Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Support the bonnet by inserting the support bar in
its slot.CAUTIONl Note that the support bar may disengage
the bonnet if the open bonnet is lifted by
a strong wind.
l Always insert the support bar into the
hole provided specifically for this pur-
pose. Supporting the bonnet at any other
location could result in the support bar
slipping out and lead to an accident.
To close
Unlatch the support bar (A) and clip it in its holder.
Slowly lower the bonnet to a position about 20 cm
above the closed position, then let it drop.
NOTE
l If this does not close the bonnet, release it
from a slightly higher position.
l Do not press down the bonnet hard with a
hand as it may damage the bonnet.
l Push the support bar (A) down completely in-
to its holder.
CAUTIONl Be careful that hands or fingers are not
trapped when closing the bonnet.
l Before driving, make sure that the bon-
net is securely locked. An incompletely
locked bonnet can suddenly open while
driving. This can be extremely dangerous.
Maintenance
8-04
8
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine oilE01000402530
To check and refill engine oil
The engine oil used has a significant effect on the
engine’s performance, 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.
Therefore, 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 running. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
stop the engine, and then wait a few moments to al-
low 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 al-
ways 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 engine oil and do not
mix various types of oil. Also, avoid mixing differ-
ent makes of oil together if possible.
After adding oil, close the cap securely.
Use only the recommended oils with an MB classi-
fication as specified in this manual.1100 models1300 models1500 models
NOTE
l 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.
l For handling of used engine oils, refer to
page 05.
Selection of engine oil
Maintenance
8-05
8
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 134910 and 135930)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • “MB 229.1” or higher
Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 3A91 and 4A90)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l SAE
0W-20 , 0W-30 , 5W-30 , and 5W-40 en-
gine oils can only be used if they meet
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5 and API SM
specifications.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • API classification: “For service SM”
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l The engine model is indicated on the vehicle
information code plate.
Refer to “Vehicle information code plate” on
page 9-02.Vehicles with turbocharger
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: •API classification: “For service SG” or
higher
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l SAE
5W-30 engine oil can be used to im-
prove engine startability in very cold weather
areas where the lowest atmospheric tempera-
Maintenance
8-06
8
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ture is below the range shown in the illustra-
tion.
In this case, use engine oil conforming to the
following classification: • ACEA classification:“For service A3/ B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5”
• API classification: “For service SG” or higherEngine coolant E01000501390
To check the coolant level
A translucent coolant reserve tank is located in the
engine compartment.
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
The coolant level in this tank should be kept be-
tween the “LOW” and “FULL” marks when meas-
ured while the engine is cold.
FULLLOW
Vehicles with turbocharger
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank. The re-
serve tank lid is equipped with a dipstick.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the
dipstick and read the coolant level, which should al-
ways be within the range “F” (FULL) or “L”
(LOW) while the engine is cold.FULLLOW
To add coolant
The cooling system is a closed system and normal-
ly the loss of coolant should be very slight. A no-
ticeable drop in the coolant level could indicate leak-
age. If this occurs, we recommend you to have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
If the level should drop below the “LOW” level on
the reserve tank, open the lid and add coolant to
“FULL” level.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty, re-
move the radiator cap (A) and add coolant until the
level reaches the filler neck.
Maintenance
8-07
8
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WARNINGlDo not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and
any hot coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Vehicles with turbocharger
If the level should drop below the “L” (LOW) level
on the dipstick, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty, re-
move the radiator cap (A) and add coolant until the
level reaches the filler neck.
WARNINGl Do not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and
any hot coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Anti-freeze
The engine coolant contains an ethylene glycol anti-
corrosion agent. The cylinder head and water pump
housing are cast aluminium alloy, and periodic
changing of the engine coolant is necessary to pre-
vent corrosion of these parts.
Use High-quality ethylene glycol based coolant. It
has excellent protection against corrosion and rust
formation of all metals including aluminium and
can avoid blockages in the radiator, heater, cylin-
der head, engine block, etc.
Because of the necessity of this anti-corrosion
agent, the coolant must not be replaced with plain
water even in summer. The required concentration
of anti-freeze differs depending on the expected am-
bient temperature.Ambient temperature (minimum) °C-30-35-50Anti-freeze concentra- tion %455060CAUTIONlDo not use alcohol or methanol anti-
freeze or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol anti-freeze. The use
of an improper anti-freeze can cause cor-
rosion of the aluminium components.
l For effective anti-corrosion and anti-
freeze performance, keep the anti-freeze
concentration within the range of 45 to
60 %.
Concentrations exceeding 60 % will re-
sult in a reduction of both the anti-freeze
and cooling performance thus adversely
affecting the engine.
l Do not top up with water only.
Water by itself reduces the rust-protec-
tive and anti-freeze qualities of the cool-
ant and has a lower boiling point. It can
also cause damage to the cooling system if
it should freeze. Do not use tapwater, as it
can cause corrosion and rust formation.During cold weather
If the temperatures in your area drop below freez-
ing, there is the danger that the coolant in the en-
gine or radiator could freeze and cause severe dam-
age to the engine and/or radiator.
Add a sufficient amount of anti-freeze to the cool-
ant to prevent it from freezing.
The concentration should be checked before the
start of cold weather and anti-freeze added to the
system if necessary.
