The following information covers the inspections and services required to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. 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 under hood inspections at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
Engine Coolant Level
Important: Do not remove the radiator cap as coolant may be very hot.
Inspect the engine coolant levels and add the proper coolant mixture to the reservoir only, if necessary.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation
Inspect tire inflation. Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Tire Placard that is located on the driver's door lock pillar or refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications .
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Inspection
Make sure the safety belt reminder lights and all 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 a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
For seat belt diagnosis information, refer to Operational and Functional Checks in Seat Belts.
Also look for any opened or broken Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The SIR system does not need regular maintenance).
Wiper Blade Inspection
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer to Wiper Blade Element Replacement and/or Rear Window Wiper Blade Element Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.
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.
Fluid Level Inspection
Inspect the transfer case, axle differentials and automatic or manual transmission fluid levels and add as needed. Inspect for leaks. A fluid loss in these systems could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all of the following areas:
| • | All body door hinges |
| • | The hood latch and hinges |
| • | The endgate latch and hinges |
| • | The instrument panel compartment hinges and latch |
| • | The console door hinges and latch |
| • | The folding seat hardware |
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter Switch Check
Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.
Use the following procedure for checking the 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. |
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, the vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.
Use the following procedure for checking the Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control:
| • | Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly. It should be parked on a level surface. |
| • | Firmly apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move. |
| • | With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of the PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle's Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control needs service. |
Ignition Transmission Lock Inspection
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 vehicles with a key release lever, try to turn the key to LOCK without pressing the lever. The key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key lever.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Park Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Inspection
Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room in front of the vehicle, in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately 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 inspect the parking brake:
- In order to inspect the PARK (P) mechanism holding ability, 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. |
Underbody Flushing Service
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.
