For 1990-2009 cars

Listed below are the vehicle inspections and services that should be made by either the owner or a qualified technician at the frequencies indicated to help ensure the following:

• | Proper safety of the vehicle.

• | The vehicle emission system performance.

• | Dependability of the vehicle.

Complete any necessary repairs at once. Use the proper fluids or lubricants whenever adding to the vehicle. For information on fluids and lubricants to use when service is required, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

For emission system diagnosis information, Refer to Engine Controls.

### At Least Monthly

#### Tire Inflation Check

Check the tire pressure when the tires are COLD. Maintain tire pressures indicated on the Tire Placard on the driver's door of the vehicle, or refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications .

#### Cassette Deck Service

Clean the cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play to prevent permanent damage, or every 30 hours for maximum performance. Refer to Body and Accessories.

### At Least Twice A Year

#### Restraint System Check

Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt and built in child resistant system parts. If anything is seen that might keep a seat belt system from doing it's job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed seat belts replaced. For seat belt diagnosis information, refer to Seat Belt Service Precautions .

Also look for any opened or broken supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) covers. For SIR diagnosis information, refer to General Service Instructions .

The SIR system does not need regular maintenance.

#### Throttle System Inspection

Throttle system (includes accelerator and cruise control) should operate freely without hesitation between full closed and wide open throttle.

Important: The accelerator and cruise control cables should not be lubricated under any condition. Throttle system components causing hesitation or sticking should be replaced.

Inspect the following:

• | Missing parts such as retainers or clips.

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

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

• | Cable kinking. Avoid sharp bends of cables.

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

• | Damage of the components due to cable kinking, severe kinking, severe abrasion, misalignment, etc. If any of the above conditions exists, notify your dealer for a recommended rerouting, adjustment, or replacement.

#### Automatic Transaxle Check

Check the automatic transaxle fluid level. Add the proper transaxle fluid if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed. For information on the correct fluid to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

For the automatic transaxle fluid level checking procedure, refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

#### Weatherstrip Lubrication

Clean the weatherstrip surface, and then apply a thin film of silicone grease, GM P/N 12345579 or equivalent, using a clean, dry cloth.

#### Wiper Blade Check

Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged, or that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer to Body and Accessories.

### At Least Once A Year

#### Key Lock Cylinders

Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the proper lubricant. For information on the proper lubricant to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

#### Body Lubrication

Lubricate all body door hinges and latches, including the following:

• | The hood

• | The rear compartment hinges

• | The fuel door

• | The headlamp pivot points

• | The console door

• | Interior glove box

• | Any moving seat hardware

• | Hood safety lever pivot

For information on the proper lubricants to use, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.

#### Starter Switch Check

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.

On an automatic transaxle vehicle, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should crank only in PARK or NEUTRAL. If the starter operates in any other position, the vehicle needs service.

On a manual transaxle vehicle, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should operate only when the clutch pedal is fully depressed all the way to the floor. If the starter operates when the clutch pedal is not pushed all the way down to the floor, the vehicle needs service.

#### Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.

With the engine OFF, turn the ignition to RUN, but do not start the engine. Without applying the regular brakes, try to move the transaxle shift lever out of PARK with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out of PARK, the brake transaxle shift interlock (BTSI) needs service. For wiring schematic information, refer to Steering.

For the BTSI solenoid replacement procedure, refer to Transmission/Transaxle.

#### Steering Column Park Lock Check

While parked and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.

On an automatic transaxle vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK.

On a manual transaxle vehicle, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in REVERSE.

On all vehicles, the key should come out only in the LOCK position.

#### Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK Mechanism Check

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could begin to move. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room in front of the vehicle, in case the vehicle begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.

To check the parking brake's holding ability: with the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL, slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.

To check the automatic transaxle PARK mechanism's holding ability: with the engine running, shift the transaxle to PARK, then release all brakes. For diagnosis information of a malfunctioning PARK mechanism, refer to the unit repair manual..

#### Underbody Flushing

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.