3-2
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
4) Make sure the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
6) Adjust the seat and head restraint
(if equipped).
7) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
8) Adjust the mirrors.
9) Make sure that you and all passengers
have properly fastened your seat belts.
10)Make sure that all warning lights come
on as the key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion.
11)Check all gauges.
12)Make sure that the BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING light turns off when the
parking brake is released.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Windshield washer fluid level
5) Battery solution level
6) Hood latch operation
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Make sure that you cannot
open the hood all the way without
releasing the secondary latch. Be sure
to close the hood securely after check-
ing for proper latch operation. See “Alllatches, hinges & locks” of “CHASSIS
AND BODY” in the “Periodic Mainte-
nance Schedule” in the “INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE” section for lubri-
cation schedule.
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge. Also check the tire
pressure of the spare tire.Engine Oil Consumption
It is normal for the engine to consume
some engine oil during normal vehicle
operation.
The amount of engine oil consumed
depends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed during high-speed
driving and when there is frequent acceler-
ation and deceleration. Under high loads,
your engine also will consume more oil.
A new engine also consumes more oil,
since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder
walls have not yet become conditioned.
New engines reach the normal level of oil
consumption only after approximately 5000
km (3000 miles) driving.
Oil consumption:
Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km
When judging the amount of oil consump-
tion, note that the oil may become diluted
and make it difficult to accurately judge the
true oil level.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km or more of driving. This is
because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.
3-3
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
You should also be aware that the diluting
ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle
is subsequently driven at high speeds,
such as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after high-speed driving.Ignition Switch
65D61152KM052
The ignition switch has the following four
positions:
LOCK
This is the normal parking position. It is the
only position in which the key can be
removed.
60G033
WA R N I N G
To avoid possible injury, do not oper-
ate controls by reaching through the
steering wheel.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
Turn to “LOCK”
Push
EXAMPLE
5-5
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
53MH0-74E
tion, an indicator light will come on when
the air conditioning system is on. To turn
off the air conditioning system, push the
“A/C” switch again.
• During operation of the air conditioner,
you may notice slight changes in engine
speed. These changes are normal, the
system is designed so that the compres-
sor turns on or off to maintain the
desired temperature. Less operation of
the compressor results in better fuel
economy.
NOTE:
• If you select RECIRCULATED AIR for an
extended period of time, the air in the
vehicle can become contaminated.
Therefore, you should occasionally
select FRESH AIR.
• If your vehicle has been left in the sun
with the windows closed, it will cool
faster if you open the windows briefly
while you operate the air conditioner with
the air intake selector at FRESH AIR and
the blower at high speed.
Dehumidifying
Set the air flow selector to a desired air
flow selector position, the temperature
selector to the desired temperature posi-
tion and the blower speed selector to the
desired blower speed position. Also select
FRESH AIR and turn on the “A/C” switch.NOTE:
Because the air conditioner dehumidifies
the air, turning it on will help keep the win-
dows clear, even when blowing heated air
using the DEFROST or HEAT &
DEFROST functions.
53MH0511
NOTE:
If you need maximum defrosting:
• set the air flow selector to DEFROST,
• set the blower speed selector to high,
• adjust the temperature selector to the
hot end, and
• adjust the side outlets so the air blows
on the side windows.
Maintenance
If you do not use the air conditioner for a
long period, such as during winter, it may
not give the best performance when you
start using it again. To help maintain opti-
mum performance and durability of your air
conditioner, it needs to be run periodically.
Operate the air conditioner at least once a
month for one minute with the engine
idling. This circulates the refrigerant and oil
and helps protect the internal components.
NOTE:
Your vehicle uses the air conditioning
refrigerant HFC-134a, commonly called
“R-134a”. R-134a replaced R-12 around
1993 for automotive applications. Other
refrigerants are available, including recy-
cled R-12, but only R-134a should be used
in your vehicle.
