Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, assembly, and adjustment of engine components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, cylinder head, block).
Engine Management:
EFI system operation, fuel injectors, fuel pump, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, coolant temp), actuators, ignition system (spark plugs, coils, timing).
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear ratios, shift mechanisms, lubrication.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, valve body, solenoid operation, fluid specifications, cooler lines, disassembly and assembly.
Drivetrain 4Wd:
Transfer case operation and maintenance, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel hubs.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut design, control arms, ball joints, bushings, coil springs, shock absorber replacement, alignment specifications.
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link or coil spring/shock absorber setup, control arm bushings, trailing arms, alignment specifications.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering rack/gearbox, tie rods, power steering fluid, hydraulic system troubleshooting.
Brake System:
Front disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), rear drum brakes (cylinders, shoes, drums), parking brake system, hydraulic lines, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
Electrical Charging:
Alternator operation, testing, and replacement; battery specifications and maintenance.
Electrical Starting:
Starter motor operation, testing, and replacement; ignition switch.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb types and replacement.
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, indicator functions, cluster removal and repair.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant types and capacities, heater core, blower motor, controls, cabin air filter.
Body And Chassis:
Frame construction, body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal.
Safety Systems:
Seatbelts, airbags (if equipped, though unlikely for 1998 base models), structural safety components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant checks and flushes, brake fluid changes, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common problems (e.g., no-start conditions, poor performance, braking issues, electrical faults).
Engine Repair:
Major engine overhauls, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain replacement (depending on engine variant), oil pan removal, valve adjustments.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, gearbox rebuild (manual), transmission fluid and filter replacement (automatic), seal replacements.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake shoe and drum relining, caliper rebuild, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber and strut replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack repair/replacement, wheel bearing replacement.
Electrical System Diagnosis:
Wiring diagrams, fuse and relay identification, component testing using multimeters, troubleshooting lighting, starting, charging, and accessory circuits.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant recharge, component replacement (compressor, condenser, etc.), leak detection, heater core replacement.
Body And Trim Repair:
Door panel removal, window regulator repair, exterior trim replacement, bumper repair/replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repairs.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific oil type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Typically 80,000 - 100,000 km or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km, depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 km or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Grade:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (verify in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (with filter change).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific color/type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron II or Dexron III compatible ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Timing Belt Wear:
Critical wear item. Regular replacement is paramount to avoid catastrophic engine failure. Always replace tensioner and idler pulleys with the belt.
Rust Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this age, particularly those used in areas with salt on roads, chassis and body rust can be an issue. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame rails.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on suspension bushings can lead to knocking noises, poor handling, and alignment issues.
Cv Joint Boots:
Torn CV joint boots can lead to premature wear of the joints, especially on 4WD models due to their angle of operation.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and eventual failure of mufflers and exhaust pipes is common with age.
