
. 
l-30 GENERAL'INFORMATIONAND MAINTENANCE 
n Pylon@ inserts, the clip 
be removed prior to siidi then the insert can be re 
After installing the replacement 
strip and pull up while twisting counterclockwise. 
The backing strip will snap out of the retaining tab. 
Do this for the remaining tabs until the refill is free of 
the blade. The length of these refills is molded into 
the end and they should be replaced with identical 
types. cate the front end is out of alignment or that the tires 
are out of balance. 
TIRE ROTATION 
# See Figures 137 and 138 
Tires must be rotated periodically to equalize wear 
patterns that vary with a tire’s position on the vehicle. 
Tires will also wear in an uneven way as the front 
1 Fin 1% Tha Trinlarlna@ 
cle might have any kind. Aftermarket blades and arms 
rarely use the exact same type blade or refill as the 
original equipment. Here are some typiel aftermarket 
blades; not all may be available for your vehicle: 
The Anco@ type uses a release button that is 
pushed down to allow the refill to slide out of the 
yoke jaws. The new refill slides back into the frame 
, 
and locks in place. 
Some Trico@ refills are removed by locating where 
the metal backing strip or the refill is wider. Insert a 
small screwdriver blade between the frame and metal 
backing strip. Press down to release the refill from 
the retaining tab. 
Other types of Trico@’ refills have two metal tabs 
which are unlocked by squeezing them together. The 
rubber filler can then be withdrawn from the frame 
iaws. A new refill is installed bv insertina the refill lowed to touch the olass steering/suspension system wears to the point where 
the alianment should be reset. 
# See Figure 138 
Common sense and good driving habits will af- 
ford maximum tire life. Fast starts, sudden stops 
and hard cornering are hard on tires and will 
shorten their useful life span. Make sure that you 
don’t overload the vehicle or run with incorrect 
pressure in the tires. Both of these practices will in- 
crease tread wear. 
*For optimum tire life, keep the fires prop 
eriy inflated, rotate them often and have the 
wheel alignment checked periodically. 
Inspect your tires frequently. Be especially care- 
ful to watch for bubbles in the tread or sidewall, 
deep cuts or underinflation. Replace any tires with 
bubbles in the sidewall. If cuts are so deep that they 
penetrate to the cords, discard the tire. Any cut in 
the sidewall of a radial tire renders it unsafe. Also 
look for uneven tread wear patterns that may indi- Rotating the tires will ensure maximum life for the 
tires as a set, so you will not have to discard a tire 
early due to wear on only part of the tread. Regular 
DIRECTIONAL TIRES DIRECTIONAL TIRES 
jnto the front frame jaws and &ding it rearward to 
engage the remaining frame jaws. There are usually 
four jaws; be certain when installing that the refill is 
engaged in all of them. At the end of its travel, the 
tabs will lock into place on the front jaws of the wiper 
blade frame. 
Another type of refill is made from polycarbonate. 
The refill has a simple locking device at one end 
which flexes downward out of the groove into which 
the jaws of the holder fit, allowing easy release. By 
sliding the new refill through all the jaws and push- 
ing through the slight resistance when it reaches the 
end of its travel, the refill will lock into position. 
To replace the Tridon@ refill, it is necessary to re- 
move the wiper blade. This refill has a plastic backing 
strip with a notch about 1 in. (25mm) from the end. 
Hold the blade (frame) on a hard surface so that the 
frame is tightly bowed. Grip the tip of the backing Fig. 138 A label with information concern- 
ing the tires is typically located on one of 
the door pillars 
tion”  

TROUBLESHOOiNG 11-7 
4. Starter motor spins, but does not engage 
a. Check the starter motor for a seized or binding pinion gear. 
b. Remove the flywheel inspection plate and check for a damaged ring gear. 
Gasoline Engines 
1. Engine runs poor/y, hesiiates 
a. Check the engine ignition system operation and adjust if possible, or replace defective 
parts. 
b. Check for restricted fuel injectors and replace as necessary. 
c. Check the fuel pump output and delivery. Inspect fuel lines for restrictions. If the fuel 
pump pressure is below specification, replace the fuel pump. 
d. Check the operation of the engine management system and repair as necessary. 
