For 1990-2009 cars

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 inspections. All repairs should be completed at once.

### Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot Seal Inspection

• | Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of lubrication.

• | Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks and chafing. Repair as needed.

• | Clean and inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Service the vehicle as necessary.

- | For drive axle inner joint and seal replacement, refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Boot Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.

- | For drive axle outer joint and seal replacement, refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.

### Exhaust System Inspection

Inspect the complete system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. Service the vehicle as necessary.

• | For exhaust system clearances.

• | For exhaust leakage diagnosis, refer to Exhaust Leakage - Not OBD II in Engine Exhaust.

• | For exhaust noise diagnosis, refer to Exhaust Noise in Engine Exhaust.

### Engine Cooling System Inspection

Inspect the hoses and replace if cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed.

• | For radiator inlet hose replacement, refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.

• | For radiator outlet hose replacement, refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.

• | For throttle body heater inlet hose replacement, refer to Throttle Body Heater Inlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.

• | For throttle body heater outlet hose replacement, refer to Throttle Body Heater Outlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.

• | For heater hoses/pipes replacement, refer to Heater Inlet Hose Replacement and refer to Heater Inlet Pipe Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Inspect the front surface of the radiator and A/C condenser. Insects, leaves, debris, etc. can affect the performance of the radiator and A/C condenser.

If the front surface of either or both of these components is found to be in need of cleaning, the unwanted material can be removed by performing the following:

• | Ensure that the engine is off and cool.

• | Blow compressed air through the radiator from the rear surface of the radiator toward the front of the vehicle.

• | If compressed air is not available, use a water hose to force water through the radiator from the rear surface of the radiator toward the front of the vehicle.

To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once per year. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing in Engine Cooling.

Pressure test the pressure cap. Refer to Pressure Cap Testing in Engine Cooling.

### Throttle System Inspection

Notice: Do NOT lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables. Lubrication will destroy the protective coating on these cables.

Inspect for the following and replace as needed:

• | Missing parts such as retainers or clips.

• | Interference of linkage or cable conduit to critical components such as fuel lines, brake pipes or harness leads.

• | Proximity of cable to exhaust system and other heat sources (check for melting and/or discoloration).

• | Cable kinking, avoid sharp bends of the cables.

• | Clearance of throttle system moving parts throughout their travel from other stationary components.

• | Damage of components due to cable kinking, severe abrasion or misalignment.

### Brake System Inspection

Notice: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.

Inspect the complete system. Inspect the brake lines and the hoses for the following:

• | Proper hookup

• | Binding

• | Leaks

• | Cracks

• | Chafing, etc.

Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including the calipers, the parking brake, etc.

The brakes may need to be inspected more often if driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.