10-9
10
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 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 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 the 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 Fall):
• Check the radiator, heater and air
conditioning hoses for leaks or
damage.
• Check the windshield washer spray
and wiper operation. Clean 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 drain holes.
• Lubricate the door hinges and checks,
and hood hinges.
• Lubricate the door and hood locks and
latches.
• Lubricate the door rubber
weatherstrips.
• Check the air conditioning system.
• Inspect and lubricate Automated
manual transmission linkage and
controls.
• Clean the battery and terminals.
• Check the brake/clutch fluid level.
10-27
10
Brake hoses and lines
Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and any
leakage. Replace any deteriorated or
damaged parts immediately.
Brake/clutch fluid (if equipped)
Check brake/clutch fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. The level should
be between “MIN” (Minimum) and
“MAX” (Maximum) marks on the side of
the reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake/
clutch fluid conforming to DOT 3 or 4
specification.
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake lever and
cables.
Rear brake drums and linings
(if equipped)
Check the rear brake drums and linings
for scoring, burning, leaking fluid,
broken parts, and excessive wear.
Brake pads, calipers and discs
Check the pads for excessive wear, discs
for run out and wear, and calipers for
fluid leakage.
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 damage.
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
(if equipped)
Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and damage.
