OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
6) Hood latch operation
Engine oil consumption
It is normal for water to drip from the air
conditioning system while and after use.
Pull the hood release handle inside the
vehicle. Check that you cannot open
the hood further without releasing the
secondary latch. Close the hood
securely after checking for proper latch
operation. See the item “All latches,
hinges and locks” of “Chassis, body
and others” in “Maintenance schedule”
in “INSPECTION AND MAINTE-
NANCE” section for lubrication sched-
ule.
It is normal for the engine to consume
some engine oil during normal vehicle
operation.
4) Check that the hood is fully closed and
latched.
5) Check the headlights, turn signal lights,
brake lights and horn for proper opera-
tion.
The amount of engine oil consumption
depends on viscosity and quality of the oil
and your driving conditions.
6) Adjust the seat and head restraint.
7) Check the brake pedal and the parking
brake lever.
More oil is consumed during high-speed
driving and when there is frequent acceler-
ation and deceleration. Under high loads,
your engine also will consume more oil.
A new engine also consumes more oil,
since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder
walls have not yet become conditioned.
New engines reach the normal level of oil
consumption only after approximately
5000 km (3000 miles) driving.
8) Adjust the mirrors.
9) Check that you and all passengers
have properly fastened by the seat
belts.
WARNING
Check that the hood is fully closed
and latched before driving. If it is not,
it can fly up unexpectedly during
driving, obstructing your view and
resulting in an accident.
10)Check that all warning lights come on
as the ignition switch is turned to “ON”
position or the engine switch is pressed
to change the ignition mode to ON.
11)Check all gauges.
12)Check that the brake system warning
light turns off when the parking brake is
released.
Oil consumption:
Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km
(1 Qt. per 600 miles)
Once a month, or each time you fill your
fuel tank, check the tire pressure using a
tire pressure gauge.
When judging the amount of oil consump-
tion, note that the oil may become diluted
and it is difficult to judge the accurate oil
level.
Once a week, or each time you fill your fuel
tank, perform the following under-hood
checks:
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more of driv-
ing. This is because the oil gradually
becomes diluted with fuel or moisture,
1) Engine oil level
2) Coolant level
3) Brake fluid level
4) Lead-acid battery solution level
5) Windshield washer fluid level
3-2
English 
