WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer
solution may freeze on the windshield
and obscure your vision which may lead
to an accident. Warm windshield with
the defroster before you wash the wind-
shield.
CAUTION
.Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
. Do not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.
. Do not fill the window washer re-
servoir tank with washer fluid con-
centrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
. Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer’s
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the window washer
reservoir tank. Do not use the win-
dow washer reservoir tank to mix the washer fluid concentrate and water.JVI0738X
The windshield wiper and washer operates
when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at
the following speed:
AUTO — see “Rain-sensing auto wiper
system” (P.2-34).
LO — continuous low speed operation
HI — continuous high speed operation
MIST — one sweep operation of the
wiper
Pull the lever toward you
to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate
several times.
Instruments and controls2-33
WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH
2-34Instruments and controls
Pulling up the wiper arm:
The wiper arm should be in the up position
when replacing the windshield wiper blades.
To replace the windshield wiper blades,
follow the procedure below:
1. When the ignition switch is ON or within60 seconds after placing the ignition
switch from the ON to OFF position,
place the windshield wiper and washer
lever into the OFF position.
2. Rapidly lift the lever
upwards twice
within 0.5 seconds. This action will cause
the wipers to automatically take the
service position.
To return the wiper arm, place the wiper arm
in the down position and operate the wiper
switch once.
CAUTION
Do not operate the windshield wiper
while the wiper arm is pulled up. The
wiper arm may be damaged.
Wiper drip wipe system:
The wiper will also operate once about 3
seconds after the washer and wiper are
operated. This operation is to wipe washer
fluid that has dripped on the windshield.
JVI0739X
RAIN-SENSING AUTO WIPER
SYSTEM
The rain-sensing auto wiper system can
automatically turn on the wipers and adjust
the wiper speed depending on the rainfall
and the vehicle speed by using the rain
sensor located on the upper part of the
windshield.
To set the rain-sensing auto wiper system,
push the lever down to the AUTO position
. The wiper will sweep once while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
The rain sensor sensitivity level can be
adjusted by turning the knob toward
(High) or toward(Low). .
High — High sensitive operation
. Low — Low sensitive operation
To turn the rain-sensing auto wiper system
off, push up the lever to the OFF position, or
pull down the lever to the LO or HI position.
CAUTION
Do not touch the rain sensor and around
it when the wiper switch is in the AUTO
position and the ignition switch is in the
ON position. The wipers may operate
unexpectedly and cause to an injury or
may damage a wiper.
. The rain-sensing auto wipers are in-
tended for use during rain. If the switch
is left in the AUTO position, the wipers
may operate unexpectedly when dirt,
fingerprints, oil film or insects are stuck
on or around the sensor. The wipers may
also operate when exhaust gas or
moisture affect the rain sensor.
. The rain-sensing auto wipers may not
operate if rain does not hit the rain
sensor even if it is raining.
. When the windshield glass is coated
with water repellent, the speed of the
rain-sensing auto wipers may be higher
even though the amount of the rainfall is
small.
5-14Starting and driving
JVS0404X
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
discharged, or environmental conditions in-
terfere with the Intelligent Key operation,
start the engine according to the following
procedure:
1. Move the shift lever to the P (Park)position.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Intelligent Key as illustrated. (A chime
will sound.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal within 10 seconds after
the chime sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the
brake pedal, the ignition switch position will
change to ACC.
NOTE:
. When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC or ON position or the engine is
started by the above procedures, the
Intelligent Key battery discharge indi-
cator appears in the vehicle information
display even if the Intelligent Key is
inside the vehicle. This is not a malfunc-
tion. To turn off the Intelligent Key
battery discharge indicator, touch the
ignition switch with the Intelligent Key
again.
. If the Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator appears, replace the battery as
soon as possible. (See “Intelligent Key
battery replacement” (P.8-26).) .
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position. (See “Warning lights, in-
dicator lights and audible reminders”
(P.2-10).)
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip”
under these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded. .
Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
Starting and driving5-143
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ............................................... 8-3
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-4VR30DDTT engine ..................................................... 8-4
2.0L turbo gasoline engine ...................................... 8-5
Engine cooling system (for VR30DDTT
engine models) ................................................................... 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ................................ 8-7
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-7
Engine cooling system (for 2.0L turbo gasoline
engine models) ................................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ................................. 8-8
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-9
Intercooler cooling system (for VR30DDTT
engine models) ................................................................... 8-9 Checking intercooler coolant level ...................... 8-10
Changing intercooler coolant ............................... 8-10
Engine oil ........................................................................\
.. 8-10 Checking engine oil level ......................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ................................ 8-11
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ........................ 8-14
Power steering fluid (models with hydraulic pump
electric power steering) ................................................ 8-14
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
. 8-15
Window washer fluid .................................................... 8-15 Battery ........................................................................\
...... 8-16
Main battery location ............................................ 8-17
Auxiliary battery location (for 2.0L turbo
gasoline engine models) ........................................ 8-17
Checking battery fluid level .................................. 8-18
Jump starting ........................................................... 8-19
Variable voltage control system ................................ 8-19
Drive belts ........................................................................\
8-19
Spark plugs ..................................................................... 8-20 Replacing spark plugs ............................................ 8-21
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
8-21
Windshield wiper blades .............................................. 8-22 Cleaning ..................................................................... 8-22
Replacing ................................................................... 8-22
Brakes ........................................................................\
........ 8-23 Self-adjusting brakes ............................................. 8-23
Brake pad wear warning ....................................... 8-23
Fuses ........................................................................\
.......... 8-23 Engine compartment ............................................. 8-24
Passenger compartment ....................................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ......................... 8-26
Lights ........................................................................\
......... 8-29 Headlights ................................................................. 8-29
Exterior and interior lights ................................... 8-30
8-4Do-it-yourself
JVC0968X
VR30DDTT ENGINE
1. Battery
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Fuse/fusible link holder6. Air cleaner
7. Engine drive belt location
8. Radiator filler cap
9 Intercooler cooling reservoir
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
JVC0646X
2.0L TURBO GASOLINE ENGINE
1. Fuse and fusible link holder
2. Main battery*
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Engine coolant reservoir6. Fuse and fusible link holder
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine drive belt location
9. Power steering fluid reservoir (if so
equipped)
10. Window washer fluid reservoir *: The auxiliary battery is located in the
trunk. (See “Auxiliary battery location
(for 2.0L turbo gasoline engine mod-
els)” (P.8-17).)
Do-it-yourself8-5
engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. For VR30DDTT engine models: Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight
resistance is felt, then tighten addition-
ally more than 2/3 turn.
For 2.0L turbo gasoline engine models:
Securely tighten the oil filter. Do not use
excessive force.
Oil filter tightening torque:
VR30DDTT engine models
11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.6 N·m)
2.0L turbo gasoline engine models 19 ft-lb
(25 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
VR30DDTT engine models22 to 29 ft-lb
(29.4 to 39.2 N·m)
2.0L turbo gasoline engine models 22 ft-lb
(30 N·m) Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2) for drain and
refill capacity. The drain and refill capa-
city depends on the oil temperature and
drain time. Use these specifications for
reference only. Always use the dipstick
to determine the proper amount of oil in
the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into posi-tion as the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip
out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into posi- tion.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the hole in the frame, then push
the center of the clip in to lock the clip
in place. d. Install the other bolts that hold the
undercover in place. Be careful not to
strip the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
Do-it-yourself8-13