Routine Service

OWNER CHECKS AND SERVICES
Perform the owner checks and services that are listed below at the intervals specified in order to ensure the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of your vehicle.
For your safety and the safety of others, inspect any of the safety related components that may have been damaged in an accident. Perform any necessary repairs before operating the vehicle.
At the minimum, perform these routine inspections every 6 months or 10 000 km (6,000 mi), whichever occurs first. Complete any necessary repairs before operating the vehicle.

AT EACH FUEL FILL

IMPORTANT: Perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL INSPECTION
Inspect the engine oil level. Add the proper oil if necessary.

ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL INSPECTION
Inspect the engine coolant level. Add the DEX-COOL cooling mixture if necessary. Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps: replace as needed. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LEVEL INSPECTION
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank. Add the proper fluid if necessary.

AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH

TIRE INFLATION INSPECTION
Inspect the tire inflation. Ensure that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label.

TIRE WEAR INSPECTION
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service notification. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary, rotate the tires.

AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR

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. See Parking Brake . Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle starts in any other position, contact your dealer for 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. See 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 RUN, 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), contact your dealer for 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.

- The ignition should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
- The key should come out only in LOCK.

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
At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody using plain water. Thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris may collect. Loosen the sediment packed in closed areas of the frame before being flushing.