Basic Visual Inspection (Free and Easy):
* Fluid Levels: Check engine oil, transmission fluid (automatic or manual), coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Look for leaks around these components. Low levels or discolored fluids often indicate problems.
* Battery Terminals: Clean corrosion from the battery terminals and connections. Loose or corroded connections can cause starting problems.
* Hoses and Belts: Visually inspect all hoses and belts for cracks, fraying, or looseness.
* Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure (including the spare) and inflate to the recommended pressure (found on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb or in the owner's manual).
* Exterior Lights: Test all lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights). Have someone help you with the brake and turn signals.
* Wipers and Washers: Check that the wipers and washers are working correctly.
Slightly More Advanced (Requires Tools):
* Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. It should be around 12.6 volts when the engine is off and 13.5-14.5 volts when the engine is running.
* Check Engine Light (CEL): If the CEL is on, there's a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in the vehicle's computer. You can buy a relatively inexpensive OBD-II code reader (for vehicles built after 1996) or an older code reader compatible with your vehicle's system (this requires knowing the specific year, engine, and transmission) to retrieve the code. Online searches can then help you interpret the code. Note: A 1995 vehicle might not be fully OBD-II compliant, so a generic OBD-II reader may not work. You might need a reader specific to earlier OBD systems.
* Fuse Inspection: Check the fuse box (usually under the hood and inside the vehicle) for blown fuses.
Advanced (Requires Mechanical Knowledge and Specialized Tools):
* Compression Test: A compression test measures the pressure in each cylinder, helping diagnose engine problems like worn piston rings or valves. This requires a compression tester.
* Spark Test: Checking for spark at the spark plugs can help diagnose ignition problems. This requires spark plug wires and a spark tester.
Important Considerations:
* Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual is your best friend. It contains specific information about your vehicle, including recommended maintenance schedules and troubleshooting tips.
* Year and Engine: Knowing the exact year, engine size (e.g., 3.3L, 3.8L), and transmission type (automatic or manual) is crucial for finding accurate information online.
* Safety First: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on any electrical components. Be cautious when working under the hood; the engine and exhaust components can be hot.
* Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable performing any of these checks or if you can't identify the problem, it's best to take your minivan to a qualified mechanic. Improper diagnosis and repair can lead to more serious and costly problems.
This information provides a starting point. For more specific diagnostics, you will need to provide more details about the symptoms you are experiencing. For example, is the engine not starting? Is it running rough? Is there a specific warning light on? The more information you can provide, the more specific the advice can be.