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Using the wrong refrigerant may
damage your air conditioning sys-
tem. Use R-134a only. Do not mix or
replace the R-134a with other refrig-
erants.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
7
53MH0-74E
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule ....................................................... 7-2
Periodic Maintenance Schedule ........................................ 7-2
Drive Belt ............................................................................. 7-10
Engine Oil and Filter ........................................................... 7-10
Engine Coolant .................................................................... 7-13
Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 7-15
Spark Plugs ......................................................................... 7-15
Gear Oil ................................................................................ 7-16
Clutch Pedal ........................................................................ 7-17
Fuel Filter ............................................................................. 7-17
Brakes .................................................................................. 7-18
Steering ................................................................................ 7-20
Tires ...................................................................................... 7-20
Battery .................................................................................. 7-22
Fuses .................................................................................... 7-23
Bulb Replacement ............................................................... 7-27
Wiper Blades ....................................................................... 7-29
Windshield Washer Fluid ................................................... 7-31
Air Conditioning System .................................................... 7-31
7-1
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
60A187S
WA R N I N G
You should take extreme care when
working on your vehicle to prevent
accidental injury. Here are a few pre-
cautions that you should be espe-
cially careful to observe:
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• To prevent damage or unintended
activation of the air bag system or
seat belt pretensioner system, be
sure the battery is disconnected
and the ignition switch has been in
the “LOCK” position for at least 90
seconds before performing any
electrical service work on your
vehicle. Do not touch air bag sys-
tem components, seat belt preten-
sioner system components or
wires.
The wires are wrapped with yellow
tape or yellow tubing, and the cou-
plers are yellow for easy identifica-
tion.
• Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
• When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, tools, and other
objects away from the fan and drive
belt. Even though the fan may not
be moving, it can automatically
turn on without warning.
(Continued)
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• When it is necessary to do service
work with the engine running, make
sure that the parking brake is set
fully and the transaxle is in Neutral.
• Do not touch ignition wires or other
ignition system parts when start-
ing the engine or when the engine
is running, or you could receive an
electric shock.
• Be careful not to touch a hot
engine, exhaust manifold and
pipes, muffler, radiator and water
hoses.
• Do not allow smoking, sparks, or
flames around fuel or the battery.
Flammable fumes are present.
• Do not get under your vehicle if it is
supported only with the portable
jack provided in your vehicle.
• Be careful not to cause accidental
short circuits between the positive
and negative battery terminals.
• Keep used oil, coolant, and other
fluids away from children and pets.
Dispose of used fluids properly;
never pour them on the ground,
into sewers, etc.
7-3
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
*Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.km (x 1,000)
monthsFREE INSPECTIONS PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COST
1 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
ENGINE
1.Water pump drive belt (Tension, Wear) AIIIIIIRAI
2. Engine Coolant (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
3.Engine oil and Oil filter R I RRRRRRRR
4. Cooling system hoses and connections (Leakage, Damage) I I IIIIIIII
5. Engine bolts (All cylinder head and manifold fixings) – – T – T – T – T –
6. Engine mounting (Loose, Damage) – – T – T – T – T –
7. Valve Clearance – A – A – A – A – A
8. Camshaft timing belt (Damage, Wear)–––I–I–I–I
Replace Every 1,00,000 km
9. Exhaust system (Noise, Leakage etc.) – I – I – I – I – I
10. Positive crankcase ventilation System (Hoses, Connections and Valve) – I – I – I – I – I
IGNITION
1. Ignition wiring (Damage, Deterioration) – – – I – I – I – I
2. Spark plugs (Clean and Adjust the gap) – – I R I R I R I R
FUEL
1. Air cleanerPaved-road Clean every 5,000 km. Replace after every 40,000 km.
Dusty condition Clean every 2,500 km or as required. Replace after every 40,000 km.
More frequent replacement if dust condition is severe.
