
346
uuWhen DrivinguShifting
Driving
Shifting
Change the shift position in accordance with your driving needs.
■Shift lever positions
1Shifting 
You cannot turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0 and remove the key unless the shift lever is in (P.
The vehicle may move forward very slightly even in (N while the engine is cold.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and, when necessary, 
apply the parking brake.
Park 
Used when parking or starting the  engine
Reverse 
Used when reversing
Neutral
Used when idling
Drive
Used for normal driving (gears change  between 1st and 5th automatically)
Drive (D3) 
Press the (d button while the shift lever is in (D. 
Used when:●Going up or down hills●Towing a trailer in hilly terrain
Second 
Used to increase engine braking  (the transmission is locked in 2nd gear) 
First 
Used to further increase engine braking  (the transmission is locked in 1st gear)
Release Button
(d Button 

379
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
3WARNING
Improperly 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.
3WARNING
Failure 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. 

383
uuMaintenance Minder™uTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance 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 MessageMaintenance  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.*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).# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance 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#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110ºF, 43ºC), in very low temperatures (under -20ºF, -29ºC), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer* fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace VTM-4r* rear differential fluid*5
* Not available on all models 

387
uuMaintenance Minder™uTo Use Maintenance MinderTM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items1Maintenance 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 MessageSystem Message  Indicator
Sub ItemsMain Item
*1: If a message SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.*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).# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance 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#
*4: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110ºF, 43ºC), in very low temperatures (under -20ºF, -29ºC), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the differential fluid changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1●Rotate tires
2●Replace air cleaner element*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission and transfer* fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
6●Replace VTM-4r* rear differential fluid*5
* Not available on all models 

390
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Maintenance
Opening the Hood
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set  
the parking brake.
2.Pull the hood release handle under the 
lower left corner of the dashboard.
uThe hood will pop up slightly.
3.Push up the hood latch lever in the center 
of the hood to release the lock mechanism, 
and open the hood.
4.Remove the support rod from the clamp  
using the grip. Mount the support rod in  
the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and 
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the 
hood. Remove your hand at a height of  
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the  
hood close.
1Opening the Hood
NOTICE
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are  
raised. The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage  
either the hood or the wipers. 
When closing the hood, check that the hood is  
securely latched. 
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch 
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Release Handle
Pull
Lever
Support RodGrip
Clamp 

393
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
Oil Check
We 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 

402
Maintenance
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the clips using a flat-tip  
screwdriver, then remove the upper part of  
the air intake duct.
2Engine Compartment Covers P. 391
2.Push the tab to remove the coupler.
3.Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4.Insert a new bulb into the headlight  
assembly and turn it to the right.
5.Insert the coupler into the connector of the 
bulb.
High beam headlight:60W (HB3)
Low beam headlight:55 W (H11)
■High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit. 
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry 
heavy items in the cargo area or tow a trailer, have 
the aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified  technician. 
The HB3 and H11 types are halogen bulbs. 
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard 
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with 
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth. 
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake 
lights, etc.) may fog temporarily after a car wash or  while driving in the rain. This does not impact the  
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle 
inspected by a dealer.
Tab
Coupler
Bulb
Driver's side
Driver and passenger side 

423
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. 174
•The clock resets.
2Setting the Clock P. 98
•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.
3WARNING
The 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