Page 254 of 346
4.2
BONNET (1/2)Unlocking the bonnet catch
To unlock, push tab 3 at the same time
as opening the bonnet.
Opening the bonnet
Lift the bonnet, guiding it up, and it
will rest in position with the help of two
struts 2.
To open, pull handle
1, located on the
left-hand side of the dashboard.
The engine may be hot
when carrying out opera-
tions in close proximity. In
addition, the engine cooling
fan can come on at any moment.
Risk of injury.
1
Do not press down on the
bonnet: there is a risk that
the bonnet may accidentally
close.
Before performing any
action in the engine com-
partment, the ignition must
be switched off (please see
the information on “Starting, stop-
ping the engine” in Section 2).
When working in the engine
compartment, ensure that
the windscreen wiper stalk
is in the park position.
Risk of injury.
3
2
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4.4
ENGINE OIL LEVEL: general information
It is normal for an engine to use oil for
lubrication and cooling of moving parts
and it is normal to top up the level be-
tween oil changes.
However, contact your approved
Dealer if more than 0.5 litres is being
consumed every 600 miles (1,000 km)
after the running in period.
Oil change frequency: check the oil
level from time to time and certainly
before any long journey to avoid the
risk of damaging your engine.
Reading the oil level
The oil level should be read with the ve-
hicle on level ground, after the engine
has been switched off for some time.
The dipstick must be used to read
the exact oil level and make sure
that the maximum level has not been
exceeded (risk of engine damage).
Refer to the following pages.
The instrument panel display only
alerts the driver when the oil level is at
its minimum. – remove the dipstick and wipe with a
clean, lint-free cloth;
– push the dipstick in as far as it will go (for vehicles equipped with a cap-
type dipstick C, screw the cap in as
far as it will go);
– take out the dipstick again;
– read the level: it should never fall below minimum mark A or exceed
maximum mark B.
Once the operation has been com-
pleted, ensure that the dipstick is
pushed in as far as it will go or that
the “cap-type dipstick” is completely
screwed in.
C
A
B
A
B
In order to prevent splashback, it is
recommended that a funnel be used
when topping up/filling with oil
Before performing any
action in the engine com-
partment, the ignition must
be switched off (please see
the information on “Starting, stop-
ping the engine” in Section 2).
Exceeding the maximum
engine oil level
Under no circumstances
must the maximum fill
level B be exceeded: risk of damage
to the engine and catalytic con-
verter.
If the oil level exceeds the maximum
level, do not start your vehicle and
contact an approved Dealer.
Page 257 of 346

4.5
ENGINE OIL LEVEL: topping up, filling (1/3)
Topping up/Filling
The vehicle must be parked on level
ground and the engine should be cold
(for instance, before the engine is
started up for the first time in the day).– Unscrew cap
1;
– top up the level (as a guide, the ca- pacity between the minimum and
maximum reading on the dipstick 2
is between 1.5 and 2 litres, depend-
ing on the engine);
– wait for approximately 20 minutes to allow the oil to flow into the engine;
– check the level using the dipstick 2
(as described above).
Once the operation has been com-
pleted, ensure that the dipstick is
pushed in as far as it will go or that
the “cap-type dipstick” is completely
screwed in.
Do not exceed the max level and
do not forget to refit cap 1 and dip-
stick 2.
1
1
2
Before performing any
action in the engine com-
partment, the ignition must
be switched off (please see
the information on “Starting, stop-
ping the engine” in Section 2).
1
2
In order to prevent splashing, it is
recommended that a funnel be used
when topping up/filling the oil.
2
Page 258 of 346
4.6
ENGINE OIL LEVEL: topping up, filling (2/3)
Do not exceed the max level and
do not forget to refit cap 1 and dip-
stick 2.
1
2
1
2
Before performing any
action in the engine com-
partment, the ignition must
be switched off (please see
the information on “Starting, stop-
ping the engine” in Section 2).
In order to prevent splashing, it is
recommended that a funnel be used
when topping up/filling the oil.
Page 259 of 346

