The following information covers the inspections and services required to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Ensure the necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to the vehicle, ensure that they are the proper ones.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Inspect the engine coolant levels and add DEX-COOL® for the proper coolant mixture, if necessary.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Inspect tire inflation. Ensure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar or refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications .
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette decks. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play. Refer to Cassette Player Care and Cleaning in Entertainment.
At Least Twice A Year
Restraint System Check
Ensure the safety belt reminder light and all of the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. The SIR system does not need regular maintenance.
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer to Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips 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 application may be required. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Automatic Transmission Check
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in Automatic Transaxle-4T80-E. Add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all of the following areas:
| • | All body door hinge pins |
| • | All body hood hinge pins |
| • | the hood latch assembly |
| • | The pivots |
| • | The release pawl |
| • | The rear compartment hinges |
| • | The rear compartment latch |
| • | The fuel door hinge |
| • | The seat hardware |
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Starter Switch Check
- Before you start, ensure you have enough room around the vehicle.
- Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
- 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 needs service.
Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
- Before you start, ensure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.
- Firmly apply the parking brake.
- With the engine off, turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room in front of the vehicle, in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position.
| • | The key should turn to the OFF position only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). |
| • | The key should come out only in the OFF position. |
Park Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
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.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
| • | To check the parking brake's holding ability: With the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake. |
| • | To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes. |
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
