
power to the drive wheels, limiting
wheel spin and loss of traction.
The indicator light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages”
paragraph in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” chapter.
TCS / DSC Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the
indicator light stays on, the
TCS, DSC or the brake assist system
may have a malfunction and they may
not operate correctly. Contact an
Authorized Dealer.
Note:
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight sound will come from
the engine. This indicates that the
TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
DSC System (Dynamic
Stability Control)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and
engine torque in conjunction with
systems such as ABS and TCS to help control side slip when driving on
slippery surfaces, or during sudden or
evasive maneuvering, enhancing vehicle
safety. Refer to “ABS System (Antilock
Brake System)” and “TCS System
(Traction Control System)”.
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The indicator light turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages”
paragraph in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” chapter.
Note:
The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
Use tires of the correct size
specified for your vehicle on all four
wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
Do not mix worn tires.
Note:
The DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used.
TCS / DSC Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode. It also illuminates when
the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
TCS/DSC is switched off. If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Dealer.
DSC OFF Indicator Light
The
indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is placed in
the ON mode. It also illuminates when
the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
TCS/DSC is switched off.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, contact
an Authorized Dealer. The DSC may
have a malfunction.
DSC OFF Switch
Push the switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The
indicator light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. Push
the switch again to turn the TCS/DSC
back on. The indicator light will turn off.
05060301-12A-001DSC OFF Switch
113

In the following cases, it may be difficult
to view the illumination/flashing of the
BSM warning lights equipped on the
door mirrors:
Snow or ice adheres to the door
mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered
in snow, frost or dirt.
Turn off the RCTA system while pulling
a trailer or while an accessory such as a
bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of
the vehicle.
Otherwise, the sound system waves
emitted by the radar will be blocked
causing the system to not operate
normally.
TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System —
Lo/Hi Grade
The TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) monitors the air pressure of all
four tires.
If the air pressure of one or more tires is
too low, the system warns the driver by
indicating the
warning light in the
instrument cluster and operating a
beep.
The system monitors the tire pressures
indirectly using the data sent from the
ABS wheel speed sensors.
To allow the system to operate
correctly, the system needs to be
initialized with the specified tire pressure
(value on the tire placard label). Follow
the procedure and perform the
initialization (refer to “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Initialization”
paragraph).
The
warning light flashes when the
system has a malfunction.
Because this system detects slight
changes in tire conditions, the timing of
the warning may be faster or slower in
the following cases:
The size, manufacturer, or the type of
tires is different from the specification.
The size, manufacturer, or the type of
a tire is different from the others, or the
level of tire wear is excessively different
between them.
05281200-03A-004Another Vehicle Approaching In Direct Rear Of Your Vehicle
05281200-03A-005Your Vehicle Parked On A Slant
119

A run-flat tire, snow tire, or tire chains
are used.
An emergency tire is used (thewarning light may flash and then
continue illuminating).
A tire is repaired using the
emergency flat tire repair kit.
The tire pressure is excessively
higher than the specified pressure, or
the tire pressure is suddenly lowered for
some reason such as a tire burst during
driving.
The vehicle speed is lower than
about 9 mph (15 km/h) (including when
the vehicle is stopped), or the drive
period is shorter than 5 minutes.
The vehicle is driven on an extremely
rough road or a slippery, icy road.
Hard steering and rapid
acceleration/deceleration are repeated
such as during aggressive driving on a
winding road.
Load on the vehicle is applied to a
tire such as by loading heavy luggage
to one side of the vehicle.
System initialization has not been
implemented with the specified tire
pressure. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that
the system operates normally:
A tire pressure is adjusted.
A tire rotation is performed. A tire or
wheel is replaced.
The battery is replaced or completely
discharged.
Thewarning light is illuminated.
Initialization Method
Proceed as follows:
1. Park the car in a safe place and
firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Be sure the tires are cool, then
adjust the tire pressure of all four (4)
tires to the specified pressure indicated
on the tire placard label located on the
driver's door frame (door open).
3. Place the ignition in the ON mode.
4. While the vehicle is parked, press
and hold the TPMS system set switch
and verify that the
warning light in
the instrument cluster flashes twice and
a beep sound is heard once. Note:
If the system initialization is
performed without adjusting the tire
pressure, the system cannot detect the
normal tire pressure and it may not
illuminate the
warning light even if a
tire pressure is low, or it may illuminate
the light even if the pressures are
normal.
Adjust the tire pressure on all four
tires and initialize the system when the
warning light is turned on. If the
warning light turns on for a reason
other than a flat tire, the tire pressure of
all four tires may have decreased
naturally.
The system initialization will not be
performed if the switch is pressed
while the vehicle is being driven.
05120101-12A-001TPMS Set Switch
120
SAFETY

