Isuzu Amigo / Axiom / Trooper / Rodeo / VehiCross. Manual - part 5

0B–3

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION

Mileage/Months

0B–4

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION

0B–5

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION

Explanation of Complete Vehicle
Maintenance Schedule

Brief explanations of the services listed in the preceding
Maintenance Schedule are presented below.
Replace all questionable parts and note any necessary
repairs as you perform these maintenance procedures.

Front and Rear Axle Lubricant
Replacement

Check the lubricant level after every 7,500 miles (12,000
km) of operation and add lubricant to level of filler hole if
necessary.
Replace the front and rear axle lubricant at 15,000 miles
(24,000 km) and 30,000 miles (48,000 km) and after
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) of operation thereafter.

Air Cleaner Element Replacement

Replace the air cleaner under normal operating
conditions every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
 Operation of the vehicle in dusty areas will necessitate
more frequent replacement.

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace the plugs at 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
intervals with the type specified at the end of this section.

Cooling System Service

Drain, flush and refill system with new engine coolant.
Refer to 

“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in this

section, or ENGINE COOLING (SEC.6B).

Timing Belt Replacement

Replacement of the timing belt is recommended at every
100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Failure to replace the timing belt may result in serious
damage to the engine.

Valve Clearance Adjustment

Incorrect valve clearance will result in increased engine
noise and reduced engine output.
Retorque the camshaft bracket bolts before checking and
adjusting the valve clearance.
Check and adjust the valve clearance whenever
increased engine noise is heard.

Tire Rotation

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Front Wheel Bearings Lubricant
Replacement (Vehicles Produced Before
July/31/2001)

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings at 30,000
miles (48,000 km) intervals.
Refer to DRIVE SHAFT SYSTEM (SEC. 4C).

Front Wheel Bearings Check (Vehicles
Produced After Aug./1/2001)

Inspect hub unit bearing at every 60,000 miles (96,000
km).
If there is abnormal condition, replace hub unit bearing.

Radiator Core and Air Conditioning
Condenser Cleaning

Clean the front of the radiator core and air conditioning
condenser, at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) intervals.

Fluid Level Check

A fluid loss in any system (except windshield
washer) may indicate a problem. Repair the system
at once.

Engine oil level
Check level and add if necessary. The best time to check
the engine oil level is when the oil is warm. After stopping
the engine with the vehicle on a level surface, wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan. Pull out the
oil level indicator (dipstick). Wipe it clean and push the oil
level indicator back down all the way. Pull out the oil level
indicator, keeping the tip down, and look at the oil level on
it.
Add oil, if needed, to keep the oil level above the “ADD”
mark and between the “ADD” and “FULL” marks in the
operating range area. Avoid overfilling the engine since
this may cause engine damage. Push the oil level
indicator back down all the way after taking the reading.
If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run the
engine first. The cold oil will not drain back to the pan fast
enough to give a true oil level.

Engine coolant level and condition
Check engine coolant level in the coolant reservoir and
add engine coolant if necessary. Inspect the engine
coolant and replace it if dirty or rusty.

Windshield washer fluid level 
Check washer fluid level in the reservoir and add if
necessary.

Power steering system reservoir level
Check and keep at the proper level.

Brake master cylinder reservoir level
Check fluid. Keep fluid at proper level. A low fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be
serviced.

Hydraulic clutch system
Check fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid as required.

Battery fluid level
Check fluid level in the battery.

Fluid Leak Check

Check for fuel, water, oil or other fluid leaks by looking at
the surface beneath the vehicle after it has been parked
for a while. Water dripping from the air conditioning
system after use is normal. If you notice gasoline fumes or
fluid at any time, locate the source and correct it at once.

Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Always use API SE, SF, SG, SH or ILSAC GF–1 quality
oils of the proper viscosity.
When choosing an oil, consider the range of
temperatures the car will be operated in before the next oil
change. Then, select the recommended oil viscosity from
the chart.

0B–6

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION

Always change the oil and the oil filter as soon as possible
after driving in a dust storm.

