Extra caution is necessary when working on components in the engine compartment.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below and follow all normal safety precautions. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ►
- Switch off the engine.
- Switch off the ignition.
- Apply the parking brake.
- On vehicles with manual gearbox place the gear lever in neutral, on vehicles with automatic gearbox move the selector lever to position P.
- To avoid the risk of being scalded, never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.
- Wait for the engine to cool down.
- Keep children away from engine compartment.
- Never spill fluids on a hot engine. These fluids can cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
- Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system.
- When working in the engine compartment be aware that the radiator fan may start running suddenly, even if the ignition is switched off – risk of injury!
- Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
- Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
- Never remove the engine cover panel - risk of burns!
- If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.
- Never touch the radiator fan. The electric additional fan is controlled by temperature and can start running without warning.
- (Applies to vehicles with automatic gearbox: ) Never open the throttle inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine compartment) if a gear is engaged while the vehicle is stationary with the engine running. The vehicle will otherwise start moving immediately and could cause an accident.
- Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
- Do not smoke.
- Never work near naked flames.
- Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
- Any work on the batteries and electrical system in your vehicle entails a risk of injury and chemical burns in addition to danger of accident or fire. For this reason, you must have the work carried out by a qualified workshop.
CAUTION
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers / reservoirs mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine compartment.