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Do-it-yourself maintenance
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Do-it-yourself maintenance
DO-IT-YOURSELF SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
If you perform maintenance by yourself, ensure to follow the correct procedures given
in this section. You should be aware that incorrect or incomplete servicing may result in
operating problems.
This section gives instructions only for those items that are relatively easy for an owner to
perform. There are still a number of items that must be done by a qualified technician with
special tools, refer to “Maintenance requirements” on page 253.
Utmost care should be taken when working on your vehicle to prevent accidental injury.
CAUTION
When working on the engine compartment
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move
suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energised. To avoid death or serious injury,
observe the following precautions.
• When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving
fan and engine drive belts. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)
• Immediately after driving, the engine compartment – the engine, radiator, exhaust
manifold, power steering fluid reservoir and spark plug boots, etc. – will be hot. So
be careful not to touch them. Oil, fluids and spark plugs may also be hot.
• If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap or loosen the drain plugs to
prevent burning yourself.
• Do not leave any combustible materials, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
• Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames around fuel or the battery. Their
fumes are flammable.
• Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulphuric acid.
• Take care when filling the brake fluid reservoir because brake fluid can harm your
hands or eyes. If fluid gets on your hands, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately. If brake fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and seek medical assistance.
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
• Vehicles with standard type ignition switch–
Ensure the ignition switch is off if you work near the electric cooling fans or radiator
grille. With the ignition switch on, the electric cooling fans will automatically start
to run if the engine coolant temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on.
Not for Reproduction