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.
Always observe the safety precautions when working in the engine compartment. Potentially serious injury or death may result.
For more information on safety precautions. See SAFETY IN THE GARAGE.
A number of simple checks and routine maintenance must be carried out at regular intervals. See WEEKLY CHECKS.
3.0L GASOLINE ENGINE:
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 Add 1.0 quart of engine oil, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Check the engine oil level. Do not start the engine until oil has been added. Allowing the engine to continue running with a low oil level may cause the engine to seize.
The graphic shown above is for illustrative purposes only.
The dipstick features minimum and maximum marks in order to help determine the oil level present in the engine. The marks can take the form of holes, lines, or a hatched area.
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 and 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 lies within the hatched portion on the dipstick blade, do not add any more oil.
There is no requirement to top-up the oil unless the oil is at or below the lower mark.
If the oil level is at or below the lower mark, add 1 U.S. quart (1 liter) of oil. Wait 5 minutes and recheck the oil level.
In addition to a dipstick, some engines feature an electronic oil level measurement system. The electronic oil level measurement system provides an alternative method for checking the engine oil level using the touchscreen.
Before checking the engine oil level, make sure that:
If a measurement is completed successfully, the engine oil level is displayed in the oil level indicator on the touchscreen.
The oil level can then be checked as follows:
The most recent oil level measurement remains visible for a short period of time after the engine is switched off.
If the engine is restarted, the oil level measurement is reset and updated after further steady vehicle driving.
Frequent short trips, driving on steep inclines, or dynamic driving styles may prevent successful oil level measurement. In this case, perform weekly oil level checks using the dipstick.
The vehicle’s warranty may be invalidated if damage is caused by using oil that does not meet the required specification. See LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS.
Before driving off-road, top up the engine oil level to the maximum mark on the engine oil level dipstick. Failure to do so could result in an insufficient oil level when driving at certain angles off-road, which could cause damage to the engine.
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.
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:
Running the engine without coolant causes serious engine damage.
If persistent coolant loss is noticed, seek qualified assistance immediately.
Check the coolant reservoir level at least every week. Check more frequently in high mileage or arduous conditions. Always check the level when the system is cold.
Make sure the coolant level remains between the MIN and MAX indicator marks on the side of the expansion tank.
If the coolant level has dropped suddenly, or by a large amount, arrange for the vehicle to be examined by qualified personnel. Consult a retailer/authorized repairer as soon as possible.
TOPPING UP THE COOLANT
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 inflammable. Do not allow brake fluid to come into contact with open flames or other sources of ignition, e.g., a hot engine.
Do not drive the vehicle with the fluid level below the MIN mark. If the quantity of fluid in the brake reservoir drops below the recommended level, a red warning lamp in the instrument panel illuminates. 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:
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 windshield 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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