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
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions
Normal Service
- Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
- No Severe Service Operating Conditions
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
Severe Service
- Sustained High Speed Driving In Hot Weather
- Stop-And-Go Driving In Dusty Conditions
- Extensive Idling
- Frequent Short Trips
- Trailer Towing Or Commercial Use
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
Inspect the camshaft timing belt only on the 3.0L at 60,000 miles and every 30,000 miles after inspection. Replace if necessary at intervals.
| 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
Scheme 3
Scheme 3: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
TIRE INFLATION
Tire pressure is listed on a certification label attached to vehicle's left front door.
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. |
| WARNING | Any maintenance performed on or near the components of the SRS must be performed only by an authorized dealer. Do not permit anyone else to service, inspect maintain, or service any SRS components or wiring. Similarly, no part of the SRS should ever be handled or disposed of by anyone except an authorized dealer. Improper work on the SRS components or wiring could result in inadvertent deployment of the air bags or could render the SRS system inoperative. Either situation could result in serious injury |
| WARNING | If the car has had any front-end damage, have the SRS system inspected by an authorized dealer to ensure it is working properly. |
| WARNING | If any of the following conditions occur, the SRS is not working properly. Immediately have it inspected by an authorized dealer: The SRS warning light does not illuminate when you start the car. The SRS warning light does not go off after about 7 seconds. The SRS warning light illuminates while driving. |
| 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
| WARNING | 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
| CAUTION | 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 antilock 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. |
| WARNING | Batteries produce flammable hydrogen gas. Keep flames and sparks away from the battery or and explosion may occur. Never smoke when working in the vicinity of the battery. |
| WARNING | When checking or servicing the battery, disconnect the negative cable. Be careful not to cause a short circuit by allowing metal objects to contact the battery posts and the vehicle at the same time. |
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
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
BRAKE HOSES
| WARNING | Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure. If any sign of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots are found, replace the brake hoses immediately. |
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
| CAUTION | To prevent catalytic converter overheating, DO NOT allow engine to idle for more than 20 minutes. |
COOLANT
| CAUTION | To avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 50-70% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. |
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 AIR CLEANER
| WARNING | The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection in case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the engine compartment before stating the vehicle with the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury |
ENGINE OIL
| WARNING | The engine oil may be high enough to burn your fingers when the drain plug is loosened. Wait until the drain plug is cool enough to touch with you bare hands. |
| WARNING | Continuous contact with used engine oil has been found to cause skin cancer in laboratory animals. Brief contact with used engine oil may irritate skin. To minimize your exposure to used oil, wear a long sleeve shirt and moisture-proof gloves when changing oil. If oil contacts your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. |
| CAUTION | Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine. |
| 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. |
METHANOL GASOLINE
| CAUTION | Do NOT use gasoline containing methanol. This type of alcohol can cause vehicle performance problems and could damage critical fuel system components. |
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. |
SPARK PLUGS
| CAUTION | When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could damage them and cause them to leak. |
POWER STEERING
| WARNING | Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts. Do not overfill. Do not use automatic transmission fluid. Use only Power Steering Fluid. |
STEERING GEAR
| CAUTION | Do not check for free play in the steering wheel when the engine is running. |
TIRE WARNINGS
| WARNING | Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. |
| WARNING | Under Inflation increases tire flexing and can result in tire failure. |
| WARNING | Over Inflation reduces a tires ability to cushion shock Objects on the road and chuck hole can cause damage to tires. |
| WARNING | Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. Always drive with each tire inflated to the recommended pressure. |
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. |
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The fuse block is located on the bottom left side of the instrument panel near the parking brake pedal. Pull the cover straight away from the instrument panel for access to fuses. A Power Distribution center, for circuits that operate only under the hood, is located in the engine compartment. An identification label is located on the underside of the cover.
Scheme 6
Scheme 6: UNDERHOOD POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER IDENTIFICATION
| WARNING | Always disconnect battery ground cable before servicing "high-current fuses. It is recommended that "high-current" fuses be replaced by a qualified technician. |
