CHAPTER 8

Vehicle Maintenance Inspection

Checking and Refilling Windshield Washer Fluid

Locate the windshield wiper fluid container.

8-1

Checking and Refilling Windshield Washer Fluid

Check the windshield washer fluid level. If the level is low, refill the reservoir with the appropriate washer fluid.

8-1

Changing the Air Filter

On fuel-injected engines, unlatch or unscrew the filter housing fasteners to remove the air filter. It may be necessary to loosen the clamps and hoses on the induction tubing to remove the filter housing cover.

8-2

Changing the Air Filter

On carbureted or throttle body injected engines, remove the top of the air filter by unscrewing the wing nut, and remove the air filter.

8-2

Changing the Air Filter

Inspect the air cleaner element by holding the filter element up to light and looking through it. If it is bright with no tears or cracks, it can be reused. If it is dark or damaged in any way, it will need to be replaced

8-2

Changing the Air Filter

Clean the inside of the air filter housing, and inspect it and any ducts for cracks. If the air filter is being replaced, obtain a new air filter and compare it with the old one to ensure that they are exactly the same.

8-2

Changing the Air Filter

Place the new air filter inside the filter housing, making sure it is aligned properly on both sides. Replace the cover of the air filter housing and tighten the latches, screws, or wing nut until completely closed. Reinstall any induction tubing or clamps.

8-2

Performing a Visual Inspection

Prepare the vehicle. Park the vehicle in a well-lit area. Turn the engine off and unlock the doors and trunk or rear hatch.

8-3

Performing a Visual Inspection

Walk around the vehicle, observing any obvious items that need attention.

8-3

Performing a Visual Inspection

Check exterior component and system operation. Check the body condition to make sure all the body components are secure. Look for loose plastic trim.

8-3

Performing a Visual Inspection

Open and close doors to check that they are operating correctly.

8-3

Performing a Visual Inspection

Push and pull on the bumpers or fenders to ensure that they are secure.

8-3

Performing a Visual Inspection

Inspect the external mirrors to ensure that they are secure and not broken.

8-3

Checking and Replacing the Windshield Wiper Blades

Check the windshield wiper blades. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and inspect the condition of the blades. Look for damage or loss of resilience in the material.

8-4

Checking and Replacing the Windshield Wiper Blades

Wet the windshield with a hose or with the washers and switch the wipers on. If the windshield is being wiped cleanly, do not replace the wiper blades. If the wiper blades are not wiping the glass evenly or are smearing, replace the blades.

8-4

Checking and Replacing the Windshield Wiper Blades

Remove the blade assembly.

8-4

Checking and Replacing the Windshield Wiper Blades

Obtain and install the appropriate replacement blades. Test the wiper blades.

8-4

Inspecting the Windshield

Prepare the windshield. First, use glass cleaner to clean the windshield thoroughly.

8-5

Inspecting the Windshield

Inspect the glass. Look closely at the surface of the glass. It may help to use a flashlight or trouble light at an angle while inspecting.

8-5

Inspecting the Interior Lights

Park the vehicle inside or in a shaded area. Using the remote key fob or door key, unlock the doors. On most vehicles, unlocking the doors will cause the interior lights to come on. Check that each light works as intended. On some vehicles, the lights will not come on until the door is actually opened. Check each door on the vehicle.

8-6

Inspecting the Interior Lights

Enter the vehicle and close the door. Wait to see that the lights go off after a time. Repeat this check with each door on the vehicle.

8-6

Inspecting the Interior Lights

Operate the courtesy lights from any other switches. Check the map lights, if they exist.

8-6

Inspecting the Exterior Lights

Park the vehicle inside or in a shaded area. Have someone stand behind the vehicle to report any problems while you turn the ignition on. Switch the lighting switch to the park light position. Check that the taillights and any side markers come on and are equal in brightness.

8-7

Inspecting the Exterior Lights

Check the rear license plate lights to be sure they are operating. Put the turn signal switch in the left and then right turn position, and check that the signals flash equally on each side.

8-7

Inspecting the Exterior Lights

Depress the brake pedal to make sure the brake lights work. Check that the third (center) brake light works.

8-7

Inspecting the Exterior Lights

Make sure the high and low headlight beams, park lights, side markers, and turn indicators are all working properly.

8-7

Checking Instrument Panel Warning Lamps

Perform an instrument panel self-test. When the key is switched on (before starting the engine) most of the dash warning lamps will light up as a bulb check. Note any that do not light up as expected.

8-8

Checking Instrument Panel Warning Lamps

Perform an engine running check. Start the engine and observe the warning lamps. All should go off after a few seconds as the related control module runs a self-check and then commands the lamp to go off.

8-8

Performing a Horn Check

Check the vehicle horn. Turn on the ignition and press the horn button. The horn should sound.

8-9

Performing a Horn Check

If the horn is not working, locate it under the hood with the help of the manufacturer’s service information. Check the wiring to make sure it is connected securely.

8-9

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Safely raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height. Work systematically in one direction. Pay particular attention to any fluid leaks.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the steering area. Locate the tie-rods and twist, push, and pull on them. Grasp the front and rear of the tire and wheel assembly and pivot it to detect lateral movement in the tie-rod end. Grasp the tire at the top and bottom and pivot it to detect movement in the wheel bearings or ball joint.

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8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

... Look for missing or torn rubber boots around the tie-rod ends and steering rack. Check the security of the steering box or rack mountings. Inspect rubber suspension bushings, and check shock absorbers for signs of damage or leaks. Inspect any wiring harness that is accessible for damage. Check the brake hoses and lines for signs of cracking or abrasions.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the front-wheel drive axles. On vehicles with front-wheel drive, check the drive axles for up-and-down looseness. Examine the inner and outer boots for cracks or tears.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the transmission area. Look for loose mounting or cover bolts. Trace and record the source of fluid leaks. With a manual transmission, check the clutch operating mechanism for damage. For an automatic transmission, check the shift linkage for any damage. If the transmission is electronically controlled, check the wiring for damage.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the exhaust system. Check the tightness of the flange bolts on the engine manifold pipe. Examine the catalytic converter, muffler, and resonator for signs of corrosion or deterioration. Inspect the heat shields. Check the tailpipe for corrosion, and check for looseness in the mounting brackets or hangers.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the parking brake cables. Inspect the hand brake cable to make sure it is not frayed, damaged, or binding. Look for rusted or swollen cable housings. Pull on the cables and check that the parking brake applies.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the drive shaft. On rear-wheel drive vehicles, inspect the drive shaft universal joints for signs of excess movement or rust. To check for wear, rotate the shaft and flange in opposite directions (there should be no movement). On four-wheel drive vehicles, repeat this procedure on the front drive shaft universals.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the differential and rear suspension area. Inspect the pinion shaft oil seal for any signs of leakage. Check the rear shock absorbers for signs of damage or leaks. Tighten the suspension mounting bolts. Inspect the suspension mounting bushings for signs of deterioration or damage.

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8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

... If the vehicle is fitted with leaf springs, inspect the leafs for any cracks or misalignment. On a vehicle with independent suspension, inspect the rear strut assemblies for physical damage or signs of fluid leaks. Inspect the brake hoses for signs of cracking or abrasion.

8-10

Performing an Under-Vehicle Components Inspection

Check the fuel tank area. Tighten the fuel tank mounting bolts or retaining strap bolts. Check all the fuel lines and brake lines for signs of damage, abrasions, leaks, or rust.

8-10