Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Under Hood - General Maintenance

1. GENERAL NOTES
- Maintenance items may vary from country to country. Check the owner's manual supplement in which the maintenance schedule is shown.
- Every service item in the periodic maintenance schedule must be performed.
- Periodic maintenance service must be performed according to whichever interval in the periodic maintenance schedule occurs first, the odometer reading (miles) or the time interval (months).
- Maintenance service after the last period should be performed at the same interval as before unless otherwise noted.
- Failure to do even one item can cause the engine to run poorly and increase exhaust emissions.

2. WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Check that there is sufficient fluid in the tank.

3. ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check that the coolant level is between the "FULL" and "LOW" lines on the see-through reservoir.

4. RADIATOR AND HOSES
a.Check that the front of the radiator is clean and not blocked with leaves, dirt or bugs.
b. Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, rot or loose connections.

5. BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Check that the electrolyte level of all battery cells is between the upper and lower level lines on the case.

6. BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID LEVELS
Check that the brake and clutch fluid levels are near the upper level line on the see-through reservoirs.

7. ENGINE DRIVE BELTS
Check all drive belts for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.

8. ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off.

9. POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL
- Check the level on the dipstick.
- The level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD"range depending on the fluid temperature.

10. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL
a. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
b. With the engine idling and the parking brake applied, shift the selector into all positions from "P" to "L", and then shift into "P" position.
c. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the fluid with a clean rag. Re-insert the dipstick and check that the fluid level is in the HOT range.
d. Do this check with the fluid at normal driving temperature (70 - 80° C, 158 - 176° F).

HINT: Wait until the engine cools down (approx. 30 mm.) before checking the fluid level after extended driving at high speeds, in hot weather, in heavy traffic or pulling a trailer.

11. EXHAUST SYSTEM
a. Visually inspect for cracks, holes or loose supports.
b. If any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell of the exhaust fumes is noticed, have the cause located and corrected.