Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure as given in these sections.
Maintenance
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized.
To avoid death or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
- Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
- Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
- Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine compartment.
- Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
- Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is OFF.
With the engine switch in ON, the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in the air.
Hood
Opening the hood
1. Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
2. Pull the auxiliary catch lever to the left and lift the hood.
3. Hold the hood open by inserting the support rod into the slot.
WARNING
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
■After installing the support rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely preventing it from falling down onto your head or body.
NOTICE
■When closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood.
Closing the hood with the support rod not clipped could cause the hood to bend.
Positioning a floor jack
When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual provided with the jack and perform the operation safely.
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack correctly. Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause injury.
Location of the jack point
■ Front
■ Rear
2WD models
AWD models
Download Manual