VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.
VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2
Scheme 2: VIN Code ID Explanation
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
| CAUTION | Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage. |
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist
- Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
- Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
- Oil Contamination
- Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
- Incorrect Tension Adjustment
Replace camshaft timing belt every second INSPECTION II or every 4 years.
OXYGEN SENSOR SERVICE
Replace O2 sensor at 50,000 mile intervals.
Scheme 3
Scheme 3: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
Scheme 7
Scheme 8
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
At date specified on label in glove box, entire SRS should be thoroughly inspected.
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT. |
| CAUTION | Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation |
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Note. See the AIR BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.
Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT. |
| CAUTION | Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation |
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING
| CAUTION | Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors, exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove R-134a from system use R-134a recycling equipment that meets SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. |
| WARNING | R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE article in GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions
- DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
- DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
- Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
BATTERY WARNING
| WARNING | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
| CAUTION | Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload. |
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
| CAUTION | Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement. |
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
| CAUTION | Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle. |
| CAUTION | Any modification to the exhaust system on turbo models, which reduces exhaust backpressure, will lead to lean fuel mixtures and excessive spark advance. This could cause serious engine damage. |
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
| WARNING | Contact with live ignition system components while engine is running could lead to a fatal electric shock. |
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
| WARNING | Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component. |
ENGINE OIL
| CAUTION | Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil. |
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
| WARNING | Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models). |
HALOGEN BULBS
| WARNING | Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs. |
RADIATOR CAP
| CAUTION | Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot. |
RADIATOR FAN
| WARNING | Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off. |
TOWING EYE
Note. When using the removable towing eye, ensure it is fully tightened.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Due to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options. |
BASIC NEW CAR WARRANTY
Covers every manufacturer supplied part for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Tires are covered by a separate warranty offered by the tire manufacturer.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Warrants cars to be free of defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. (1989-90 vehicles covered for 3 years/36,000 miles.)
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARRANTY
Covered by the Limited Warranty for a period of 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
ANTI-CORROSION
Covers holes caused by corrosion in body sheet metal for 6 years, without respect to mileage, so long as the yearly inspection and maintenance services are performed.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY
Manufacturer warrants to the initial purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that this vehicle is designed, built, and equipped so as to conform at the time of sale with all U.S. and California Air Resources Board emission regulations. The vehicle is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause it to fail to conform with applicable regulations within the first 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
Warrants that vehicle is free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause it to fail to conform with applicable emission requirements or to fail a California Smog Check test or EPA approved short test for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. After 3 years or 50,000 miles, repairs are limited to the repair or replacement of those parts listed on the California Emissions Warranty Parts List. If your California registered vehicle is between 3 and 5 years old and has been driven less than 50,000 miles, then your vehicle is eligible for additional coverage under the Emissions Control System Limited Warranty.
Emissions Warranty Parts List (California)
- Airflow Meter/Air Mass Meter
- Servo Motor, Including Throttle Valve Potentiometer
- EML Control Unit
- Intake Manifold Assembly
- Throttle Valve Housing Assembly
- Motronic Control Unit
- Fuel Tank
