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Check fluid level (every 400 km (250 miles) run or weekly)

The following check fluid levels should be performed weekly or every 400 km (250 miles). Additional checks of levels of liquids produced in the framework of the procedures illustrated below maintenance. Regardless of the timing of the tests look for signs of fluid leaks under the car, which may be the evidence of fault for immediate elimination.

Fluids are an integral and important component of ensuring the proper functioning of systems, lubrication, cooling, braking, coupling and washing the windshield. Because the fluid during normal operation of the vehicle subject to a gradual dilution and contamination, you need to periodically replace them. Before proceeding to the replacement or addition of a liquid in any of the following: check the components with the requirements of recommended lubricants and fluids Specifications at the beginning of this Chapter.

For carrying out the fluid level check the vehicle must be parked on level ground.

Engine oil

Checking the motor oil is made using the probe inserted into a tube and reaches the bottom of the sump.

Dipstick motor oil on models V8 is on the front wall of the engine behind the radiator.

The measurement of motor oil is made before the first day of the trip or after at least 15 minutes after turning off the engine. Checking immediately after stopping the engine will give the wrong result, because of the oil at the same time will be in the upper part of the engine.

Remove the dipstick from the tube and wipe it dry with a clean cloth or a blade with a paper towel. Fully insert the dipstick back into the tube and pull it out again. Rate the height of the wetted area of the blade with oil dipstick. If necessary, make topping up oil, bringing it to a level located between the marks ADD (Add) and FULL (full) on the measuring section of the blade of the probe.

Motor oil level must be maintained continuously between the markings on the blade of the probe - to raise the level from the ADD mark to the FULL mark takes about 1 liter of oil.

Do not overfill the engine, pouring too much oil, as it is fraught with failure of seals, oil leaks and throwing the spark plugs.

Topping up the oil in the engine is made after removing the filler cap located on the cylinder head cover. To avoid oil spillage must be equipped to take advantage of long spout oiler or funnel.

Oil poured into the engine after removing the filler cap located on the cylinder head cover - previously required to wipe the cap and the surrounding surface of the neck to prevent the ingress of dirt into the engine.

Checking the motor oil is an important preventive step vehicle maintenance. The constant decline in the oil indicates the presence of its leaks, which may cause a defect seals and gaskets, worn piston rings or valve guides. If the oil is milky-like consistency or it is obvious there is water, it is likely that there are defects in the gasket (s) head (s) or cracks in the cylinder block casting. It is necessary to immediately make an inspection of the engine. Also need to check the level and condition of the oil well. First time removing the dipstick when checking the oil level, remove the traces of oil from it between thumb and forefinger. When the probe is stuck to small metal filings, oil must be changed (Section Change motor oil and oil filter (every 4800 km (3000 miles) or once every 3 months)).

Cooler Engine

Do not suppose antifreeze hit on open sites of a body and the painted surfaces of the vehicle. Casually got splashes immediately wash off with plenty of water. Do not store new and did not throw a fusion cooler within the reach of children and animals - sweet smell of antifreeze can easily get their attention. Contact with even a small amount of coolant inside the body can be fatal! Immediately wipe spilled on the garage floor cooler. Keep antifreeze in sealed containers and immediately remove all detectable leakage of the cooling system.

All covered in this manual are equipped with car running at a pressure of the cooling system of compensatory type. Made of white plastic expansion tank is located in the engine compartment and is connected by a hose to the radiator filler cap. If overheating of the engine coolant is forced out through a valve in the radiator cap and hose enters the expansion tank. As the cooling of the engine coolant is automatically poured from the tank back into the radiator, which allows you to automatically maintain the required level of his system.

Expansion tank is located in the right rear corner of the engine compartment - try to constantly maintain the coolant level near the FULL mark on the reservoir.

Check the fluid level in the expansion tank of the cooling system must be done regularly.

Do not remove the cover from the tank to check the level of liquid in it when the engine is hot. The level of coolant in the expansion tank varies with engine temperature. When the engine is cold the coolant level should be just above the level of ADD (Fill) on the reservoir. After warming up the engine level in the reservoir should rise, approaching the mark FULL (full). If these requirements are not met, wait for the cooling of the engine, and then remove the lid of the tank and refill it necessary to adjust the level of the amount of 50% mixture of antifreeze based on ethylene glycol and water.

