Explanation of Scheduled Services
EXPLANATION OF COMPLETE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEBrief explanations of the services listed in the preceding Maintenance Schedule are presented below.
Replace all questionable parts and note any necessary repairs as you perform these maintenance procedures.
FRONT AND REAR AXLE LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT
Check the lubricant level after every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) of operation and add lubricant to level of filler hole if necessary.
Replace the front and rear axle lubricant at 15,000 miles (24,000 km) and 30,000 miles (48,000 km) and after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) of operation thereafter.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT
Check the lubricant level after every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) of operation and add lubricant to level of filler hole if necessary.
Replace the transmission lubricant at 15,000 miles (24,000 km) and 30,000 miles (48,000 km) and after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) of operation thereafter.
TRANSFER CASE LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT
Under harsh operating conditions, such as constant driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather, or in hilly or mountainous terrain, change the transfer fluid and service the sump filter after every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) of operation.
AIR CLEANER ELEMENT REPLACEMENT
Replace the air cleaner under normal operating conditions every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Operation of the vehicle in dusty areas will necessitate more frequent replacement.
SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
Replace the plugs at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) intervals with the type specified.
COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE
Drain, flush and refill system with new engine coolant.
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT
Replace the timing belt at every 120,000 miles (192,000 km).
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
Incorrect valve clearance will result in increased engine noise and reduced engine output.
Retorque the camshaft bracket bolts before checking and adjusting the valve clearance.
Check and adjust the valve clearance whenever excessive engine noise occurs.
TIRE ROTATION
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
SPARK PLUG WIRE INSPECTION
Check the spark plug wires at 60,000 mile (96,000 km) intervals.
FRONT HUB UNIT BEARINGS INSPECTION
Check the front hub unit bearings axial rattle at 60,000 miles (100,000 km) intervals.
RADIATOR CORE AND AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER CLEANING
Clean the front of the radiator core and air conditioning condenser, at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) intervals.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
A fluid loss in any system (except windshield washer) may indicate a problem. Repair the system at once.
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Check level and add if necessary. The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm. After stopping the engine with the vehicle on a level surface, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan. Pull out the oil level indicator (dipstick). Wipe it clean and push the oil level indicator back down all the way. Pull out the oil level indicator, keeping the tip down, and look at the oil level on it.
Add oil, if needed, to keep the oil level above the "ADD" mark and between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks in the operating range area. Avoid overfilling the engine since this may cause engine damage. Push the oil level indicator back down all the way after taking the reading.
If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run the engine first. The cold oil will not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a true oil level.
ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL AND CONDITION
Check engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir and add engine coolant if necessary. Inspect the engine coolant and replace it if dirty or rusty.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
Check automatic transmission fluid level.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LEVEL
Check washer fluid level in the reservoir and add if necessary.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM RESERVOIR LEVEL
Check and keep at the proper level.
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR LEVEL
Check fluid. Keep fluid at proper level. A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced.
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM
Check fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid as required.
BATTERY FLUID LEVEL
Check fluid level in the battery.
FLUID LEAK CHECK
Check for fuel, water, oil or other fluid leaks by looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has been parked for a while. Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice gasoline fumes or fluid at any time, locate the source and correct it at once.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER REPLACEMENT
Always use API SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-1, GF-2, GF-3 quality oils of the proper viscosity.
When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperatures the car will be operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity.
Always change the oil and the oil filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust storm.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION
Inspect the coolant/anti-freeze. If the coolant is dirty or rusty, drain, flush and refill with new coolant. Keep coolant at the proper mixture for proper freeze protection, corrosion inhibitor level and best engine operating temperature. Inspect hoses and replace if cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Tighten the hose clamps if equipped with screw-type clamps. Clean outside of radiator and air conditioning condenser. Wash filler cap and neck. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of both the cooling system and the cap is also recommended.
EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler, heat shields and hangers for cracks, deterioration, or damage.
Be alert to any changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the system may be leaking or overheating. Repair the system at once, if these conditions exist. (See also "Engine Exhaust Gas Safety" and "Three Way Catalytic Converter" in the Owner's manual.)
