Introduction

General information This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.

The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.

Servicing of your vehicle in accordance with the mileage/time maintenance schedule and the following Sections will provide a planned maintenance program, which should result in a long and reliable service life. This is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining some items but not others at the specified service intervals will not produce the same results.

As you service your vehicle, you will discover that many of the procedures can - and should - be grouped together because of the particular procedure being performed, or because of the close proximity of two otherwise unrelated components to one another. For example, if the vehicle is raised for any reason, the exhaust can be inspected at the same time as the suspension and steering components.

The first step in this maintenance program is to prepare yourself before the actual work begins. Read through all the Sections relevant to the work to be carried out, then make a list and gather together all the parts and tools required. If a problem is encountered, seek advice from a parts specialist, or a dealer service department.

    See also:

    Oil seals - renewal
    Camshaft oil seal Note: Thread locking compound will be required to coat the camshaft sprocket bolt on refitting. 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Release the timing belt from the camsha ...

    Cylinder head - dismantling and reassembly
    Note: A valve spring compressor will be required during this procedure. New valve stem oil seals should be used on reassembly. 1.8 litre (R2A type) Dismantling 1 With the cylinder head removed, ...

    Fuel filter renewal (Every 24 000 miles (40 000 km) or 2 years)
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Chapter 4, Part B, Section 1 before proceeding. 2.0 litre SOHC fuel injection models 1 The fuel filter is located on the left-hand side of the engine compart ...