Additional Checks/Inspections
AT LEAST ONCE A YEARKEY LOCK CYLINDERS
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant.
BODY LUBRICATION
Lubricate all of the following areas:
- The door hinges and the hardware
- The hood hinges, the safety lever, and the latch
- The fuel door hinge
- The rear compartment hinges
- The rear compartment latches and the locks
- The instrument panel compartment hinges, the latch, and the lock cylinder
- The console cover hinges and the latch
- The seat hardware
More frequent lubrication may be required when the vehicle is exposed to a corrosive environment.
STARTER SWITCH CHECK
1. Before you begin, verify that you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the hydraulic brake. Do not use the accelerator pedal. Be prepared to turn off the engine immediately if the engine starts.
3. For 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, the vehicle requires immediate service.
IGNITION TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE LOCK CHECK
1. While parked and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
- On an automatic transmission vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK.
- On all vehicles, the key should only come out in the LOCK position.
PARKING BRAKE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE PARK MECHANISM TEST
Follow this procedure to test the parking brake and the automatic transmission park mechanism:
CAUTION: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of the vehicle in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once, should the vehicle begin to move.
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. Test the parking brake as follows:
A. Start the engine
B. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
C. Slowly remove the foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal.
5. In order to test the park mechanism, follow steps 1-3 above then do the following:
A. Shift to PARK.
B. Release all of the brakes.
UNDERBODY FLUSHING
At least every spring use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.