After the test drive, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir. If the coolant to bring the level to the desired value requires only a small topping, you can just use clean water. However, regular repetitive addition of water will soon lead to an unacceptable dilution of antifreeze. Thus, in order to maintain the desired composition of the cooler, it is recommended to compose the topping mixture. In order to form the desired composition of the mixture is convenient to use an empty packet of the milk. It should not be added to the ready-mixed additives and corrosion inhibitors.

If the coolant level drops continuously, it may be an indication of leakage in the system. Check for signs of leaks a radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and the water pump (Section Check of cooling system (every 4800 km (3000 miles) or once every 3 months)). If signs of leaks can not be found, should be tested radiator cap pressure - contact a workshop.

If there is a need for removing the radiator cap, pre-wait full cooling of the engine, then wrap a thick layer of cloth cover and slowly remove it to the first stop. If at cover starts to break out steam, allow the engine to cool down further, and then remove the cover.

Also check the state of the coolant. The cooler must be relatively transparent. If he has a reddish-brown color of rust, the system must be drained, rinsed and fill with fresh mixture. As part of the mixture of corrosion inhibitor over time it loses its protective properties, change the coolant should be done through the provided schedule of routine maintenance intervals, regardless of its condition.

Windscreen washing liquid

Liquid for washing the windshield of the car is filled in a tank made of plastic, also located in the engine compartment.

Reservoir fluid Windshield washer located on the left of the engine compartment - the proportion of fluid can be produced after removal of the flip cover.

In areas with a temperate climate for the windscreen washer may be used ordinary water, but the amount of it in the container should not exceed 2/3 of the volume of the latter with the aim of a safety net in case of expansion of water during freezing during, for example, night cooling. In cold regions into the tank must be charged special antifreeze - ask in shops of automobile accessories - lowering the freezing point of the liquid. Antifreeze mix with water in the proportions indicated on the package.

In any case, do not use an antifreeze for use in the cooling system, as it is aggressive towards painted surfaces!

In order to prevent icing glass when using the washer in cold weather, pre-heating switch (airflow) glass.

Battery Electrolyte

Most of the models covered in this manual are equipped with car batteries sealed (not counting the vents) type and have flooded the covers. Carry out regular topping up water in such batteries are not required. If for any reason your car is equipped with a maintenance-free battery types, you must regularly remove her top cover and check the electrolyte level in the banks. Particularly important are these checks in the warmer months.

Brake fluid and hydraulic clutch fluid

The main brake cylinder (and, if available, clutch cylinder) is fixed in the upper left corner of the engine compartment bulkhead.

The fluid is clearly visible through the translucent walls of the plastic container. If the fluid level is not permissible fell before removing the lid of the tank for the purpose of topping the product, previously thoroughly clean the upper part of a clean cloth to prevent dirt from entering the hydraulic system (brake / clutch).

The brake fluid level can be checked easily through the translucent walls of the tank - for a product topping remove the covers.

When you add the liquid gently top up it in the tank, taking care to avoid splashing of the surrounding painted surfaces. Use only the fluid required grades, since the mixing of two different types of liquids may result in permanent damage to the system (see. Subpart recommended oil and grease Specifications in the beginning of this chapter or the manual of the car).

Hit the brake fluid in the eyes may cause serious injury, in addition, the liquid is aggressive to the painted surfaces of the car. Therefore, when dealing with her extreme caution. Do not use brake fluid is stored in an open container of more than one year - liquid is highly hygroscopic (capable of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere). Excessive amounts of moisture in the brake fluid is fraught with dangerous reduction in braking performance.

At this stage of the fluid and the master cylinder can be checked for signs of contamination. In case of dirt particles, drops of water or sediment system must be emptied and filled with fresh fluid.

After filling the tank to the required level, take care of the tightness of his cap / plug to prevent leaks.

The brake fluid level in the master cylinder will fall slightly as the wear of the brake pads and shoes during normal operation of the vehicle, as this is a more complete displacement piston calipers / wheel cylinders. If the maintenance of the required level in the master cylinder requires regular and frequent topping up the fluid, it is a sign of a leak in the system, the source of which must be immediately identified and eliminated. Carefully check the condition of the brake lines and compression fittings (see. Section Checking brake (every 12 000 km (7500 miles) or time in 6 months)).

If you check the fluid level of the master cylinder is detected that one or both tanks are empty or nearly empty, the brake system should be bled (Head Brake system).