The maintenance instructions contained in the maintenance schedule are based on the assumption that the vehicle will be used for the following reasons:

The services listed in the maintenance schedule are furtherexplained below. When the following maintenanceservices are performed, make sure all the parts are replacedand all the necessary repairs are done beforedriving the vehicle. Always use the proper fluid and lubricants.

When a separate belt drives the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor and the generator, inspect it for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension. Adjust or replace the belt as needed.

The International Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) and American Petroleum Instituteclassifies engine oils according to their performancequality. Always use oil rated API-SL (ILSAC GF-IV) orbetter.

Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fueleconomy and cold weather operation. Lower viscosityengine oils can provide better fuel economy and coldweather performance; however, higher temperatureweather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication. Using oils of any viscosityother than those viscosities recommended could resultin engine damage.

Drain, flush and refill the system with new coolant. Referto "Recommended Fluids And Lubricants" in this section.

Replace the engine fuel filter every 45,000 km (30,000miles).

Replace the air cleaner element every 45,000 km(30,000 miles).

Replace the air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

Check the torque of the mounting bolts.

Tighten the throttle body mounting bolts to 15 N•m(11 lb-ft) if necessary.

Replace spark plugs with the same type.

Clean wires and inspect them for burns, cracks or otherdamage. Check the wire boot fit at the DIS module andat the spark plugs. Replace the wires as needed.

Check the disc brake pads and the drum brake linings every 15,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months. Check the padand the lining thickness carefully. If the pads or the liningsare not expected to last to the next scheduledmaintenanceservice, replace the pads or the linings. Checkthe breather hole in the brake fluid reservoir cap to besure it is free from dirt and the passage is open.

The manual transaxle fluid does not require changing.For automatic transaxles, refer to "Scheduled MaintenanceCharts"in this section.

Check the tires for abnormal wear or damage. To equalizewear and obtain maximum tire life, rotate the tires. Ifirregular or premature wear exists, check the wheelalignment and check for damaged wheels. While thetires and wheels are removed, inspect the brakes. Referto "Each Time The Oil Is Changed"in this section.

Chart Symbols:

I -Inspect these items and their related parts. If necessary, correct, clean, replenish, adjust or replace.

R - Replace or change:

(1) Change the engine oil and oil filter every 7,500 km (5,000 miles) or 6months, whichever comes first, if the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions:

(2) Inspect the air cleaner element every 7,500 km (5,000 miles) or 6 months, if under dusty driving conditions.

(3) Refer to "Recommended Fluids And Lubricants"

(4) Inspect every 1 year or 15,000 km (10,000 miles) and replace every 5 years or 240,000 km (150,000 miles).

Chart Symbols:

I - Inspect and if necessary correct, clean, replenish, or adjust.

R - Replace or change:

(3) Refer to "Recommended Fluids And Lubricants".

(4) Change the brake/clutch fluid every 15,000 km (10,000 miles), if the vehicle is mainly driven under the follwing severe conditions: driving in hilly or mountainous terrain, or towing a trailer/caravan frequently.

(5) More frequentmaintenance is required if under severe conditions: short distance driving, extensive idling, frequent low-speed operaion in stop and go traffic, or driving in dusty conditions.

(6) If necessary, rotate and balance wheels.

(7) Tire condition should be inspected before driving, and tire pressure should be checked each time you fill your fuel tank or at least once a month using a tire pressure gauge.

(8) More frequent maintenance is required if under dusty driving conditions.

Blow the horn occasionally tomake sure it works. Checkall the button locations.

Be alert for abnormal sounds, increased brake pedaltravel or repeated pulling to one side when braking.Also, if the brake warning light goes on, or flashes,something may be wrong with part of the brake system.

Be alert to any changes in the sound of the system orthe smell of the fumes. These are signs that the systemmay be leaking or overheating. Have the system inspectedand repaired immediately.

Be alert to any vibration of the steering wheel or theseats at normal highway speeds. This may mean awheel needs to be balanced. Also, a pull right or left on astraight, level road may show the need for a tire pressureadjustment or a wheel alignment.

Be alert to changes in the steering action. An inspectionis needed when the steering wheel is hard to turn or hastoo much free play, or if unusual sounds are noticedwhen turning or parking.

Take note of the light pattern occasionally. Adjust theheadlights if the beams seem improperly aimed.

A fluid loss in any (except windshield washer) systemmay indicate a problem. Have the system inspected andrepaired immediately.

Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. The besttime to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm.

If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not runthe engine first. The cold oil will not drain back to the panfast enough to give a true oil level reading.

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank andadd coolant if necessary. Inspect the coolant. Replacedirty or rusty coolant.

Check the washer fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid ifnecessary.

Check the tires for abnormal wear or damage. Alsocheck for damaged wheels. Check the tire pressurewhen the tires are cold (check the spare also, unless it isa stowaway). Maintain the recommended pressures thatare on the tire placard.

