Maintenance
9-6
Owner Maintenance Schedule
When you stop for fuel:
• Check the engine oil level.
• Check the coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir or the liquid-cooled
intercooler coolant reservoir.
• Check the windshield liquid fluid level.
• Check for low or under-inflated tires.
WARNING
Be careful when checking your coolant
level when the engine is hot. This may
result in coolant being blown out of the
opening and cause serious burns and
other injuries.
While operating your vehicle:
• Note any changes in the sound of the
exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes
in the vehicle.
• Check for vibrations in the steering
wheel. Notice if there is any increased
steering effort or looseness in the
steering wheel, or change in its
straight-ahead position.
• Notice if your vehicle constantly turns
slightly or “pulls” to one side when
traveling on smooth, level road.
• When stopping, listen and check for
unusual sounds, pulling to one side,
increased brake pedal travel or “hard-
to-push” brake pedal.
• If any slipping or changes in the
operation of your transmission occurs,
check the transmission fluid level.
• Check the automatic transmission P
(Park) function.
• Check the parking brake.
• Check for fluid leaks under your
vehicle (water dripping from the air
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
At least monthly:
• Check coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir.
• Check the operation of all exterior
lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flashers.
• 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 Autumn)
• Check radiator, heater and air
conditioning hoses for leaks or
damage.
• Check windshield washer spray and
wiper operation. Clean wiper blades
with a clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
• Check headlamp alignment.
• Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields
and clamps.
• Check the seat belts for wear and
function.
At least once a year:
• Clean body and door drain holes.
• Lubricate door hinges and hood
hinges.
• Lubricate door and hood locks and
latches.
• Lubricate 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.
