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 .
Change both the engine oil and the filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals. For the correct mileage and/or time intervals, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
Oils of the proper quality for the vehicle can be identified by looking for the STARBURST symbol. The STARBURST symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and is preferred for use in gasoline engines.
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 the 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 0W-30. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for the vehicle's engine at extremely low temperatures.
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 conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication.
The recommended SAE engine oil viscosity for the 3800 V6 L36 (VIN K) engine is SAE 10W-30. However, if outside temperatures are lower than 16°C (60°F) 5W-30 may be used. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
Rotate the tires to equalize the wear and obtain maximum tire life. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.
Check the tires for abnormal wear or damage. If irregular or premature tire wear exists, refer to Tire Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis.
For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
Replace the passenger compartment air filter. Refer to Passenger Compartment Air Filter Replacement for HVAC systems with A/C manual and with A/C automatic.
For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
Inspect the rotors for poor surface condition. Inspect other brake system components, including the brake calipers and the parking brake. Check the parking brake adjustment. The brakes may need to be inspected more often if the customer's driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up binding, leaks, cracks or chafing. Refer to Brake System Diagnosis in Hydraulic Brakes.
• | Inspect the brake pads. Refer to Brake Pad Inspection in Disc Brakes. |
• | Inspect the parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Diagnostic System Check in Park Brake. |
Replace the air cleaner filter according to the maintenance schedule intervals.
For maintenance schedule information, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
For the air cleaner filter replacement procedure, refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls-3.8L.
Change the transaxle fluid and the transaxle fluid filter according to maintenance schedule intervals. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid Filter and Seal Replacement in Automatic Transaxle.
For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
Inspect the drive belt according to maintenance schedule intervals.
For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
Inspect the drive belt for the following:
• | Cracks |
• | Fraying |
• | Wear |
• | Proper tension |
Refer to Drive Belt Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical-3.8L.
Periodic replacement of the fuel filter is not required.
Inspect the following components for damage or leaks:
• | Fuel tank |
• | Fuel tank cap |
Inspect the fuel tank cap seal for an uneven filler neck imprint and any damage. |
• | Fuel lines |
• | Fuel rail |
• | Fuel injectors |
For fuel system diagnosis information, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis in Engine Controls.
Drain, flush and refill the cooling system with new coolant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, refer to Maintenance Schedule .
Replace the spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule intervals.
For time and/or mileage intervals of scheduled maintenance items, 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 Electrical.
Clean the spark plug wires and inspect for burns, cracks or other damage. Ensure that the fit between the spark plug wire boots at the spark plugs and at the coils is snug. Replace the spark plug wires as needed. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Harness Replacement in Engine Electrical.