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 4
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
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 Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule
Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)
- Short Trips In Freezing Temperatures
- Towing Or Commercial Use
- Driving In Salty Or Sandy Areas
- Severe Dust Conditions
- Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
- Extensive Idling
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
Camshaft timing belt should be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
Note. For more information regarding jacking or hoisting the vehicle, refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the STEERING AND SUSPENSION section.
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
Note. Labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM
Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.
The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.
When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. |
| 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 |
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
| CAUTION | Never mix different diameter tires. On loose or uneven surfaces, the ABS system may require longer stopping distances than conventional brake systems. Exercise caution when removing mud or snow from the wheels so as not to damage the ABS wiring or speed sensors. |
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 appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below. |
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. |
COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)
| CAUTION | To avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C). |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C) |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations. |
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. |
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Always refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations. |
BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers repair or replacement of any component originally manufactured or installed by manufacturer that is found to be defective in material or workmanship under normal use and maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles whichever occurs first, with the exception of the air conditioner refrigerant charge, battery and tape drive mechanism, which are only covered for 12 months/12,000 miles. Warranty begins on the date vehicle is delivered or put in use, whichever occurs first.
POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY
The powertrain on 1996 vehicles is warranted for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Warranted components of the powertrain include the following
- Engine Cylinder block/head and all internal parts, manifolds, timing gears and belt, timing cover, gaskets and seals, oil pump, water pump, fuel pump, flywheel, oil pan assembly, rocker cover and engine mounts.
- Transmission Case and all internal parts, axle shafts, constant velocity joints, front hub bearings, seals and gaskets, torque converter and housing, clutch cover and housing.
PERFORATION WARRANTY
Covers any body-sheet metal panel that is perforated due to corrosion as a result of defects in workmanship or material. Warranty begins on date vehicle is delivered or first put in use, whichever occurs first for 60 months or 100,000 miles. Corrosion other than perforation, such as cosmetic or surface corrosion due to defects in material or workmanship is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM DEFECT WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Manufacturer warrants the emission components in vehicle to be free of defects in material and workmanship, and that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform at time of sale to all applicable Federal standards for emission control. If another part fails due to the failure of a warranted component, both parts are covered by this warranty. Warranty begins on Warranty Start Date and is in effect for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific components covered.
EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Vehicle is warranted to comply to all applicable emissions standards as judged by an EPA-approved emissions test. Warranty becomes effective if vehicle fails an emissions test and this failure results in owner having to bear a penalty or other sanction under local, state or federal law.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
Emissions control system in vehicle is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship resulting in failure to conform to applicable requirements of the EPA and the California Air Resources Board. Warranty period is 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Certain emissions control components are covered for 7 years/70,000 miles. If another part fails due to the failure of one of a warranted component, both parts will be covered by the Emissions Warranties. Refer to customer's copy of warranty for specific components covered.
EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA VEHICLE)
Warrants that if vehicle fails to pass a California Smog Check test within the 3 year/50,000 mile warranty period, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made to ensure that vehicle will pass such an inspection.