Inspection II Questions
 

I wanna try to do some of the Inspection II ... Here are some questions I've got. I've got a 96 ti automatic with 67,000 miles on it. What's easy for me to do ? I've done the oil changes before, and I know that I can do the spark plugs ... I want to have the brake fluid, the engine coolant, and the tranny fluid done, but I'm not sure if that's doable. I've got my dad to help me, but I don't think his back can take getting under the car ... Fuel filter should be easy, right ? basically I just need a suggestion from someone as to what I should do and what I should save for the mechanic ... I just spent a couple hundred getting the M-Technic front and rear bumpers so the $$ is a little sparse at the moment ...

I was wondering about the exhaust as well ... when do you know when to replace it ? I do notice that it's shaking a little more now than it did before I had the bumper replaced ... could they have possibly forgotten to do something ?

Unfortunately I don't know what oil was put in the car the last two oil changes, does anyone have a suggestion as to what kind of oil I should use ... I was told Mobil I is good ... I want to start keeping better records of what I'm doing to the car, think it may be time to sell it soon ...

Here's my list of Insp2 stuff... may not be complete though. You'll have to decide on your own whether you can do all the stuff. Nothing is really super hard, but experience shortens the time taken. Also, if you're going to sell the car it helps to say "hey it just had its Insp2 done".

Undercarriage
1. Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.
2. Check transmission for leaks.
3. Check rear axle for leaks.
4. Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
5. Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
6. Check power steering system for leaks.
7. Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
8. Examine brake disc surfaces.
9. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
10. Grease wheel center hubs.
11. Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
12. Check front control arm bushing for wear.
13. Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
14. Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
15. Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
16. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
17. Check thickness of parking brake linings.
18. Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
19. Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment
1. Read out diagnostic system
2. Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
3. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
4. Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
5. Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
6. Check air conditioner for operation.
7. Reset Service Indicator.
8. Replace spark plugs.
9. Replace intake air cleaner element.
Body/Electrical Equipment
1. Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
2. Perform batter load test.
3. Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
4. Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
5. Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
6. Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
7. Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
8. Check condition and function of safety belts.
9. Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
10. Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
11. Check central locking/double lock.
12. Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
13. Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
14. Check rear view mirrors
15. Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection
1. Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

You will need a service reset tool to put the green lights back to full when you're done.

Hope that helps.

Check all the rubber hangers that hold your exhaust system to the underside of the chassis. They tend to deteriorate and melt off sometimes. Will cause vibrating exhaust. A dying exhaust will usually sound louder, hiss, etc. in which case take it to a mechanic and get a professional opinion.

Best of luck