SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE203
(Continued)
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil
must be maintained at the correct level. Check the
oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel
stop. The best time to check the engine oil level is
about five minutes after a fully warmed up engine
is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low
end of the range and MAX at the high end of the
range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the
MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick. Adding 1 quart (1 liter) of oil when the reading is at
the low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil
level to the high end of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer
solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out any residual
water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of
fluid when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Never smoke while working in the engine
compartment: gas and inflammable vapors
may be present, with the risk of fire.
Be very careful when working in the engine
compartment when the engine is hot: you may
get burned. Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start; danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
CAUTION!
Be careful not to confuse the various types of
fluids while topping up: they are not compatible
with each other! Topping up with an unsuitable
fluid could severely damage your car.
The oil level must never exceed the MAX mark.
Always top up using engine oil of the same
specifications as that already in the engine.
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for the
engine to cool down before loosening the filler
cap, particularly for vehicles with aluminum
caps (if equipped). WARNING: risk of burns!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase
will cause aeration or loss of oil pressure.
This could damage your engine.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could
damage your engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling or
working around the washer solution.
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