Note: The information given in this Chapter applies to vehicles with automatic choke. For manual damper, see Section 4.
1. The choke only works when the engine is still cold, so the check should be done before starting a cold engine.
2. Open the hood and remove the top plate of the air filter assembly. It is fastened with a wing nut and three brackets.
3. Look at the carburetor in the center of the air filter housing. You will notice a plate in the carburetor hole - this is the damper (photo).
4. Ask the assistant to press a gas pedal against the stop. The damper must close completely. Start the engine while watching the choke. When starting the engine, the choke should open slightly.
Warning: Do not touch the carburetor as the engine may backfire and cause severe burns.
5. Let the engine idle. Once the engine is up to operating temperature, the plate should open slowly, allowing more air to enter the carburetor.
6. After a few minutes, the air damper should open completely (stand upright).
7. Inspect the contact surfaces of the choke shaft (engine off) for deposits that could interfere with the rotation of the damper. Use a special aerosol damper cleaner available from parts stores to clean the damper shaft (see illustration), by turning the damper rod manually.
8. Apply an aerosol lubricant, also available from parts stores, to the contact surfaces of the shaft. Rotate the rod to make sure the damper turns freely.
Remove the air filter and check the operation of the air damper
9. If a malfunction is found during the above test, see Section 4.