Listed below are the vehicle inspections and services that should be made by either the owner or a qualified technician at the frequencies indicated to help ensure the following:
| • | Proper safety of the vehicle. |
| • | The vehicle emission system performance. |
| • | Dependability of the vehicle. |
Complete any necessary repairs at once. Use the proper fluids or lubricants whenever adding to the vehicle. For information on fluids and lubricants to use when service is required, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
At Least Monthly
Tire Inflation Check
Check the tire pressure when the tires are COLD. Maintain tire pressures indicated on the Tire Placard on the driver's door of the vehicle, or refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications .
Cassette Deck Service
Clean the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play to prevent permanent damage, or every 30 hours for maximum performance.
At Least Twice A Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If anything is seen that might keep a seat belt system from doing it's job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed seat belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken supplemental restraint system (SRS) covers.
The SRS does not need regular maintenance.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the automatic transmission fluid level. Add the proper transmission fluid if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed. For information on the correct fluid to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Clean the weatherstrip surface, and then apply a thin film of dielectric silicone grease, or equivalent, using a clean, dry cloth.
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged, or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
At Least Once A Year
Key Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the proper lubricant. For information on the proper lubricant to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Body Lubrication
Lubricate all body door hinges and latches, including the following:
| • | The hood |
| • | The fuel door |
| • | The headlamp pivot points |
| • | The console door |
| • | The I/P passenger compartment |
For information on the proper lubricants to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter Switch Check
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.
On an automatic transmission vehicle, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should crank only in PARK or NEUTRAL. If the starter operates in any other position, the vehicle needs service.
On a manual transmission vehicle, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should operate only when the clutch pedal is fully depressed all the way to the floor. If the starter operates when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way down to the floor, the vehicle needs service.
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
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.
Steering Column Park Lock Check
While parked and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
On an automatic transmission vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK.
On a manual transmission vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the button on the ignition cylinder is pressed.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in the LOCK position.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK Mechanism Check
Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room in front of the vehicle, in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.
To check the park brake's holding ability: with the engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL, slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the park brake only.
To check the automatic transmission PARK mechanism's holding ability: with the engine running, shift the transmission to PARK, then release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
