Listed below are the vehicle inspections and services that should be made by either the owner or a qualified technician at the intervals indicated to help ensure the following:
| • | Proper safety performance of the vehicle. |
| • | Proper vehicle emission system performance. |
| • | Dependability of the vehicle. |
Complete any necessary repairs at once. Always use the proper fluids and lubricants. For information on the fluids and the lubricants to use when service is required refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
For emission system diagnosis information refer to Engine Controls.
At Least Monthly
Tire Inflation Check
Check the tire pressure when the tires are COLD. Maintain the 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 after every 50 hours of tape play to prevent permanent damage, or every 30 hours for maximum performance. Refer to Cleaning Tape Head and Capstan, Cassette Cleaning in Body and Accessories.
At Least Twice A Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder lights and all the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly. Inspect for any other loose or damaged restraint system components. If any condition exists that might prevent a seat belt system from performing properly, have it repaired. Replace any torn or frayed seat belts. For seat belt diagnosis information, refer to Seat Belt Service Precautions in Restraints.
Inspect for any opened or broken Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) covers. For SIR diagnosis information, refer to SIR General Diagnosis in Restraints.
The SIR system does not need regular maintenance.
Throttle System Inspection
The throttle system (including the accelerator and the cruise control) should operate freely and without hesitation between full closed and wide open throttle.
Important: Do NOT lubricate the accelerator cable or the cruise control cable. Throttle system components experiencing hesitation or sticking should be replaced.
Inspect for the following:
| • | Missing parts such as retainers or clips. |
| • | Interference of the linkage or the cable conduit to critical components such as fuel lines, brake lines, harness leads, etc. |
| • | Proximity of the cable to the exhaust system and other heat sources. Inspect for melting and/or discoloration. |
| • | Cable kinking. Avoid sharp bends in the cables. |
| • | Clearance of the throttle system moving parts throughout their travel from other stationary components. |
| • | Damage of the components due to cable kinking, severe abrasion, misalignment, etc. If any of the above conditions exists, see your dealer for a rerouting, adjustment, or replacement recommendation. |
Automatic Transmission Check
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Add the proper transmission fluid when necessary. Any fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair the system as needed. For information on the correct fluid to use refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
For the automatic transmission fluid level inspection procedure refer to Transmission Fluid Check .
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Clean the weatherstrip surface and apply a thin film of silicone grease (GM P/N 12345579 or equivalent) using a clean, dry cloth.
Wiper Blade Inspection
Inspect the wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace any blade inserts that appear worn or damaged, or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer to Body and Accessories.
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 of the 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 IP passenger compartment |
For information on the proper lubricants to use refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
More frequent lubrication may be required when the hinges and latches are exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter Switch Inspection
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.
For an automatic transmission vehicle, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should operate only in PARK or NEUTRAL. If the starter operates in any other position the vehicle requires service.
For a manual transmission vehicle, place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position, push the clutch pedal in halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter should operate only when the clutch pedal is pushed all the way to the floor. If the starter operates when the clutch pedal is not depressed all the way to the floor, the vehicle requires service.
Auto Trans Shift Lock Control (ATSLC) Inspection
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 auto trans shift lock control (ATSLC) needs service.
For the ATSLC solenoid replacement procedure refer to Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Solenoid Replacement in Transmission/Transaxle.
Steering Column Park Lock Inspection
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 shift lever is in REVERSE.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in the LOCK position.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK Mechanism Test
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 test the parking brake's holding ability, with the engine running and transmission in the NEUTRAL position, slowly remove foot pressure from the brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
To test the automatic transmission PARK mechanism's holding ability, with the engine running, shift the transmission to the PARK position, and then release all brakes. For diagnosis information of a malfunctioning PARK mechanism refer to No Park in Transmission/Transaxle.
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 might collect.
