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230•Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is hot, as the fan could
start up suddenly.•Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure.•Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant fluid
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the
expansion tank.•If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, radi-
ator fan, etc.) and from the high-voltage ignition system.•Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system or
the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near open flames.
− Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.Caution
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are
located on the other side of the engine compartment.Closing the bonnet– To close the bonnet, push it down until it overcomes the spring
pressure.
– Let the bonnet engage in the locking part. Do not force it ⇒ .
WARNING
•For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed when
the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check that it is properly
secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adjacent body panels.•Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the
vehicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels235
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp on the instrument panel
display
⇒page 78. However, we recommend that it should be checked occa-
sionally.
Coolant fluid loss
Any loss of coolant fluid normally indicates a leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified workshop
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the coolant fluid.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant fluid can only occur if the
coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant fluid. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the coolant fluid
Be careful when topping up with coolant fluid.– Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒fig. 179 with a cloth, and
carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Add coolant fluid.
– Screw on the cap tightly.
Make sure that the coolant fluid meets the required specifications
⇒page 233, “Coolant fluid”. Do not use a different type of antifreeze if
G12++ antifreeze is not available. In this case, use only water and bring the
antifreeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new coolant fluid.
Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess coolant fluid is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of coolant fluid has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine
damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.•The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a health hazard. Therefore, the
antifreeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant into
a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe environ-
mental regulations).
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Checking and refilling levels
236Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after stopping
the engine, even after the ignition is switched off. It may also start running
suddenly ⇒ after some while if•Stored heat raises the coolant temperature, or•The hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the sun.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment be aware that the radiator fan
may start running suddenly, leading to the risk of injury.
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesWindscreen washer system
Plain water is not sufficient for the windscreen washer
system.The container for the windscreen washer contains the cleaning fluid for the
windscreen and the headlight washer system*. The container is located in the
engine compartment (front left). The fi ller cap is marked with the symbol
W
⇒ fig. 180.
The capacity of the container is listed in ⇒page 301.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It is therefore
advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with wax solvent) to the
water. A washer fluid with freeze-resistant additive should be used in winter.
Fig. 180 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
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