2. Enfline lacks power 
a. Check the engine’s tune-up status. Note the tune-up specifications and check for items 
such as severely worn spark plugs; adjust or replace as needed. On vehicles with 
manually adjusted valve clearances, check for tight valves and adjust to specification. 
b. Check the air filter and air intake system. Replace the air filter if it is dirty or contami- 
nated. Check the fresh air intake system for restrictions or blockage. 
c. Check the operation of the engine fuel and ignition management systems. Check the 
sensor operation and wiring. Check for low fuel pump pressure and repair or replace 
components as necessary. 
d. Check the throttle linkage adjustments. Check to make sure the linkage is fully open- 
ing the throttle. Replace any worn or defective bushings or linkages. 
e. Check for a restricted exhaust system. Check for bent or crimped exhaust pipes, or in- 
ternally restricted mufflers or catalytic converters. Compare inlet and outlet tempera- 
tures for the converter or muffler. If the inlet is hot, but outlet cold, the component is 
restricted. 
f. Check for a loose or defective knock sensor. A loose, improperly torqued or defective 
knock sensor will decrease spark advance and reduce power. Replace defective knock 
sensors and install using the recommended torque specification. 
g. Check for engine mechanical conditions such as low compression, worn piston rings, 
worn valves, worn camshafts and related parts. An engine which has severe mechani- 
cal wear, or has suffered internal mechanical damage must be rebuilt or replaced to re- 
store lost power. 
h. Check the engine oil level for being overfilled. Adjust the engine’s oil level, or change 
the engine oil and filter, and top off to the correct level. 
i. Check for an intake manifold or vacuum hose leak. Replace leaking gaskets or worn 
vacuum hoses. 
j. Check for dragging brakes and replace or repair as necessary. 
k. Check tire air pressure and tire wear. Adjust the pressure to the recommended set- 
tings. Check the tire wear for possible alignment problems causing increased rolling 
resistance, decreased acceleration and increased fuel usage. 
I. Check the octane rating of the fuel used during refilling, and use a higher octane rated 
fuel. 
3. Poor fuel economy 
a. Inspect the air filter and check for any air restrictions going into the air filter housing. 
Replace the air filter if it is dirty or contaminated. 
b. Check the engine for tune-up and related adjustments. Replace worn ignition parts, 
check the engine ignition timing and fuel mixture, and set to specifications if possible. 
c. Check the tire size, tire wear, alignment and tire pressure. Large tires create more 
rolling resistance, smaller tires require more engine speed to maintain a vehicle’s road 
speed. Excessive tire wear can be caused by incorrect tire pressure, incorrect wheel 
alignment or a suspension problem. All of these conditions create increased rolling 
resistance, causing the engine to work harder to accelerate and maintain a vehicle’s 
speed. 
d. Inspect the brakes for binding or excessive drag. A sticking brake caliper, overly ad- 
justed brake shoe, broken brake shoe return spring, or binding parking brake cable or 
linkage can create a significant drag, brake wear and loss of fuel economy. Check the 
brake system operation and repair as necessary. 
4. Engine runs on (diesels) when turned off 
a. Check for idle speed set too high and readjust to specification. 
b. Check the operation of the idle control valve, and replace if defective. 
c. Check the ignition timing and adjust to recommended settings. 
Check for defective 
sensors or related components and replace if defective. 
d. Check for a vacuum leak at the intake manifold or vacuum hose 
and replace defective 
gaskets or hoses. 
e. Check the engine for excessive carbon build-up in the combustion chamber. Use a 
recommended decarbonizing fuel additive or disassemble the cylinder head to remove 
the carbon. 
f. Check the operation of the engine fuel management system and replace defective sen- 
sors or control units. 
g. Check the engine operating temperature for overheating and repair as necessary. 5. Engine knocks and pinfls during heavy accele/ation, and on steep hills 
a. Check the octane rating of the fuel used during refilling, and use a higher octane rated 
fuel. 
b. Check the ignition timing and adjust to recommended settings. Check for defective 
sensors or related components and replace if defective. 
c. Check the engine for excessive carbon build-up in the combustion chamber. Use a 
recommended decarbonizing fuel additive or disassemble the cylinder head to remove 
the carbon. 
d. Check the spark plugs for the correct type, electrode gap and heat range. Replace worn 
or damaged spark plugs. For severe or continuous high speed use, install a spark plug 
that is one heat range colder. 
e. Check the operation of the engine fuel management system and replace defective sen- 
sors or control units. 
f. Check for a restricted exhaust system. Check for bent or crimped exhaust pipes, or in- 
ternally restricted mufflers or catalytic converters. Compare inlet and outlet tempera- 
tures for the converter or muffler. If the inlet is hot, but outlet cold, the component is 
restricted. 
