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 at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to the vehicle, make sure that they are the proper ones.

These routine checks should be made every 6 months or 10 000 km (6,000 mi), whichever occurs first. Whenever repairs are needed, have them completed before operating the vehicle.

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 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. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label .

Park Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check

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.

1. Ensure that the vehicle is parked on a fairly steep hill with the vehicle facing downhill.
2. Keep the regular brake firmly engaged while setting the park brake.
3. Perform the following procedure in order to test the holding ability of the park brake:

•	Ensure that the engine is running.

•	Ensure that the transmission is in the NEUTRAL (N) position.

•	Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.

•	Do this until the vehicle is held by the park brake only.

4. Perform the following procedure in order to test the holding ability of the PARK (P)'s holding ability:

4.1.	Ensure that the engine is running.

4.2.	Shift to PARK (P).

4.3.	Release all of the brakes.

Starter Switch Check

1. Before you start, make sure you have enough room around the vehicle.

Important: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.

2. Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
3. On 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, your vehicle needs service.

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Check

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.

1. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition to RUN, but do not start the engine.
2. Without applying the regular brakes, try to move the transmission shift lever out of PARK with normal effort.
3. If the shift lever moves out of PARK, the automatic transmission shift lock control needs service.

Be alert for any changes in steering action, abnormal front tire wear or steering wheel position. an inspection or service is needed when the steering wheel is harder to turn or has too much free play, or if there are strange sounds when turning or parking.

Be alert to illumination of the low air warning lamp or for the tone alarm, or changes in braking action, such as repeated pulling to one side, unusual sounds when braking or increased brake travel.

Make sure air brake system reservoirs are drained daily with full system air pressure, and check system for leaks. Any of these conditions could indicate the need for brake system inspection and/ or service.

Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.

If there is a loss of coolant, refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.

Be alert for nay changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell of fumes. these are signs the system may be leaking. have it checked and/ or repaired at once.

Check that the hood closes firmly. Check for broken, damaged, loose or missing parts that might prevent tight latching.

Make sure the secondary latch, if equipped, keeps the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released.

Check for fuel, coolant, oil or other fluid leaks by looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has been parked for awhile.

Corrosive materials used for ice, snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion or rust can occur on the following underbody parts:

At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water.

Take care to clean well any areas where mud and other debris can collect.

Sediment packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.

Check that the cab's engine cover and seal, if equipped, are not torn or damaged. Be sure that the cover is bolted down firmly to the floor.

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.