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.
- Put the gear lever in neutral (manual gearbox) or put the selector lever in the parking position P (automatic gearbox).
- 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.
- Never touch the radiator fan. The fan is temperature-controlled and may switch on suddenly even if the ignition is switched off.
- 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.
- 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 cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
- Never remove the engine cover panel - risk of burns!
- Never touch ignition cables or other components of the electronic high-voltage ignition system while the engine is running or being started – risk of electrocution!
- (Applies to vehicles with automatic gearbox: ) Never open the throttle inadvertently 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.
- If any tests or repairs 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:
- First apply the parking brake and put the gear lever in neutral (manual gearbox) or put the selector lever in the parking position P (automatic gearbox).
- Always make sure that no parts of the body, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair can become caught up in rotating engine parts. Before commencing any work, always remove ties and jewellery, tie back long hair and wear tight clothing to prevent these from becoming caught up in the engine parts.
- Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel 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.