It is important to perform these underhood check at each fuel fill.

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 .

Engine Oil Level

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 .

Engine Coolant Level

Check the engine coolant levels and add DEX-COOL® coolant mixture if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Tire Inflation

Check tire inflation. Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver door lock pillar. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label .

Cassette Deck

Clean the playback heads and capstan on the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play.

Restraint System Check

Make sure the seat belt reminder light and all 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.

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. (The SIR system does not need regular maintenance.)

For SIR Diagnosis refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - SIR in SIR.

Wiper Blade Check

Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn, cracked, damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer to Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement in Wipers/Washer Systems.

Spare Tire Check

At least twice a year, after the monthly inflation check of the spare tire determines that the spare is inflated to the correct tire inflation pressure, make sure that the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check

Your vehicle has an indicator located on the air cleaner in the engine compartment that lets you know when the air cleaner filter is dirty and needs to be changed. Check the indicator at least twice a year or when you engine oil is changed, whichever occurs first. For more information refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Cooling. Inspect your air cleaner filter restriction indicator more often if the vehicle is used in dusty areas or under off road conditions.

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. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Automatic Transmission Check

Check the transmission axle fluid level; add if needed. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.

For the 4L60-E fluid lever inspection refer to Transmission Fluid Check . If fluid was added, refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis .

Key Lock Cylinders

Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Body Lubrication

Lubricate all of the following areas:

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 .

Starter Switch Check

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 Check

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level surface.

Important: Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position, but don't start the engine.
4. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort.
5. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), the vehicle needs service.

Ignition Transmission Lock Check

1. With the vehicle parked, set the parking brake.
2. Try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
3. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
4. With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
5. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.

Park Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check

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.

Follow this procedure to test the park brake and automatic transmission PARK mechanism:

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.