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 check at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level Check

Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.

Engine Coolant Level Check

Check the engine coolant levels and add the proper coolant mixture, if necessary.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary.

Hood Latch Operation Check

Pull the primary hood latch release handle inside the vehicle. The secondary latch should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Make sure the hood closes firmly.

Tire Inflation Check

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 in General Information.

Cassette Deck Service

Clean the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play. Refer to Cassette Player Care and Cleaning in Entertainment.

Restraint System Check

Make sure the safety belt reminder lights and all 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 a safety belt or child restraint 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 blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.

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.

Fluid Level Check

Check the automatic or manual transaxle fluid level and add as needed. Check for leaks. A fluid loss in these systems could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.

Key Lock Cylinders Service

Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant.

Body Lubrication Service

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 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.

Use the following procedure for checking the Starter Switch:

1. Before you start, make sure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, the vehicle needs service.
4. On manual transaxle 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.

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control

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.

Use the following procedure for checking the Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control:

1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly. It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position, but don't start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of the PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle's Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control needs service.

Ignition Automatic Transaxle Lock Check

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

On vehicles with a key release lever, try to turn the key to LOCK without pressing the lever. The key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key lever.

On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) 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.

Follow this procedure to test the parking brake and automatic transaxle 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 parking brake.
4. In order to check the parking brake:

4.1.	Start the engine

4.2.	Place the transaxle in NEUTRAL.

4.3.	Slowly remove foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal.

5. In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism holding ability, follow steps 1-3 above then do the following:

5.1.	Shift to PARK (P).

5.2.	Release all brakes.

Underbody Flushing Service

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