Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze Haynes. Manual - part 4

1-2

Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance

Recommended lubricants and fluids

Power steering fluid .................................................................................
Brake fluid................................................................................................
Engine coolant.........................................................................................
Parking brake mechanism grease ...........................................................
Chassis lubrication grease......................................................................
Hood, door and trunk hinge lubricant .....................................................
Hood latch, door hinge and check spring grease ...................................
Key lock cylinder lubricant......................................................................
Door latch striker lubricant ......................................................................

Capacities*

Engine oil (including filter)

V6 and 2.0L four-cylinder engines.....................................................
2.4L four-cylinder engine...................................................................

Fuel tank..................................................................................................
Automatic transaxle

Dry fill (including torque converter)....................................................
Drain and refill....................................................................................

Manual transaxle .....................................................................................
Cooling system

2.0L four-cylinder engine...................................................................
2.4L four-cylinder engine....................................................................

V6 engine...........................................................................................

All capacities approximate. Add as necessary to bring to appropriate level.

Brakes

Disc brake pad wear limit ........................................................................
Drum brake shoe wear limit ..............................................:.....................

Ignition system

Spark plug type

2.0L four-cylinder engine ...................................................................
2.4L four-cylinder engine...................................................................

V6 engine...........................................................................................

Spark plug gap

2.0L four-cylinder engine ...................................................................

2.4L four-cylinder engine...................................................................

V6.......................................................................................................

Spark plug wire resistance

Four-cylinder engines

Wire numbers 1 and 4 ..................................................................
Wire numbers 2 and 3...................................................................

V6 engine

Minimum.......................................................................................
Maximum......................................................................................

Firing order

Four-cylinder engines .........................................................................

V6 engine...........................................................................................

Mopar power steering fluid or equivalent
DOT 3 brake fluid
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and water

White lithium-based grease NLGI no. 2

NLGI no. 2 LB grease
Engine oil
NLGI no. 2 multi-purpose grease

Graphite spray

Mopar Door Ease no. 3744859 or equivalent .

4.5 quarts
5.0 quarts

16 gallons

9.1 quarts
4.0 quarts
2.2 quarts

8.5 quarts
9.0 quarts
10.5 quarts

1/8 inch
1/16 inch

Champion RCY9C or equivalent
Champion RC12YC5 or equivalent
Champion RC10PYP4 or equivalent

0.033 to 0.038 inch
0.048 to 0.053 inch
0.038 to 0.043 inch

3,500 to 4,900 ohms
2,950 to 4,100 ohms

250 ohms per inch (3,000 ohms per foot)
560 ohms per inch (6,700 ohms per foot)

1-3-4-2
1-2-3-4-5-6

0000

125015-1-SPECS. HAYNES'

FRONT

OF

VEHICLE

1,

4

V6 engine cylinder

numbering and
distributor cap

terminal locations

Four-cylinder engine cylinder numbering and

FRONT

FIRING ORDER

1-2-3-4-5-6

coil terminal locations

01

OF

VEHICLE

Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance

1-3

Torque specifications

Automatic transaxle oil pan bolts ............................................................

Engine oil pan drain plug .........................................................................
Manual transaxle drain plug ....................................................................

Spark plugs..............................................................................................
Wheel lug nuts.........................................................................................

Ft-lbs (unless otherwise indicated)

165 in-lbs

25
22
20
80 to 110

1

Typical engine compartment layout (V6 engine shown)

1

Power steering fluid reservoir

8

Upper radiator hose

2

Brake fluid reservoir

9

Engine coolant pressure/filler cap

3

Transmission fluid dipstick

10

Spark plug boot

4

Battery negative remote terminal

11

Engine oil filler cap

5

Air filter housing

12

Engine oil dipstick

6

Battery positive remote terminal

13

Windshield washer reservoir

7

Power Distribution Center (PDC) - fuses and relays

14

Engine coolant reservoir

1-4

Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance

Typical engine

compartment

underside

components (V6

engine shown)

1

Air conditioning

compressor

2

Engine oil drain

plug

3

Engine oil filter

4

Exhaust
crossover pipe

5

Starter motor

6

Automatic

transaxle fluid pan

7

Driveaxle inner

CV joint boot

8

Front suspension
crossmember

9

Battery location
(inside fenderwell)