6. Engine atxelerates, but vehicle does not gain speed 
a. On manual transmission vehicles, check for causes of a slipping clutch. Refer to the 
clutch troubleshooting section for additional information. 
b. On automatic transmission vehicles, check for a slipping transmission” Check the 
transmission fluid level and condition. If the fluid level is too high, adjust to the cor- 
rect level. If the fluid level is low, top off using the recommended fluid type. If the fluid 
exhibits a burning odor, the transmission has been slipping internally. Changing the 
fluid and filter may help temporarily, however in this situation a transmission may re- 
quire overhauling to ensure long-term reliability. 
Diesel Engines 
1. Engine runs pOOr!y a. Check the injection pump timing and adjust to specification. 
b. Check for air in the fuel lines or leaks, and bleed the air from the fuel system. 
c. Check the fuel filter, fuel feed and return lines for a restriction and repair as necessary. 
d. Check the fuel for contamination, drain and flush the fuel tank and replenish with fresh 
fuel. 
2. Enfline lacks power 
a. Inspect the air intake system and air filter for restrictions and, if necessary, replace the 
air filter. 
b. Verify the injection pump timing and reset if out of specification. 
c. Check the exhaust for an internal restriction and replace failed parts. 
d. Check for a restricted fuel filter and, if restricted, replace the filter. 
e. Inspect the fuel filler cap vent. When removing the filler cap, listen for excessive hiss- 
ing noises indicating a blockage in the fuel filler cap vents, If the filler cap vents are 
blocked, replace the cap. 
f. Check the fuel system for restrictions and repair as necessary. 
g. Check for low engine compression and inspect for external leakage at the glow plugs 
or nozzles. If no external leakage is noted, repair or replace the engine. 
ENGINE PERFORMANCE TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS When troubleshooting an engine running or performance condition, the mechanical 
condition of the engine should be determined before lengthy troubleshooting procedures 
are performed. 
The engine fuel management systems in fuel injected vehicles rely on electronic sen- 
sors to provide information to the engine control unit for precise fuel metering. Unlike 
carburetors, which use the incoming air speed to draw fuel through the fuel metering jets 
in order to provide a proper fuel-to-air ratio, a fuel injection system provides a specific 
amount of fuel which is introduced by the fuel injectors into the intake manifold or intake 
port, based on the information provided by electronic sensors. 
The sensors monitor the engine’s operating temperature, ambient temperature and the 
amount of air entering the engine, engine speed and throttle position to provide informa- 
tion to the engine control unit, which, in turn, operates the fuel injectors by electrical 
pulses. The sensors provide information to the engine control unit using low voltage 
electrical signals. As a result, an unplugged sensor or a poor electrical contact could 
cause a poor running condition similar to a failed sensor. 
When troubleshooting a fuel related engine condition on fuel injected vehicles, care- 
fully inspect the wiring and electrical connectors to the related components. Make sure 
the electrical connectors are fully connected, clean and not physically damaged. If neces- 
sary, clean the electrical contacts using electrical contact cleaner. The use of cleaning 
agents not specifically designed for electrical contacts should not be used, as they could 
leave a surface film or damage the insulation of the wiring. 
The engine electrical system provides the necessary electrical power to operate the ve- 
hicle’s electrical accessories, electronic control units and sensors. Because engine man- 
agement systems are sensitive to voltage changes, an alternator which over or under- 
charges could cause engine running problems or component failure. Most alternators 
utilize internal voltage regulators which cannot be adjusted and must be replaced indi- 
vidually or as a unit with the alternator.  

IJront Wheel or Wheel Bearing Loose 
All Wheel and Four Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Torque lug nuts and axle nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Front Wheel Drive Vehicles 
a. Torque lug nuts and axle nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Wheel bearing out of adjustment. Adjust wheel bearing to specification; if still loose, 
replace. 
b. Torque lug nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
c. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
2. Rear Wheel or Wheel Bearing Loose 
All Wheel and Four Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Torque lug nuts and axle nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Front Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Wheel bearing out of adjustment. Adjust wheel bearing to specification; if still loose, 
replace. 
b. Torque lug nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
c. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Torque lug nuts and to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
11-12 TROUBLESHOOTING 
8. Brake pedal goes to floor when pressed and will not pump up 
a. Check the brake hydraulic fluid level and inspect the fluid lines and seals for leakage. 
Repair or replace leaking components, then bleed and flush the brake system using 
fresh brake fluid that meets the manufacturer’s recommended standards. 
b. Check the brake fluid level. Inspect the brake fluid level and brake hydraulic seals. If 
the fluid level is ok, and the brake hydraulic system is free of hydraulic leaks, replace 
the brake master cylinder, then bleed and flush the brake system using fresh brake 
fluid that meets the manufacturer’s recommended standards. 
