), then remove the
Remove the battery cover (see page secondary under-hood fuse box cover from the positive ( terminal on the battery.
+
The numbers in the illustration show you the order to connect the jumper cables. 4.
Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( ) terminal on your vehicle’s battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( + terminal on the booster battery.
+
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:56:55 31SJA630 0448
Connecting the jumper cable to the secondary under-hood f use box causes the f uses blown.
5.
−
Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding point as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.
6.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Jump Starting
7.
8.
9.
Start your vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.
Reinstall the secondary under- hood fuse box cover over the positive ( ) terminal of the battery, then reinstall the battery cover.
+
Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.
443
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:57:04 31SJA630 0449
If the Engine Overheats
The pointer of the vehicle’s temperature gauge should stay in the midrange. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.
Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to the engine.
444
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
1.
2.
Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning lights.
If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.
3.
If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.
4.
If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
5.
Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
Emergency
continue driving (see
Towing
).
459
on page
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:57:14 31SJA630 0450
If the Engine Overheats
6.
7.
If you do not find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark.
If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera- ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
8.
9.
Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.
’’). Add coolant to the
Start the engine, and set the interior temperature to maximum (climate control to FULL AUTO at ‘‘ radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.
10.
Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see Towing on page
Emergency
459
).
11.
If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
445
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:57:21 31SJA630 0451
If the Engine Overheats
Check Radiator System
You can still drive your vehicle even if this message appears on the multi- information display, however you should check the temperature gauge while driving.
If you notice the temperature gauge
climbing to or above the red mark,
Safely pull to the side of the road.
Follow the instructions on pages
444
and
445
If there is a problem with the radiator system, you will see a ‘‘CHECK RADIATOR SYSTEM’’ on the multi-information display.
If you see this message, the engine has probably overheated. You should take your vehicle to a dealer, and have it repaired as soon as possible.
446
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:57:33 31SJA630 0452
Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL’’ message on the multi- information display, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible, and you should take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning lights.
Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.
333
If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page
399
).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn off the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
before you can continue driving
(see
459
Emergency Towing ).
on page
Charging System Indicator
If the charging system indicator comes on brightly when the engine is running, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM’’ message on the multi- information display, the battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a dealer or a service station where you can get technical assistance.
447
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:57:42 31SJA630 0453
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
If this indicator comes on while driving, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK EMISSION SYSTEM’’ message on the multi- information display, it means one of the engine’s emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. You will also see a ‘‘TIGHTEN FUEL CAP’’ message on the multi-information display. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least once (see page ). Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it can take several days of normal driving.
331
448
If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may go off as you continue driving, have the vehicle checked by your dealer as soon as possible.
If the battery in your vehicle has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes may be erased. It can take several days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.
If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties.
Readiness Code Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, without starting the engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for an emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Emissions Testing Refer to more information (see page
for
475
).
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:57:51 31SJA630 0454
Brake System Indicator
U.S.
Canada
The brake system indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and as a reminder to check the parking brake. If you do not release the parking brake, the indicator will stay on, and you will see a ‘‘RELEASE PARKING BRAKE’’ message on the multi- information display.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low. You will see a
‘‘BRAKE FLUID LOW’’ message on
the multi-information display. Press
lightly on the brake pedal to see if it
feels normal. If it does, check the
brake fluid level the next time you
stop at a service station (see page
406
).
If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system’s dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.
You will also see a ‘‘CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM’’ message on the multi- information display.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (see
Towing
459
Emergency ).
on page
CONTINUED
449
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:57:59 31SJA630 0455
Brake System Indicator, Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
Opening the Fuel Fill Door Manually
If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.
If the ABS indicator and the VSA system indicator come on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.
LID
RELEASE LEVER
If the fuel fill door release button does not work, use the release lever inside the left maintenance lid in the trunk.
To open the fuel fill door, pull the release lever rearward.
450
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:58:07 31SJA630 0456
Fuses
INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
INTERIOR FUSE BOX Passenger’s side
SECONDARY INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
NOTCH
NOTCH
FUSE BOX
TAB
The fuses are located in five fuse boxes. The interior fuse boxes are located under the dashboard on the driver’s and passenger’s side.
To remove the fuse box lid, put your finger in the notch on the lid, pull it toward you, and take it out of its hinges.
