0B-12 GENERAL INFORMATIONOWNER 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 wheelneeds 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 noticedwhen 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 runthe 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 astowaway). 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 mayneed 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 BearingDamaged Shock Absorber
Damaged Tire Action
Retightening ReplaceReplaceReplace
Abnormal Noises
Checks
Broken Stabilizer Bar Faulty Shock Absorber Action
ReplaceReplace
Vehicle Rolling
Checks
Over Inflated Tire Faulty Shock Absorber Loosened wheel Nut Bent or Broken Coil Spring
Damaged TireWorn Bushing Action
Pressure Adjustment
Replace
Tighten as Specified ReplaceReplaceReplace
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, suchas abnormal or excessive tire wear and scuffed tires,may by the result of hard driving. Always road test the
vehicle 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 PressureFaulty Power Steering
Action Repair
Replace Adjust
Repair or Replace
Hard Steering
Checks
Deformed Arm Assembly Worn BushingBent or Broken Coil SpringDifference Between L/H & R/H Heights Action
ReplaceReplaceReplace Adjust
Vehicle Pulls to Right or Left
WHEEL ALIGNMENT 2B-3
3. Road test the vehicle. If there is improvement, installthe 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 steeringwheel. Lead is usually caused by:
Incorrect alignment.
Uneven brake adjustment.
Tire construction.
The way in which a tire is built can produce lead/pull in
the vehicle.011-center belts on radial tires can causethe 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 diameterswill cause the tire to develop a side force which canproduce 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 leaddiagnosis procedure calls for tire rotation that is differentfrom 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.
