Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). A
dealer's service department or qualified service center should perform
these inspections. All repairs should be completed at once.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot Seal Inspection
| • | Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. |
| • | Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks and chafing. Repair as needed. |
| • | Clean and inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears
or leakage. Service the vehicle as necessary. |
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system.
Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open
seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause
a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the
vehicle. Service the vehicle as necessary.
| • | For exhaust noise diagnosis, refer to
Exhaust Noise
in Engine Exhaust. |
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and replace if cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Inspect
the front surface of the radiator and A/C condenser. Insects, leaves, debris,
etc. can affect the performance of the radiator and A/C condenser.
If the front surface of either or both of these components is found
to be in need of cleaning, the unwanted material can be removed by performing
the following:
| • | Ensure that the engine is off and cool. |
| • | Blow compressed air through the radiator from the rear surface
of the radiator toward the front of the vehicle. |
| • | If compressed air is not available, use a water hose to force
water through the radiator from the rear surface of the radiator toward the
front of the vehicle. |
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system
and pressure cap is recommended at least once per year. If there is a loss
of coolant, refer to
Loss of Coolant
in Engine Cooling.
Throttle System Inspection
Notice: Do NOT lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables. Lubrication
will destroy the protective coating on these cables.
Inspect for the following and replace as needed:
| • | Missing parts such as retainers or clips. |
| • | Interference of linkage or cable conduit to critical components
such as fuel lines, brake pipes or harness leads. |
| • | Proximity of cable to exhaust system and other heat sources (check
for melting and/or discoloration). |
| • | Cable kinking, avoid sharp bends of the cables. |
| • | Clearance of throttle system moving parts throughout their travel
from other stationary components. |
| • | Damage of components due to cable kinking, severe abrasion or
misalignment. |
Brake System Inspection
Notice: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to
be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something
may be wrong with the brake system. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays
on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.
Inspect the complete system. Inspect the brake lines and
the hoses for the following:
Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including the calipers, the parking
brake, etc.
The brakes may need to be inspected more often if driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
