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.

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 the proper coolant mixture, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir 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's 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

Make sure that the safety belt telltale and all the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for other loose or damaged safety belt system components and replace or repair as needed. Also inspect the supplemental restraint system coverings. If the covering is cracked or open, repair or replace as needed. The supplemental restraint system does not need regular maintenance.

Wiper Blades

Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace the blade inserts that are worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.

Manual Transmission

Check the transmission fluid level; add fluid if needed. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations . A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check for leaks.

Automatic Transmission

Check the transmission fluid level; add fluid if needed. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations . A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check for leaks.

Hydraulic Clutch System

A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair or replace components as needed.

Tailgate Lubrication

Lubricate the tailgate latch bolt, handle assembly pivot points and hinge. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

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

Carefully read the instructions before beginning this procedure.

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.

Steering Column Lock:

While parked, and with the park brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).

On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key to lock without the button. The key should turn to LOCK only with the key button depressed.

Park Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism

Carefully read the instructions before beginning this procedure.

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:

1. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
2. Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
3. Set the park brake.
4. In order to check the park brake:

4.1.	Start the engine

4.2.	Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.

4.3.	Slowly remove foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal. If the vehicle moves, refer to Parking Brake Shoe Adjustment in Brakes.

5. In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism of an automatic transmission, follow steps 1-3 above then do the following:

5.1.	Shift to PARK (P).

5.2.	Release all brakes.

Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation

Inspect all of the following belt system components:

Replace the belt if the webbing has been cut or otherwise damaged.

Underbody Flushing

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive material from the vehicle underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.