The following information covers the tests, inspections, and services required to maintain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.

Make certain that any necessary repairs are completed on time. Whenever any fluids and/or lubricants are added to the vehicle, be certain to use the proper fluids and/or lubricants. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Perform the following underhood inspections at each fuel fill.

Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Inspect the engine coolant level and add the proper coolant mixture when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Inspect the tire inflation. Make certain that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar. Refer to Tire Placard .

Clean the playback heads and the capstan of the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done after every 50 hours of tape playing time. Refer to Cleaning Tape Head and Capstan, Cassette Cleaning in Body and Accessories.

Restraint System Check

Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all of your 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 am 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).

Wiper Blade Check

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.

Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check

Your 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 your air cleaner filter restriction indicator more often if the vehicle is used in dusty areas.

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.

Automatic Transmission Check

Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level; add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed.

Key Lock Cylinders

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

Important: More frequent lubrication may be required when any of the listed parts are exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Body Lubrications

Lubricate all of the following areas:

Starter Switch

Test the starter switch:

For vehicles equipped with the manual transmission, place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL (N) position, push the clutch pedal in halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch pedal is pushed all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way in, the vehicle requires immediate service.

Steering Column Lock

Test the steering column lock:

While the vehicle is parked and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each of the shift lever positions.

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

For 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 Test

Test the parking brake and automatic transmission PARK (P) mechanism:

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 parking brake and automatic transmission PARK mechanism:

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

4.1.	Start the engine

4.2.	Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL (N) position

4.3.	Slowly remove foot pressure from the brake pedal

5. In order to test the PARK (P) mechanism follow steps 1-3 above and then do the following:

5.1.	Place the shift lever in the PARK (P) position

5.2.	Release all of the brakes

Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation

Inspect all of the following seat belt system components:

Replace the belt if the webbing is cut or otherwise damaged.