FUEL CAP, FUEL LINES, AND FUEL TANK INSPECTION
Inspect the fuel tank, the fuel cap and the fuel lines every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for damage which could cause leakage.
Inspect the fuel cap and the gasket for correct sealing and physical damage. Replace any damaged parts.
DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
Check the serpentine belt driving for cracks, fraying, wear, and correct tension every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Replace as necessary.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT, BALANCE AND TIRES OPERATION
Uneven or abnormal tire wear, or a pull right or left on a straight and level road may show the need for a wheel alignment. A vibration of the steering wheel or seat at normal highway speeds means a wheel balancing is needed. Check tire pressure when the tires are "cold" (include the spare).
Maintain pressure as shown in the tire placard, which is located on the driver's door lock pillar.
STEERING SYSTEM OPERATION
Be alert for any changes in steering action. An inspection or service is needed when the steering wheel is harder to turn or has too much free play, or if there are unusual sounds when turning or parking.
BRAKE SYSTEMS OPERATION
Watch for the "BRAKE" light coming on. Other signs of possible brake trouble are such things as repeated pulling to one side when braking, unusual sounds when braking or between brake applications, or increased brake pedal travel. If you note one of these conditions, repair the system at once.
For convenience, the following should be done when wheels are removed for rotation: Inspect lines and hoses for proper hookup, bindings, leaks, crack, chafing etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
Inspect other brake parts, including parking brake drums, linings etc., at the same time. Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect the brakes more often if habit or conditions result in frequent braking.
PARKING BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM OPERATION
Park on a fairly steep hill and hold the vehicle with the parking brake only. This checks holding ability. On automatic transmission vehicles, shifting from "P" position to the other positions cannot be made unless the brake pedal is depressed when the key switch is in the "ON" position or the engine is running.
WARNING: Before checking the starter safety switch operation below, be sure to have enough room around the vehicle. Then firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. Do not use the accelerator pedal. If the engine starts, be ready to turn off the key promptly. Take these precautions because the vehicle could move without warning and possibly cause personal injury or property damage.
STARTER SAFETY SWITCH OPERATION (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
Check by trying to start the engine in each gear while setting the parking brake and the foot brake. The starter should crank only in "P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral).
STARTER SAFETY SWITCH OPERATION (MANUAL TRANSMISSION)
To check, place the shift lever in "Neutral", push the clutch pedal halfway and try to start. The starter should not crank. The starter should crank only when the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
ACCELERATOR LINKAGE LUBRICATION
Lubricate the accelerator pedal fulcrum pin with chassis grease.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION INSPECTION
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
BODY AND CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Lubricate the key lock cylinders, the hood latch, the hood and door hinges, the door check link, the parking cable guides, the underbody contact points, and the linkage.
PROPELLER SHAFT INSPECTION AND LUBRICATION
Check the propeller shaft flange-to-pinion bolts for proper torque to 63 Nm (46 lb. ft.) for front and rear propeller shaft.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT
If the vehicle is usually operated under the "Severe Driving Conditions", change automatic transmission fluid at the specified interval.
BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY INSPECTION
Note the brake pedal free play. It should be 6-10 mm (0.23-0.39 in). Adjust brake control when there is little or no free play.
CLUTCH LINES AND HOSES INSPECTION
Check lines and hoses for proper attachment, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, deterioration, etc. Any questionable parts should be replaced or repaired at once. When abrasion or wear is evident on lines or hoses, the cause must be corrected.
CLUTCH CONTROL LUBRICATION
Lubricate the clutch pedal bushing, the clevis pin, and pedal spring every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 6 months.
If a squeaking noise arises from around the bushing or the clevis pin at the clutch pedal arm when the clutch pedal is depressed, lubricate them.
CLUTCH PEDAL FREE PLAY INSPECTION
Note the clutch pedal free play. It should be 5 - 15 mm (0.2 - 0.6 in). Adjust clutch control when there is little or no free play.
ACCELERATOR LINKAGE INSPECTION
Inspect for interference, binding, and damaged or missing parts. Check accelerator pedal for smooth operation and even pedal effort. Replace parts as needed.