How do you tune up a 2003 sonoma SL pick up?

Answer 1

A typical tune up involves changing all of the basic wear parts. For example start with the spark plugs and air filter. Change the oil and top off the fluids. This means the engine oil, transmission oil, engine coolant, Power Steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. These are basic items that wear out and get replaced in a routine fashion. If you just bought a new car and are unsure when everything was last replaced its a good place to start.

From there if you have more money, you can start on things like getting the transmission flushed and have the filters changed, flushing the radiator, and changing the rear-axle fluid (both axles if its 4x4 or AWD).

If you are chasing down a specific problem with the car running poorly. I find its a good idea to check into the fuel and ignition systems. Most ignition parts are easy to get to like the distributor cap & rotor, the plug wires, and the ignition coil(s). On the fuel system you can get the injectors cleaned, clean the fuel rails, and change the fuel filter. But most fuel system parts don't require periodic replacement. If it has higher mileage (~100k) anything could be bad. Some places like to replace the PCV valve in the valve cover during these.

If you're chasing a specific problem check the codes. A tune up is usually just catching up on routine maintenance. Check the owners manual and it should give you a list of items and their maintenance schedule (how many miles between recommended replacement intervals).