The following information covers the inspections and service procedures required to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Complete the necessary repairs and procedures on time. Use only the recommended fluids and lubricants. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
Engine Coolant Level
Inspect the engine coolant levels and add the proper coolant mixture, if necessary.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Verify that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar. Refer to Tire Placard in General Information.
Cassette Tape Player Service
Clean the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play to prevent permanent damage, or every 30 hours for maximum performance. Refer to Cassette Player Care and Cleaning in Entertainment.
At Least Twice A Year
Restraint System Check
Verify that the safety belt reminder light is working properly. Inspect the system for any loose or damaged parts. Repair or replace suspect components. Replace any torn or frayed safety belts.
Repair or replace open or broken air bag coverings. The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect the wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace the blade inserts that appear worn or damaged, or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
Weather-strip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weather-strips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold , damp weather more frequent applications may be required. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Automatic Transmission Check
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Add fluid if necessary. Any fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair the transmission as needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Body Lubrication
Lubricate all of the following areas.
| • | The door hinges and the hardware |
| • | The hood hinges, the safety lever, and the latch |
| • | The fuel door hinge |
| • | The rear compartment hinges |
| • | The rear compartment latches and the locks |
| • | The instrument panel compartment hinges, the latch, and the lock cylinder |
| • | The console cover hinges and the latch |
| • | The seat hardware |
More frequent lubrication may be required when the vehicle is exposed to a corrosive environment. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Starter Switch Check
Before you begin, verify that there is enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly.
| • | Firmly apply both the parking brake and the hydraulic brake. Do not use the accelerator pedal. Be prepared to turn off the engine immediately if the engine starts. |
| • | For automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, the vehicle requires immediate service. |
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
- Before you start, ensure enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.
- Firmly apply the parking brake.
- With the engine off, turn the key to RUN position, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to more the shift level out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
On an automatic transmission vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK.
On all vehicles, the key should only come out in the LOCK position.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park Mechanism Test
Follow this procedure to test the parking brake and the automatic transmission park mechanism:
- Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
- Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
- Set the parking brake.
- Test the parking brake as follows:
- In order to test the park mechanism, follow steps 1-3 above then do the following:
Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of the vehicle in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once, should the vehicle begin to move.
| 4.1. | Start the engine |
| 4.2. | Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. |
| 4.3. | Slowly remove the foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal. |
| 5.1. | Shift to PARK. |
| 5.2. | Release all of the brakes. |
Underbody Flushing
At least every Spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
