Isuzu Amigo / Axiom / Trooper / Rodeo / VehiCross. Service manual - part 531

0B–4

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION

02UBSOM4–1

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.

Manual Transmission 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 transmission 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.

Transfer Case 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 transfer case 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.

Extension Lubricant Level Check (2WD
only)

Check oil level at 15,000 miles (24,000 km) and 30,000
miles (48,000 km) and after every 30,000 miles (48,000
km) or 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

Replace the timing belt 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
excessive engine noise occurs.

Tire Rotation

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

Front Wheel Bearings Lubricant
Replacement

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

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.

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MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION

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, GF-2
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.
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 action. 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
(Automatic Transmission)

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).

Starter Safety Switch Operation (Manual
Transmission)

To check, place the shift lever in “Neutral”, push the clutch
pedal halfway and try to start. The starter should not

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MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION

crank. The starter should crank only when the clutch
pedal is fully depressed.

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

Except TOD model : yoke and universal joints with grease
containing MOS2 (disulfide molybdenum type grease) at
the interval shown in the Maintenance Schedule.
All models : check for play in normal direction of rotation of
sliding yoke and universal joints. Also check the propeller
shaft flange–to–pinion bolts for proper torque to 63 N

•

m

(46 lb ft) for front and rear propeller shaft.

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Replacement

Under harsh operating conditions, such as constant
driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather, or in hilly or
mountainous terrain, change the transmission fluid and
service the sump filter after every 20,000 miles (32,000
km) of operation.
More over, the remaining life percentage of ATF can be
estimated by using TECH–II as an auxiliary tool to judge
the right time for ATF replacement.
The remaining life percentage is calculated from ATF’S
heat history. When it is close to 0%, ATF replacement is
recommended.

Auto Cruise Control Inspection

Check to see if the clearance between cruise link and
accelerator link is normal. Also, check that their properly
connected.

Brake Pedal Free Play Inspection

Note the brake pedal free play. It should be 6–10 mm
(0.23–0.39 in). Adjust brake control when there is little or
no free play.

Clutch Lines and Hoses Inspection

Check lines and hoses for proper attachment, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, deterioration, etc. Any
questionable parts should be replaced or repaired at
once. When abrasion or wear is evident on lines or hoses,
the cause must be corrected.

Clutch Control Lubrication

Lubricate the clutch pedal bushing, the clevis pin, and
pedal spring every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 6 months.
If a squeaking noise arises from around the bushing or the
clevis pin at the clutch pedal arm when the clutch pedal is
depressed, lubricate them.

Clutch Pedal Free Play Inspection

Note the clutch pedal free play. It should be 5 – 15 mm (0.2
– 0.6 in). Adjust clutch control when there is little or no free
play.

Accelerator Linkage Inspection

Inspect for interference, binding, and damaged or
missing parts. Check accelerator pedal for smooth
operation and even pedal effort. Replace parts as
needed.