Check the operation of the license plate light, the headlights(including the high beams), the parking lights, thefog lights, the taillight, the brake lights, the turn signals,the backup lights and the hazard warning flasher.

Periodically inspect the surface beneath the vehicle forwater, oil, fuel or other fluids, after the vehicle has beenparked for a while. Water dripping from the air conditioningsystem after use is normal. If you notice fuel leaks orfumes, find the cause and correct it at once.

Check the power steering fluid level. Keep the powersteering fluid at the proper level. Refer to Section 6A, Power Steering System.

Check the fluid and keep it at the proper level. A low fluidlevel can indicate worn disc brake pads which may needto be serviced. Check the breather hole in the reservoircover to be free from dirt and check for an open passage.

Check clutch pedal free travel and adjust as necessary. Measure the distancefrom the center of the clutch pedal to the outer edge ofthe steering wheel with the clutch pedal not depressed.Then measure the distance from the center of the clutchpedal to the outer edge of the steering wheel with the clutch pedal fully depressed. The difference betweenthe two values must be greater than 130 mm (5.19 inches).

Apply a thin film silicone grease using a clean cloth.

Refer to 81-40LE fluid level service procedure of Section 5A, AISIN Automatic Transaxle.

Check the fluid level and add fluid as required. Refer to Section 5B, Five-Speed Manual Transaxle.

This inspection should be done when the wheels are removedfor rotation. Inspect the lines and the hoses forproper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspectthe disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the rotors forsurface condition. Also inspect the drum brake liningsfor wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, includingthe drums, the wheels cylinders, the parking brake, etc.,at the same time. Check the parking brake adjustment.Inspect the brakes more often if habit or conditions resultin frequent braking.

Inspect the front and rear suspension and the steeringsystem for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs ofwear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steeringlines and the hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks,cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and inspect the drive axleboot and seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replacethe seals if necessary.

Inspect the complete system (including the catalyticconverter if equipped). Inspect the body near the exhaustsystem. Look for broken, damaged, missing, orout-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes,loose connections, or other conditions which couldcause heat buildup in the floor pan or could let exhaustfumes seep into the trunk or passenger compartment.

Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding,damaged, or missing parts. Lubricate all linkage jointsand throttle cable joints, the intermediate throttle shaftbearing, the return spring at throttle valve assembly, andthe accelerator pedal sliding face with suitable grease.Check the throttle cable for free movements.

Inspect all belts for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension.Adjust or replace the belts as needed.

When opening the hood, note the operation of the secondarylatch. It should keep the hood from opening allthe way when the primary latch is released. The hoodmust close firmly.

Inspect the belt system including: the webbing, thebuckles, the latch plates, the retractor, the guide loopsand the anchors.

On vehicles with movable head restraints, the restraintsmust stay in the desired position.

Be alert to rattles in the rear of the vehicle. The sparetire, all the jacking equipment, and the tools must be securelystowed at all times. Oil the jack ratchet or thescrew mechanism after each use.

Lubricate the key lock cylinder.

Lubricate all the body door hinges including the hood,the fuel door, the rear compartment hinges and thelatches, the glove box and the console doors, and anyfolding seat hardware.

On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the enginein each gear. The starter should crank only in P (Park) orN (Neutral).

Park on a fairly steep hill with enough room for movementin the downhill direction. To check the parkingbrake, with the engine running and the transaxle in N(Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regularbrake pedal (until only the parking brake is holding thevehicle).

To check the automatic transaxle P (Park) mechanism’sholding ability, release all brakes after shifting the transaxleto P (Park).

Flushing the underbody will remove any corrosive materialsused for ice and snow removal and dust control. Atleast every spring clean the underbody. First, loosen thesediment packed in closed areas of the vehicle. Thenflush the underbody with plain water.

Inspect the coolant and freeze protection fluid. If thefluid is dirty or rusty, drain, flush and refill the enginecooling system with new coolant. Keep the coolant atthe proper mixture in order to ensure proper freezeprotection, corrosion protection and engine operatingtemperature. Inspect the hoses. Replace the cracked,swollen, or deteriorated hoses. Tighten the clamps.Clean the outside of the radiator and the air conditioningcondenser. Wash the filler cap and the neck. Pressuretest the cooling system and the cap in order to help ensureproper operation.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is attachedto the top of the front panel support.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is engraved inthe top of the bulkhead.

The engine number is stamped on the cylinder block underthe No. 4 exhaust manifold of the engine.

The body identification number plate is attached to thetop of the front panel support.

The manual transaxle identification number is attachedto the top of the transmission case near the engine.

The manual transaxle identification number is attached to the top of the transmission case near the engine.

The automatic transaxle identification number plate is attachedon the upper side of the transaxle case.