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 3
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 Schedules
Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)
- Repeated Short Distance Driving
- Dusty Conditions
- Extended Use Of Brakes
- Salt Or Other Corrosive Materials On Roads
- Rough Or Muddy Roads
- Extended Idling Or Low Speed Operation
- Extended Operation In Extreme Temperatures
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 at 60,000 mile intervals.
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
Note. For more information regarding jacking or hoisting the vehicle, refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article.
Scheme 7
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 | 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
Basic components are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 36 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Tires are covered by a separate warranty offered by the tire manufacturer.
ANTI-PERFORATION WARRANTY
Covers body sheet metal panels for 60 months, regardless of mileage, against perforation due to corrosion.
SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARRANTY
The supplemental air bag system, seat belts and related components are warranted for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, against defects in materials and workmanship.
EMISSION DEFECT WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Warrants that vehicle was designed, built and equipped so as to conform at the time of sale with applicable Federal 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 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. Warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. After 2 years 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 DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
For a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, if any emission-related part on vehicle is defective, it will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer at no cost to owner. 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.
EMISSION 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.