To open the secondary fuse box lid, push the tab in the direction as shown in the illustration.
CONTINUED
451
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:58:15 31SJA630 0457
Fuses
PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
TAB
TAB
The primary under-hood fuse box is in the engine compartment on the driver’s side. To open it, push the tabs as shown.
The secondary under-hood fuse box is on the battery. To open it, push the tabs as shown.
To check the fuse box, remove the battery cover first (see page ).
428
452
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:58:25 31SJA630 0458
Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
456 457
, or the diagram
on the fuse box lid, which fuse or
fuses control that device. Check
those fuses first, but check all the
fuses before deciding that a blown
fuse is the cause. Replace any blown
fuses, and check if the device works.
, and
458
Fuses
FUSE PULLER
FUSE
BLOWN
1.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.
2.
Remove the cover from the fuse box.
3.
Check each of the large fuses in the under-hood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screwdriver.
4.
Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse box and all the fuses in the interior fuse boxes by pulling out each fuse with the fuse puller. The fuse puller is inside the primary under-hood fuse box.
CONTINUED
453
2008 RL 6.
If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem with your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit, and have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.
07/05/17 09:58:32 31SJA630 0459
Fuses
BLOWN
5.
Look for a blown wire inside the fuse. If it is blown, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.
454
If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits with the fuse puller provided in the under- hood fuse box. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the accessory power socket or radio). If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.
Replacing a f use with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement f use with the proper rating f or the circuit, install one with a lower rating.
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:58:41 31SJA630 0460
page
274
).
If the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the audio system you will see ‘‘ frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page
241
’’ in the
).
If the fuse for the power tilt telescopic steering is removed, the system will be disabled. The system needs to be reset after reinstalling the fuse (see page
148
).
If the fuse for the driving position memory system is removed, all stored driving positions will be lost. To store the driving positions again, see page
160
Onvehicleswithnavigationsystem If the navigation system fuse is removed, the navigation system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the ignition switch, the system will require you to enter a PIN before it can be used. Refer to the navigation system manual.
Onvehicleswithoutnavigationsystem If the compass system fuse is removed, the compass system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the ignition switch, the system will require you to enter a PIN before it can be used. Enter the four- digit anti-theft security code (see page the clock according to the instruction of the clock setting (see
). You will also need reset
259
Fuses
455
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:58:53 31SJA630 0461
Fuse Locations
PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
456
No. Amps.
Circuits Protected
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
40 A 15 A 30 A 40 A 40 A (40 A) 40 A 70 A 120 A 50 A 50 A
Back-up, ACC Hazard ABS/VSA motor ABS/VSA Drive by wire, LAF heater Option Heater motor Passenger’s fuse box Battery IG main Power window
*
: On Canadian models
10
11
12
13
14
15 A 30 A 10 A 15 A 10 A 15 A 7.5 A 15 A 30 A 30 A 20 A 7.5 A 15 A 40 A
Left headlight low beam Rear defroster coil Left headlight high beam Small light Right headlight high beam Right headlight low beam Back-up FI ECU Wiper Headlight washer Fog lights MG clutch Horn, Stop Rear defroster
*
No. Amps.
Circuits Protected
50 A
Radiator fan
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:59:05 31SJA630 0462
INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
No. Amps.
Circuits Protected
Fuse Locations
SECONDARY INTERIOR FUSE BOX Driver’s side
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
15 A 15 A 10 A 15 A 7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A 20 A 20 A 7.5 A
7.5 A 7.5 A 20 A 20 A 10 A 20 A
Drive by Wire Ignition coil Daytime running light LAF heater Radio Interior light Back-up Door lock Accessory socket Occupant position detection system Wiper Tire pressure monitoring system Passenger’s power seat reclining Driver’s power seat sliding Power lumbar support Driver’s power seat reclining
No.
Amps.
Circuits Protected
7.5 A 7.5 A
Starter diag. Starter signal
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
20 A 15 A 20 A 15 A 10 A 10 A 7.5 A 20 A 20 A 20 A 30 A 20 A 7.5 A
7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A (7.5 A)
Passenger’s power seat sliding ACG Fuel Pump IGN SOL Meter SRS IGP (PGM-FI ECU) Left rear power window ETS (telescopic) ETS (tilt) Driver’s power window Moonroof Adaptive Front Lighting System Air Conditioner e-pretensioner ACC Option
457
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:59:12 31SJA630 0463
No. Amps.