10

Driveaxle outer
CV joint boot

11

Front brake
caliper

12

Front stabilizer
bar

13

Catalytic
converter

14

Shock absorber
lower mount

15

Front suspension
lower control arm

Typical rear

underside

components

1

Rear suspension
upper control arm

2

Rear stabilizer bar

3

Lateral links

4

Fuel tank drain

plug

5

Fuel tank

retaining straps

6

Rear suspension
crossmember

7

Muffler

8

Coil/shock

absorber
assembly

9

Trailing arm

Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance

1-5

1

Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, and

Plymouth Breeze maintenance schedule

The following maintenance intervals are based on the assumption

that the vehicle owner will be doing the maintenance or service work,
as opposed to having a dealer service department do the work.
Although the time/mileage intervals are loosely based on factory rec-
ommendations, most have been shortened to ensure, for example, that

such items as lubricants and fluids are checked/changed at intervals

that promote maximum engine/driveline service life. Also, subject to
the preference of the individual owner interested in keeping his or her
vehicle in peak condition at all times, and with the vehicle's ultimate
resale in mind, many of the maintenance procedures may be per-
formed more often than recommended in the following schedule. We
encourage such owner initiative.

When the vehicle is new it should be serviced initially by a factory

authorized dealer service department to protect the factory warranty.
In many cases the initial maintenance check is done at no cost to the
owner (check with your dealer service department for more informa-

tion).

Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first

Check the engine oil level; add oil as necessary (see Section 4)
Check the engine coolant level; add coolant as necessary

(see Section 4)

Check the windshield washer fluid level (see Section 4)
Check the brake fluid level (see Section 4)
Check the tires and tire pressures (see Section 5)

Check the automatic transaxle fluid level (see Section 6)
Check the power steering fluid level (see Section 7)
Check the operation of all lights
Check the horn operation

Every 7500 miles or 6 months,

whichever comes first

Change the engine oil and filter (see Section 8)*
Check and clean the battery and terminals (see Section 9)
Check the manual transaxle fluid level (see Section 16)
Check the cooling system hoses and connections for leaks

and damage (see Section 10)

Check the condition of all vacuum hoses and connections

(see Section 11)

Check the wiper blade condition (see Section 12)
Rotate the tires (see Section 13)
Check for free play in the steering linkage and ball joints

(see Section 14)

Check the CV joints and front suspension components

(see Section 14)

Check the driveaxle boots (see Section 17)
Check the exhaust pipes and hangers (see Section 15)
Inspect brake hoses (see Section 11)

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months,

whichever comes first

All

items listed above, plus:

Check the brake system (see Section 18)

Check the fuel system hoses and connections for leaks and

damage (see Section 19)

Check the drivebelts and adjust if necessary (see Section 20)

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months,

whichever comes first

All

items listed above, plus:

Lubricate the front and rear suspension and steering ball joints

(see Section 21)*

Replace the air filter element (see Section 22)*
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter

(see Section 23)*

Change the manual transaxle lubricant (see Section 24)*
Check the fuel evaporative emission system hoses

(see Section 26)

Replace the spark plugs (four-cylinder engines)

(see Section 27)

Check the spark plug wires (see Section 29)
Drain and replace the engine coolant (see Section 25)

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months,
whichever comes first

All

items listed above, plus:

Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve

(see Section 28)*

Replace drivebelts (see Section 20)
Replace spark plug wires (four-cylinder engines)

(see Section 29)

Every 100,000 miles or 84 months,

whichever comes first

Replace the spark plugs (V6 engine) (see Section 27)*
Replace the spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor

(V6 engine) (see Section 29)*

Replace the timing belt (see Chapter 2)

*This item is affected by "severe" operating conditions as

described below. If the vehicle in question is operated under

"severe" conditions, perform all maintenance procedures marked

with an asterisk (*) at the intervals specified by the mileage

headings

below.

Consider the conditions "severe" if most driving is done .. .

In dusty areas

Towing a trailer
Idling for extended periods and/or low-speed operation
When outside temperatures remain below freezing and most

trips are less than four miles

In heavy city traffic where outside temperatures regularly reach

90-degrees F or higher

1

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Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance

Maintenance schedule (continued)

Every 3000 miles

Change the engine oil and filter (see Section 8)

Every 15,000 miles

Check and replace, if necessary, the air filter element (see

Section 22)

Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter (see Section 23)
Change the manual transaxle lubricant (see Section 24)

Lubricate the front and rear suspension and steering ball joints

(see Section 21)

Every 30,000 miles

Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve (see

Section 28)

Every 75,000 miles

Replace the spark plugs (V6 engine) (see Section 27)
Replace the spark plug wires (V6 engine) (see Section 29)

2

Introduction

This Chapter is designed to help the

home mechanic maintain the Chrysler Cirrus,
Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze models
with the goals of maximum performance,
economy, safety and reliability in mind.