Maintenance
8-08
8
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Washer fluidE01000700702
Check the washer fluid level in the container.
If the level is low, replenish the container with wash-
er fluid.
NOTE
l The washer fluid container serves the wind-
screen and the rear window.
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the washers at low
temperatures, use a fluid containing an anti-freez-
ing agent.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid* E01000800035
The brake fluid (A) and the clutch fluid (B) share
reservoir tank.
To check the fluid level
A- Brake fluid B- Clutch fluid
C- Partition
The fluid level must be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” marks on the reservoir.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a float. When
the fluid level falls below the “MIN” mark, the
brake fluid warning lamp lights up.
The brake fluid level falls slightly with wear of the
brake pads, but this does not indicate any abnormal-
ity.
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked
when doing other work under the bonnet. The
brake system should also be checked for leaks at
the same time.
If the fluid level falls markedly in a short length of
time, it indicates leaks from the each system.
If this occurs, we recommend you to have the vehi-
cle checked.
Fluid type
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT4+ from a
sealed container.
The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too much moisture
in the brake fluid will adversely affect the brake sys-
tem and clutch system, reducing the performance.CAUTIONl Take care in handling brake fluid as it is
harmful to the eyes, may irritate your
skin and also damage painted surfaces.
l Use only the specified brake fluid.
Do not mix or add different brands of
brake fluid to prevent chemical reactions.
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid
touch, mix with, or get into the brake fluid.
This will damage the seals.
l Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to pre-
vent the brake fluid from deteriorating ex-
cept maintenance.
l Clean the filler cap before removing and
close the cap securely after maintenance.
Maintenance
8-09
8
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine BatteryE01001202160
The condition of the battery is very important for
quick starting of the engine and proper functioning
of the vehicle’s electrical system. Regular inspec-
tion and care are especially important in cold weath-
er.
Checking battery electrolyte level
The inside of the battery is divided into several com-
partments.
Checking the electrolyte level in each cell after re-
moving the cap.If the part marked (A) inside each cell is below the
surface of the electrolyte (B), the electrolyte level
is normal. Top up the electrolyte with distilled wa-
ter if necessary. Do not overfill the cell; spillage dur-
ing driving could cause damage.
Check the electrolyte level at least once every 4
weeks, depending on the operating conditions.
If the battery is not used, it will discharge by itself
with time.
Check it once every 4 weeks and charge with low
current as necessary.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low tem-
peratures. This is an inevitable result of its chemi-
cal and physical properties. This is why a very cold
battery, particularly one that is not fully charged,
will only deliver a fraction of the starter current
which is normally available.
We recommend you to have the battery checked be-
fore the start of cold weather and, if necessary,
have it charged or replaced.
This does not only ensure reliable starting, but a bat-
tery which is kept fully charged also has a longer life.
Disconnection and connectionCAUTIONl Do not disconnect the battery terminals
for at least one minute after the ignition
switch is turned “OFF”. If the battery ter-
minals are disconnected immediately af-
ter the ignition switch is turned “OFF”,
the automated manual transmission may
be damaged.
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine,
first disconnect the negative (-) terminal and then
the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect the posi-
tive (+) terminal and then the negative (-) terminal.
NOTE l Open the terminal cover (A) before discon-
necting or connecting the positive (+) termi-
nal of the battery.
l Loosen the nut (B), and then disconnect the
battery cable from the positive (+) terminal.
Maintenance
8-10
8
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WARNINGlKeep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away
from the battery because the battery
could explode.
l The battery electrolyte is extremely caus-
tic. Do not allow it to come in contact
with your eyes, skin, clothing, or the pain-
ted surfaces of the vehicle. Spilt electro-
lyte should be flushed immediately with
ample amounts of water.
Irritation to eyes or skin from contact
with electrolyte requires immediate medi-
cal attention.
l Ventilate when charging or using the bat-
tery in an enclosed space.CAUTIONl Never disconnect the battery with the ig-
nition switch in the “ON” position; doing
so could damage the vehicle’s electrical
components.
l Never short-circuit the battery; doing so
could cause it to overheat and be damaged.CAUTIONl Always wear protective eye goggles when
working near the battery.
l If the battery is to be quick-charged, first
disconnect the battery cables.
l In order to prevent a short circuit, be
sure to disconnect the negative (-) termi-
nal first.
l Keep it out of reach of children.
l Do not bring the nearby part, the plastic
parts and so on into contact with sulphu-
ric acid (battery electrolyte) which may
crack, stain or discolour them.
If they are in contact, wipe off with soft
cloth, chamois or the like and an aqueous
solution of neutral detergent then imme-
diately rinse the affected parts with plen-
ty of water.
NOTE
l Keep the terminals clean. After the battery is
connected, apply terminal protection grease.
To clean the terminals, use lukewarm water.
l Check to see if the battery is securely instal-
led and cannot be moved during travel. Also
check each terminal for tightness.
l When the vehicle is to be left unused for a
long period of time, remove the battery and
store it in a place where the battery fluid will
not freeze. The battery should be stored only
in a fully charged condition.
Tyres E01001300226WARNINGlDriving with tyres that are worn, dam-
aged or improperly inflated can lead to a
loss of control or blow out of the tyres
which can result in a collision with seri-
ous or fatal injury.
Maintenance
8-11
8