Circuits Protected
No. Amps.
Circuits Protected
30 A 30 A 30 A 30 A
20 A
SH-AWD Premium amplifier Passenger’s power window Driver’s automatic seat belt tensioner/e-pretensioner Right rear power window
20 A 7.5 A
30 A
7.5 A
Heated seats Interior lights Passenger’s automatic seat belt tensioner/ e-pretensioner Air conditioner
Fuse Locations
INTERIOR FUSE BOX Passenger’s side
458
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:59:24 31SJA630 0464
Emergency Towing If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.
The only way you can safely tow your vehicle is with flat-bed equipment. The operator will load your vehicle on the back of a truck. Any other method of towing will damage the drive system. When you contact the towing agency, inform them a flat-bed is required.
Towing with only two tires on the ground will damage parts of the all-wheel-drive system. Your vehicle should be transported on a f lat-bed truck or trailer.
Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, or snow, call a towing service to pull it out (see the previous column).
For very short distances, such as freeing the vehicle, you can use the detachable towing hook that mounts on the anchor in the front bumper.
COVER
Push
To use the towing hook: 1.
Remove the cover from the front bumper by pushing the right corner edge of the cover with a finger until the cover comes out as shown in the illustration.
CONTINUED
459
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:59:33 31SJA630 0465
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
COVER
WHEEL NUT WRENCH
TETHER
The cover is attached to the bumper with a tether.
2.
3.
Remove the towing hook and wheel nut wrench from the tool case in the spare tire.
Screw the towing hook into the hole, and tighten it with the wheel nut wrench.
460
To avoid damage to your vehicle, use the towing hook f or straight, f lat ground towing only. Do not tow at an angle. The tow hook should not be used to tow the vehicle onto a f lat bed. Do not use it as a tie down.
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:59:38 31SJA630 0466
Technical Information
The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your vehicle, and the location of identification numbers. It also includes information you should know about your vehicle’s tires and emissions control systems.
Identification Numbers Specifications DOT Tire Quality Grading
................ ................................
(U.S. Vehicles)
Treadwear Traction Temperature
...................... ................................. ...................................... ............................. Tire Labeling ................................. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
−
Explanation
Required Federal ............................
. 462
. 464
. 466
. 466
. 466
. 467
. 468
. 470
Emissions Controls ....................... The Clean Air Act ..................... Crankcase Emissions Control .................................... Evaporative Emissions Control ....................................
System
System
Onboard Refueling Vapor
. 472
. 472
. 472
. 472
Recovery
. 472
Exhaust Emissions Controls . 473
. 473
................................ ... ....................
PGM-FI System Ignition Timing Control
System
................................ Exhaust Gas Recirculation ...................
(EGR) System
Three Way Catalytic
. 473
. 473
Converter
Replacement Parts Three Way Catalytic
........................... ....................
. 473
. 473
Converters
Emissions Testing
................................. ........................
. 474
. 475
461
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:59:43 31SJA630 0467
Identification Numbers
Your vehicle has several identifying numbers in various places.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver’s side. It is also on the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb, and is stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the certification label.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
U.S. vehicle is shown.
462
CERTIFICATION LABEL
2008 RL 07/05/17 09:59:48 31SJA630 0468
The engine number is stamped into the engine block. It is on the front left, below the valve cover.
The transmission number is on a label on top of the transmission.
