The following information covers the tests, inspections, and services required to maintain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Ensure that any necessary repairs are completed on time. Whenever any fluids and/or lubricants are added to the vehicle, ensure to use the proper fluids and/or lubricants. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
At Each Fuel Fill
Perform the following underhood inspections at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Engine Coolant Level
Inspect the engine coolant level and add the proper coolant mixture when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Inspect the tire inflation. ensure that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean the playback heads and the capstan of the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done after every 50 hours of tape playing time.
At Least Twice A Year
Restraint System Check
Ensure 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.
Wiper Blade Check
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.
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.
Automatic Transaxle Inspection
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Inspect the system and repair as needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Important: More frequent lubrication may be required when any of the listed parts are exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Body Lubrications
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 |
Starter Switch
Test the starter switch:
| • | Before you start, ensure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle moves suddenly. |
| • | Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular hydraulic brake. DO NOT use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. |
| • | For vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work ONLY in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter activates in any other gear position the vehicle requires immediate service. |
For vehicles equipped with the manual transaxle, place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL (N) position, push the clutch pedal in halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch pedal is pushed all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way in, the vehicle requires immediate service.
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
| • | Before you start, ensure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle moves suddenly. Park on a level surface. |
| • | Firmly apply parking brake. |
| • | With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position. 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), the vehicle requires service. |
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
- Ensure that the vehicle is parked.
- Ensure that the vehicle park brake is set.
- Try to turn the ignition key in each shift lever position.
- Attempt to turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
- The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
- The key should come out only in LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
Test the parking brake and automatic transaxle PARK (P) mechanism:
Follow this procedure to test the parking brake and automatic transaxle PARK mechanism:
- Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
- Keep your foot on the brake pedal.
- Set the parking brake.
- In order to test the parking brake:
- In order to test the PARK (P) mechanism follow steps 1-3 above and then do the following:
| 4.1. | Start the engine |
| 4.2. | Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL (N) position |
| 4.3. | Slowly remove foot pressure from the brake pedal |
| 5.1. | Place the shift lever in the PARK (P) position |
| 5.2. | Release all of the brakes |
Underbody Flushing Service
Once every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
