FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Emission Control Systems: Service and Repair

NOTE: Vehicle should be diagnosed and repaired any time an emission system malfunction is suspected. Retain receipts for all emission related service and repairs to protect vehicle emission warranty.

Exhaust System Inspect every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Air Cleaner Element [2] Replace every 30,000 miles
Fuel Hoses Inspect every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs [1] Replace every 60,000 miles
Timing Belt [3] Replace every 60,000 miles
Fuel System [4] Inspect
Ignition Cables [4] Replace
Distributor Cap [4] Inspect
Evaporative Emission System (except canister) [4] Inspect

[1] If the vehicle is being used to tow a trailer or in commercial operation (i.e. police or taxi), or for short trips at or below freezing, the spark plugs should be replaced every 15,000 miles.

[2] If the vehicle is being driven in dusty or sandy conditions, the air cleaner element should be replaced more frequently, as needed.

[3] For California this maintenance is recommended, but not required.

[4] California only, every 5 years or 60,000 miles.

FUEL AND VAPOR HOSE INSPECTION

1. Verify hose routings with vacuum hose diagram for proper installation, refer to VECI label.
2. Ensure that Fuel, Vacuum, Vapor, Water, and Crankcase Ventilation hoses do not contact heat sources, moving parts, or develope kinks after closing hood.
3. Inspect hose surfaces for heat and mechanical damage. Hard or brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, etc.
4. Inspect hoses at points of connection. Ensure that hoses are secure and the proper type and size hose clamps are being used.

EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION
1. Visually inspect the Muffler, Pipe Connections, Heat Shields, Hangers and Brackets for holes, gas leaks, corrosion and other damage.
2. Check all connecting joints for looseness and exhaust leaks.
3. Visually inspect rubber hangers and brackets for deterioration or damage.
4. Ensure all heat shields are installed and secure.


FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTION
1. Check Tank, Tubes, Lines, Connections and Fuel Filler Cap for damage, leakage or looseness of connections or filler cap.
2. Inspect the surface of fuel hoses for heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
3. If the fabric casing of the rubber hose is exposed by cracks and abrasions in the fuel system, the hoses should be replaced.