SERVICING AN
D M
AINTENAN
CE
286
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow these
instructions:
If high pressure jets or cleaners are used to
wash the vehicle, keep a distance of at least
15 inches (40 cm) from the bodywork to
avoid damage or alteration. Build up of
water could cause damage to the vehicle in
the long term.
To make it easier to remove any dirt
deposits in the area where the blades are
normally located it is recommended to posi
-
tion the windshield wipers vertically (service
position), for more information, refer to
“Dealer Service” in this chapter.
Wash the bodywork using a low pressure jet
of water if possible.
Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution
over the bodywork, frequently rinsing the
sponge.
Rinse well with water and dry with a leather
chamois.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door frames,
hood, headlight frames, etc.) with special care,
as water may stagnate more easily in these
areas. Do not wash the vehicle after it has
been left in the sun or with the hood hot: this
may alter the shine of the paintwork.
NOTE:
Avoid parking under trees; the resin dropped
by trees makes the paintwork go opaque and
increases the possibility of corrosion.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the
same way as the rest of the vehicle.
If washing the vehicle in a service that moves
the vehicle, for vehicles with automatic trans
-
missions, proceed with the following direc
-
tions:
Ensure that the vehicle is on a flat surface
Disable the automatic engagement of the
parking brake (refer to the “Electric Park
Brake” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information).
With the vehicle stationary, the gear in
NEUTRAL (N) and the brake pedal
depressed, push the START button.
NOTE:
The vehicle will remain in NEUTRAL (N) for
15 minutes before PARK (P) will be engaged
automatically.
Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths to
prevent scratching or altering the transpar
-
ency.
Front Headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and detergent
for washing vehicles.
NOTE:
Never use aromatic substances (e.g. gaso
-
line) or ketones (e.g. acetone) for cleaning
the plastic lenses of the headlights.
When cleaning with a pressure washer,
keep the pressure washer at least eight
inches (20 cm) away from the headlights.
Engine Compartment
At the end of every Winter, wash the engine
compartment thoroughly, taking care not to
aim the jet of water directly at the electronic
control units or at the windshield wiper
motors. Have this operation performed at a
specialized workshop. Refer to “Pressure
Washing” in “Engine Compartment” for further
information.
NOTE:
The washing should take place with the engine
cold and the ignition device in the STOP posi
-
tion. After the washing operation, make sure
that the various protections (e.g. rubber caps
and guards) have not been removed or
damaged.
CAUTION!
Wipe the rear window inside gently with a
cloth following the direction of the filaments
to avoid damaging the heating device.
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