusting the Mirrors P. 126
2 Adjusting the Steering Wheel P. 125
■Interior Checks1Interior Checks
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
* Not available on all models
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
220
Driving
Towing equipment varies by the size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer brak es: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronica lly actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle's hydraulic system, as it wi ll lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/te rritories require special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply wi th federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1 Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meet s federal, state, province/
territory, and local regulations.
Consult your trailer sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of trailers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qualified technician.
221
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Continued
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 219
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trail er tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits fo r vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer's tires.
Automatic transmission models
223Continued
Driving
When Driving
Starting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in (P.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(N. Then
depress the brake peda l with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
u The clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altit udes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling system
*/climate control system*, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22
°F (-30°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Cons ult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system s ounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake PedalAutomatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models
uuWhen Driving uStarting the Engine
224
Driving
3. Turn the ignition switch to START (e
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake peda l, release the parking brake. Check that
the parking brake indicator has gone off.
2 Parking Brake P. 241
2.Put the shift lever in (D. Select (R when reversing.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gent ly depress the accelerator pedal to pull
away.
1 Starting the Engine
Do not hold the key in START
(e for more than 15
seconds.
•If the engine does not start right away, wait for at
least 10 seconds before trying again.
•If the engine starts, but then immediately stops,
wait at least 10 seconds before repeating step 3
while gently depressing the accelerator pedal.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine
starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from
theft. If an improperly code d key (or other device) is
used, the engine's fuel system is disabled. 2 Immobilizer System P. 112
■Starting to Drive
Automatic transmission models
225
uuWhen Driving uPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
driveline, or cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something u nder the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicl e for damage or any fluid leaks.
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICEDo not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. Y ou could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK (0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N, as you will lose
engine braking (and acce leration) performance.
During the first 600 mile s (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for th e first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
NOTICE
The following can damage the under spoiler:•Parking the vehicle by a parking block•Parallel parking along the road shoulder•Driving towards the bottom of a hill•Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)
•Driving on a rutted or bumpy road•Driving on a road with potholes.
2.4 ℓ engine models