2. Fuel tank cap, fuel lines and connections (Leakage, Damage) – I – – – I – – – I
3. Fuel filter (Leakage) I I I I I R I I I R
CLUTCH AND TRANMISSION
1. Clutch pedal (Play) I I IIIIIIII
2. Clutch slipping (Dragging or Excessive damage) I I IIIIIIII
3. Manual Transmission Oil (Level, Leakage)IIIIIIIIII
Replace every 1,60,000 kms or 10 years, which ever comes earlier
DRIVE SHAFTS
1. Drive shafts boot (Boot cut / Damage) – I IIIIIIII
2.Drive Shaft Noise IIIIIIIIII
7-4
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
*Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.km (x 1,000)
monthsFREE INSPECTIONS PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COST
1 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
BRAKE
1. Brake fluid (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
2.Brake pedal (Pedal-to-wall clearance) IIIIIIIIII
3.Parking brake lever and cable (Play, Damage) IIIIIIIIII
4.a. Brake discs and pads (Wear) – I IIIIIIII
b. Brake drums & shoes (Wear) – – IIIIIIII
5.Master cylinder, wheel cylinder, caliper piston (Fluid leakage, Boot/Seal
Damage)IIIIIIIIII
6.Brake hoses and pipes (Fluid leakage, Damage)
IIIIIIIIII
WHEEL
1. Tyres (Air pressure, Abnormal wear, Crack, Rotation) I
I&OI&O I&OI&OI&OI&OI&OI&O I&O
2. Wheels (Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
3. Front/Rear wheel bearings (Loose, Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION
1. Suspension strut (Oil leakage, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. Suspension arms/knuckle support (Loose, Damage) –
IIIIII I I I
3. Rear spring (Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
4. Shock absorbers (Oil leakage, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
5. All bolts and nuts (Loose)–
T T T T T T T T T
6. Suspension arms and Tension rods –
I I I I I I I I I
STEERING
1. Steering wheel (Play, Loose) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. All rods and arms (Loose, Damage, Wear) I
I I I I I I I I I
ELECTRICAL
1. Battery electrolyte (Level, leakage) I
I I I I I I I I I
2. Wiring harness connection (Loose, Damage) –
I I I I I I I I I
3. Lighting system (Operation, Stains, Damage) I
I I I I I I I I I
4. Horn (Operation) I
I I I I I I I I I
5. System voltage I
I I I I I I I I I
BODY
1. All chassis bolts and nuts (Tighten)
–II T
T T T T T T
2. All latches, hinges and locks (Function)
II&LI&L I&L
I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L I&L
7-7
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
*Interval: This interval should be judged by
odometer reading or months, whichever comes
first.km (x 1,000)
monthsFREE INSPECTIONS PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE AT COST
1 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1 6 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
ENGINE
1.Water pump drive belt (Tension, Wear) ––––– I ––– I
2. Engine Coolant (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
3. Engine oil and Oil filter – – RRRRRRRR
4. Cooling system hoses and connections (Leakage, Damage)IIIIIIIIII
5. Engine bolts (All cylinder head and manifold fixings) – – T – T – T – T –
6. Engine Mounting (Loose, Damage) – – T – T – T – T –
7.Valve Clearance –––– I –– I ––
8. Exhaust System (Noise, Leakage etc.) – I – I – I – I – I
9. Positive crankcase ventilation System (Hoses, Connections and Valve) – I – I – I – I – I
IGNITION
1. Ignition wiring (Damage, Deterioration) – – – I – I – I – I
2.Spark plugs –––––R–––R
FUEL
1. Air cleanerPaved-road Clean every 5,000 km. Replace after every 40,000 km.
Dusty condition Clean every 2,500 km or as required. Replace after every 40,000 km.
More frequent replacement if dust condition is severe.
2. Fuel tank cap, fuel lines and connections (Leakage, Damage) – I – – – I – – – I
3. Fuel filter (Leakage) – I I I I R I I I R
CLUTCH AND TRANMISSION
1.Clutch pedal (Play) IIIIIIIIII
2.Clutch slipping (Dragging or Excessive damage) IIIIIIIIII
3. Manual Transmission Oil (Level, Leakage)IIIIIIIIII
Replace every 1,60,000 kms or 10 years whichever comes first
DRIVE SHAFTS
1. Drive shaft boots (Boot cut / Damage)IIIIIIIIII
2.Drive Shaft Noise IIIIIIIIII
BRAKE
1. Brake fluid (Level, Leakage) I I I R I R I R I R
2. Brake pedal (Pedal-to-wall clearance)IIIIIIIIII