Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Additional Checks/Inspections

KEY LOCK CYLINDERS
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube(R) (GM P/N 12346241 or equivalent).

HEAD RESTRAINT/SEATBACK LATCH OPERATION
Make sure the movable head restraint/rest stay in the desired position. On folding seats, be sure the seatback latches and that the recliner is staying anchored by pushing and pulling on the top of the seatback while it is reclined.

BODY LUBRICATION
Lubricate all body door hinges and latches, including the following:
^ The hood.
^ The rear compartment hinges.
^ The fuel door.
^ The headlamp pivot points.
^ The console door.
^ The I/P passenger compartment (glove box).
^ The hood safety lever pivot.
^ The sunroof.

NOTE: More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

STARTER SWITCH CHECK

WARNING: 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. 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.

On an automatic transmission/transaxle vehicle, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should crank only in PARK or NEUTRAL. If the starter operates in any other position, repair the system.

On a manual transmission/transaxle vehicle, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should operate only when the clutch pedal is fully depressed all the way to the floor. If the starter operates when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way down to the floor, repair the system.

BRAKE TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI) CHECK

WARNING: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. 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.

With the engine OFF, turn the ignition to RUN, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brakes, try to move the transmission/transaxle shift lever out of PARK with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK, repair the BTSI system.

STEERING COLUMN PARK LOCK CHECK
While parked and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

On an automatic transmission/transaxle vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK.

On a manual transmission/transaxle vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in REVERSE.

On all vehicles, the key should come out only in the LOCK 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/TRANSAXLE PARK MECHANISM CHECK

WARNING: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. Personal in jury 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.

Parking Brake
To check the parking brake's holding ability: park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Apply both the regular and the park brake. Then with the engine running and transmission/transaxle in NEUTRAL, slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
If the parking brake fails to hold the vehicle, repair the system.

Park Mechanism
To check the automatic transmission/transaxle PARK mechanism's holding ability: with the engine running, shift the transmission/transaxle to PARK, then release all brakes.
If the PARK mechanism fails to hold the vehicle, repair the system.

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

SHIELDS AND UNDERHOOD INSULATION INSPECTION
For vehicles with GVWR above 3 855 kg (8,500 lbs), at least once a year or every 25 000km (15,000 miles), inspect the following vehicle components for looseness:
^ All shields.
^ The underhood insulation.

Adjust or replace these components as needed.