The following information covers the checks and services required to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed on time. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to the vehicle, make sure that they are the proper ones. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
It is important to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
In order to select the proper fluids and lubricants, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Check the engine coolant levels and add DEX-COOL® coolant mixture, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Perform the following checks/services:
Check tire inflation. Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label .
Clean the playback heads and capstan on the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play. Refer to Tape Player and Cassette Care in Audio Systems.
Perform the following checks/services:
Inspect all of the following belt system components:
• | Safety belt reminder light |
• | Webbing |
• | Buckles |
• | Latch plates |
• | Retractors |
• | Guide loops |
• | Anchors |
• | Built-in child restraint components (if applicable): |
- | Harness straps |
- | Latch plates |
- | Buckle |
- | Clip |
- | Retractor |
- | Anchors |
• | Loose or damaged safety belt or built-in child restraint system parts |
Replace the safety belt or harness strap if the webbing has been torn, frayed or otherwise damaged.
Check for opened or broken air bag coverings. Repair or replace if necessary.
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace worn, cracked, or damaged blade inserts and inserts that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
Check the transmission fluid level, add if necessary. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in Automatic Transmission.
A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis and Repair in Automatic Transmission.
Perform the following checks/services:
Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
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 |
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Check the Starter Switch operation by performing the following:
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.
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.
Check the Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) operation by performing the following:
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.
With the engine OFF, turn the ignition to RUN, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brakes, try to move the transmission shift lever out of PARK with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of park, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) needs service.
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
Follow this procedure to test the parking brake and automatic transmission PARK mechanism:
Caution: When performing 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 the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once, should the vehicle begin to move.
4.1. | Start the engine. |
4.2. | Place the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). |
4.3. | Slowly remove foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal. |
5.1. | Shift to PARK (P). |
5.2. | Release all brakes. |