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239Continued
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.
uAlthough it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in (P.
3.Turn the ignition switch to START
(e
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
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 altitudes 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. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds 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 Pedal
* Not available on all models
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265
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 266
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 267Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance
Service ........................................... 268
Maintenance Minder™.................... 269
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 275Opening the Hood ........................... 276
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 277
Oil Check ......................................... 278
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 279
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 280
Engine Coolant ................................ 282
Transmission Fluid ............................ 284
Brake Fluid ....................................... 285
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 286
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 287
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades.... 294Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 298
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 299Tire Labeling .................................... 299DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 301Wear Indicators................................ 303
Tire Service Life ................................ 303Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 304
Tire Rotation .................................... 305
Winter Tires ..................................... 306
Battery............................................... 307
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 308
Remote Control and Wireless
Headphone Care
*........................... 309
Heating and Cooling System*/Climate
Control System* Maintenance....... 311
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 312
Exterior Care.................................... 314
* Not available on all models
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267
uuBefore Performing MaintenanceuSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
•To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
•Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
uHeat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
•To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
•Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
•Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
uOnly operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
•The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
uMake sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
•Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
uMake sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
•Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
uDo not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNINGImproperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
3WARNINGFailure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.
Page 276 of 361
275
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Radiator Cap Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap) Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)Engine Oil Fill Cap
Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Yellow Loop)Battery
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307
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2Reactivating the audio system P. 152•The clock resets.2Clock P. 96•The navigation system* is disabled.2Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel dry
the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to help
prevent future corrosion.
3WARNINGThe battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window
* Not available on all models
Page 309 of 361
308
Maintenance
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery
If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.
1.Unscrew the cover with a small Phillips-
head screwdriver. Press a button to pry
open the transmitter.
2.Open the keypad.
uWrap the small flat-tip screwdriver with a
cloth to prevent scratching the
transmitter.
3.Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.1Replacing the Button BatteryNOTICEAn improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Keypad
Screw
Battery type: CR1616
Battery
Page 310 of 361
309Continued
Maintenance
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care*
Replacing the Battery
If it takes several pushes on the remote control buttons to operate the rear
entertainment system*.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
■Remote Control
Models with Rear Entertainment System
1Replacing the BatteryNOTICEAn improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Battery type: CR2025
* Not available on all models
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310
uuRemote Control and Wireless Headphone Care*uReplacing the Battery
Maintenance
If there is no sound coming from the wireless headphone, replace the battery.
1.To open the cover, insert a coin in the slot
and twist it slightly to pry the cover away
from the earpiece.
2.Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.■Wireless Headphone
Coin
Battery type: AAA
BatteryCover