GMC 1986 P-Truck Service Manual page 36

SECTION C — OWNER
INSPECTIONS AND
Listed below are inspections and services which should be made
by either you or a qualified technician at the intervals shown to help
ensure proper safety, emission performance and dependability of
your vehicle. Take any problems promptly to your dealer or a qualified
technician for service advice. Whenever repairs are necessary, have
them completed at once. For your safety and that of others, any
safety-related parts that could have been damaged in an accident
should be inspected, and all needed repairs should be done before
operating your vehicle. Be sure to use the proper fluids and lubricants
as shown in Section E.
WHILE OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Automatic transmission shift indicator operation — Make sure
the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Horn operation — Blow the horn occasionally to make sure it
works. Check all button locations.
Brake system operation — Be alert to abnormal sounds, in­
creased brake pedal travel or repeated pulling to one side when brak­
ing. Also, if a brake warning light goes on, something may be wrong
with part of the brake system.
Exhaust system — Be alert to any changes in the sound of the
system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the system may be
leaking or overheating. Have it inspected and repaired at once. Also,
see " Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)" and " Cata­
lytic Converter" in your Owner's Manual.
Tire and wheel — Be alert to a vibration of the steering wheel or
seat at normal highway speeds. This may mean a wheel balance is
needed. Also, a pull right or left on a straight, level road may show the
need for a tire pressure adjustment or wheel alignment.
Steering system operation — Be alert to changes in steering ac­
tion. An inspection is needed when the steering wheel is harder to
turn or has too much free play or if abnormal sounds are noted when
turning or parking.
Headlight aim — Take note of the light pattern occasionally. If
beam aim doesn't look right, headlights should be adjusted.
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SERVICES
Engine oil ievei check t — Check engine oii ievei and add if nec­
essary. See your Owner's Manual for further details.
Engine coolant level and condition f — Check engine coolant
level in coolant reservoir tank and add if necessary. Replace if dirty or
rusty. See your Owner's Manual for further details.
Windshield washer fluid level check — Check washer fluid level
in container and add if necessary.
Hood latch operation — When opening hood, note the operation
of secondary latch. It should keep hood from opening all the way
when primary latch is released. Make sure that hood closes firmly
after services are performed.
Tire pressure check — Keep pressures as shown on Tire Placard
on the driver's door (including spare). Pressure should be checked
when tires are cold.
Light operation check— Check operation of license plate light,
side marker light, headlights including high beams, parking lights,
taillights, brake lights, turn signals, backup lights, instrument panel
illumination and hazard warning flashers.
Fluid leak check — After the vehicle has been parked for a while,
inspect the surface beneath the vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other
fluids. Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is
normal. If you notice fuel leaks or fumes, the cause should be found
and corrected at once.
Power steering pump level check f — Check power steering
pump fluid in accordance with Owner's Manual instructions and keep
at proper level.
Brake master cylinder reservoir fluid level check f — Check
fluid level in accordance with your Owner's Manual, and keep at
t A large loss in these systems may indicate a problem. Have them
inspected and repaired at once.
AT EACH FUEL FILL
AT LEAST MONTHLY
AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR
(FOR EXAMPLE, EVERY SPRING AND FALL)
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