Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway, and try to start the engine. The vehicle should start only when the clutch pedal is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the vehicle starts when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way down, contact your dealer/retailer for service.
Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
• | With an automatic transmission, the ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). The ignition key should come out only in LOCK/OFF. |
• | With a manual transmission, the ignition key should come out only in LOCK/OFF. |
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It should only lock when turned to the right. Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Caution: When you are doing 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 it 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 transmission in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. |
• | To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release the parking brake followed by the regular brake. |
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
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.