Do not start the engine, or drive the vehicle, if leaked fluid could possibly make contact with a hot surface. Any leaked fluid coming into contact with a hot surface, such as the exhaust, could result in combustion. Seek qualified assistance immediately. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death.
Always observe and follow the safety precautions when working in the engine compartment. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death. See SAFETY WHEN CARRYING OUT VEHICLE CHECKS.
A number of simple checks and routine maintenance must be carried out at regular intervals. See WEEKLY CHECKS.
The washer fluid reservoir filler cap is located in the luggage compartment.
Check the engine oil weekly. If any significant or sudden drop in the oil level is noted, seek qualified assistance.
Never allow the oil level to fall below the lower mark on the dipstick or the oil level indicator.
If the instrument panel displays the message ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Allowing the engine to continue running with low oil pressure may cause the engine to seize. Seek qualified assistance immediately. Do not start the engine until the cause has been rectified.
Check the engine oil level frequently. Top up, as required, using the correct grade for the engine.
The dipstick on 2.0L gasoline engines features a lug to aid correct fitment. Make sure the lug is correctly aligned with the groove in the dipstick tube. Failure to do this could result in the dipstick not fitting correctly and oil escaping from the engine.
Before checking the engine oil level, make sure that:
If it is necessary to check the oil level when the engine is hot, switch off the engine. Let the vehicle stand for 5 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the sump. Do not start the engine.
The oil level can then be checked as follows:
If the oil level is nearer to the upper mark on the dipstick, do not add any oil.
If the oil level is below halfway, add 0.5 U.S. quarts (0.5 liters) of oil. Recheck the level and add more oil, if necessary.
If the oil level is below the lower mark, add 1.3 U.S. quarts (1.2 liters) of oil.
Once the oil has reached the correct level on the dipstick, wait 5 minutes and recheck.
Engines without a dipstick feature an electronic monitoring system. The engine oil level is not monitored when the engine is running, or when the vehicle is in motion.
Before checking the engine oil level, make sure that:
The oil level can then be checked as follows:
The instrument panel displays the engine oil level indicator.
The indicator displays an indication of the oil level. Messages to the right of the indicator advise of any action to be taken.
Message | Action |
---|---|
OK | No action is required. |
Overfilled | Seek qualified assistance immediately. Do not drive the vehicle as this will cause serious damage to the engine. |
Low | Add 1.6 U.S. quarts (1.5 liters) of oil. Recheck the level. |
Critically Low | Seek qualified assistance immediately. |
Add XX Quarts | Add the advised quantity of oil to the engine. Recheck the level. |
Not Available | The oil level is stabilizing. Switch off the ignition. Wait 10 minutes, then recheck the oil level display. |
ENGINE OIL LEVEL MONITOR SYSTEM FAULT | Seek qualified assistance immediately. |
The vehicle’s warranty may be invalidated if the damage is caused by using oil that does not meet the required specification. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS.
Failure to use an oil that meets the required specification could cause excessive engine wear, a build-up of sludge and deposits, and increased pollution. A resultant cause could be engine failure.
Overfilling with oil could result in severe engine damage. Add engine oil in small quantities. Recheck the level to make sure the engine is not overfilled.
The use of the correct oil specification is essential. Make sure the oil is suitable for the climatic conditions in which the vehicle is to be operated.
To top up the oil:
Add oil to maintain the level between the MIN and MAX marks or notches on the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil required to raise the level from MIN to MAX is 1.9 U.S. quarts (1.8 liters).
Add oil, as indicated by the engine oil level indicator messages in the instrument panel.
Running the engine without coolant will cause serious engine damage.
Never remove the coolant reservoir filler cap when the engine is hot. Escaping steam or scalding water could cause serious personal injury.
Unscrew the filler cap slowly, allowing the pressure to escape before removing completely. Failure to unscrew the cap slowly may result in serious injury.
Antifreeze is highly flammable. Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with open flames or other sources of ignition, e.g., a hot engine. A fire may result.
