Page 475 of 597

77
Maintenance
At least monthly:
Check the coolant level in theengine coolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flash-
ers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare for tires
that are worn, show uneven wear,
or are damaged.
Check for loose wheel lug nuts.
At least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall) :
Check the radiator, heater and air conditioning hoses for leaks or
damage.
Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean
the wiper blades with clean cloth
dampened with washer fluid.
Check the headlight alignment.
Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
At least once a year :
Clean the body and door drainholes.
Lubricate the door hinges and check the hood hinges.
Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transmission linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.
Page 485 of 597

717
Maintenance
Exhaust pipe and muffler
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes,
muffler and hangers for cracks, dete-
rioration, or damage. Start the
engine and listen carefully for any
exhaust gas leakage. Tighten con-
nections or replace parts as neces-
sary.
Suspension mounting bolts
Check the suspension connections
for looseness or damage. Retighten
to the specified torque.
Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball joint
With the vehicle stopped and engine
off, check for excessive free-play in
the steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or dam-
age. Check the dust boots and ball
joints for deterioration, cracks, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts.
Drive shafts and boots
Check the drive shafts, boots and
clamps for cracks, deterioration, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts and, if necessary, repack the
grease.
Air conditioning refrigerant
Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and dam-
age.When checking engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid,
always be sure to clean the area
around any filler plug, drain plug, or
dipstick before checking or draining
any lubricant or fluid. This is espe-
cially important in dusty or sandy
areas and when the vehicle is used
on unpaved roads. Cleaning the plug
and dipstick areas will prevent dirt
and grit from entering the engine and
other mechanisms that could be
damaged.
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
Page 494 of 597
Maintenance
26
7
WASHER FLUID
Checking the washer fluid
level
The reservoir is translucent so that
you can check the level with a quick
visual inspection.
Check the fluid level in the washer
fluid reservoir and add fluid if neces-
sary. Plain water may be used if
washer fluid is not available.
However, use washer solvent with
antifreeze characteristics in cold cli-
mates to prevent freezing.
WARNING- Flammable
fluid
Do not allow the washer fluid to
come in contact with open
flames or sparks. The windshield
washer fluid reservoir is flamma-
ble under certain circumstances.
This can result in a fire.WARNING- Windshield fluid
Do not drink the windshield
washer fluid. The windshield
washer fluid is poisonous to
humans and animals.
WARNING- Coolant
Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir.
Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when sprayed
on the windshield and may
cause loss of vehicle control.
OJF075009
Page 595 of 597

Index
10I
Tire rotation ................................................................7-41
Tire sidewall labeling ..................................................7-44
Tire traction ................................................................7-44
Wheel alignment and tire balance ..............................7-42
Wheel replacement ....................................................7-43
Towing ........................................................................\
..6-24 Emergency towing ......................................................6-26
Removable towing hook ............................................6-25
Towing service ............................................................6-24
Trailer Towing..............................................................5-139
Vehicle break-in process ..................................................1-5
Vehicle certification label ................................................8-8
Vehicle data collection and event data recorders ............1-6
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ..............................8-8
Vehicle load limit ........................................................5-140 Certification label......................................................5-143
Tire and loading information label ..........................5-140
Vehicle modifications ......................................................1-5
Vehicle weight ............................................................5-144 Base curb weight ......................................................5-144
Cargo weight ............................................................5-144
GAW (Gross Axle Weight) ......................................5-144
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................5-144
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ..................................5-144 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ....................5-144
Vehicle curb weight ..................................................5-144
Warning and indicator lights..........................................4-84 Indicator lights ............................................................4-92
Warning lights ............................................................4-84
Washer fluid ..................................................................7-26 Checking the washer fluid level..................................7-26
Welcome system ..........................................................4-117 Headlight (Headlamp) escort function......................4-117
Interior light ..............................................................4-117
Pocket lamp ..............................................................4-117
Windows ........................................................................\
4-24 Power windows ..........................................................4-25
Windshield defrosting and defogging..........................4-134 Automatic climate control system ............................4-134
Defogging logic ........................................................4-135
Winter driving ..............................................................5-136 Carry emergency equipment ....................................5-139
Change to "winter weight" oil if necessary ..............5-138
Check battery and cables ..........................................5-138
Check spark plugs and ignition system ....................5-138
Don't let your parking brake freeze ..........................5-139
Don't let ice and snow accumulate underneath ........5-139
Snowy or icy conditions ..........................................5-136
To keep locks from freezing ....................................5-139
V
W