Tire Pressure Monitoring System —
Sport Grade
The TPMS system monitors the
pressure for each tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more
tires, the system will inform the driver
via the
warning light in the
instrument cluster and by the warning
beep sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on
each wheel send tire pressure data by
radio signal to the receiver unit in the
vehicle.
TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires regularly.
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than
the size indicated on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not
operating properly. [For vehicles with a
dedicated MIL telltale, add the following
statement: The TPMS malfunction
indicator is provided by a separate
telltale, which displays the symbol
“TPMS” when illuminated.] [For vehicles
with a combined low tire pressure/MIL
telltale, add the following statement:
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.] When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
System Error Activation
When the
warning light flashes,
there may be a system malfunction.
Contact your Authorized Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
When there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
When a metallic device such as a
non-genuine navigation system is
equipped near the center of the
dashboard, which may block radio
signals from the tire pressure sensor to
the receiver unit.
When using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
A digital device such as a personal
computer.
A current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
121

Improper weight distributions can have
an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
Caution!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
TOWING TRAILERS
Trailer Towing
Your car is not designed for towing.
Recreational Towing
An example of "recreational towing" is
towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
The transmission is not designed for
towing this vehicle on all four wheels.
Caution!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage
to the drivetrain will result. If this vehicle
requires towing, make sure the drive
wheels are OFF the ground.
Ensure that the Parking Brake is
released, and remains released, while
being towed.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
DRIVING TIPS
Engine Break-In
Recommendation
No special break-in is necessary, but a
few precautions in the first 620 miles
(1000 km) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of the vehicle:
Do not race the engine.
Do not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
Do not drive constantly at full-throttle
or high engine rpm for extended
periods of time.
Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
Avoid full-throttle starts.
Saving Fuel And
Protection Of The
Environment
How you operate your vehicle
determines how far it will travel on a
tank of fuel.
Use these suggestions to help save fuel
andreduceCO
2:
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the
engine runs smoothly, begin driving.
Avoid fast starts.
Drive at lower speeds.
Anticipate when to apply the brakes
(avoid sudden braking).
178
STARTING AND OPERATING

Note:
Remove snow before driving. Snow
left on the windshield is dangerous as
it could obstruct vision.
Drive slowly. Braking performance
can be adversely affected if snow or
ice adheres to the brake components.
If this situation occurs, drive the vehicle
slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal
and lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
Do not open or close the soft top when
the temperature is 41 °F (5 °C) or less.
The material of the soft top could be
damaged by freezing.
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
Snow Tires
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system (vehicle
with run-flat tires), the system may not
function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the
sidewalls. Use Snow Tires on all Four Wheels
:
Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for your snow tires or
legal speed limits.
When snow tires are used, select the
specified size and pressure.
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
If your vehicle is equipped with the
TPMS system, the system may not
function correctly when using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires only.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Note:
Chains may affect handling.
Do not go faster than 30 mph
(50 km/h) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is lower.
Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Do not use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminium wheels.
Warning!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can
cause unpredictable handling. You could
lose control and have a collision.
Caution!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further
use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on
dry pavement.
181

4. Hook the towing rope to the tow
eye.
Caution!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to
rescue a vehicle stranded off road. Do not
use tow hooks for tow truck hookup or
highway towing. You could damage your
vehicle.
When using the tow eyes, always pull
the lead or chain in a straight direction
with respect to the eyelet. Never apply
a sideways force.
Note:Be careful not to damage the
towing eyelet and towing hook, vehicle
body, or transmission system when
towing under the following conditions:
Do not tow a vehicle heavier than
yours.
Do not suddenly accelerate your
vehicle as it will apply a severe shock
to the tow eye and towing hook or
rope.
Do not attach any rope other than
to the tow eye and towing hook.
EMERGENCY TOWING
TOWING DESCRIPTION
Proper lifting and towing are necessary
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (rear wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
Caution!
DO NOT use sling-type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a
flatbed truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, the vehicle may be towed
with all four wheels on the ground using
the towing hook at the front of the
vehicle. Only tow the vehicle on paved
surfaces for short distances at low
speeds.
Follow these instructions when towing
the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground:
1. Shift to neutral (manual
transmission), or the N position
(automatic transmission).
2. Place the ignition to ACC.
3. Release the parking brake.
Note:
Remember that power assist for the
brakes and steering will not be available
when the engine is not running.
08060201-121-001Installing Front Towing Eye
08060201-122-001Installing Rear Tow Eye
223

Summer Or Three Season Tires
— If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both
wet and dry conditions, and are not
intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized
dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the
use of snow tires during the Winter.
Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the
tire sidewall.If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
onlyinsetsoffour;
failure to do so may
adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed
ratings than what was originally
equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds
above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating
speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve
performance on ice, skid and traction
capability on wet or dry surfaces may
be poorer than that of non-studded
tires. Some states prohibit studded
tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If
Equipped
Note:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service
Kit instead of a spare tire, please refer
to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Caution!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or
limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
spare tire and wheel equivalent in look
and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear
axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may
be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option,
refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
248
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE