Perform the following inspections and services at least
twice a year. A dealer's service department or qualified service center should
perform these inspections. All repairs should be completed at once.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot Seal Inspection
| • | Inspect the steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Refer to
Suspension Component Inspection
in Front Suspension. |
| • | Inspect the power steering lines and the hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, and chafing. Repair as needed. Refer to
Power Steering System Inspection
in Power Steering
Systems. |
| • | Clean and inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears,
or leakage. Repair as needed. |
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust
system. Inspect for broken, damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts, open
seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which may cause a heat
build-up in the floor pan. These conditions could let exhaust fumes into the
vehicle.
| • | For exhaust noise diagnosis, refer to
Exhaust Noise
in Engine Exhaust. |
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses. Replace the hoses if the hoses are cracked, swollen,
or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps. Replace the components as needed.
Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Inspect
the front surface of the radiator and A/C condenser. Insects, leaves, debris,
etc. may affect the performance of the radiator and A/C condenser.
If the front surface of either or both of these components needs cleaning,
perform the following steps in order to remove the unwanted material:
| • | Ensure that the engine is off, and cool. |
| • | Blow compressed air through the radiator from the rear surface
of the radiator toward the front of the vehicle. |
| • | If compressed air is not available, use a water hose in order
to force water through the radiator from the rear surface of the radiator
toward the front of the vehicle. |
| • | In order to help ensure proper cooling system pressure performance,
perform a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap at least once
a year. Refer to
Cooling System Leak Testing
in Engine Cooling. |
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Notice: Do NOT lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables. Lubrication
will destroy the protective coating on these cables.
Inspect for the following conditions and replace the components
as needed:
| • | Missing parts, such as retainers or clips |
| • | Interference of linkage or cable conduit to critical components
such as fuel lines, brake pipes or harness leads |
| • | Proximity of cable to exhaust system and other heat sources (check
for melting and/or discoloration) |
| • | Cable kinking: Avoid sharp bends of the cables. |
| • | Clearance of throttle system moving parts throughout travel from
other stationary components. |
| • | Damage of components due to cable kinking, severe abrasion or
misalignment. |
Brake System Inspection
Notice: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to
be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something
may be wrong with the brake system. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays
on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.
Inspect the complete system. Inspect the brake lines and
the hoses for the following conditions:
Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the surface condition
of the rotors. Inspect all other brake parts, including the calipers, the
parking brake, etc.
If driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking, inspect
the brakes more often.
