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 .
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 .
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. Refer to Cassette Player Care and Cleaning in Entertainment.
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 and built in child resistant 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. For seat belt diagnosis information, Refer to Restraints.
Also look for any opened or broken supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) covers. For SIR diagnosis information, Refer to Restraints.
The SIR system does not need regular maintenance.
Check the automatic transaxle fluid level. Add the proper transaxle 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 .
For the automatic transaxle fluid level checking procedure, Refer to Transmission/Transaxle.
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged, or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer Wipers/Washer Systems.
Clean the weatherstrip surface, and then apply a thin film of silicone grease, GM P/N 12345579 or equivalent, using a clean, dry cloth.
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the proper lubricant. For information on the proper lubricant to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Lubricate all body door hinges and latches, including the following:
• | The hood |
• | The rear compartment lid |
• | 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.
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.
The starter should crank only in PARK or NEUTRAL. If the starter operates in any other position, the vehicle needs service.
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 shift lever out of PARK with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK, the Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control needs service.
While parked and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position.
The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in the OFF position.
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 parking brake's holding ability: with the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL, slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK mechanism's holding ability: with the engine running, shift to PARK, then release all brakes. For diagnosis information of a malfunctioning PARK mechanism, refer to Transmission/Transaxle.
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.