All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation
• AWD provides excellent drivability on snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand and mud, as well as on steep slopes and other slippery surfaces.
• A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on .
WARNING
Never spin a wheel that is off the ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground as a result of the vehicle being stuck or in a ditch is dangerous. The drive assembly could be seriously damaged which could lead to an accident or could even lead to overheating, oil leakage, and a fire.
AWD Driving
WARNING
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers when driving this vehicle:
Sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvering of this vehicle is dangerous as it could result in the increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle roll-over, personal injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of gravity. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and AWD vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not designed for cornering at high speeds any more than low profile sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. In addition, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Drive carefully when the vehicle is loaded by lowering vehicle speed and applying the brakes earlier:
Abrupt maneuvering and sudden braking when driving a loaded vehicle is dangerous as the driving behavior of a vehicle with a high center of gravity is different when it is loaded compared to when it is not, and could result in the loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Tires and Tire Chains
The condition of the tires plays a large role in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to the drive assembly, please note the following:
Tires
• When replacing tires, always replace all front and rear tires at the same time.
• All tires must be of the same size, manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when equipping snow or other types of winter tires.
• Do not mix tread-worn tires with normal tires.
• Inspect tire inflation pressures at the specified periods and adjust to the specified pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label attached to driver's door frame for the correct tire inflation pressure.
• Make sure to equip the vehicle with genuine wheels of the specified size, on all wheels. With AWD, the system is calibrated for all four wheels being of the same dimensions.
Tire chains
• Install tire chains to the front tires.
• Do not use tire chains on the rear wheels.
• Do not drive the vehicle faster than 30 km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains installed.
• Do not drive the vehicle with tire chains on road conditions other than snow or ice.
Towing
If the vehicle requires towing, have it towed with all four wheels completely off the ground.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Power SteeringRear Center Seat Belt Removal/Installation
CAUTION:
The ELR (emergency locking retractor) has a spring that will unwind if the
retractor cover is removed. The spring cannot be rewound by hand. If this occurs,
the ELR will not work properly. Therefore, do not disassemble the retractor.
1. Press the release switch, then dis ...
Liftgate Latch Switch
Purpose, Function
The switch turns on/off in conjunction with the rotation of the latch lever,
and it detects the open/closed condition of the liftgate by the voltage value
which is changed by the rear body control module (RBCM).
Construction
The switch is turned on/off by ...
Lift Motor Removal/Installation
WARNING:
Handling a side air bag improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the
air bag, which may seriously injure you. Read the service warnings/cautions
in the Workshop Manual before handling the front seat (side air bag integrated)..
1. Switch the ignition off (LOCK).
2. ...