General Information on Settings and Adjustments

The term "settings" in this Manual refers not to a single individual procedure for correcting any of the vehicle system parameters, but to a complete set of adjustments that allow achieving maximum engine output efficiency.

If the owner of a new vehicle has strictly followed the routine maintenance schedule since the day of purchase, has frequently performed checks of critical parameters, and has maintained the required level of lubricating fluids, the engine will very rarely need additional maintenance and restorative repair (beyond replacement of components subject to increased wear and consumable materials).

On the other hand, if routine maintenance procedures are neglected and inspection intervals are frequently missed, engine output efficiency will inevitably decrease sooner or later. The probability of this situation is especially high when a used vehicle has been purchased. In such cases, it becomes necessary to perform a set of powertrain settings beyond the scope of routine vehicle maintenance.

The first step when adjusting or diagnosing faults in an engine operating with reduced output is always to check the compression pressure in the cylinders (see Engine Chapter). Analysis of the results allows assessment of the general condition of the internal engine components and planning of the upcoming adjustment and/or restorative work. For example, if the compression pressure check reveals signs of serious internal engine wear, the usual set of settings will not be sufficient to correct the situation, and carrying it out would be a waste of time and money. Given the value of the information obtained from the compression pressure check, this check should be entrusted to a sufficiently experienced and qualified technician who has the necessary diagnostic equipment.

Below are lists of the main adjustment procedures that allow restoring the output efficiency of an engine that is in good mechanical condition.

Minimum Checks and Adjustments List
Check the levels of all fluids relevant to engine operation (see Fluid Level Checks section).
Clean and check the condition of the battery (see Battery Inspection, Maintenance and Charging section).
Check the condition and tension of the drive belts; adjust if necessary (see Drive Belt Inspection, Tension Adjustment and Replacement section).
Check the condition of all hoses in the engine compartment (see Engine Compartment Hose Inspection and Replacement section).
Inspect and service the cooling system components (see Cooling System Component Inspection section).
Check the condition of the air cleaner filter element (see Air Cleaner Filter Element Replacement section).
Check the condition of the spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor (see Spark Plug Wire, Distributor Cap and Rotor Inspection and Replacement section).
Check the idle speed setting; adjust if necessary (see Idle Speed Check and Adjustment section).
Full Checks and Adjustments List

In addition to the checks listed above:
Replace the spark plugs (see Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement section).
Check the idle speed adjustment (see Idle Speed Check and Adjustment section).
Replace the air cleaner filter element (see Air Cleaner Filter Element Replacement section).
Replace the distributor cap and rotor (see Spark Plug Wire, Distributor Cap and Rotor Inspection and Replacement section).
Replace the spark plug wires (see Spark Plug Wire, Distributor Cap and Rotor Inspection and Replacement section).
Check the operation and condition of the fuel system components (see Transmission Fluid Level Check section).