4.7
Engine oil grade
Refer to the Maintenance Service
Booklet for your vehicle.
Never run the engine in an
enclosed space as exhaust
gases are poisonous.
Engine oil change: if you
are changing the oil when
the engine is hot, be careful
not to scald yourself if the
oil overflows.
Filling: take care when
topping up the oil that
no oil drips onto engine
components - risk of fire.
Remember to refit the cap securely
as there is a risk of fire if oil splashes
onto hot engine components.
Consult your approved Dealer at
once if you notice an abnormal or
repeated drop in any of the fluid
levels.
ENGINE OIL LEVEL: topping up, filling (3/3)/OIL CHANGE
Exceeding the maximum
engine oil level
Under no circumstances
must the maximum fill level
be exceeded: risk of damage to the
engine and catalytic converter.
If the oil level exceeds the maximum
level, do not start your vehicle and
contact an approved Dealer.
Oil change
Service interval: refer to the
Maintenance Service Booklet for your
vehicle.
Oil change capacity
Please refer to the maintenance docu-
ment for your vehicle, or contact an au-
thorised dealer.
Always check the engine oil level using
the dipstick, as explained previously (it
should never fall below the minimum
level, or be over the maximum level on
the dipstick).
When working in the engine
compartment, ensure that
the windscreen wiper stalk
is in the park position.
Risk of injury.
The engine may be hot
when carrying out opera-
tions in close proximity. In
addition, the engine cooling
fan can come on at any moment.
Risk of injury.
Page 260 of 346

4.8
Replacement intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Document for
your vehicle.
Checking intervals
Check the coolant level regularly
(very severe damage is likely to be
caused to the engine if it runs out of
coolant).
If the level needs to be topped up, only
use products approved by our Technical
Department which ensure:
– protection against freezing;
– anticorrosion protection of the cool- ing system.
LEVELS (1/3)
Coolant
With the engine switched off and on
level ground, the level when cold must
be between the “MINI" and "MAXI"
marks on coolant reservoir 1.
Top this level up when cold before it
reaches the MIN mark.
No operations should be
carried out on the cooling
circuit when the engine is
hot.
Risk of burns.
Consult your approved dealer at
once if you notice an abnormal or
repeated drop in any of the fluid
levels.
The engine may be hot
when carrying out opera-
tions in close proximity. In
addition, the engine cooling
fan can come on at any moment.
Risk of injury.
1
Before performing any
action in the engine com-
partment, the ignition must
be switched off (please see
the information on “Starting, stop-
ping the engine” in Section 2).
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4.9
LEVELS (2/3)
Brake fluid level
This should be checked frequently, and
any time you notice even the slightest
loss in braking efficiency.
The level should be read with the engine
switched off and on level ground.Level 2
It is normal for the level to drop as
the linings become worn, but it should
never drop below the “MINI” warning
line.
If you wish to check the disc and drum
wear yourself, you should obtain the
document explaining the checking pro-
cedure from our network or from the
manufacturer’s website. Topping up
After any operation on the hydraulic cir-
cuit, a specialist must replace the fluid.
Only use fluids approved by our
Technical Department (and taken from
a sealed container).
Replacement intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Document for
your vehicle.
The engine may be hot
when carrying out opera-
tions in close proximity. In
addition, the engine cooling
fan can come on at any moment.
Risk of injury.
2
Before performing any
action in the engine com-
partment, the ignition must
be switched off (please see
the information on “Starting, stop-
ping the engine” in Section 2).
If there is an abnormal or repeated
drop in the fluid level, consult an ap-
proved dealer.
Page 263 of 346

4.11
BATTERY (1/2)
1
Battery 1 does not require any mainte-
nance. You should not open it or add
any fluid.
Handle the battery with care
as it contains sulphuric acid
which must not come into
contact with the eyes or
skin. If it does, wash the affected
area with plenty of cold water. If ne-
cessary, consult a doctor.
Ensure that naked flames, red hot
objects and sparks do not come into
contact with the battery as there is a
risk of explosion.
The engine may be hot
during operations in close
proximity. In addition, the
engine cooling fan may
start at any moment.
Risk of injury.
Before performing any
action in the engine com-
partment, the ignition must
be switched off (please see
the information on “Starting, stop-
ping the engine” in Section 2).
Depending on the vehicle, a system
continuously checks the battery charge
status. If this decreases, the message
“Battery low start engine” is displayed
on the instrument panel. In this case,
start the engine. The message will go
off.
The charge status of your battery can
decrease especially if you use your
vehicle:
– for short journeys;
– for driving in town;
– when the temperature drops;
– after extended use of energy-con- suming devices (radio, etc.) with the
engine switched off.