Continued
339
uuWhen Driving uShifting
Driving
■
Shift Lever Operation
1Shift Lever OperationNOTICEWhen you change the shift lever from
(D to
( R and
vice versa, come to a complete stop and keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Operating the shift lever before the vehicle has come
to a complete standstill can damage the transmission.
Use the shift lever position indicator to check the
lever position before pulling away.
Whichever position the shift lever is in when driving,
a blinking transmission indicator indicates a
transmission problem.
Avoid sudden acceleration and have the transmission
checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
The fuel supply may be cut off if you drive at engine
speeds in or over the tachometer’s red zone (engine
speed limit). If this happens, you may experience a
slight jolt.
When the engine speed is increased while the shift
lever is in
( N, (P or
(R, the fuel supply may be cut
off even without the engine speed entering the
tachometer’s red zone.
It may not be possible to operate the shift lever if the
brake pedal is applied while the shift lever release
button is held down.
Depress the brake pedal first.
Shift Lever Position Indicator
Depress the brake pedal
and press the shift lever
release button to shift.
Shift without pressing the
shift lever release button.
Press the shift lever
release button and
shift.Tachometer’s red zone
M
(sequential mode) Indicator
Sequential Mode
Gear Selection
Indicator
Models without
full color display
Continued
399
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. 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. 403
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) P. 402■
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 your 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.
402
uuBraking uAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Driving
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)Helps prevent the wheels from locking up, and help s 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
1 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)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 your
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 immediatel y after starting the engine or
while driving. This is normal.
425
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 426Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 427Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 428
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 429
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 434Opening the Hood ........................... 436
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 437
Oil Check ......................................... 438
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 440Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 441
Engine Coolant ................................ 443
Transmission Fluid ............................ 445
Brake Fluid ....................................... 446
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 446
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 447Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 454Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 456Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 457Tire Labeling .................................... 457DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 459Wear Indicators................................ 461 Tire Service Life ................................ 461
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 462
Tire Rotation .................................... 463
Winter Tires ..................................... 464
Battery ............................................... 465
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 467
Climate Control System Maintenance
.... 469
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 470
Exterior Care.................................... 472
441
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Continued
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil FilterYou must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the multi-
information display.
1.Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap.
3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
4. Remove the bolts on the undercarriage by
turning to the left and remove the under
cover.
5. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil FilterNOTICEYou may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
Drain Bolt
Washer
4-cylinder models
Under Cover
Bolt
4-cylinder modelsAll models
495Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check for a message on the multi-information display.●If the To Start, Hold Remote Near Start Button message appears
2If the Keyless Access Remote Battery is Weak P. 496
uMake sure the keyless access remote is in its operating range.
2 ENGINE START/STOP Button Operating Range P. 161
Check the brightness of the interior lights.
Turn on the interior lights and check the brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 465
●If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 510
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly. Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.
2
Starting the Engine P. 322
Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.
2Immobilizer System P. 155
Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.
2 Fuel Gauge P. 117
Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.
2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 514
If the problem continues:
2Emergency Towing P. 515
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 498
500
uuJump Starting u
Handling the Unexpected
6.Connect the other end of the second
jumper cable to the mounting bolt (4-
cylinder models)/engine hanger (6-cylinder
models) as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part.
7. If your vehicle is connected to another
vehicle, start the assisting vehicle’s engine
and increase its rpm slightly.
8. Attempt to start your vehicle’s engine. If it
turns over slowly, check that the jumper
cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models
505Handling the Unexpected
Indicator, Coming On/BlinkingIf the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low.■What to do as soon as the indicator comes on
1. Immediately park the vehicle on level ground in a safe place.
2. If necessary, turn the hazard warning lights on.■What to do after parking the vehicle
1. Stop the engine and let it sit for about three minutes.
2. Open the hood and check the oil level.2 Oil Check P. 438
3.Start the engine and check the low oil pressure indicator.
u The indicator goes off: Start driving again.
u The indicator does not go off within 10 seconds: Stop the engine
and contact a dealer for repairs immediately.
If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
■Reasons for the indicator to come on
Comes on when the battery is not being charged.■What to do when the indicator comes on
Turn off the climate control system, rear defogger, and other electrical
systems, and immediately contact a dealer for repairs.
1 If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes OnNOTICERunning the engine with low oil pressure can cause
serious mechanical damage almost immediately.1If the Charging System Indicator Comes On
If you need to stop temporarily, do not turn off the
engine. Restarting the engine may rapidly discharge
the battery.