For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

The following text and illustrations describe the details of the required scheduled maintenance services.

For information on the proper fluids and lubricants to use. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

For the engine oil and filter changing procedure. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement in Engine Mechanical-4.6 L.

For information on the correct engine oil quality and viscosity, refer to the following:

Notice: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the warranty.

The STARBURST symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry the STARBURST symbol.

Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on the fuel economy and the cold-weather operation (engine starting and oil flow). Lower viscosity engine oils can provide better fuel economy and cold-weather performance. However, higher temperature weather condition require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication.

SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, use 10W-30 if the outside temperature is higher than 18°C (0°F). Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.

Notice: Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in engine damage. When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperatures the vehicle will be operated in before the next oil change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity.

Important: If your vehicle is operated in an area where the temperature falls below -29°C (-20°F), consider using a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures.

Notice: Do not lubricate the parking brake cables. Lubrication destroys the plastic coating on the cable.

Lubricate transaxle shift linkage. Lubricate the parking brake guides, underbody contact points and linkage.

Refer to the illustration for the location of the grease fittings (1).

Important: Wipe off all dirt from the grease fitting before lubricating the joint. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless their temperature is -12°C (10°F) or higher. During cold weather, the ball joint should be allowed to warm up as necessary before being lubricated. Use a low-pressure grease gun on all joints to prevent seal damage.

Apply grease slowly to the rear tie rod ends (1) while watching the grease seal. Apply grease until grease is seen bleeding from the seal. If the seal expands but no grease is seen, do not apply any more grease and allow time for the grease to bleed from the seal.

Check the tires for abnormal wear or damage. Rotate the tires to equalize the wear and obtain maximum tire life.

Inspect the accessory drive belts for the following

Replace as needed. (Belts can have many small cracks in individual ribs without affecting the performance).

Change both the fluid and the filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For maintenance schedule information. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

For the fluid and filter changing procedure. Refer to Transmission Fluid Filter Replacement in Automatic Transaxle-4T80-E

Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

For information on the correct type of spark plug. Refer to Maintenance Items .

For the spark plug replacement procedure. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls.

Replace the air cleaner filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals with the correct type. For maintenance schedule information. Refer to Maintenance Schedule .

For information on the correct type of air cleaner filter. Refer to Maintenance Items

For the air cleaner filter replacement procedure, refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls-4.6 L.