
301
uuWhen DrivinguVSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Driving
This button is on the driver side control panel. 
To turn the VSA® system on and off, press and 
hold it until you hear a beep.
VSA® will stop and the indicator will come on.
To turn it on again, press the   (VSA® OFF) 
button until you hear a beep.
VSA® is turned on every time you start the 
engine, even if you turned it off the last time 
you drove the vehicle.
■
VSA® On and Off
1VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist), aka ESC (Electronic Stability Control), System
Without VSA®, your vehicle will have normal braking 
and cornering ability, but it will not have VSA® 
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets 
stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier 
to free it with the VSA® temporarily switched off.
When the VSA® system is off, the traction control 
system is also off. You should only attempt to free 
your vehicle with the VSA® off if you are not able to 
free it when the VSA® is on.
Immediately after freeing your vehicle, be sure to 
switch VSA® on again. We do not recommend driving 
your vehicle with the VSA® and traction control 
systems switched off.
If the low tire pressure/TPMS, low tire pressure, or 
TPMS indicator comes on or blinks, the VSA® system 
comes on automatically. In this case, you cannot turn 
the system off by pressing the   button.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the 
engine compartment while system checks are being 
performed immediately after starting the engine or 
while driving. This is normal.
VSA® OFF 
Indicator 

309
uuBrakinguBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist 
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The brake assist system increases 
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency 
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when 
braking very hard.2Brake Assist System P. 311
2ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) P. 310■
Foot Brake
1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water, 
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If 
necessary, dry the brakes by lightly depressing the 
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous metallic friction sound when 
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be 
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a 
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake 
effectiveness. Apply engine braking by taking your 
foot off the accelerator pedal and downshifting to a 
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while 
driving, as it will lightly apply the brakes and cause 
them to lose effectiveness over time and reduce pad 
life. It will also confuse drivers behind you. 

310
uuBrakinguABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Driving
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and helps you retain steering control by 
pumping the brakes rapidly, much faster than you.
The electronic brake distribution (EBD) system, which is part of the ABS, also 
balances the front-to-rear braking distribution according to vehicle loading.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always 
keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as 
“stomp and steer.”■ABS operation
The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is working. Keep holding the 
pedal firmly down. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very 
hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately 
if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
When the vehicle speed goes under 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.■
ABS
1ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)NOTICEThe ABS may not function correctly if you use an 
incorrect tire type and size.
When the ABS indicator comes on while driving, 
there may be a problem with the system.
While normal braking is not affected, there is a 
possibility of the ABS not operating. Have the vehicle 
checked by a dealer immediately.
The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes 
to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control 
during hard braking.
In the following cases, your vehicle may need more 
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:•When driving on rough road surfaces, including 
when driving on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or 
snow.•When tire chains are installed.
You may hear a motor sound coming from the 
engine compartment while system checks are being 
performed immediately after starting the engine or 
while driving. This is normal. 

323
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance ............ 324Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 325Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance 
Service ........................................... 326
Maintenance Minder™.................... 327
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 335Opening the Hood ........................... 336
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 337
Oil Check ......................................... 338
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 339Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 340
Engine Coolant ................................ 342
Transmission Fluid ............................ 344
Brake Fluid ....................................... 345
Power Steering Fluid Check.............. 346
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 346
Replacing Light Bulbs....................... 347Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
.... 358
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 362Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 363Tire Labeling .................................... 363DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 365Wear Indicators................................ 367Tire Service Life ................................ 367
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 368
Tire Rotation .................................... 369
Winter Tires ..................................... 370
Battery............................................... 371
Remote Transmitter Care................. 372
Remote Control and Wireless 
Headphone Care
*........................... 374
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate 
Control System
* Maintenance....... 376
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 377
Exterior Care.................................... 379
* Not available on all models 

329
uuMaintenance Minder™uTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder 
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if 
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message Maintenance 
Minder Indicator
Sub Items Main Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the 
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and 
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110ºF, 43ºC), in very low temperatures (under 
20ºF, 29ºC), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant 

333
uuMaintenance Minder™uTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■
Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder 
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 
only if they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message System Message 
Indicator
Sub Items Main Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the 
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and 
from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110ºF, 43ºC), in very low temperatures (under 
20ºF, 29ºC), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant 

338
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil CheckWe recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the 
oil.
1.Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
2.Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or 
paper towel.
3.Insert the dipstick back all the way into its 
hole.
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the 
level. It should be between the upper and 
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly 
add oil being careful not to overfill.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark 

339
uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil
1.Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2.Add oil slowly.
3.Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten 
it securely.
4.Wait for three minutes and recheck the 
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may 
damage the engine compartment components.NOTICEDo not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. 
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and 
engine damage.
Engine Oil 
Fill Cap