Periodic Maintenance Inspection General Maintenance
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). A
dealer's service department or qualified service center should perform these
jobs. All repairs should be completed at once.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and the steering system for the
following conditions:
Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for the following conditions:
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust
system.
Inspect for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position
parts as well as the following conditions:
| • | Other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor
pan |
| • | Other conditions which could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. |
Refer to
Exhaust Leakage - Not OBD II
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and replace the hoses if the hoses exhibit any of
the following conditions:
Inspect the following components and replace the components as needed:
Clean the outside of the radiator and the air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure the proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system
and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for the following conditions:
Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate the following components:
Drive Axle Service
Inspect the rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Inspect
the constant velocity joints and the axle seals for leaking.
Transfer Case (Four - Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months or at oil change intervals, inspect the front axle and
the transfer case and add lubricant when necessary. On the manual shift transfer
case, oil the control lever pivot point. Inspect the vent hose at the transfer
case for kinks and proper installation. More frequent lubrication may be required
on off-road use.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect the brake lines and the brake hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect the disc
brake pads for wear and the rotors for surface condition. Also inspect the
drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
the following components:
Inspect the park brake adjustment. The brakes may need to be inspected
more frequently if driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
Periodic Maintenance Inspection Cooling System Maint Recommend
Notice: Do not spray cold water on a hot radiator.
Notice: Do not use pressure greater than 138 kPa (20 psi) to test the radiator.
Damage to the radiator will result if a higher pressure is used.
| • | Check the outside of the radiator for bent fins or signs of leakage.
Do not temporarily seal the cooling system with a sealer type antifreeze or
coolant additive. |
| • | Remove any stones from between the fins. |
| • | Clean loose debris and road film from the radiator core with a
quality grease solvent and compressed air. For a more efficient cleaning,
direct the stream of solvent at the front of the core. Remove the radiator
grille, the fan guard, and the fan shroud in order to ensure a thorough cleaning. |
| • | Remove the radiator cap and look for plugging and scale on the
inside of the tank. Replace a badly plugged radiator. Test the cooling system
and the radiator. |
| • | Check the coolant level. If the level is low, add the recommended
coolant as required. |
| • | Check the condition of the radiator hose clamps. Tighten the clamps
if any leakage is seen. Replace the clamps if you see the following conditions: |
| • | Check the radiator hoses for cracking or for a spongy appearance.
Replace deteriorated hoses or bursting could occur, resulting in coolant loss
and extensive damage from overheating. |
| • | Check the radiator core for leaks and for accumulation of dirt
that could obstruct the air passages and reduce heat transfer. |
| • | Check the coolant recovery reservoir for leaks. |
| • | Inspect the radiator rubber mountings and bumpers for deterioration.
Replace these as necessary. Check the mounting bolts, the supports, and the
braces. Also, check for damage to the radiator core, the side flanges, and
the supporting components. |
| • | Check for clearance between the fan blade, the core, and the shroud.
Check the fan attaching bolts for tightness. Make sure no bolts are missing.
Replace the fan if any blade is bent. The blade and the shroud should be
equal distance around the entire perimeter of the shroud. Adjust the distance
as necessary after you make any adjustment to the fan or the fan mounting
bracket and hub. |
| • | Inspect the filler cap seal. Replace the cap if the following
seal conditions apply: |
| • | In order to help maintain efficient heat dissipation, do an occasional
external flush of the radiator with water. This removes the majority of dirt
accumulation and foreign matter from between the core fins. Using moderate
pressure, direct water from behind the core in order to force out debris.
Direct the water stream in line with the fins in order to reduce the possibility
of bending the fins. |
| • | A radiator with a dirty, obstructed, or leaking core causes the
engine to overheat. Radiator scale deposits result from using water that is
hard and has a high mineral content in the cooling system. Heat affects the
minerals in the water causing the formation of scale, or hard coating, on
the metal surfaces within the radiator, reducing the transfer of heat. Some
hard water produces a silt-like deposit that restricts the flow of water.
Replace a radiator that is plugged, or has a heavy scale on the core. |
