The following information covers the checks and services required to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed on time. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to the vehicle, make sure that they are the proper ones. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
It is important to perform these underhood check at each fuel fill.
Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
In order to select the proper fluids and lubricants, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Inspect the engine coolant levels and add the proper coolant mixture, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Tire Inflation: Inspect tire inflation. Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label in General Information.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all of 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 am 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 air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance).
Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation:
Inspect all of the following belt system components:
• | Webbing |
• | Buckles |
• | Latch plates |
• | Retractors |
• | Guide loops |
• | Anchors |
Replace the belt if the webbing has been cut or otherwise damaged.
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace the blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
Your vehicle has an indicator on the engine that lets you know when the air cleaner filter is dirty and needs to be changed. Inspect indicator at least twice a year or when your oil is changed, whichever occurs first. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls. Inspect your air cleaner filter restriction indicator more often if the vehicle is used in dusty areas or under off road conditions.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level; add if needed. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in Automatic Transmission. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed.
Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Lubricate all of the following areas:
• | Body door hinges |
• | Body hood, safety lever and latch |
• | Fuel door |
• | Rear compartment hinges |
• | Rear compartment latches and locks |
• | Instrument panel compartment hinges, latch, and lock cylinder |
• | Console cover hinges and latch |
• | Seat hardware |
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
• | Before you start, make sure you have enough room around the vehicle in case the vehicle jumps suddenly. |
Important: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if the engine starts. |
• | Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. |
• | Attempt starting 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 needs service. |
The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in the PARK (P) position.
The key should turn to LOCK only when key release button is pressed.
Follow this procedure in order to test the park brake and automatic transmission PARK mechanism:
4.1. | Start the engine |
4.2. | Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. |
4.3. | Slowly remove foot pressure from the hydraulic brake pedal. |
5.1. | Shift to PARK (P). |
5.2. | Release all brakes. |
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.