Page 208 of 240

OWNER MAINTENANCE
You can do much of the maintenance your vehicle requires yourself, if
you have the time and a reasonable amount of mechanical ability. If you
prefer to have this work done professionally, your authorized dealer
stands ready to help you.
All mechanical components and attachments are important in that they
could affect the performance of vital components and systems. If
replacement becomes necessary, they must be replaced with parts having
the same part number or with equivalent parts. Torque values of the
attaching parts must be used as specified during any reassembly
procedure to assure proper retention.
EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM
To assure the emissions control systems operate effectively, you should
have the services listed in the maintenance schedule performed at the
specified time and km/mileage intervals. You should avoid running out of
fuel or turning off the ignition while the vehicle is in motion, especially
at high speeds.
Because of high engine compartment and exhaust system
temperatures resulting from emissions equipment, do not park,
idle or operate your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover
where the possibility of ground fire exists.
Do not make unauthorized modifications to the engine or vehicle.
Modifications causing increased amounts of unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can significantly increase the temperature of the engine
compartment and/or the exhaust system.
Avoid driving your vehicle if it does not operate properly. If the engine
diesels (more than five seconds of engine run-on after shut-off), misfires,
surges, stalls or backfires, see your dealer. Be alert for fluid leakage,
odor, smoke, loss of oil pressure, or charge indicator or over temperature
warning.
Do NOT use diesel fuel blended with waste oil in engines equipped with
a CATALYTIC CONVERTER-MUFFLER. Waste lube oil blending in fuel
will plug the CATALYTIC CONVERTER-MUFFLER, resulting in a
significant loss of engine power.
General maintenance information
208
Page 221 of 240

Maintenance Operation Frequency - Observation
Check and adjust transmission
controls (*b)High effort to shift or noisy
transmission
Check fuel pump pressure Insufficient full-throttle power or
backfiring
Clean radiator cap seal. Clean
and inspect the cap surface on
the radiatorWhen the cap does not hold pressure
Check the battery terminals for
corrosionWhenever electrical power supply has
diminished
Tighten the wheel mounting
nuts to the specified torque.
Refer toServicing your
wheels and tiresRequired initially at 804 and 1 609 km
(500 and 1 000 miles). Perform again
at 804 and 1 609 km (500 and 1 000
mile) intervals after each tire
removal/replacement.
*a During maintenance and repair, protect the fuel tube and the hose
assemblies, the power steering lines, and the brake lines from the
external heat, the acids and the abrasion that could damage the lines.
*b Check for (free) linkage action and ensure that (return) spring
force is adequate to maintain pedal free play.
*c Adjust, repair or replace as required with the same or equivalent
parts.
General maintenance information
221
Page 238 of 240

Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................232
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................21
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................140
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................157
Emission control system ..........208
Engine
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................15
cleaning ...................................198
coolant .....................................166
Engine block heater .................105
Engine fan .................................168
Engine oil ..................................159
checking and adding ..............159
oil pressure gauge ....................20
recommendations ...................161
Exhaust fumes ..........................106
F
Foglamps .....................................22
Fuel ............................................183
calculating fuel
economy ..........................141, 189
choosing the right fuel ...........185
filling your vehicle with fuel ..183
filter, specifications ........186±187gauge .........................................17
improving fuel
economy ..........................141, 189
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................183
Fuses ..................................143, 145
G
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...........................141, 189
Gauges .........................................17
battery voltage gauge ...............19
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........20
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................18
speedometer .............................18
tachometer ................................19
trip odometer ............................19
H
Hazard flashers .........................143
Headlamps ...................................21
aiming ......................................195
daytime running lights .............21
flash to pass ..............................66
high beam ...........................13, 66
turning on and off ....................21
warning chime ..........................16
Heating ........................................22
heater only system ...................22
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................24
Hood ..........................................158
Index
238