Included is a master maintenance

schedule, followed by procedures dealing
specifically with each item on the schedule.
Visual checks, adjustments, component
replacement and other helpful items are
included. Refer to the accompanying illustra-
tions of the engine compartment and the
underside of the vehicle for the locations of
various components.

Adhering to the mileage/time mainte-

nance schedule and following the step-by-
step procedures, which is simply a preventive
maintenance program, will result in maximum
reliability and vehicle service life. Keep in
mind that it's a comprehensive program -
maintaining some items but not others at the
specified intervals will not produce the same
results.

As you service the vehicle, you'll dis-

cover that many of the procedures can - and
should - be grouped together because of the
nature of the particular procedure you're per-

forming or because of the close proximity of
two otherwise unrelated components to one

another.

For example, if the vehicle is raised, you

should inspect the exhaust, suspension,
steering and fuel systems while you're under
the vehicle. When you're rotating the tires, it

makes good sense to check the brakes,

since the wheels are already removed.

Finally, let's suppose you have to borrow or
rent a torque wrench. Even if you only need it

to tighten the spark plugs, you might as well
check the torque of as many critical fasteners
as time allows.

The first step in this maintenance pro-

gram is to prepare yourself before the actual
work begins. Read through all the procedures
you're planning to do, then gather up all the
parts and tools needed. If it looks like you
might run into problems during a particular

job, seek advice from a mechanic or an expe-

rienced do-it-yourselfer.

3

Tune-up general information

The term "tune-up" is used in this man-

ual to represent a combination of individual
operations rather than one specific proce-
dure.

If, from the time the vehicle is new, the

routine maintenance schedule is followed
closely and frequent checks are made of fluid
levels and high wear items, as suggested
throughout this manual, the engine will be
kept in relatively good running condition and
the need for additional work will be mini-
mized.

More likely than not, however, there will

be times when the engine is running poorly
due to lack of regular maintenance. This is
even more likely if a used vehicle, which has-
n't received regular and frequent mainte-
nance checks, is purchased. In such cases,
an engine tune-up will be needed outside of
the regular routine maintenance intervals.

The first step in any tune-up or diagnos-

tic procedure to help correct a poor running
engine is a cylinder compression check. A
compression check (see Chapter 2, Part C)
will help determine the condition of internal
engine components and should be used as a
guide for tune-up and repair procedures. For
instance, if a compression check indicates
serious internal engine wear, a conventional
tune-up will not improve the performance of

the engine and would be a waste of time and

money. Because of its importance, the com-
pression check should be done by someone
with the right equipment and the knowledge

to use it properly.

The following procedures are those

most often needed to bring a generally poor
running engine back into a proper state of

tune:

Minor tune-up

Check all engine related fluids

(see Section 4)

Clean, inspect and test the battery

(see Section 9)

Replace the spark plugs (see

Section 27)

Inspect the spark plug wires (see

Section 29)

Check and adjust the drivebelts (see

Section 20)

Check the air filter (see Section 22)
Check the PCV valve (see Section 28)
Check all underhood hoses (see

Section 11)

Service the cooling system (see

Section 25)

Major tune-up

All items listed under Minor tune-up plus .. .

Replace the air filter (see Section 22)

Check the fuel system (see Section 19)
Check the charging system (see

Chapter 5)

4

Fluid level checks (every 250

miles or weekly)

Note: The following are fluid level checks to
be done on a 250 mile or weekly basis. Addi-
tional fluid level checks can be found in spe-
cific maintenance procedures which follow.
Regardless of the intervals, develop the habit
of checking under the vehicle periodically for
evidence of fluid leaks.
1

Fluids are an essential part of the lubri-

cation, cooling, brake and window washer
systems. Because the fluids gradually
become depleted and/or contaminated dur-
ing normal operation of the vehicle, they must
be replenished periodically. See Recom-
mended lubricants and fluids at the beginning
of this Chapter before adding fluid to any of
the following components. Note: The vehicle
must be on level ground when fluid levels are
checked.

