Perform the following checks and services at the specified intervals. This will
help ensure the safety, dependability, and emission control of the vehicle.
Important: Inspect any safety-related components that
may have been damaged in an accident. Complete any necessary repairs before operating
the vehicle.
At the minimum, perform these routine inspections every 6 months or 10 000 km
(6,000 mi), whichever occurs first. Complete any necessary repairs before operating
the vehicle.
At Each Fuel Fill
Important: Perform these underhood inspections at each
fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Inspection
Inspect the engine oil level. Add the proper oil if necessary.
Engine Coolant Level Inspection
Inspect the engine coolant level. Add the proper coolant mix if necessary.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Inspection
Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank. Add
the proper fluid if necessary.
Tire Inflation Inspection
Inspect the cold tire inflation. Ensure that the tires are inflated to the pressures
specified on the Certification/Tire label. Refer to
Vehicle Certification Label
in General Information for an explanation of the
label.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Inspection
Ensure that the following components are functioning properly:
Inspect for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
Repair any components or condition that might prevent a safety belt system from
functioning properly.
Replace any torn or frayed safety belts.
Wiper Blade Inspection
Inspect the wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace worn or damaged blade
inserts. Replace any blade inserts that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Refer
to
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
in Wipers/Washer
Systems.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Use a clean cloth in order to apply silicone grease to the weatherstrips. Silicone
grease will make the weatherstrips last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Body Lubrication Service
Notice: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants tells you what to use. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Lubricate all of the following exposed surfaces:
| • | The door hinge bushings |
| • | The dovetail bumper wedges |
Use a dripless oil where oil holes are provided.
Also lubricate the following components:
| • | The rubber hood bumpers |
Parking Brake Inspection
Use the following procedure in order to determine the parking brake holding
ability:
- Park the vehicle on a fairly steep hill.
- Hold the vehicle with the parking brake only.
Starter Switch Inspection
Caution: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it
does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below.
Follow this procedure for the starter switch inspection:
- Ensure that there is enough room around the vehicle.
- Firmly apply the parking brake (refer to Parking Brake in your GM Owner's
Manual if necessary) and the regular brakes.
Notice: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine
immediately if it starts.
- On automatic vehicles, attempt to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should function only in NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P). If the starter functions in any other
position, service the vehicle.
On manual transmission vehicles, place
the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N). Push the clutch down halfway and attempt to start
the engine. The starter should function only when the clutch is pushed down all the
way to the floor. If the starter functions when the clutch is NOT pushed all the way
down, service the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator Inspection
Verify that the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Steering Inspection
Be alert for any of the following conditions:
| • | Changes in steering action |
| • | Abnormal front tire wear |
| • | Changes in steering wheel position |
Inspect or service the vehicle when the following conditions occur:
| • | The steering wheel is harder to turn. |
| • | The steering wheel has too much free play. |
| • | Strange sounds can be heard during turning or parking. |
Brake System Inspection
Be alert for any of the following conditions:
| • | Illumination of the low air warning lamp |
| • | Changes in braking action |
| - | Repeated pulling to one side |
| - | Unusual sounds during braking |
| - | Increased brake pedal travel |
Ensure that the air brake system reservoirs are drained daily with full system
air pressure. Inspect the system for leaks.
Any of these conditions may indicate the need for brake system inspection or
service.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Important: The radiator should be kept clean for proper
system performance. Cleaning is recommended at least once a year.
To help
ensure proper cooling system pressure performance, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
If there is a loss of coolant, refer to
Loss of Coolant
in Engine Cooling.
Inspect the following components. Replace worn or damaged components as needed:
Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
Exhaust System Inspection
Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell of
fumes. These conditions indicate that the system may be leaking. Inspect or repair
the exhaust system immediately, if needed.
Windshield Wipers and Washers Inspection
Inspect the operation and the conditions of the wiper blades.
Inspect the flow of the washer spray.
Defroster Inspection
Move the control to the defrost symbol. Move the fan to HI or the high symbol.
Inspect the airflow from the ducts at the inside base of the windshield.
Mirrors and Sun Visors Inspection
Verify that the friction joints hold the mirrors and the sun visor in place.
Seat Adjuster Inspection
When adjusting a manual seat, ensure that the seat adjuster latches by attempting
to move the seat after latching.
Lamps Inspection
Inspect the following lamps on the inside:
Inspect the following lamps on the outside:
| • | The license plate lamps |
| • | The reflectors or lights on the outside mirrors |
| • | The identification and clearance lamps |
| • | The hazard warning flashers |
Inspect the headlamp aim if the beams seem to be inappropriately aimed.
Glass, Mirrors, Lamps and/or Reflectors Condition Inspection
Inspect all glass, mirrors, lamps or reflectors for the following conditions:
Any of the above conditions may reduce the view or visibility or cause injury.
Replace, clean, or repair promptly if necessary.
Door Latches Inspection
Verify that the doors perform the following functions:
Inspect for broken, damaged or missing parts that might prevent tight latching.
Hood Latches Inspection
Verify that the hood closes firmly.
Inspect for broken, damaged or missing parts that might prevent tight latching.
Ensure that the secondary latch, if equipped, prevents the hood from opening
all the way when the primary latch is released.
Fluid Leaks Inspection
Inspect for fluid leaks of the following substances by looking at the surface
beneath the vehicle after it has been parked for a while:
Underbody Inspection
Corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control may collect
on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust)
may occur on the following underbody parts:
At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody using plain
water. Thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris may collect. Loosen
the sediment packed in the closed areas of the frame before flushing.
Engine Cover Inspection
Verify that the cab's engine cover and seal, if equipped, are not torn or damaged.
Verify that the cover is bolted down firmly to the floor.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders using the correct lubricant.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from
the underbody.
Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
Tractor Protection (Breakaway) Valve Inspection
On air brake models, perform the following procedures on the tractor protection
(breakaway) valve:
- Remove the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.
- Disassemble the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.
- Clean the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.
- Inspect the tractor protection (breakaway) valve.