The following information covers the checks 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. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood check at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
In order to select the proper fluids and lubricants, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
Engine Coolant Level
Check the engine coolant levels and add the proper coolant mixture, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation: Check 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 Tire Placard .
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders: Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
Body Lubrication: Lubricate all of the following areas:
| • | Body door hinges |
| • | Body hood, safety lever, and prop rod pivot |
| • | Fuel door |
| • | Rear compartment hinges |
| • | Rear compartment latches and locks |
| • | Instrument panel compartment hinges, latch, and lock cylinder |
| • | Console cover hinges and latch. |
| • | 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:
| • | Before you start, make sure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly. |
| • | Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. |
| • | 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, the vehicle needs service. |
Steering Column Lock:
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key to lock without the button. The key should turn to LOCK only with the key button depressed.
Parking Brake and Automatic transmission 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.
Follow this procedure to test the parking brake and automatic transmission PARK mechanism:
- Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
- Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
- Set the parking brake.
- In order to check the parking brake:
- In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism, follow steps 1-3 above then do the following:
| 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. |
Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation:
Inspect all of the following belt system components:
| • | Webbing |
| • | Buckles |
| • | Latch plates |
| • | Retractors |
| • | Guide loops |
| • | Anchors |
Replace the belt if the webbing has been cut or otherwise damaged.