Identification Numbers
ENGINE NUMBER
TRANSMISSION NUMBER
463
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:00:09 31SJA630 0469
Specifications
Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Track
Front Rear
Weights Gross vehicle weight rating
Seating Capacities Total Front Rear
Air Conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity Lubricant type
464
193.6 in (4,917 mm) 72.7 in (1,847 mm) 57.1 in (1,451 mm) 110.2 in (2,800 mm) 62.0 in (1,576 mm) 62.4 in (1,585 mm)
See the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
HFC-134a (R-134a) −
15.8 17.60 oz (450 500 g)
−
ND-OIL8
Capacities Fuel tank
Engine coolant Engine oil
Change * Total Change *
Including filter Without filter
Total Change Total
Automatic transmission fluid Rear differential fluid
SH-AWD differential case SH-AWD clutch case
Transfer assembly fluid Windshield washer reservoir
Change Total
Change Total Change Total
U.S. vehicles Canadian vehicles
Approx. 19.4 US gal (73 ) 1.59 US gal (6.0 ) 2.27 US gal (8.6 )
4.5 US qt (4.3 ) 4.2 US qt (4.0 ) 5.3 US qt (5.0 ) 2.9 US qt (2.7 ) 7.6 US qt (7.2 )
0.77 US qt (0.73 ) 0.79 US qt (0.75 )
2.8 US qt (2.7 ) 3.3 US qt (3.1 ) 0.45 US qt (0.43 ) 0.48 US qt (0.45 )
2.6 US qt (2.5 ) 6.9 US qt (6.5 )
*
1 :
*
2 :
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.58 ) Excluding the oil remaining in the engine
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:00:38 31SJA630 0470
Lights Headlights * Front turn signal/parking lights
(High Beam)
Front side marker Rear turn signal lights Back-up light Fog lights License plate lights Ceiling lights
Front Rear
Vanity mirror lights Door courtesy lights Trunk light
12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V
− − − − − − − − − − − − −
(HB3)
(Amber)
(Amber) * (5W) (Amber)
60 W 24/2.2 CP 21 W 3 CP 21 W 21 W 55 W 5 W 8 W 8 W 2 W 2 CP 5 W
(H11)
*
1 :
*
2 :
Low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge tube (D2S). On model without adaptive front lighting system
Battery Capacity
Fuses Interior
Under-hood
12 V 12 V
− −
55 AH/5 HR 72 AH/20 HR
See page 453 and 454 or the fuse label attached to the inside of each fuse box cover. See page 452 or the fuse box cover.
Specifications
Engine Type Bore x Stroke Displacement Compression ratio Spark plugs
Alignment Toe-in
Camber
Caster
Tires Size
Pressure
Front Rear Front Rear Front
Front/Rear
Spare Front Rear Spare
* *
1 : Michelin PAX system model 2 : If equipped
SOHC VTEC V-6 gasoline engine
3.54 x 3.58 in (89 x 93 mm)
212 cu-in (3,471 cm )
NGK: DENSO:
11.0 : 1
IZFR6K11
SKJ20DR-M11
0.00 in (0.0 mm) 0.08 in (2.0 mm)
0°8’ − 1°15’ − 2°10’
P245/50R17 98V
245-680R460A 102V T155/70D17 110M
*
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) 30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm ) 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
*
465
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:00:48 31SJA630 0471
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one- half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi- tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
466
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:00:53 31SJA630 0472
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
467
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:01:08 31SJA630 0473
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below.
TIRE LABELING EXAMPLE
(1)
(1)
(4)
(3)
(2)
Tire Size Tire Identification Number (TIN) Maximum Tire Pressure
(1) (2) (3) (4) Maximum Tire Load
468
TireSize Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. Following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.
P245/50R17 98V
−
Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle).
245
−
Tire width in millimeters.
50
−
Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a percentage of its width).
−
Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
17
−
Rim diameter in inches.
98
−
Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).
−
Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).
TireIdentificationNumber(TIN) The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.
DOT B97R FW6X 2202
DOT
−
This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
B97R
−
Manufacturer’s identification mark.
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:01:25 31SJA630 0474
FW6X
−
Tire type code.
2202
−
Date of manufacture. Year Week
MaximumTirePressure Max Press
−
The maximum air pressure the tire can hold.
MaximumTireLoad Max Load
−
The maximum load the tire can carry at maximum air pressure.
TM
PAX System Tire Labeling Ifequipped The PAX system tires have different markings from conventional tire markings. Following is an example of PAX system tire size with an explanation of what each component means.
245-680R460A 102V
245
−
Tire width in millimeters.
680
−
Outside diameter of the tire in millimeters.
−
Tire construction code (R indicates radial)
460
−
Nominal diameter at the rim seat in millimeters.
−
Symmetric
Tire Labeling
102
−
Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).
−
Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).
469
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:01:33 31SJA630 0475
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
−
Required Federal Explanation
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.
470
2008 RL 07/05/17 10:01:39 31SJA630 0476
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
−
Required Federal Explanation
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. 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