Tune-up General Information

The term tune-up is used to represent a combination of individual operations rather than one specific procedure.
If, from the time the vehicle is new, the routine maintenance schedule is followed closely and frequent checks are made of fluid levels and high wear items, as suggested throughout your manual, the engine will be kept in relatively good running condition and the need for additional work will be minimized.
More likely than not, however, there will be times when the engine is running poorly due to lack of regular maintenance. This is even more likely if a used vehicle, which has not received regular and frequent maintenance checks, is purchased. In such cases, an engine tune-up will be needed outside of the regular routine maintenance intervals.
The first step in any tune-up or diagnostic procedure to help correct a poor running engine is a cylinder compression check. A compression check will help determine the condition of internal engine components and should be used as a guide for tune-up and repair procedures. If, for instance, the compression check indicates serious internal engine wear, a conventional tune-up won't improve the performance of the engine and would be a waste of time and money. Because of its importance, the compression check should be done by someone with the right equipment and the knowledge to use it properly.
The following procedures are those most often needed to bring a generally poor running engine back to a proper state of tune.
Minor Tune-up
*Check all engine related fluids
*Clean, inspect and test the battery
*Check the cooling system
*Check all under hood hoses
*Check the drive belt
*Check the PCV valve (V8 engine)
*Check the CCV system (6 cylinder)
*Replace the spark plugs
*Inspect the spark plug and coil wires
*Inspect the distributor

Major Tune-up
All items listed under Minor tune-up, plus...
*Check the fuel system
*Replace the air filter
*Replace the spark plug wires
*Replace the distributor cap and rotor
*Check the ignition system
*Check the charging system.

Check your owners manual and / or repair manual for procedures on your specific vehicle