260DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE: Introduction
If you perform maintenance by yourself,
be sure to follow the correct procedure
given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operating
problems.
This Section gives instructions only for
those items that are relatively easy for an
owner to perform. As explained in Section
6, there are still a number of items that
must be done by a qualified technician
with special tools.
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to ob-
serve:
CAUTION
DWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)
DRight after driving, the engine
compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold, and spark plug
boots, etc. —will be hot. So be
careful not to touch them. Oil,
fluids and spark plugs may also be
hot.
DIf the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or coolant reser-
voir cap or loosen the drain plugs,
to prevent burning yourself.
DDo not leave anything that may
burn easily, such as paper or rags,
in the engine compartment.
DDo not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flammable.
DBe extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
DDo not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
DBe sure that the engine is off if you
work near the electric cooling fan
or radiator grille. With the engine
on, the electric cooling fan will au-
tomatically start to run if the en-
gine coolant temperature is high
and/or the air conditioning is on.
DUse eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to flying
or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
DUsed engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your
skin, wash thoroughly with soap
and water.
DDo not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
DDispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
DTake care when filling the brake
fluid reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes. If
fluid gets on your hands or in your
eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately. If you still
feel uncomfortable with your hands
or eyes, go to the doctor.
AYGO WE 99E37E1102.18
Do−it−yourself service
precautions
