It is important that the following underhood checks be performed 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 the proper coolant if necessary.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check

Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid if necessary.

Tire Inflation Check

Check tire inflation. Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.

Cassette Deck Service

Clean the cassette deck. Perform cassette deck cleaning every 50 hours of cassette tape play.

Restraint System Check

Make sure the seat belt reminder light and all the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. If the vehicle has a built-in child restraint, periodically make sure the harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged seat belt and built in child restraint system parts. If anything is seen that might keep a seat belt or built in child restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired. Replace any torn or frayed seat belts.

Replace any opened or broken Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) covers. The SIR system does not need regular maintenance.

Wiper Blade Check

Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace any wiper blade inserts that appear worn, cracked, damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.

Automatic Transmission Check

Check the transmission axle fluid level. If fluid was added, refer to Fluid Leak Diagnosis and Repair in Automatic Transmission/Transaxle.

Weatherstrip Lubrication

Lubricate all door, rear compartment and glass weatherstrips. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations for the proper type of lubricant. Colder more damp climates will require more frequent applications.

Key Lock Cylinders Service

Lubricate the key lock cylinders. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations for the proper type of lubricant.

Body Lubrication Service

Lubricate all hinges and latches including those for the hood, rear compartment, instrument panel door, console door and any folding seat hardware. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations for the proper type of lubricant. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

Park/Neutral Position Switch Check

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.

1. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle to allow for any possible vehicle movement.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear.

If the starter operates with the transmission in any other range, refer to Starter and Charging System in Electrical Diagnosis.

Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface with enough room around the vehicle to allow for any possible movement.
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 lock cylinder to the RUN position, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brakes, try to move the transmission shift lever out of the Park position with normal effort.

If the shift lever moved out of Park, refer to Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) in Electrical Diagnosis.

Ignition Lock Check

1. With the vehicle parked, set the parking brake.
2. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the ignition lock cylinder to OFF.
3. Move the transmission shifter to Reverse.
4. Try to turn the ignition lock cylinder to LOCK.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the transmission shifter in every possible position. If the ignition lock cylinder turns to LOCK when the transmission shifter is in ANY position other than Park, repair the park lock system.
6. Turn the ignition lock cylinder to OFF.
7. Try to remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the ignition lock cylinder in every possible position. If the key comes out of the ignition lock cylinder in ANY position other than LOCK, repair the system.

Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park Mechanism Check

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room in front of the vehicle, in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.

To check the parking brake, perform the following steps:

1. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
2. Apply the regular brake and set the parking brake.
3. Start the engine.
4. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
5. Slowly remove your foot from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held ONLY by the parking brake.

If the parking brake fails to hold the vehicle, repair the system.

To check the transmission park mechanism, perform the following steps:

1. Start the engine.
2. Shift the transmission to Park.
3. Release all of the vehicle brakes.

If the park mechanism fails to hold the vehicle, repair the system.

Underbody Flushing Service

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.