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 DEX-COOL� 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.
Hood Latch Operation Check
Pull the primary hood latch release handle inside the vehicle. The secondary latch should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. Make sure the hood closes firmly.
At Lease Once a Month
Tire Inspection and Inflation Check
Inspect your vehicle's tires for wear and make sure they are inflated to the correct pressures.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all 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, cracking, or contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or damaged.
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 might be required.
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump, rear axle, transfer case, and automatic or manual transaxle fluid levels and add as needed. Check for leaks. A fluid loss in these systems could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant.
Seat Operation Check
Make sure the head restraints stay in position and all seat latches lock. Check that the recliner holds by pushing and pulling the seatback while it is reclined.
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 vehicle should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway, and try to start the engine. The vehicle should start only when the clutch pedal is pushed down all the way to the floor.
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 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.
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). The ignition key should come out only in LOCK.
-With a manual transmission, 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 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.