Engine oil

Refer to illustrations 4.2a, 4.2b, 4.4 and 4.5
2

The engine oil level is checked with a

Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance

1-7

4.2b Engine oil dipstick location -

V6 engine

4.5 Turn the oil filler cap

counterclockwise to remove it

(four-cylinder engine shown)

Engine coolant

Refer to illustrations 4.9

and

4.10

Warning: Do not allow coolant (antifreeze) to
come in contact with your

skin

or painted sur-

faces

of

the vehicle.

Flush contaminated

areas immediately with plenty

of

water.

Don't

store new coolant or leave old coolant lying

around

where it's accessible to children or

pets - they're attracted by its sweet smell.

Ingestion of

even a small amount

of

coolant

can be fatal! Wipe up garage floor

and

drip

pan spills immediately. Keep antifreeze con-

tainers covered

and

repair cooling system

leaks as soon as they are

noticed. Check

with

local authorities about the disposal

of

used

antifreeze.

Many

communities have collection

centers

which

will see that antifreeze is dis-

posed

of

properly.

8

All vehicles covered by this manual are

equipped with a pressurized coolant recovery
system. A coolant reservoir (expansion tank)
is attached to the engine compartment fire-
wall on the right (passenger's) side is con-
nected by a hose to the engine coolant sys-
tem filler neck. As the engine warms up, the
system pressure increases causing some

4.4 The oil level should be between the

notches on the dipstick - if it isn't, add

enough oil to bring the level up to or near

the upper notch (do not overfill)

1

4.9 With the engine COLD, remove the

engine coolant pressure cap - the coolant

level should be up to the pressure cap

seat inside the filler neck

coolant to escape through a valve in the radi-
ator cap and travel through the hose and into
the coolant reservoir. As the engine cools, the
coolant in the reservoir is automatically
drawn back into the cooling system via the
vacuum created by the contracting coolant.
This recovery type system maintains the
maximum amount of coolant available at all
ti mes.
9

Warning: Never remove the pressure

cap on the filler

neck

to add coolant while the

engine is warm!

If

the cap feels even slightly

warm, wrap a towel or rag

around

the

cap

and

open it very slowly. With the engine cold,

remove the coolant system filler cap (see
illustration). The coolant level should be up

to the pressure cap seat inside the filler neck.

If it is low, add a mixture of high-quality
antifreeze/coolant and water in the ratio
specified on the antifreeze container or in this
Chapter's Specification Section to bring it up

to the correct level.

10

The coolant level in the recovery tank

should be checked while the engine is at nor-

mal operating temperature. Simply note the

fluid level in the reservoir - it should be at or

4.2a The engine oil dipstick is located at

the front left (passenger's) side of the

engine (four-cylinder engine shown)

dipstick which is located on the side of the
engine facing the front of the vehicle (see
illustrations). The dipstick extends through a
tube and into the oil pan at the bottom of the
engine.
3

The oil level should be checked before

the vehicle has been driven, or about 15 min-
utes after the engine has been shut off. If the
oil is checked immediately after driving the
vehicle, some of the oil will remain in the
upper engine components, resulting in an
inaccurate reading on the dipstick.
4

Pull the dipstick out of the tube and

wipe all the oil off the end with a clean rag or
paper towel. Insert the clean dipstick all the
way back into the tube, then pull it out again.
Note the oil level at the end of the dipstick.
Add oil as necessary to bring the oil level to
the second notch in the dipstick (see illus-
tration).
5

Oil is added to the engine after removing

a cap located on the valve cover (see illus-
tration). The cap will be marked "Engine oil".
Use a funnel to reduce spills as the oil is
added.
6

Don't allow the level to drop below the

lower notch on the dipstick or engine dam-
age may occur. On the other hand, don't
overfill the engine by adding too much oil - it
may result in oil aeration and loss of oil pres-
sure and also could result in oil fouled spark
plugs, oil leaks or seal failures.
7

Checking the oil level is an important

preventive maintenance step. A consistently
low oil level indicates oil leakage through
damaged seals, defective gaskets or past

worn rings or valve guides. If the oil looks

milky in color or has water droplets in it, the
block or head may be cracked and leaking

coolant is entering the crankcase. The engine
should be checked immediately. The condi-
tion of the oil should also be checked. Each
ti me you check the oil level, slide your thumb
and index finger up the dipstick before wiping
off the oil. If you see small dirt or metal parti-
cles clinging to the dipstick, the oil should be
changed (see Section 8).