Engine Cooling System Inspection

Inspect the coolant/anti–freeze. If the coolant is dirty or
rusty, drain, flush and refill with new coolant. Keep coolant
at the proper mixture for proper freeze protection,
corrosion inhibitor level and best engine operating
temperature. Inspect hoses and replace if cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten the hose clamps if
equipped with screw–type clamps. Clean outside of
radiator and air conditioning condenser. Wash filler cap
and neck. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure
test of both the cooling system and the cap is also
recommended.

Exhaust System Inspection

Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler, heat shields
and hangers for cracks, deterioration, or damage.
Be alert to any changes in the sound of the exhaust
system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the system
may be leaking or overheating. Repair the system at
once, if these conditions exist. (See also “Engine Exhaust
Gas Safety” and “Three Way Catalytic Converter” in the
Owner’s manual.)

Fuel Cap, Fuel Lines, and Fuel Tank
Inspection

Inspect the fuel tank, the fuel cap and the fuel lines every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) for damage which could cause
leakage.
Inspect the fuel cap and the gasket for correct sealing and
physical damage. Replace any damaged parts.

Drive Belt Inspection

Check the serpentine belt driving for cracks, fraying,
wear, and correct tension every 30,000 miles (48,000
km). Replace as necessary.

Wheel Alignment, Balance and Tires
Operation

Uneven or abnormal tire wear, or a pull right or left on a
straight and level road may show the need for a wheel
alignment. A vibration of the steering wheel or seat at
normal highway speeds means a wheel balancing is
needed. Check tire pressure when the tires are “cold”
(include the spare).
Maintain pressure as shown in the tire placard, which is
located on the driver’s door lock pillar.

Steering System Operation

Be alert for any changes in steering operation. An
inspection or service is needed when the steering wheel
is harder to turn or has too much free play, or if there are
unusual sounds when turning or parking.

Brake Systems Operation

Watch for the “BRAKE” light coming on. Other signs of
possible brake trouble are such things as repeated pulling
to one side when braking, unusual sounds when braking
or between brake applications, or increased brake pedal

travel. If you note one of these conditions, repair the
system at once.
For convenience, the following should be done when
wheels are removed for rotation: Inspect lines and hoses
for proper hookup, bindings, leaks, crack, chafing etc.
Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition.
Inspect other brake parts, including parking brake drums,
linings etc., at the same time. Check parking brake
adjustment.
Inspect the brakes more often if habit or conditions
result in frequent braking.

Parking Brake and Transmission Park
Mechanism Operation

Park on a fairly steep hill and hold the vehicle with the
parking brake only. This checks holding ability. On
automatic transmission vehicles, shifting from “P”
position to the other positions cannot be made unless the
brake pedal is depressed when the key switch is in the
“ON” position or the engine is running.

WARNING: BEFORE CHECKING THE STARTER
SAFETY SWITCH OPERATION BELOW, BE SURE TO
HAVE ENOUGH ROOM AROUND THE VEHICLE.
THEN FIRMLY APPLY BOTH THE PARKING BRAKE
AND THE REGULAR BRAKE. DO NOT USE THE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IF THE ENGINE STARTS,
BE READY TO TURN OFF THE KEY PROMPTLY.
TAKE THESE PRECAUTIONS BECAUSE THE
VEHICLE COULD MOVE WITHOUT WARNING AND
POSSIBLY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Starter Safety Switch Operation

Check by trying to start the engine in each gear while
setting the parking brake and the foot brake. The starter
should crank only in “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral).

Accelerator Linkage Lubrication

Lubricate the accelerator pedal fulcrum pin with chassis
grease.

Steering and Suspension Inspection

Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts or signs of
wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.

Body and Chassis Lubrication

Lubricate the key lock cylinders, the hood latch, the hood
and door hinges, the door check link, the parking cable
guides, the underbody contact points, and the linkage.

Propeller Shaft Inspection and Lubrication

Check the propeller shaft flange–to–pinion bolts for
proper torque to 63 N

•

m (46 lb ft) for front and rear

propeller shaft.