General maintenance¶

These are the maintenance and inspection items which are considered to be the owner's responsibility. They can be performed by the owner or he can have them done at a service shop. These items include those which should checked on a daily basis, and in most cases, do not require (special) tools and are considered to be reasonable for the owner to perform. Procedures for general maintenance are as follows.

Outside vehicle¶

1. Tires¶

1. Check the pressure with a gauge. Adjust if necessary.
2. Check for cuts, damage or excessive wear.

2. Wheel nuts¶

When checking the tires, check the nuts for looseness or for missing nuts. If necessary, tighten them.

3. Windshield wiper blades¶

Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not wipe clean. Replace if necessary.

4. Fluid leaks¶

1. Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid.
2. If you smell gasoline fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected.

5. Doors and engine hood¶

1. Check that all doors including the trunk lid and back door operate smoothly, and that all latches lock securely.
2. Check that the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.

Inside vehicle¶

6. Lights¶

1. Check that the headlights, stop lights, taillights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working.
2. Check the headlight aim.

7. Warning lights and buzzers¶

Check that all warning lights and buzzers function properly.

8. Horn¶

Check that it is working.

9. Windshield glass¶

Check for scratches, pits or abrasions.

10. Windshield wiper and washer¶

1. Check operation of the wipers and washer.
2. Check that the wipers do not streak.

11. Windshield defroster¶

Check that air comes out from the defroster outlet when operating the heater or air conditioner at defroster mode.

12. Rear view mirror¶

Check that it is mounted securely.

13. Sun visors¶

Check that they move freely and are mounted securely.

14. Steering wheel¶

Check that it has specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange noise.

15. Seats¶

1. Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjuster, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly.
2. Check that all latches lock securely in any position.
3. Check that the locks hold securely in any latched position.
4. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched position.
5. For fold-down rear backs, check that the latches lock securely.

16. Seat belts¶

1. Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly.
2. Check that the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

17. Accelerator pedal¶

Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.

18. Clutch pedal¶

(See page CL-3)

Check the pedal for smooth operation. Check that the pedal has the proper freeplay.

19. Brake pedal¶

(See page BR-6)

1. Check the pedal for smooth operation.
2. Check that the pedal has the proper reserve distance and freeplay.
3. Check the brake booster function.

20. Brakes¶

At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.

21. Parking brake¶

(See page BR-8)

1. Check that the lever has the proper travel.
2. On a safe incline, check that vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.

22. Automatic transmission "park" mechanism¶

1. Check the lock release button of the selector lever proper and smooth operation.
2. On a safe incline, check that vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in the "P" position and all brakes released.

Under hood¶

23. Windshield washer fluid¶

Check that there is sufficient fluid in the tank.

24. Engine coolant level¶

Check that coolant level is between the "FULL" and "LOW" lines on the see-through reservoir.

25. Radiator and hoses¶

1. Check that the front of the radiator is clean and not blocked with leaves, dirt or insects.
2. Check the hoses for cracks, links, rot or loose connections.

26. Battery electrolyte level¶

Check that the electrolyte level of all battery cells is between the upper and lower level lines on the case. If level is low, add distilled.

27. Brake and clutch fluid levels¶

1. Check that the brake fluid level is near the upper level line on the see-through reservoir.
2. Check that the clutch fluid level is within ± 5 mm (0.20 in.) of the reservoir hem.

28. Engine drive belts¶

Check all drive belts for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.

29. Engine oil level¶

Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off.

30. Power steering fluid level¶

Check the level on the dipstick.

The level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD" range depending on the fluid temperature.

31. Automatic transmission fluid level¶

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. With the engine idling and the parking brake applied, shift the selector into all positions from "P" to "L", and then shift into "P".
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the fluid with a clean rag. Reinsert the dipstick and check that the fluid level is in the HOT range.
4. Perform this check with the fluid at normal driving temperature (70 – 80 °C or 158 – 176 °F).

32. Exhaust system¶

Visually inspect for cracks, holes or loose supports.

If any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell of the exhaust fumes in noticed, have the cause located and corrected.