Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D.

Lubricate all hood latch assemblies, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, hood and body door hinges, rear compartment, and any folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. See Parking Brake .

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

3. Put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway, and try to start the engine. The vehicle should start only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the vehicle starts when the clutch is not pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.

While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.

The ignition should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button. The key should come out only in LOCK.

Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It should only lock when turned to the right.

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.

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.