Additional Checks/Inspections
AT LEAST ONCE A YEARKEY LOCK CYLINDERS SERVICE
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D.
BODY LUBRICATION SERVICE
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear compartment, console door 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 check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.
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.
A. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service.
B. On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch isn't pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE SHIFT LOCK CONTROL SYSTEM CHECK
CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.
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 key to the ON position, but don't start the engine.
4. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
IGNITION TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE LOCK CHECK
1. While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position.
- The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
- On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF .
PARKING BRAKE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE 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.
1. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
2. 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.
3. 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.