Perform the owner checks and services that are listed below
at the intervals specified in order to ensure the safety, dependability, and
emission control performance of your vehicle.
For your safety and the safety of others, inspect any of the safety
related components that may have been damaged in an accident. Perform any
necessary repairs before operating the vehicle.
At the minimum, perform these routine inspections every 6 months
or 10 000 km (6,000 mi), whichever occurs first. Complete
any necessary repairs before operating the vehicle.
At Each Fuel Fill
Important: Perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Inspection
Inspect the engine oil level. Add the proper oil if necessary. Refer
to Engine Oil in
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
.
Engine Coolant Level Inspection
Inspect the engine coolant level. Add the Dexcool® cooling mixture
if necessary. Refer to Engine Coolant in
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
. Inspect the hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps: replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Inspection
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank.
Add the proper fluid if necessary. Refer to Windshield Washer Fluid in
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
.
Tire Inflation Inspection
Inspect the tire inflation. Ensure that the tires are inflated to the
pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label. Refer to
Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications
.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Inspection
Ensure that the following components are functioning properly:
Inspect for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
Repair any components in a condition that might prevent a safety belt
system from functioning properly.
Replace any torn or frayed safety belts.
Body Lubrication Service
Notice: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants tells you what to use. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Lubricate all of the following exposed surfaces:
• | The door hinge bushings |
• | The dovetail bumper wedges |
Use a dripless oil where oil holes are provided.
Also lubricate the following components:
• | The rubber hood bumpers |
Parking Brake Inspection
Park on a fairly steep hill. Hold the vehicle with the park brake only.
This procedure determines the holding ability of the park brake.
Starter Switch Inspection
Caution: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it
does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.
Follow this procedure for the starter switch inspection:
- Ensure that there is enough room around the vehicle.
- Firmly apply the park brake and the regular brakes.
Notice: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine
immediately if it starts.
- On automatic transmission vehicles, attempt to start the engine in each
gear. The starter should function only in NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P). If the
starter functions in any other position, perform the vehicle service.
On manual transmission vehicles, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N).
Push the clutch down halfway and attempt to start the engine. The starter
should function only when the clutch is pushed down all the way
to the floor. If the starter functions when the clutch is NOT pushed
all the way down, perform the vehicle service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator Inspection
Verify that the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Steering Inspection
Be alert for any of the following conditions:
• | Changes in steering action |
• | Abnormal front tire wear |
• | Changes in steering wheel position |
An inspection or service is needed when the following conditions occur:
• | The steering wheel is harder to turn. |
• | The steering wheel has too much free play. |
• | Strange sounds can be heard during turning or park. |
Brake System Inspection
Be alert for any of the following conditions:
• | Illumination of the low air warning lamp |
• | Changes in braking action |
- | Repeated pulling to one side |
- | Unusual sounds during braking |
- | Increased brake pedal travel |
Ensure that the air brake system reservoirs are drained daily with full
system air pressure. Inspect the system for leaks.
Any of these conditions may indicate the need for brake system inspection
or service.
Exhaust System Inspection
Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell
of fumes. These conditions indicate that the system may be leaking.
Inspect or repair the exhaust system immediately, if needed.
Windshield Wipers and Washers Inspection
Inspect the following:
• | Inspect the operation and the conditions of the wiper blades. |
• | Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. |
• | Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak
or miss areas of the windshield. |
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.
Engine Cooling System Service
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen
or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
cap is recommended at least once a year.
Defroster Inspection
Move the control lever to the defrost symbol and the fan to HI or the
high symbol. Inspect the airflow from the ducts at the inside base of the
windshield.
Mirrors and Sun Visors Inspection
Verify that the friction joints hold the mirrors and the sun visors
in place.
Seat Adjuster Inspection
When adjusting a manual seat, ensure that the seat adjuster latches
by attempting to move the seat after latching.
Lamps Inspection
Inspect the following lamps on the inside:
Inspect the following lamps on the outside:
• | The license plate lamps |
• | The reflectors or lights on the outside mirrors |
• | The identification and clearance lamps |
• | The hazard warning flashers |
Inspect the headlamp aim if the beams seem to be inappropriately aimed.
Glass, Mirrors, Lamps, and/or Reflectors Condition Inspection
Inspect all glass, mirrors, lamps, or reflectors for the following conditions:
Any of the above conditions may reduce the view or visibility or cause
injury. Replace, clean, or repair promptly if necessary.
Inspect that friction joints hold mirrors and sun visors in place.
Door Latches Inspection
Verify that the doors perform the following functions:
Inspect for broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent tight
latching.
Cab Latches Inspection
Verify that the cab closes firmly.
Inspect for broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent tight
latching.
Inspect that doors close, latch and lock tightly.
Fluid Leaks Inspection
Inspect for fluid leaks of the following substances by looking at the
surface beneath the vehicle after it has been parked for a while:
Underbody Inspection
Corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control may
collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated
corrosion (rust) may occur on the following underbody parts:
At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody using
plain water. Thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris may collect.
Loosen the sediment packed in closed areas of the frame before
being flushing.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the correct lubricant. Refer to
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
.
Towing Vehicle Protection Breakaway Valve Inspection
On air brake models, perform the following procedures on the tractor
protection breakaway valve:
- Remove the tractor protection breakaway valve.
- Disassemble the tractor protection breakaway valve.
- Clean the tractor protection breakaway valve.
- Inspect the tractor protection breakaway valve.
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.