Routine Service

OUTSIDE VEHICLE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
These are maintenance and inspection items which are considered to be the owner's responsibility.
They can be done by the owner or they can have them done at a service shop.
These items include those which should be checked on a daily basis, those which, in most cases, do not require (special) tools and those which are considered to be reasonable for the owner to do.

Items and procedures for general maintenance are as follows:

1. GENERAL NOTES
(a) Maintenance service after the last period should be performed at the same interval as before unless otherwise noted.
(b) Failure to do even one item can cause the engine to run poorly and increase exhaust emissions.
2. TIRES
(a) Check the pressure with a gauge. If necessary, adjust.
(b) Check for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
3. WHEEL NUTS
When checking the tires, check the nuts for looseness or for missing nuts. If necessary, tighten them.
5. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not wipe clean. If necessary, replace.
6. FLUID LEAKS
(a) Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid.
(b) If you smell gasoline fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected.
7. DOORS AND ENGINE HOOD
(a) Check that all doors and the tailgate operate smoothly, and that all latches lock securely.
(b) Check that the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.

INSIDE VEHICLE GENERAL MAINTENANCE

1. LIGHTS
(a) Check that the headlights, stop lights, taillights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working.
(b) Check the headlight aim.
2. WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZERS
Check that all warning lights and buzzers function properly.
3. HORN
Check that it is working.
4. WINDSHIELD GLASS
Check for scratches, pits or abrasions.
5. WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
(a) Check operation of the wipers and washer.
(b) Check that the wipers do not streak.
6. WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER
Check that air comes out from the defroster outlet when operating the heater or air conditioner.
7. REAR VIEW MIRROR
Check that it is mounted securely.
8. SUN VISORS
Check that they move freely and are mounted securely.
9. STEERING WHEEL
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange noises.
10. SEATS
(a) Check that the seat adjusters operate smoothly.
(b) Check that all latches lock securely in any position.
(c) Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latch position.
(d) For fold down seat backs, check that the latches lock securely.
11. SEATBELTS
(a) Check that the seat belt system such as the buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly.
(b) Check that the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
12. ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.
13. CLUTCH PEDAL
(a) Check the pedal for smooth operation.
(b) Check that the pedal has the proper free play.
14. BRAKE PEDAL
(a) Check the pedal for smooth operation.
(b) Check that the pedal has the proper reserve distance and free play
(c) Check the brake booster function.
15. BRAKES
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.
16. PARKING BRAKE
(a) Check that the lever has the proper travel.
(b) On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.
17. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION "PARK" MECHANISM
(a) Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper and smooth operation.
(b) On a safe incline, check that the vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in "P" position and all brakes released.

UNDER HOOD

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
1. WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Check that there is sufficient fluid in the tank.
2. ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check that the coolant level is between the "FULL" and "LOW" lines on the see-through reservoir.
3. 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.
4. BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Check that the electrolyte level of all battery cells is between the upper and lower level lines on the case
5. BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID LEVELS
(a) Check that the brake and clutch fluid levels are near the upper level line on the see-through reservoirs
(b) Check that the clutch fluid level is within specification.
6. ENGINE DRIVE BELTS
Check drive belt for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.
7. ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off.
8. POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL
(a) Check the level.
(b) The level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD" range depending on the fluid temperature.
9. 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.

10. EXHAUST SYSTEM
If any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell of the exhaust fumes is noticed, have the cause located and corrected.