The following information covers the inspections and services required to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed on time. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to the vehicle, make sure that they are the proper ones.
It is important to perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
Inspect the engine coolant levels and add DEX-COOL® for the proper coolant mixture, if necessary.
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary.
Inspect tire inflation. Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar.
Clean cassette decks. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play.
For vehicles with dual wheels, inspect the dual wheel nut torque.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all of your 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 am 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).
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace the blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
Your vehicle has an indicator on the engine that lets you know when the air cleaner filter is dirty and needs to be changed. Inspect indicator at least twice a year or when your oil is changed, whichever occurs first. Inspect your air cleaner filter restriction indicator more often if the vehicle is used in dusty areas or under off road conditions.
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.
Inspect the transmission fluid level; add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level; add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed.
Inspect the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. A loss of fluid may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant.
Lubricate all of the following areas:
• | All body hood hinge pins |
• | All body door hinge pins |
• | The hood latch assembly |
• | The secondary hood latch |
• | The pivots |
• | The spring anchor |
• | The release pawl |
• | The rear compartment hinges |
• | The outer tailgate handle pivot points |
• | The latches |
• | The tailgate hinge |
• | The tailgate linkage |
• | The fuel door hinge |
• | The locks |
• | The folding seat hardware |
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant.
Important: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
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.
Important: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
If the shift lever moves out of the PARK (P) position, the vehicle's BTSI needs service.
• | With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in the PARK (P) position. |
• | With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in the REVERSE (R) position. |
The key should turn to LOCK only when key release button is pressed.
Follow this procedure to test the park brake and automatic transmission PARK mechanism:
4.1. | Start the engine. |
4.2. | Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. |
4.3. | Slowly remove foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal. |
5.1. | Shift to PARK (P). |
5.2. | Release all brakes. |
3.1. | Ensure that the engine is running. |
3.2. | Ensure that the transmission is in the NEUTRAL (N) position. |
3.3. | Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. |
Do this until the vehicle is held by the park brake only.
4.1. | Ensure that the engine is running. |
4.2. | Shift to PARK (P). |
4.3. | Release all of the brakes. |
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.