1-8

Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine

maintenance

4.17 The brake fluid level, indicated on

the translucent white plastic brake fluid

reservoir, should be kept at the FULL

mark (arrow)

4.10 Engine coolant (1) and windshield

washer (2) reservoirs

close to the FULL HOT mark when the engine

is at normal operating temperature (see illus-

tration).

11

If only a small amount of coolant is

required to bring the system up to the proper
level, ordinary tap water may be used. How-
ever, to maintain the proper antifreeze/water
mixture in the system, a blend of high-quality
antifreeze/coolant and water in the ratio
specified on the antifreeze container or in this
Chapter's Specification Section should be
added.
12

As the coolant level is checked, note the

condition of the coolant as well. It should be
relatively clean and the color of new
antifreeze. If it's brown or rust colored, the
system should be drained, flushed and
refilled (see Section 25).
13 If the coolant level drops consistently,
there is a leak in the system. Check the radia-

tor, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water

pump (see Section 25). If no leaks are noted,
have the filler cap and coolant system pres-
sure tested by your dealer service depart-
ment or other qualified service station.

Windshield washer fluid

14

The fluid for the windshield washer sys-

tem is stored in a plastic reservoir. The reser-
voir level should be maintained about one

inch below the filler cap. The reservoir is

accessible after opening the hood and is
located on the right (passenger's) side of the
engine compartment next to the coolant
recovery tank (see illustration 4.10).

15 In milder climates, plain water can be

used in the reservoir, but it should be kept no
more than two-thirds full to allow for expan-
sion if the water freezes. In colder climates,
use windshield washer system antifreeze,
available at any auto parts store, to lower the
freezing point of the fluid. Mix the antifreeze
with water in accordance with the manufac-
turer's directions on the container. Caution:
DO NOT use cooling system antifreeze - it will
damage the vehicle's paint. To help prevent

icing in cold weather, warm the windshield

with the defroster before using the washer.

Brake fluid

Refer to illustration 4.17

16

The brake fluid reservoir is located on

top of the brake master cylinder on the
driver's side of the engine compartment near
the firewall.

17

The brake fluid level should be main-

tained at the FULL mark on the reservoir (see
illustration).

18 If additional fluid is necessary to bring

the level up, use a rag to clean all dirt off the
top of the reservoir. If any foreign matter
enters the reservoir when the cap is removed,
blockage in the brake system lines can occur.
Also, make sure all painted surfaces around
the master cylinder are covered, since brake
fluid will ruin paint. Carefully pour new, clean
brake fluid obtained from a sealed container
into the master cylinder. Be careful not to
spill the fluid on painted surfaces. Be sure the
specified fluid is used; mixing different types
of brake fluid can cause damage to the sys-
tem. See Recommended lubricants and fluids
at the beginning of this Chapter or your
owner's manual.
19

At this time the fluid and the master

cylinder should be inspected for contamina-

tion. Normally the brake hydraulic system

won't need periodic draining and refilling, but
if rust deposits, dirt particles or water
droplets are observed in the fluid, the system

should be dismantled, cleaned and refilled
with fresh fluid. Over time brake fluid will
absorb moisture from the air. The moisture in
the fluid then produces rust in the system
and lowers the fluid boiling point increasing
the possibility of premature brake failure.

Normal brake fluid is clear in color. If the
brake fluid is dark brown in color or is over

three years old, its a good idea to flush the
system and refill it with new fluid.
20

Reinstall the brake fluid reservoir cap.

21

The brake fluid in the master cylinder

will drop slightly as the brake shoes and pads
at each wheel wear down during normal
operation. If the master cylinder requires

5.2 Use a tire tread depth indicator to

monitor tire wear - they are available at

auto parts stores or service stations and

are relatively inexpensive

repeated replenishing to maintain the correct
level, there is a leak in the brake system
which should be corrected immediately.
Check all brake lines and connections, along
with the wheel cylinders and vacuum booster
(see Section 18 and Chapter 9 for more infor-
mation).
22 If you discover that the reservoir is
empty or nearly empty, the brake system
should be thoroughly inspected, refilled and

then bled (see Chapter 9).

