Warning: The electric fan in these models can be used at any time, even with the ignition off. When working in the fan area, disconnect the fan motor or the negative battery cable from the power supply.
Note: When checking fluid levels, the vehicle must be level.
Motor oil
1. The engine oil level is checked with a dipstick located at the front of the engine, next to the generator. The dipstick goes down through a metal tube to the pan.
2. Check the oil level before starting the car or approximately 15 minutes after stopping the engine.
3. To add oil, remove the filler cap on the left side of the valve cover.
Coolant
Warning: Do not allow coolant to come into contact with skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. If contact occurs, wash immediately with plenty of water. Keep coolant out of reach of children and animals.
4. All vehicles covered by this manual are equipped with a pressurized cooling system. The white plastic coolant expansion tank is located in the right front corner of the engine compartment and is connected by a hose to the radiator filler neck. The coolant expansion tank and windshield washer reservoir are housed in one housing. The markings on the tank caps are clear (see figure).
5. The coolant level in the expansion tank should be checked regularly.
Warning: Do not remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level when the engine is warm. The coolant level in the reservoir varies with engine temperature. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or slightly above the ADD mark on the reservoir. When the engine is warm, the level should be at or slightly above the FULL HOT mark. If it is not, allow the engine to cool, remove the reservoir cap, and add a 50% mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze.
6. If the coolant level is steadily falling, there must be a leak in the cooling system. Check the cooling system components.
Brake fluid
7. The brake fluid level can be seen through the wall of the plastic reservoir of the master brake cylinder. The master brake cylinder is installed in front of the booster unit in the rear left corner of the engine compartment.
8. The fluid level should be between the MAX and MIN lines on the tank wall.
9. Add only special brake fluid (as recommended at the beginning of the chapter). Fill the reservoir to the maximum mark.
Warning: Brake fluid can cause eye damage and damage painted surfaces, so use with extreme caution.
10. After filling the reservoir to the required level, check the tightness of the brake cylinder cap to prevent leakage and/or contamination.
11. The fluid level in the brake master cylinder will drop slightly after the brake pads have been bedded in through normal operation. If the level drops continuously, check the entire system for leaks immediately.
12. If you find that the reservoir is empty or almost empty, after filling the fluid, you should bleed the brakes (chapter 9).
Windshield washer fluid
13. The washer fluid reservoir is the rear tank of the coolant/washer fluid combination, the assembly of which is mounted on the right side of the engine compartment. When filling the reservoirs, be careful not to mix up the two fluids.
14. In mild climates, you can fill the reservoir with plain water, but not more than 2/3 of the way full, so that there is some extra space in case of freezing. In colder climates, use a special windshield washer fluid.