Owners Checks and Services

OWNER CHECKS AND SERVICES
The following information covers the tests, inspections, and services required to train the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.
Complete the necessary repairs and procedures on time. Use only the recommended fluids and lubricants.

AT EACH FUEL FILL
It is important to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.

NOTICE: It is important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your engine oil at the proper level can cause damage to your engine not covered by your warranty.

ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL CHECK
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL coolant mixture if necessary.

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer fluid reservoir and add the proper fluid if necessary.

AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH

TIRE INFLATION
Visually inspect tires including the spare tire. Verify that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver door lock pillar.

TIRE WEAR INSPECTION
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service notification. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary, rotate the tires.

AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR

STARTER 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. Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which should be parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
3. Start the engine:
^ 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, the vehicle needs service.
^ 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 is not pushed all the way down, the vehicle needs service.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LOCK CONTROL 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. Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which 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 RUN 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.
5. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), the vehicle needs service.

PARK BRAKE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK (P) MECHANISM 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. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.

Follow this procedure to test the park brake and the automatic transmission PARK mechanism:
1. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
2. Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
3. With the park brake set, perform the following test:
4. Start the engine.
5. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
6. Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. If the vehicle moves adjust Park Brake.

In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism of an automatic transmission, additionally perform the following test:
1. Shift to PARK (P).
2. Release all brakes. If the vehicle moves adjust Park Brake.

UNDERBODY FLUSHING SERVICE
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.