Page 195 of 256
195 Car care
Power steeringCheck the level of the power-steering fluid
in the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point forward during the
check.
Clean around the cap before it is
unscrewed.
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick. To
check the fluid level, first screw the cap on
fully again and then remove. The level
should be between the MAX and MIN marks
on the dipstick when the oil temperature is
about 68°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder the oil
level can be lower, and in higher tempera-
tures the level can be higher, both of which
are acceptable.
Top up with power-steering fluid CHF 11S
(part number 8996860).
Battery
WARNING
Do not fill the power steering fluid to
above the MAX mark. Too much fluid can
result in leakage.
Power steering fluid on hot engine com-
ponents constitutes a fire risk.
WARNING
Work on the battery may entail an
explosion hazard, since the battery
gives off hydrogen which forms an
explosive mixture with the oxygen in
the air.
For this reason, always avoid sparks
or open flames when working near the
battery.
The battery contains corrosive sulphu-
ric acid. Always wear a face mask or
goggles when working on the battery.
If battery acid gets into the eyes or
splashes the skin or clothing, wash the
affected area liberally with water.
If acid gets into the eyes or a large
quantity makes contact with the skin,
seek medical help.
IB896
Power steering fluid reservoir
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Page 196 of 256
196 Car careThe liquid level in the car battery must be
checked at regular intervals.
Tap water contains salts and minerals that
accelerate the corrosion of the battery elec-
trodes, which can shorten the life of the bat-
tery.
The charge level should be checked with a
battery-acid tester. The specific gravity of
the acid in a fully charged battery should be
1.28. A specific gravity of 1.18 roughly indi-
cates a 50% charge.If frequent short journeys are made in cold
weather, the battery may need to be given a
booster charge. This can be done either
using a battery charger or by taking the car
for a long drive. A car with standard equipment and a fully
charged battery can be left for up to 40 days
and still have a sufficient charge for starting.
If extra equipment is fitted, such as a mobile
telephone, the time may be reduced to
about 15 days.
Always connect the positive (red) cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the battery and
the negative (blue) cable to its negative (-)
terminal. Always disconnect both battery
leads when boost charging the battery.NOTENever use tap water to top up the battery.
Use distilled or boiled water.
NOTEA discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from frost.
NOTE• Don’t connect the battery terminals
+ and – the wrong way around.
Serious damage can occur to the car’s
electrical system if a battery or alterna-
tor lead is disconnected while the
engine is running.
IB897
Taking out the battery
IB1173
Correct fluid level in the battery
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Page 238 of 256
238 Technical dataOil specification
Oil for gasoline engines is classified by the API (American Pe-
troleum Institute) and ACEA (European Automobile Manufac-
turers Associations) standards.
API classifies engine oil into grade classes SH (since 1993) and
SJ (since 1996). The SJ class fulfils more stringent require-
ments and has lower phosphorous level. A new grade API SL,
introduced 2001, fulfils even higher requirements.
These grade classes are most often combined with correspond-
ing classes for diesel engines. The class designations for diesel
engines begins with the letter "C" (Commercial). For example a
grade combination suitable for both types of engine could be
API SH/CD, SJ/CF or SL/CF.
Under the ACEA nomenclature, oils are divided into Class A for
gasoline engines and Class B for diesel engine passenger cars.
There is a further class for heavy diesel engines. Each class is
divided into grades: 1,2 and 3 where grades 2 and 3 normally
encompass semi- and fully synthetic oils. The diesel class also
has a fourth grade, B4, which encompasses tests and regula-
tions aimed at improving the performance of direct injection
diesel engines.
In the same way as in the API system, gasoline and diesel
engine specifications are combined for products that can be
used in both types of engine. For example, a grade designation
could be ACEA A2/B2 or ACEA A3/B3, B4.
Viscosity: The viscosity of oil is classified according to the SAE standard.
Nowadays, multigrade oils are always used in cars. The proper-
ties of these oils facilitate starting the car in cold weather but
mean that the oil is also viscous enough to coat all moving parts
under high pressures and with high outside air temperatures.
Multigrade oils are graded with two viscosity’s, e.g. 5W-30,
where 5W meets certain viscosity requirements at -4°F (-20°C),
while 30 fulfils requirements at 212°F (100°C).
Oil capacity inc. filter (on changing) _____ 4.0 l
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