9. Brakes produce a burning odor 
a. Check for a seizing brake hydraulic component such as a brake caliper. Check the 
caliper piston for surface damage such as rust, and measure for out-of-round wear 
and caliper-to-piston clearance. Overhaul or replace failed parts and flush the brake 
system. 
b. Check for an internally restricted flexible brake hydraulic hose. Replace the hose and 
flush the brake system. 
c. Check the parking brake release mechanism, seized linkage or cable, and repair as 
necessary. BRAKE PERFORMANCE TROU5LESHOOTINc; HIIVTS Brake vibrations or pulsation can often be diagnosed on a safe and careful test drive. 
A brake vibration which is felt through the brake pedal while braking, but not felt in the 
steering wheel, is most likely caused by brake surface variations in the rear brakes. If 
both the brake pedal and steering wheel vibrate during braking, a surface variation in the 
front brakes, or both front and rear brakes, is very likely. 
A brake pedal that pumps up with repeated use can be caused by air in the brake hy- 
draulic system or, if the vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes, the brake adjusters 
may be seized or out of adjustment. A quick test for brake adjustment on vehicles with 
rear drum brakes is to pump the brake pedal several times with the vehicle’s engine not 
running and the parking brake released. Pump the brake pedal several times and con- 
tinue to apply pressure to the brake pedal. With pressure being applied to the brake 
pedal, engage the parking brake. Release the brake pedal and quickly press the brake 
pedal again. If the brake pedal pumped up, the rear brakes are in need of adjustment. Do 
not compensate for the rear brake adjustment by adjusting the parking brake, this will 
cause premature brake lining wear. 
To test a vacuum brake booster, pump the brake pedal several times with the vehicle’s 
engine off. Apply pressure to the brake pedal and then start the engine. The brake pedal 
should move downward about one inch (25mm). 
1. Tires worn on inside tread 
a. Check alignment for a toed-out condition. Check and set tire pressures and properly 
adjust the toe. 
b. Check for worn, damaged or defective suspension components. Replace defective 
parts and adjust the alignment. 
2. Tires worn on outside tread e 
a. Check alignment for a toed-in condition. Check and set tire pressures and properly 
adjust the toe. 
b. Check for worn, damaged or defective suspension components. Replace defective 
parts and adjust the alignment. 
3. Tires worn unevenly 
a. Check the tire pressure and tire balance. Replace worn or defective tires and check the 
. 
alignment; adjust if necessary. b. Check for worn shock absorbers. Replaced failed components, worn or defective tires 
and check the alignment; adjust if necessary. 
c. Check the alignment settings. Check and set tire pressures and properly adjust the 
alignment to specification. 
d. Check for worn, damaged or defective suspension components. Replace defective 
parts and adjust the alignment to specification, 
1. Excessive play in steering wheel 
a. Check the steering gear free-play adjustment and properly adjust to remove excessive 
play. 
b. Check the steering linkage for worn, damaged or defective parts. Replace failed com- 
ponents and perform a front end alignment. 
c. Check for a worn, damaged, or defective steering box, replace the steering gear and 
check the front end alignment. 
2. Steering wheel shakes at cruising speeds 
a. Check for a bent front wheel. Replace a damaged wheel and check the tire for possible 
internal damage. 
b. Check for an unevenly worn front tire. Replace the tire, adjust tire pressure and bal- 
ance. 
c. Check the front tires for hidden internal damage. Tires which have encountered large 
pot holes or suffered other hard blows may have sustained internal damage and 
should be replaced immediately. 
d. Check the front tires for an out-of-balance condition. Remove, spin balance and rein- 
stall. Torque all the wheel bolts or lug nuts to the recommended specification. 
e. Check for a loose wheel bearing. If possible, adjust the bearing, or replace the bearing 
if it is a non-adjustable bearing. 
3. Steering wheel shakes when braking 
a. Refer to section 3-A, condition number 1. 
4. Steering wheel becomes stiff when turned 
a. Check the steering wheel free-play adjustment and reset as needed. 
b. Check for a damaged steering gear assembly. Replace the steering gear and perform a 
front end alignment. 
c. Check for damaged or seized suspension components. Replace defective components 
and perform a front end alignment. 
1. Vehicle pulls to one side 
a. Tire pressure uneven. Adjust tire pressure to recommended settings. 
b. Tires worn unevenly. Replace tires and check alignment settings. 
c. Alignment out of specification. Align front end and check thrust angle. 
d. Check for a dragging brake and repair or replace as necessary. 
2. Vehicle is very bouncy over bumps 
a. Check for worn or leaking shock absorbers or strut assemblies and replace as neces- 
sary. 
b. Check for seized shock absorbers or strut assemblies and replace as necessary.