
switch im m ediately if engine should start. If pre
cautions aren't follow ed vehicle may move un
expectedly, possibly causing personal injury.
(c) STARTER SAFETY SWITCH (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLES)— Check starter safety switch by at
tem pting to start the engine with the trans
mission in each of the driving gears. The start
er should operate only in the Park ("P") or
Neutral ("N ") positions.
(d) STARTER SAFETY SWITCH (MANUAL TRANSMISSION
VEHICLES)— To check, place the shift lever in
neutral, depress the clutch halfway, and at
tem pt to start. The starter should operate only
when clutch is fully depressed.
(e) TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR— Check to be sure
automatic transm ission shift indicator accu
rately indicates the shift position selected.
(f) STEERING— Be alert to any changes in steering
action. The need for inspection or servicing
may be indicated by increased effort to turn
the steering wheel, excessive free play or un
usual sounds when turning or parking.
(g) WHEEL ALIGNMENT, BALANCE AND TIRES— In addi
tion to uneven or abnormal tire wear, the need
for wheel alignm ent service may be indicated
by a pull to the right or left when driving 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. Check tire inflation
pressure (including spare tire) when tires are
"co ld " at least m onthly, or more often, if
driver daily check indicates the need.— See
Owner's and Driver's Manual Driver's Daily
Checklist.
(h) BRAKES— Be alert to illum ination of the brake
warning light or changes in braking action,
such as repeated pulling to one side, unusual
sounds either when braking or between brake
applications, or increased brake pedal travel.
Any of these could indicate 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 or overheat
condition requiring inspection and/or service.
(See also Engine Exhaust Gas Caution and
Catalytic Converter inform ation in Owner's
and Driver's Manual and Item B-3 in this fol
der.)
(j) WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS— Check oper
ation 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 m oving
controls to "D ef" and noting amount of air
directed against the windshield.
(I) REARVIEW MIRRORS AND SUN VISORS—>Check that
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 and for damage.
(o) SEAT ADJUSTERS— Check that seat adjusters
(and swivel seat lock, if present) securely en
gage by pushing forward and backward (and
twisting) whenever seat is adjusted.
(p) SEATBACK LATCHES (IF SO EQUIPPED)— Check to see
that seatback latches are holding by pulling
forward on the top of each folding seatback.
(q) LIGHTS AND BUZZERS— Check all instrum ent
panel illum inating and warning lights, seat
belt reminder light and buzzer (if so equip
ped), interior lights, license plate lights, side
marker lights, headlamps, parking 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
(24 000 km) or more often jf light beams seem
to be aimed improperly.
(r) GLASS— Check for broken, scratched, dirty or
damaged glass on vehicle that could obscure
vision or become an injury hazard.
(s| DOOR LATCHES— Check for positive closing,
latching and locking.
(t) HOOD LATCHES— Check to make sure hood
closes firm ly by lifting on the hood after each
closing. Check also for broken, damaged or
missing parts which m ight prevent secure
latching.
(u) FLUID LEAKS— Check for fuel, water, oil or other
fluid leaks by observing the surface beneath
the vehicle after it has been parked for a while.
(Water dripping from air conditioning system
after use is normal.) If gasoline fumes or fluid
are noticed at any tim e, the cause should be
determined and corrected w ithout delay be
cause of the possibility of fire.
(v) SPARE AND JACK— Check that spare tire assem
bly and jack equipment are securely stowed
at all times.
B-2 TIRES, WHEELS AND DISC BRAKES— Check disc brake
pads for wear and surface condition of rotors
while wheels are removed during tire rotation
(see Item A-5). Check tires for excessive wear or
damage. Make certain wheels are not bent or
cracked and that wheel nuts have been tightened
to the torque value shown in the Owner's and
Driver's Manual. (See "In Case of Emergency"
section).
B-3 EXHAUST SYSTEM*—Check complete exhaust sys
tem including catalytic converter and nearby
body areas for broken, damaged, missing or
mispositioned parts, open seams, holes, loose
connections or other deterioration which could
perm it exhaust fum es to seep into the passenger
compartment. Any necessary 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 B-1 (i).
B-4 SUSPENSION AND STEERING— Check for damaged,
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 w ithout delay.
B-5 BRAKES AND POWER STEERING— Check lines and
hoses for proper attachment, leaks, binding,
cracks, chafing, deterioration, etc. Any question
able parts noted should be replaced or repaired
immediately. When abrasion or wear is evident
on lines or hoses, the cause must be corrected.
B-6 ENGINE DRIVE BELTS*— Check belts driving fan, AIR
pump, generator, power steering pump and air
conditioning com pressor for cracks, fraying,
wear and tension. Adjust or replace as necessary.
B-7 DRUM BRAKES AND PARKING BRAKE— (See Item B-2 for
disc brake check.) Check drum brake linings for
wear or cracks and other internal brake compo
nents at each wheel (drums, wheel cylinders,
etc.). Parking brake adjustment also should be
checked w henever drum brake linings are
checked.
NOTICE: More frequent brake checks should be
made if driving conditions and habits result in
frequent brake application.
B-8 THROTTLE LINKAGE— Lubricate as covered in Own
er's and Driver's Manual. Check for damaged or
missing parts, interference or binding. Any de
ficiencies should be corrected without delay by a
qualified mechanic.
B-9 UNDERBODY—Corrosive materials used for ice and
snow removal and dust control can accumulate
on the underbody. If allowed to remain, these
materials can result in accelerated rusting and
deterioration of underbody components such as
fuel lines, frame and floor pan, exhaust system,
etc. At least once each year, preferably after a
winter's exposure, these corrosive materials
should be removed by flushing the underbody