Page 345 of 450

Maintenance8-3
8
Catalytic converter
E01000200651
For ordinary use, there are no
particular precautions except that
of using unleaded petrol.
The exhaust gas scavenging device used with the catalytic con-
verter is extremely ef ficient for the reduction of noxious gases.
The catalytic converter is inst alled in the exhaust system.
It is important to keep the engine properly tuned to ensure
proper catalyst operation and prevent po ssible catalyst damage. The catalytic converter itself gets hot quickly, and may be dam-
aged if overheated. The followi
ng points should be noted in
order to prevent the ignition of unburned petrol within the cata-
lytic converter. ● In case of petrol-powered vehicles, use UNLEADED
PETROL ONLY of the type recommended in “Fuel selec-
tion” on page 2.
● Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running out
of fuel could cause damage to the catalytic converter.
● Do not try to start the engine by pushing the vehicle. If the
battery is weak or discharged, use another battery to start
the engine.
● In the case of petrol-powered vehicles, do not idle the
engine with any spark plug wires disconnected or
removed such as for performing diagnostic tests.
● Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during very
rough idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
● Do not race the engine when turning off the ignition
switch. This will damage the catalytic converter due to
contact with unburnt fuel.
● Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance is
noticeably low, or there is un necessary engine rotation, or
any other engine trouble, such as with the ignition, etc.
If it is impractical to stop driving immediately, reduce the
speed and drive for only a s hort time. We recommend you
to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
● Damage to the catalytic co nverter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in a proper operating condition.
In the event of an engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfiring or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle in a severely
overheated condition may re sult in damage to the
converter and vehicle.
WARNING!
● As with any vehicle, do not park or operate this
vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as
dry grass or leaves can come into contact with a hot
exhaust, as a fire could occur.
●Paint should not be applied to the catalytic con-
verter.
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8-4 Maintenance
8
●In unusual situations involving a grossly malfunctioning
engine, a burnt smell may indicate severe and abnormal
catalyst overheating.
If this occurs, the vehicle should be stopped in a safe
place, the engine switched off and the vehicle allowed to
cool. Once the engine is cool, a service, including a tune-
up to the manufacturer’s sp ecifications, should be carried
out immediately.Bonnet
E01000300896
To open
Pull the release lever towards you to unlock the bonnet.
Page 347 of 450
Maintenance8-5
8
Raise the bonnet while pr essing the safety lock.
NOTE●Only open the bonnet when the wipers are in the parked
position. Failure to do so may cause paint/body damage. Support the bonnet by inserting the support bar in its slot.
CAUTION!
●
Note that the support bar may disengage the bonnet
if the open bonnet is lifted by a strong wind.
●Always insert the support bar into the hole provided
specifically for this purpose. Supporting the bonnet
at any other location could result in the support bar
slipping out and lead to an accident.
Page 348 of 450
8-6 Maintenance
8
To close
Unlatch the support bar and clip it in its holder.
Slowly lower the bonnet to a position about 30 cm above the
closed position, then let it drop.
NOTE●If this does not close the bo nnet, release it from a slightly
higher position.
● Do not press the bonnet down hard with a hand as it may
damage the bonnet.
CAUTION!
●Be careful that hands or fingers are not trapped
when closing the bonnet.
●Before driving, make sure that the bonnet is securely
locked. An incompletely lo cked bonnet can suddenly
open while driving. This can be extremely danger-
ous.
CAUTION!
Page 349 of 450

Maintenance8-7
8
Engine oil
E01000401142
To check and refill engine oil
The engine oil used has a significant effect on the engine’s per-
formance, service life and startability. Be sure to use oil of the
recommended quality and
appropriate viscosity.
All engines consume a certain amount of oil during normal
operation, and engine oil consumption is greatly influenced by
payload, engine speed, etc. Ther efore, it is important to check
the oil level at regular intervals or before starting a long trip.
This check must be made with the engine warm but not run-
ning. Park the vehicle on a level surface, stop the engine, and
then wait a few moments to allow the engine oil in circulation
to return to the oil pan to ensure accurate measurement.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth. Reinsert
the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the dipstick and read the
oil level, which should always be within the range indicated.
If the oil level is below the specified limit, remove the cap
located on the cylinder head cover and add enough oil to raise
the level to within the specified range.
Be sure to use the specified e ngine oil and do not mix various
types of oil. Also, avoid mixing different makes of oil together
if possible.
After adding oil, cl ose the cap securely.
Use only the recommended oils with an MB classification as
specified in this manual.
Petrol-powered vehicles
1100 models
1300/1500 models
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8-8 Maintenance
8
Diesel-powered vehicles
NOTE●Engine oil consumption is greatly influenced by payload,
engine speed, etc. It may reach 1.0 lit./1,000 km (620
miles) depending on the style of driving.
● The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if the vehicle is
subjected to severe conditions (for example, repeated
operation on rough roads, in mountainous regions, on
roads with many uphill and downhill gradients, or over
short distances). Consequently, the oil will require earlier
replacement.
● For handling used engine oils, refer to page 7.1500 models with turbocharger
Page 351 of 450
Maintenance8-9
8
Selection of engine oil
Petrol-powered vehicles
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
● Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity number
according to the atmosp heric temperature.
● Use engine oil conforming to the following classification:
• “MB 229.1” or higher
NOTE● Use of additives is not recommended since they may
reduce the effectiveness of ad ditives already in the engine
oil. It may result in failure of the mechanical assembly. Vehicles with turbocharger
● Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity number
according to the atmo spheric temperature.
● Use engine oil conforming to the following classification:
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5”
• API classification: “For service SG” or higher
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8-10 Maintenance
8
NOTE●Use of additives is not recommended since they may
reduce the effectiveness of additives already included in
the engine oil. It may result in failure of the mechanical
assembly.
● SAE 5W-30 engine oil can be used to improve engine
startability in very cold weather areas where the lowest
atmospheric temperature is below the range shown in the
illustration.
In this case, use engine o il conforming to the following
classification: • ACEA classification: “For service A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5”
• API classification: “For service SG” or higher
Diesel-powered vehicles
● Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity number
according to the atmo spheric temperature.
● Use engine oil conforming to the following classification:
• “MB 229.1” or higher
NOTE● Use of additives is not r ecommended since they may
reduce the effectiveness of additives already included in
the engine oil. It may result in failure of the mechanical
assembly.