Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D.
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear compartment, glove box door, console door and 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.
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 (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch is not pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs 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 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). |
• | With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only if you push the key in farther, while turning it towards LOCK. |
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK .
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. |
If your vehicle is four-wheel drive, be sure the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. |
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.