0B-12 GENERAL INFORMATION
OWNER INSPECTIONS
AND SERVICES
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE
Horn Operation
Blow the horn occasionally to make sure it works. Check
all the button locations.
Brake System Operation
Be alert for abnormal sounds, increased brake pedal
travel or repeated puling to one side when braking. Also,
if the brake warning light goes on, or flashes, something
may be wrong with part of the brake system.
Exhaust System Operation
Be alert to any changes in the sound of the system or
the smell of the fumes. These are signs that the system
may be leaking or overheating. Have the system
inspected and repaired immediately.
Tires, Wheels and Alignment Operation
Be alert to any vibration of the steering wheel or the
seats at normal highway speeds. This may mean a wheel
needs to be balanced. Also, a pull right or left on a
straight, level road may show the need for a tire pressure
adjustment or a wheel alignment.
Steering System Operation
Be alert to changes in the steering action. An inspection
is needed when the steering wheel is hard to turn or
has too much free play, or is unusual sounds are noticed
when turning or parking.
Headlight Aim
Take note of the light pattern occasionally. Adjust the
headlights if the beams seem improperly aimed.
AT EACH FUEL FILL
A fluid loss in any (except windshield washer) system
may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired immediately.
Engine Oil Level
Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. The best
time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm.
1. After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the
oil to drain back to the oil pan.
2. Pull out the oil level indicator (dip stick).
3. Wipe it clean, and push the oil level indicator back
down all the way.
4. Pull out the oil level indicator and look at the oil level
on it.5. Add oil, if needed, to keep the oil level above the
lower mark. Avoid overfilling the engine, since this
may cause engine damage.
6. Push the indicator all the way back down into the
engine after taking the reading.
If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run
the engine first. The cold oil will not drain back to the
pan fast enough to give a true oil level reading.
Engine Coolant Level and Condition
Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank
and add coolant if necessary. Inspect the coolant.
Replace dirty or rusty coolant.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check the washer fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid if
necessary.
AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH
Tire And Wheel Inspection and Pressure
Check
Check the tire for abnormal wear or damage. Also check
for damaged wheels. Check the tire pressure when the
tires are cold ( check the spare also, unless it is a
stowaway). Maintain the recommended pressures. Refer
to “Tire and Wheel” is in section 0B.
AT LEAST MONTHLY
Light Operation
Check the operation of the license plate light, the
headlights (including the high beams), the parking lights,
the fog lights, the taillight, the brake lights, the turn
signals, the backup lights and the hazard warning flasher.
Fluid Leak Check
Periodically inspect the surface beneath the vehicle for
water, oil, fuel or other fluids, after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice
fuel leaks or fumes, find the cause and correct it at once.
AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR
Power Steering System Reservoir Level
Check the power steering fluid level. Keep the power
steering fluid at the proper level. Refer to
Section 6A,
Power Steering System.
Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Level
Check the fluid and keep it at the proper level. A low
fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may
need to be serviced. Check the breather hole in the
reservoir cover to be free from dirt and check for an
open passage.
SUSPENSION DIAGNOSIS 2A-3
DIAGNOSIS
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
Checks
Loosened Mountings
Damaged or Worn wheel Bearing
Damaged Shock Absorber
Damaged TireAction
Retightening
Replace
Replace
Replace
Abnormal Noises
Checks
Broken Stabilizer Bar
Faulty Shock AbsorberAction
Replace
Replace
Vehicle Rolling
Checks
Over Inflated Tire
Faulty Shock Absorber
Loosened wheel Nut
Bent or Broken Coil Spring
Damaged Tire
Worn BushingAction
Pressure Adjustment
Replace
Tighten as Specified
Replace
Replace
Replace
Poor Riding
Problems in the steering, the suspension, the tires, and
the wheels involve several systems. Consider all systems
when you diagnose a complaint. Some problems, such
as abnormal or excessive tire wear and scuffed tires,
may by the result of hard driving. Always road test thevehicle first. If possible, do this road test with the
customer.
Proceed with the following preliminary checks. Correct
any substandard conditions.
Checks
Incorrect Wheel Alignment
Excessive Resistance of Lower Arm Ball Joint
Insufficient Tire Pressure
Faulty Power Steering
Action
Repair
Replace
Adjust
Repair or Replace
Hard Steering
Checks
Deformed Arm Assembly
Worn Bushing
Bent or Broken Coil Spring
Difference Between L/H & R/H HeightsAction
Replace
Replace
Replace
Adjust
Vehicle Pulls to Right or Left
WHEEL ALIGNMENT 2B-3
3. Road test the vehicle. If there is improvement, install
the original tires to find the offending tire. If there is
no a straight improvement, install good tires in place
of all four offending tires.
4. Install original tires one at a time to find the offending
tire.
RADIAL TIRE LEAD/PULL
Lead/pull is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight
path on a level road with no pressure on the steering
wheel. Lead is usually caused by:
lIncorrect alignment.
lUneven brake adjustment.
lTire construction.
The way in which a tire is built can produce lead/pull in
the vehicle.011-center belts on radial tires can cause
the tire to develop a side force while the vehicle rolls
straight down the road. If one side of the tire has even a
little larger diameter than the diameter of the other side,
the tire will tend to roll to one side. Unequal diameters
will cause the tire to develop a side force which can
produce vehicle lead/pull.
The radial lead/pull diagnosis chart should be used to
determine whether the problem originates from an
alignment problem or from the tires. Part of the lead
diagnosis procedure calls for tire rotation that is different
from the proper tire rotation pattern. If a medium- to high-
mileage tire is moved to the other side of the vehicle, be
sure to check for ride roughness. Rear tires will not cause
lead/pull.
