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
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
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
- Towing Or Heavily Loaded
- Operating On Dusty, Rough, Muddy Or Salted Roads
- Repeated Short Trips Of Less Than 5 Miles With Outside Temperatures Below Freezing
- Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
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
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 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 BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 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 A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING article in teh AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT 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 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.
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. |
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
| CAUTION | Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle. |
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. |
RIDE HEIGHT CONTROL
Before jacking up vehicle, turn height control switch to OFF position. Switch is located inside tool storage section on left side of trunk compartment. Also, if a vehicle is jacked up and engine started when height control is on, a diagnostic code is recorded in ECU. If this happens, be sure to clear code from memory.
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. |
NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers any repair or replacement of parts which becomes necessary due to defects in materials or workmanship under normal use for 36 months or 36,000 miles from in-service date.
The items specified below are covered for a period different from the basic coverage
Air Conditioner
The air conditioner refrigerant charge is covered for the first 12 months, regardless of mileage, unless done as part of a warranty repair.
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
Engine, transmission, front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and restraint system are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship under normal use for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.
CORROSION PERFORATION WARRANTY
Covers any repair or replacement to body sheet metal which develops corrosion perforation (hole through panel), in normal use, due to defects in material or workmanship for a period of 5 years, regardless of mileage.
BATTERY WARRANTY
Covers replacement of defective original battery for first 12 months or 12,000 miles. After the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, warranty covers a pro-rated amount based on months in service, up to a maximum of 36 months.
EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECT WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Warrants to the retail purchaser, and subsequent purchaser that vehicle was designed, built, and equipped so as to conform at the time of sale with applicable emission regulations and that it is free from defects in materials or workmanship which may cause the vehicle to fail to conform with applicable regulations for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Covers all repairs, adjustments, or replacements if vehicle fails to conform to applicable emission standards and such failure results in the vehicle owner having to bear a penalty or other sanction under local, state or federal law for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the vehicle has been in use for more than 24 months or 24,000 miles, the manufacturer will make the necessary adjustments, repairs or replacements at no cost to the owner only when noncompliance is caused by failure of components which have been installed in the vehicle for the sole or primary purpose of reducing vehicle emissions. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.
EMISSION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
For a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, manufacturer will make all necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure vehicle passes a required Smog Check inspection.
EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
Warrants vehicle to be free of defects in materials or workmanship that may cause it to fail to conform with applicable California emission regulations for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Certain emission-related parts are covered for repair or replacement for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.