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 1
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 Rough, Muddy, Salty Or Sandy Areas
- Severe Dust Conditions
- Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
- Extensive Idling
Scheme 2
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
Note. Labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
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 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 |
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 the appropriate A/C SYSTEM GENERAL SERVICING article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT 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 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. |
SPARE TIRE USAGE
Ensure correct lug nuts are used when the spare tire is fitted. DO NOT use lug nuts from alloy wheels on steel wheels.
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 the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair or adjust any item (except tires) on vehicle that has been proven defective in material or workmanship for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
PERFORATION WARRANTY
Covers any body sheet metal panel found to have developed perforation (rust-through) due to corrosion in normal use for 60 months from date of delivery, regardless of mileage.
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
Takes effect upon the expiration of New Vehicle Limited Warranty and extends coverage up to a maximum of 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.
RADIO, TAPE DECK, & AMPLIFIER WARRANTY
Covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship for 12 months from date of delivery, regardless of mileage.
AIR CONDITIONING WARRANTY
Covers the sealed refrigerant portion of the air conditioning system for 12 months, regardless of mileage.
EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECTS WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Manufacturer warrants its emission components in vehicle to be free of defects in material and workmanship and that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform to all applicable Federal standards for emission control system at the time of sale. Warranty begins on the date vehicle is delivered or first put in use and is effective for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Vehicle is warranted to comply to all applicable emissions standards as judged by an EPA-approved emissions test, for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. After 24 months or 24,000 miles, only primary emission components which cause vehicle to fail an emissions test are covered. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific details.
EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECTS WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
Warrants that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform to all applicable requirements of the California Air Resources Board and that emission control system in vehicle is free of defects in material and workmanship which would cause it to fail to meet those requirements. Warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles. Certain primary emissions control components are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Maintenance items are only warranted until time of first scheduled replacement. Refer to customer's copy of warranty for specific details.
EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
Vehicle is warranted against any defects that would cause failure to pass a California Smog Check test for 3 years or 50,000 miles. Warranty coverage is extended to a maximum of 7 years or 70,000 miles on only those primary components which affect the vehicle's emissions performance, and on defects in materials or workmanship which would cause vehicle to fail a required Smog Check Test. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific details.
FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The fuse block is located under the glove compartment. If a fuse is blown, locate the cause before replacing the fuse. Spare fuses are contained in the fuse block. If an electrical failure occurs and the fuses are in good condition, check the fusible links located in the engine compartment and replace as necessary. Use only fuse/fusible link with correct amperage rating when replacing blown fuse or melted fusible link.
