(c) STARTER SAFETY SWITCH (AUTOMATIC TRANS
MISSION) — Check starter safety switch by
attempting to start the engine with the trans
mission in each of the driving gears. The
starter should operate only in the Park ("P")
or Neutral ("N") positions.
(d) STARTER SAFETY SWITCH (MANUAL TRANSMIS
SION)—To check, place the shift lever in neu
tral, depress the clutch halfway, and attempt
to start. The starter should operate only
when clutch is fully depressed.
(e) TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR—Check to be
sure automatic transmission shift indicator
accurately indicates the shift position se
lected.
STEERING—Be alert to any changes in steer
( f )
ing action. The need for inspection or servic
ing may be indicated by increased effort to
turn the steering wheel, excessive free play
or unusual sounds when turning or parking.
(g) WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE—In addition
to uneven or abnormal tire wear, the need
for wheel alignment service may be indi
cated by a pull to the right or left when driv
ing on a straight and level road. The need
for wheel balancing is usually indicated by a
vibration of the steering wheel or seat while
driving at normal highway speeds.
(h) BRAKES—Be alert to illumination of the brake
warning light or changes in braking action,
such as repeated pulling to one side, un
usual sounds when braking or increased
brake pedal travel. Any of these could indi
cate the need for brake system inspection
and/or service.
(i) EXHAUST SYSTEM—Be alert to any change in
the sound of the exhaust system or a smell of
fumes which may indicate a leak requiring
inspection and/or service. (See also Engine
Exhaust Gas Caution in Owner's and Driver's
Manual and Item 14 in this folder.)
(j) WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER-Check op
eration of wipers, as well as condition and
alignment of wiper blades. Check amount
and direction of fluid sprayed by washers
during use.
(k) DEFROSTER—Check performance by moving
controls to "DEF" and noting amount of air
directed against the windshield.
(I) REARVIEW MIRRORS AND SUN VISORS-Check
that friction joints are properly adjusted so
mirrors and sun visors stay in the selected
position.
(m) HORN—Blow the horn occasionally to be sure
that it works. Check all button locations.
(n) LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS - Check belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, reminder
systems, guide loops, clips and anchors for
proper operation or damage. Check to make
certain that anchor mounting bolts are tight.
(o) SEAT ADJUSTERS—Check that seat adjusters
(and swivel seat lock, if so equipped) se
curely engage by pushing forward and back
ward (and twisting) whenever seat is ad
justed.
(p) SEAT BACK LATCHES (IF SO EQUIPPED)-Check
to see that seat back latches are holding by
pulling forward on the top of each folding
seat back.
(q) LIGHTS AND BUZZERS - Check all instrument
panel illuminating and warning lights, seat
belt reminder light and buzzer (if so
equipped), interior lights, license plate
lights, side marker lights, headlamps, park
ing lamps, identification or clearance lights,
tail lamps, brake lights, turn signals, backup
lamps, and hazard warning flashers. Have
headlamp aim checked every 12 months or
15,000 miles, or more often if light beams
seem to be aimed improperly.
(r) GLASS—Check for broken, scratched, dirty or
damaged glass on vehicle that could ob
scure vision or become an injury hazard.
(s) DOOR LATCHES — Check for positive closing,
latching and locking.
HOOD LATCHES — Check to make sure hood
( t )
closes firmly by lifting on the hood after each
closing. Check also for broken, damaged or
missing parts which might prevent secure
latching.
(u) FLUID LEAKS — Check for fuel, water, oil or
other fluid leaks by observing the ground be
neath the vehicle after it has been parked
for a while. (Water dripping from air condi
tioning system after use is normal.) If gaso
line fumes or fluid are noticed
the cause should be determined and cor
rected without delay because of the possi
bility of fire.
(v) SPARE AND JACK—Check that spare tire as
sembly and jack equipment are securely
stowed at all times.
13 TIRES AND WHEELS — Check tires for excessive
wear or damage. Make certain wheels are not
bent or cracked and that wheel nuts have been
tightened to torque value specified in Owner's
and Driver's Manual. Check tire inflation pres
sure (including spare tire) when tires are "cold"
at least monthly, or more often if daily visual
inspection indicates the need.
EXHAUST SYSTEM—Check complete exhaust sys
14
tem and nearby body areas for broken, dam
aged, missing or mispositioned parts, open
seams, holes, loose connections or other dete
rioration which could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. Any nec
essary corrections should be made immediately.
To help continue integrity, exhaust system pipes
and resonators rearward of the muffler must be
replaced whenever a new muffler is installed.
Also see Item 12(i).
ENGINE DRIVE BELTS*—Check belts driving fan,
15
AIR pump, generator, power steering pump and
air conditioning compressor for cracks, fraying,
wear and tension. Adjust or replace as neces
sary.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING—Check for damaged,
16
loose or missing parts, or parts showing visible
signs of excessive wear or lack of lubrication in
front and rear suspension and steering system.
Questionable parts noted should be replaced by
a qualified mechanic without delay.
BRAKES AND POW ER STEERING - Check lines and
17
hoses for proper attachment, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, deterioration, etc. Any ques
tionable parts noted should be replaced or re
paired immediately. When abrasion or wear is
evident on lines or hoses, the cause must be
corrected.
DISC BRAKES — Check brake pads for wear and
18
surface condition of rotors while wheels are re
moved during tire rotation. (See Item 5.)
NOTE: More frequent brake checks should be
made if driving conditions and habits result in
frequent brake application.
DRUM BRAKES AND PARKING BRAKE-Check drum
a t a n y tim e,
19
brake linings for wear or cracks and other in
ternal brake components at each wheel (drums,
wheel cylinders, etc.). Parking brake adjustment
also should be checked whenever drum brake
linings are checked.
NOTE: More frequent brake checks should be
made if driving conditions and habits result in
frequent brake application.