5

Tire and tire pressure checks

(every 250 miles or weekly)

Refer to illustrations 5.2, 5.3, 5.4a, 5.4b and
5.8

1

Periodic inspection of the tires may

spare you the inconvenience of being
stranded with a flat tire. It can also provide
you with vital information regarding possible
problems in the steering and suspension sys-
tems before major damage occurs.
2

The original tires on this vehicle are

equipped with 1/2-inch wide bands that will
appear when tread depth reaches 1/16-inch,
but they don't appear until the tires are worn
out. Tread wear can be monitored with a sim-
ple, inexpensive device known as a tread
depth indicator (see illustration).
3

Note any abnormal tread wear (see

illustration). Tread pattern irregularities such
as cupping, flat spots and more wear on one
side than the other are indications of front
end alignment and/or balance problems. If
any of these conditions are noted, take the

vehicle to a tire shop or service station to cor-

rect the problem.

4

Look closely for cuts, punctures and

embedded nails or tacks. Sometimes a tire
will hold air pressure for a short time or leak
down very slowly after a nail has embedded

itself in the tread. If a slow leak persists,

check the valve stem core to make sure it's
tight (see illustration). Examine the tread for

UNDERINFLATION

Chapter 1 Tune-up and routine maintenance

1-9

CUPPING

Cupping may be caused by:

• Underinflation and/or mechanical

irregularities such as out-of-balance
condition of wheel and/or tire,

and bent or damaged wheel.
Loose or worn steering tie-rod

or steering idler arm.

*Loose, damaged or worn front

suspension parts,

INCORRECT TOE-1N

OR EXTREME CAMBER

OVERINFLATION

FEATHERING DUE

TO MISALIGNMENT

5.3 This chart will help you determine the condition of the tires, the probable cause(s) of

abnormal wear and the corrective action necessary

5.4a If a tire loses air on a steady basis,

check the valve core first to make sure it's

snug (special inexpensive wrenches are

commonly available at auto parts stores)

1

an object that may have embedded itself in
the tire or for a "plug" that may have begun to
leak (radial tire punctures are repaired with a
plug that's installed in a puncture). If a punc-
ture is suspected, it can be easily verified by
spraying a solution of soapy water onto the
puncture area (see illustration). The soapy
solution will bubble if there's a leak. Unless

the puncture is unusually large, a tire shop or

service station can usually repair the tire.
5

Carefully inspect the inner sidewall of

each tire for evidence of brake fluid leakage.
If you see any, inspect the brakes immedi-
ately.

6

Correct air pressure adds miles to the

life span of the tires, improves mileage and

enhances overall ride quality. Tire pressure
cannot be accurately estimated by looking at
a tire, especially if it's a radial. A tire pressure
gauge is essential. Keep an accurate gauge
in the vehicle. The pressure gauges attached
to the nozzles of air hoses at gas stations are
often inaccurate.
7

Always check tire pressure when the

tires are cold. Cold, in this case, means the
vehicle has not been driven over a mile in the
three hours preceding a tire pressure check.
A pressure rise of four to eight pounds is not
uncommon once the tires are warm.

8

Unscrew the valve cap protruding from

the wheel or hubcap and push the gauge
firmly onto the valve stem (see illustration).
Compare the reading on the gauge to the
recommended tire pressure shown on the
placard on the driver's side door pillar. Be
sure to reinstall the valve cap to keep dirt and
moisture out of the valve stem mechanism.
Check all four tires and, if necessary, add
enough air to bring them up to the recom-
mended pressure.
9

Don't forget to keep the spare tire

inflated to the specified pressure (refer to

your owner's manual or the tire sidewall).

Note that the pressure recommended for the

compact spare is higher than for the tires on
the vehicle.

Automatic transaxle - fluid level
check (every 250 miles or weekly)

Refer to illustration 6.4

1

The fluid inside the transaxle should be

at normal operating temperature to get an
accurate reading on the dipstick. This is done
by driving the vehicle for several miles, mak-
ing frequent starts and stops to allow the

5.4b If the valve core is tight, raise the

corner of the vehicle with the low tire and

spray a soapy water solution onto the

tread as the tire is turned slowly - leaks

will cause small bubbles to appear

5.8 To extend the life of the tires, check

the air pressure at least once a week with

an accurate gauge (don't forget

the spare!)