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.
For vehicles with dual wheels, inspect the dual wheel nut torque.
It is important to perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
Inspect the engine coolant levels and add DEX-COOL® for the proper coolant mixture, if necessary.
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary.
Inspect 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.
Clean cassette decks. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all of the 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.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The SIR system does not need regular maintenance).
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace the blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
This vehicle has an indicator on the engine that lets you know when the air cleaner filter is dirty and needs to be changed. Inspect indicator at least twice a year or when your oil is changed, whichever occurs first. Inspect the air cleaner filter restriction indicator more often if the vehicle is used in dusty areas or under off road conditions.
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. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Inspect the transmission fluid level; add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level; add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Inspect the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. A loss of fluid may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant.
Lubricate all of the following areas:
• | All body hood hinge pins |
• | All body door hinge pins |
• | All body door hinge pins |
• | The hood latch assembly |
• | The secondary hood latch |
• | The pivots |
• | The spring anchor |
• | The release pawl |
• | The rear compartment hinges |
• | The outer tailgate handle pivot points |
• | The latches |
• | The tailgate hinge |
• | The tailgate linkage |
• | The fuel door hinge |
• | The locks |
• | The folding 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 .
Important: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
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.
• | With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in the PARK (P) position. |
• | With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in the REVERSE (R) position. |
The key should turn to LOCK only when key release button is pressed.
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.
• | Ensure that the engine is running. |
• | Ensure that the transmission is in the NEUTRAL (N) position. |
• | Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. |
• | Do this until the vehicle is held by the park brake only. |
4.1. | Ensure that the engine is running. |
4.2. | Shift to PARK (P). |
4.3. | Release all of the brakes. |
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.