For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

The following text and illustrations describe the details of the required scheduled maintenance services.

For information on the proper fluids and lubricants to use. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

For the engine oil and filter changing procedure. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical-4.6L.

For information on the correct engine oil quality and viscosity, refer to the following:

Notice: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the warranty.

The STARBURST symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry the STARBURST symbol.

Notice: Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity.

SAE 5W-30 is the only viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle.

Use only oils which have the API Starburst symbol and which are also identified as SAE 5W-30.

If the temperature range is 0°F (-18°C) or above SAE 10W-30 oil which has the API Starbust symbol is acceptable if SAE 5W 30 oils is not available. Areas where the temperature falls below -20°F (-29°C), it is recommended either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or and SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures. Do not use other viscosity grade oils, such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50 under any conditions.

Notice: Do not lubricate the parking brake cables. Lubrication destroys the plastic coating on the cable.

Lubricate transaxle shift linkage. Lubricate the parking brake guides, underbody contact points and linkage.

Refer to the illustration for the location of the grease fittings (1).

Important: Wipe off all dirt from the grease fitting before lubricating the joint. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless their temperature is -12°C (10°F) or higher. During cold weather, the ball joint should be allowed to warm up as necessary before being lubricated. Use a low-pressure grease gun on all joints to prevent seal damage.

Apply grease slowly to the rear tie rod ends (1) while watching the grease seal. Apply grease until grease is seen bleeding from the seal. If the seal expands but no grease is seen, do not apply any more grease and allow time for the grease to bleed from the seal.

Check the tires for abnormal wear or damage. Rotate the tires to equalize the wear and obtain maximum tire life.

Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following

Replace as needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting the performance).

Change both the fluid and the filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For maintenance schedule information. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

For information on the correct type of spark plug. Refer to Maintenance Items .

For the spark plug replacement procedure. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine .

Replace the air cleaner filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

For information on the correct type of air cleaner filter. Refer to Maintenance Items

For the air cleaner filter replacement procedure. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls-4.6L.