BEFORE DRIVING
2
53MH0-74E
BEFORE DRIVING
Keys ...................................................................................... 2-1
Ignition Key Reminder (if equipped) ................................. 2-2
Door Locks .......................................................................... 2-2
Keyless Entry System (if equipped) .................................. 2-5
Windows .............................................................................. 2-10
Mirrors .................................................................................. 2-11
Front Seats .......................................................................... 2-12
Rear Seats ............................................................................ 2-13
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems ........................... 2-14
Supplemental Restraint System
(air bags) (if equipped) ....................................................... 2-22
Instrument Cluster .............................................................. 2-28
Warning and Indicator Lights ............................................ 2-30
Speedometer ....................................................................... 2-34
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................... 2-35
Information Display ............................................................. 2-36
Lighting Control Lever ........................................................ 2-38
Headlight Leveling Switch .................................................. 2-40
Turn Signal Control Lever .................................................. 2-40
Hazard Warning Switch ...................................................... 2-41
Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever ................................ 2-41
Horn ...................................................................................... 2-43
2-11
BEFORE DRIVING
53MH0-74E
NOTE:
If you drive with one of the rear windows
open, you may hear a loud sound caused
by air vibration. To reduce the sound, open
the driver’s or front passenger’s window, or
narrow the rear window opening.
Mirrors
Inside Rearview Mirror
53M-04-019
You can adjust the inside rearview mirror
by hand so as to see the rear of your vehi-
cle in the mirror.
Outside Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the outside rearview mirrors so you
can just see the side of your vehicle in the
mirrors.Ty p e 1
53M-04-020
Ty p e 2
53M-04-021
You can adjust the outside rearview mir-
rors by hand with the knob (1) located on
the driver’s or front passenger’s door panel
(if equipped).
WA R N I N G
• To avoid injuring an occupant by
window entrapment, be sure no
part of the occupant’s body such as
hands or head is in the path of the
electric windows when closing
them.
• Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle even if
only for a short time. Also do not
leave children alone in a parked
vehicle. Unattended children could
use the electric window switches
and get trapped by the window.
WA R N I N G
Be careful when judging the size or
distance of a vehicle or other object
seen in the side convex mirror. Be
aware that objects look smaller and
appear farther away than when seen
in a flat mirror.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
3-1
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
53MH0-74E
Exhaust Gas Warning
52D334
Daily Inspection Checklist
Before Driving
60A187S
1) Make sure that windows, mirrors, lights,
and reflectors are clean and unob-
structed.
2) Visually check the tires for the following
points:
– the depth of the tread groove
– abnormal wear, cracks and damage
– loose wheel nuts
– existence of foreign material such as
nails, stones, etc.
Refer to “Tires” in “INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE” section for details.
3) Look for fluid and oil leaks.
NOTE:
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system during use.WA R N I N G
Avoid breathing exhaust gases.
Exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, a potentially lethal gas that is
colorless and odorless. Since carbon
monoxide is difficult to detect by
itself, be sure to take the following
precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide from entering your vehicle.
• Do not leave the engine running in
garages or other confined areas.
(Continued)
EXAMPLE
WA R N I N G
(Continued)
• Do not park with the engine run-
ning for a long period of time, even
in an open area. If it is necessary to
sit for a short time in a parked vehi-
cle with the engine running, make
sure the air intake selector is set to
“FRESH AIR” and the fan is at high
speed.
• Avoid operating the vehicle with
the tailgate or trunk open. If it is
necessary to operate the vehicle
with the tailgate or trunk open,
make sure all windows are closed,
and the blower is at high speed
with the air intake selector set to
“FRESH AIR”.
• To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or
other obstructions at all times.
• Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear
of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust
gases under the vehicle. This is
particularly important when parked
in blizzard conditions.
• Have the exhaust system inspected
periodically for damage and leaks.
Any damage or leaks should be
repaired immediately.
EXAMPLE
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.
4-6
DRIVING TIPS
53MH0-74E
82PHM04001
Do’s and Dont’s for Safe
Driving
Exercise care in handling your vehicle. Be
conscious of not only your own safety but
also the safety of others on the road, and
thus enjoy the best and most comfortable
driving experience.
Following are basic rules for safe driving.
Read them carefully for good understand-
ing of the content so that you can enjoy
safe and pleasant driving in your vehicle.
Starting
1) Adjust the driver’s seat for the proper
driving posture.
2) Adjust the rear view mirror so as to
obtain the best possible rear view.
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3) Before moving, look around your vehi-
cle to confirm safety.
4) Don’t accelerate suddenly, since it is
dangerous and wastes fuel.
General Driving
1) Be sure to stop before a stop light or
stop sign. When moving into an inter-
section without any traffic lights or
signs, drive slowly to confirm safety.
2) Always follow other vehicles at a safe
distance in order to prevent a rear-end
collision, in case the vehicle ahead
makes a sudden stop.
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3) Turn ON the turn signal at least 30
meters before making a turn or chang-
ing the lane so as not to be hit.
4) Before entering a corner, decelerate to
a safe speed. Don’t apply brakes during
cornering, or skidding may occur.
5) When overtaking other vehicles, watch
out for oncoming vehicles and carefully
ensure safety.
6) Don’t attempt zigzag driving as it will
hinder your control over the vehicle and
may cause an accident.
7) Avoid reckless high speed driving and
try to drive at a safe speed suitable for
the road conditions while maintaining a
constant speed.
8) The higher the speed, the narrower the
driver’s visual range becomes. In such
a state, it is difficult to anticipate any
hazard and the driver feels fatigued.