Owners Checks and Services
Owner Checks and Services
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 level and add the proper coolant mixture if necessary.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer fluid reservoir and add the proper fluid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Inspect the tires and make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check the spare tire.
At Lease Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light 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 system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag 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.
Manual Transaxle Check
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. Check for leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the brake/clutch reservoir. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
At Lease Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assemblies, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, hood and body door hinges, rear compartment, and any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter Switch Check
Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
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 transmission 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, your vehicle needs service. On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch pedal is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check
Caution: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 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 ignition to ON, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the ignition should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transmission, the ignition should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
On all vehicles, the ignition key should come out only in LOCK.
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It should only lock when turned to the right.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
Caution: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake's holding ability: With the engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N), 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 (P) mechanism's holding ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release the parking brake followed by the regular brake.
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.