Antifreeze is poisonous and can be fatal if swallowed. Keep containers sealed and out of the reach of children. If consumption is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
If the fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
When traveling in territories where the water supply contains salt, always make sure to carry a supply of fresh (rain or distilled) water. Topping up with salt water causes serious engine damage.
The use of non-approved antifreeze has an adverse effect on the engine’s cooling system and, therefore, engine durability. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS.
Antifreeze damages painted surfaces. Soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately. Wash the area with a mixture of car shampoo and water.
Do not use any anti-leak products in the cooling system. Damage to the vehicle may result.
Antifreeze contains important corrosion inhibitors. The antifreeze content of the coolant must be maintained at 50% to 60% all year round, not just in cold conditions. To make sure the anti-corrosion properties of the coolant are maintained, the antifreeze content should be checked once a year. Regardless of the distance traveled, the antifreeze should be replaced every 10 years. Failure to do so may cause corrosion of the radiator and engine components. The specific gravity of a 50% antifreeze solution at 68°F (20°C) is 1.068 and protects against frost down to -40°F (-40°C).
To top up the coolant:
Make sure that the correct mixture of water and antifreeze is used. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS.
In an emergency, and only if the approved antifreeze is unavailable, top up the cooling system with clean water. Be aware of the resultant reduction in frost protection. Do not top up or refill with conventional antifreeze formulations. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician.
Seek qualified assistance immediately if brake pedal travel is unusually long, or if there is any significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under such conditions could result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
Brake fluid is highly toxic. Keep containers sealed and out of the reach of children. If accidental consumption of fluid is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
If the fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water.
Brake fluid is highly flammable. Do not allow brake fluid to come into contact with open flames, a hot engine, or other sources of ignition.
Do not drive the vehicle with the fluid level below the MIN mark. In the event of the quantity of fluid, in the brake reservoir, dropping below the recommended level, warnings are displayed. A red warning lamp illumination and the message Brake Fluid Low are displayed in the instrument panel. See BRAKE (RED).
If the warning lamp illuminates while the vehicle is being driven, gently apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, as soon as safety permits. Check and top up the fluid level, if necessary. With the vehicle on level ground, check the fluid level at least every week. Check more frequently in high mileage or arduous operating conditions.
To check the brake fluid level, remove the relevant under-hood cover. See FLUID FILLER LOCATIONS and UNDER-HOOD COVERS REMOVAL. Check the brake fluid reservoir level. The level should be between the MIN and the MAX marks.
The fluid level may drop slightly during normal use, as a result of brake pad wear. The fluid level should not be allowed to drop below the MIN mark.
Always use brake fluid that has the correct specification. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS.
Brake fluid damages painted surfaces. Soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth immediately. Wash the area with a mixture of car shampoo and water.
Only use new fluid from an airtight container. Fluid from open containers, or fluid previously bled from the system, will have absorbed moisture. Contaminated fluid will adversely affect performance, and must not be used.
Do not top up the brake fluid to the maximum mark unless the brake pads have been replaced. If unsure, seek qualified assistance.
To top up the brake fluid:
Some windshield washer products are flammable, particularly if high or undiluted concentrations are exposed to sparking. Do not allow the windshield washer fluid to come into contact with exposed flames or sources of ignition, as this can cause a fire or explosion.
If the vehicle is operated in temperatures below 40°F (4°C), use a windshield washer fluid with frost protection. In cold weather, failure to use a windshield washer fluid with frost protection could result in impaired vision and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Do not use antifreeze or vinegar and water solution in the washer reservoir. Antifreeze damages painted surfaces, while vinegar can damage the windshield washer pump.
Body panels may suffer discoloration as a result of windshield washer fluid spillage. Take care to avoid spillage, particularly if an undiluted or high concentration is being used. If spillage occurs, wash the affected area immediately with water.
National or local regulations may restrict the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are commonly used as antifreeze agents in windshield washer fluid. A windshield washer fluid with limited VOC content should be used only if it provides adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which the vehicle is operated.
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