MAINTENANCE
172Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 206 for
additional information.
Engine drive belt
Check belt for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 198 for additional
information.
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.
See page 208 for additional information.
Automatic transmission fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine idling and the
selector lever in “P”. The level should be in the “HOT” or
“COOL” range according to the fluid temperature. See page
209 for additional information.
Exhaust system
Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any
change in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes,
have the cause located and corrected immediately. (See
engine exhaust cautions in Section 3-1.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floor, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
MAINTENANCE
180Spark plugs
Install new plugs of the same type as originally equipped. A
qualified technician should perform this operation.
Charcoal canister
Inspect for internal damage or clogging. Clean with
compressed air or replace if necessary. A qualified technician
should perform this operation.
CHASSIS AND BODY
Brake linings and drums
Check for scoring, burning, leaking fluid, broken parts, and
excessive wear. A qualified technician should perform this
operation.
Brake pads and discs
Check the pads for excessive wear and discs for runout and
wear, and leaking fluid. A qualified technician should perform
this operation,
Brake fluid
Check for correct levels of the brake fluid. If the level is low, add
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid to the brake
reservoir. Change the brake fluid as scheduled. A qualified
technician should perform these operations.Brake line pipes and hoses
Visually check for proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and any evidence of leaking. Replace
any deteriorated or damaged parts immediately. A qualified
technician should perform these operations.
Steering linkage
With the vehicle stopped, check for excessive freeplay in the
steering wheel. Check the linkage for bend or damage.
Replace any damaged parts.
Steering gear box
Inspect the steering gear box for signs of leakage. Should you
discover any leakage, have the cause found and
corrected / repaired by a qualified technician immediately.
Ball joints and dust covers
Check the suspension and steering linkage ball joints for
looseness or damage. Check all dust covers for deterioration
or damage. A qualified technician should perform these
operations.
