MAINTENANCE
148Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive
freeplay or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in any position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
MAINTENANCE
158CHASSIS AND BODY
Brake linings and drums
Check for scoring, burning, 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 bends or damage. Check
the dust boots for deterioration, cracks, or damage. Replace
any damaged parts.
SRS airbags
This should be periodically inspected by a qualified technician.
For details, see the maintenance schedule.Steering gear box
Inspect the steering gear box for signs of leakage. If you
discover any leakage, have it repaired by a qualified technician
immediately.
Drive shaft boots
Inspect the drive shaft boots for clamp looseness, grease
leakage or damage. Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately. A qualified technician should perform these
operations.
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.
Automatic transaxle
Inspect each component for signs of leakage. If you discover
any leakage, have it repaired by a qualified technician
immediately. Under severe driving conditions, change the fluid
and oil when scheduled.
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body
Where necessary, retighten to specified torque.
Body inspection (paint, corrosion)
Visually check for corrosion, scratches and other damage.
Check body outer panels, underneath the vehicle, inner panels
of the hood and doors, etc. Apply touch−up paint to any chips
or scratches, or have them repaired by a qualified technician.