Horn Operation

Blow the horn occasionally to make sure it works. Insect all the button locations.

Brake System Operation

Be alert for abnormal sounds, increased brake pedal travel or repeated pulling to one side when braking. Also, if the brake warning light goes on, or flashes, something may be wrong with part of the brake system.

Exhaust System Operation

Be alert to any changes in the sound of the system or the smell of the fumes. These are signs that the system may be leaking or overheating. Have the system inspected and repaired immediately.

Tires, Wheels and Alignment Operation

Be alert to any vibration of the steering wheel or the seats at normal highway speeds. This may mean a wheel needs to be balanced. Also, a pull right or left on a straight, level road may show the need for a tire pressure adjustment or a wheel alignment.

Steering System Operation

Be alert to changes in the steering action. An inspection is needed when the steering wheel is hard to turn or has too much free play, or if unusual sounds are noticed when turning or parking.

Headlight Aim

Take note of the light pattern occasionally. Adjust the headlights if the beams seem improperly aimed.

A fluid loss in any, except windshield washer, system may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired immediately.

Engine Oil Level

Inspect the oil level and add oil if necessary. The best time to inspect the engine oil level is when the oil is warm.

1. After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan.
2. Pull out the oil level indicator, dip stick.
3. Wipe it clean, and push the oil level indicator back down all the way.
4. Pull out the oil level indicator and look at the oil level on it.
5. Add oil, if needed, to keep the oil level above the MIN line and within the area labeled Operating Range. Avoid overfilling the engine, since this may cause engine damage.
6. Push the indicator all the way back down into the engine after taking the reading.

If you inspect the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run the engine first. The cold oil will not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a true oil level reading.

Engine Coolant Level and Condition

Inspect the coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank and add coolant if necessary. Inspect the coolant. Replace dirty or rusty coolant.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Inspect the washer fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid if necessary.

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Pressure Check

Inspect the tires for abnormal wear or damage. Also inspect for damaged wheels. Inspect the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Inspect the spare also, unless it is a stowaway. Maintain the recommended pressures that are on the tire placard that is below the driver's door frame.

Light Operation

Inspect the operation of the license plate light, the headlights (including the high beams), the parking lights, the fog lights, the taillight, the brake lights, the turn signals, the backup lights and the hazard warning flasher.

Fluid Leak Check

Periodically inspect the surface beneath the vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids, after the vehicle has been parked for awhile. Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice fuel leaks or fumes, find the cause and correct it at once.

Power Steering System Reservoir Level

Inspect the power steering fluid level. Keep the power steering fluid at the proper level. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications .

Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Level

Inspect the fluid and keep it at the proper level. A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Inspect the breather hole in the reservoir cover to be free from dirt and inspect for an open passage.

Clutch Pedal Travel

Inspect the clutch pedal travel and adjust as necessary every 15 000 km (9,000 mi). Measure the distance from the center of the clutch pedal to the outer edge of the steering wheel with the clutch pedal not depressed. Then measure the distance from the center of the clutch pedal fully depressed. The difference between the 2 values must be 130 mm (5.19 in).

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Inspection .

Manual Transmission

Check the oil level and add oil as required. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Inspection .

Brake System Inspection

Notice: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.

This inspection should be done when the wheels are removed for rotation. Inspect the lines and the hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the rotors for surface condition. Also inspect the drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect the other brake parts, including the drums, the wheels cylinders, the parking brake etc., at the same time. Inspect the parking brake adjustment. Inspect the brakes more often if habit or conditions result in frequent braking.

Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot And Seal Inspection

Inspect the front and rear suspension and the steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and the hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and inspect the drive axle boot and seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace the seals if necessary.

Exhaust System Inspection

Inspect the complete system, including the catalytic converter if equipped. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause heat buildup in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes seep into the trunk or passenger compartment.

Throttle Linkage Inspection

Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, damaged, or missing parts. Lubricate all linkage joints and throttle cable joints, the intermediate throttle shaft bearing, the return spring at throttle valve assembly, and the accelerator pedal sliding face with suitable grease. inspect the throttle cable for free movements.

Engine Drive Belts

Inspect all belts for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension. Adjust or replace the belts as needed.

Hood Latch Operation

When opening the hood, note the operation of the secondary latch. It should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. The hood must close firmly.

Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation

Inspect the belt system including: the webbing, the buckles, the latch plates, the retractor, the guide loops and the anchors.

Movable Head Restraint Operation

On vehicles with movable head restraints, the restraints must stay in the desired position.

Spare Tire and Jack Storage

Be alert to rattles in the rear of the vehicle. The spare tire, all the jacking equipment, and the tools must be securely stowed at all times. Oil the jack ratchet or the screw mechanism after each use.

Key Lock Service

Lubricate the key lock cylinder.

Body Lubrication Service

Notice: Handling the parking brake cables during service requires extra care. Damage to the nylon coating reduces the corrosion protection. If the damage area passes through the nylon coating, increased parking brake effort could result. Avoid contacting the protective coating with sharp-edge tools or the sharp surfaces of the vehicle underbody.

Lubricate all the body door hinges including the hood, the fuel door, the rear compartment hinges and the latches, the glove box and the console doors, and any folding seat hardware.

Underbody Flushing

Flushing the underbody will remove any corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control. At least every spring clean the underbody. First, loosen the sediment packed in closed areas of the vehicle. Then flush the underbody with plain water.

Engine Cooling System

Caution: NEVER spray water on a hot heat exchanger. The resulting steam could cause personal injury.

Notice: Never use compressed air to pressure test a radiator that is not regulated to 138 kPa (20 psi). Pressures over 138 kPa (20 psi.) will damage the radiator.

Inspect the coolant and freeze protection fluid. If the fluid is dirty or rusty, drain, flush and refill the engine cooling system with new coolant. Keep the coolant at the proper mixture in order to ensure proper freeze protection, corrosion protection and engine operating temperature. Inspect the hoses. Replace the cracked swollen, or deteriorated hoses. Tighten the clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and the air conditioning condenser. Wash the filler cap and the neck. Pressure test the cooling system and the cap in order to help ensure proper operation.