
464
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA® ), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System
Driving
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), aka Electronic 
Stability Control (ESC), System
VSA ® helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less 
than what was intended. It also assists in  maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. 
It does so by regulating  engine output and select ively applying the brakes.
When VSA ® activates, you may notice that the 
engine does not respond to the accelerator. 
You may also notice some noise from the 
hydraulic system. You will also see the 
indicator blink.
■VSA ® Operation
1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System
The VSA ® may not function properl y if tire type and 
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and 
type of tire, and the air pressures as specified.
When the VSA ® indicator comes on and stays on 
while driving, there may  be a problem with the 
system. While this may not interfere with normal 
driving, have your vehi cle checked by a dealer 
immediately.
VSA ® cannot enhance stability in  all driving situations 
and does not control the entire braking system. You 
still need to drive and corner at speeds appropriate 
for the conditions and always leave a sufficient 
margin of safety.
The main function of the VSA ® system is generally 
known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The 
system also includes a  traction control function.
VSA® System 
Indicator 

465
uuWhen Driving uVehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 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 Off1 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®), aka Electronic Stability Control 
(ESC), System
Without VSA ®, your vehicle will  have normal braking 
and cornering ability, bu t it will not have VSA® 
traction and stability enhancement.
In certain unusual  conditions when your vehicle gets 
stuck in shallow mud or fr esh 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 atte mpt to free 
your vehicle with the VSA ® off if you ar e 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 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 

468
uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Instead of directly measuring the pressu re in each tire, the TPMS on this vehicle 
monitors and compares the rolling radius  and rotational characteristics of each 
wheel and tire while you are driving to determine if one or more tires are 
significantly under-inflated. This will caus e the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to 
come on and a message to appear  on the multi-information display
*.
You must start TPMS calibration every time you:
• Adjust the pressure in one or more tires.
• Rotate the tires.
• Replace one or more tires.
Before calibrating the TPMS:
• Set the cold tire pressu re in all four tires.
2Checking Tires  P. 523
Make sure:
•The vehicle is at a complete stop.
• The shift lever is in 
(N.
• The shift lever is in 
(P.
• The ignition switch is in ON 
(w*1.
*1: Models with the smart entry system have an  ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an 
ignition switch.
■TPMS Calibration
1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The system does not monitor the tires when driving 
at low speed.
Conditions such as low  ambient temperature and 
altitude change directly a ffect tire pressure and can 
trigger the low tire pressure/TPMS indicator to come on.
Tire pressure checked and inflated in:
•Warm weather can beco me under-inflated in 
colder weather.
•Cold weather can become  over-inflated in warmer 
weather.
The low tire pressure indica tor will not come on as a 
result of over inflation.
The TPMS may not function pr operly if tire type and 
size are mixed. Make sure to use the same size and 
type of tire. 2 Checking and Maintaining Tires  P. 523
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator may come on 
with a delay or may not come on at all when:
•You rapidly accelerate, decelerate, or turn the 
steering wheel.
•You drive on snowy or slippery roads.•Snow chains are used.
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator may come on 
under the following conditions:
•A compact spare tire is used.•There is a heavier and une ven load on the tires, 
such as when towing a trailer, than the condition at 
calibration.
•Snow chains are used.
Manual transmission models
Automatic transmission/CVT models
All models
* Not available on all models 

473
uuBraking uBrake 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.
2 Brake Assist System  P. 475
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)  P. 474
■Foot Brake1Foot 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 me tallic friction sound when 
applying the brakes, the brake pads need to be 
replaced. Have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
Constantly using the brak e 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 pe dal and downshifting to a 
lower gear. With manual transmission use a lower 
gear for greate r engine braking.
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 conf use drivers behind you. 

474
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, a nd 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 distri bution 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 pe dal. 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 unde r 6 mph (10 km/h), the ABS stops.
■ABS1Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
NOTICE
The 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 ti me or distance it takes 
to stop the vehicle. It only  helps with steering control 
during hard braking.
In the following cases, yo ur vehicle may need more 
stopping distance than a vehicle without the ABS:
•When driving on rough road surfaces, including 
when driving on uneven surf aces, such as gravel or 
snow.
•When snow 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. 

483
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 484
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 485Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 486
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 487
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 495Opening the Hood ........................... 497
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 499
Oil Check ......................................... 500
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 502
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 503
Engine Coolant ................................ 505
Transmission Fluid ............................ 507
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 509
Refilling Window Wa sher Fluid......... 510
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 511
Checking and Maintaining Wiper 
Blades .......................................... 521
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 523
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 524Tire Labeling .................................... 524DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 526Wear Indicators................................ 528 Tire Service Life ................................ 528
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 529
Tire Rotation .................................... 530
Winter Tires ..................................... 531
Battery ............................................... 532
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 533
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate 
Control System* Maintenance ....... 535
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 536
Exterior Care.................................... 538
* Not available on all models 

489
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo 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 
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.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear bra kes/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 li nes (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: Automatic transmission (CVT) models
*5: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher transmission  temperatures. This requires transmission fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the 
Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the transmission 
fluid changed every 25,000 miles (40,000 km).
*6: 6-cylinder models
*7: If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under - 20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 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 fluid*4,*5
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*6,*7
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant 

493
uuMaintenance MinderTMuTo 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 
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.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil*1
B●Replace engine oil*1 and oil filter●Inspect front and rear bra kes/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 li nes (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 110 °F, 43 °C), in very low temperatures (under - 20 °F, -29 °C), or tow a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 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 fluid
4●Replace spark plugs●Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
●Inspect valve clearance
5
●Replace engine coolant