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Do-it-yourself service
precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself,
be sure to follow the correct procedure
given in this Section.
You should be aware that improper or incom-
plete servicing may result in operating prob-
lems.
This Section gives instructions only for those
items that are relatively easy for an owner
to perform. As explained in Section 6, there
are still a number of items that must be done
by a qualified technician with special tools.
Utmost care should be taken when working
on your vehicle to prevent accidental injury.
Here are a few precautions that you should
be especially careful to observe:
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
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hands, clothing, and tools away from
the moving fan and engine drive belts.
(Removing rings, watches, and ties is
advisable.)
Immediately after driving, the engine
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compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold, power steering
fluid reservoir and spark plug boots,
etc.—will be hot. So be careful not to
touch them. Oil, fluids and spark
plugs may also be hot.
If the engine is hot, do not remove the
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radiator cap or loosen the drain plugs
to prevent burning yourself.
Do not leave any combustible materi-
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als, such as paper or rags, in the en-
gine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow
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open flames around fuel or the bat-
tery. Their fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working
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on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulphuric acid.
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Do not get under your vehicle with
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just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Be sure that the ignition is off if you
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work near the electric cooling fans or
radiator grille. With the ignition on,
the electric cooling fans will automati-
cally start to run if the engine coolant
temperature is high and/or the air
conditioning is on.
Use eye protection whenever you
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work on or under your vehicle where
you may be exposed to flying or fal-
ling material, fluid spray, etc.
Used engine oil contains potentially
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harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your skin,
wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not leave used oil within the reach
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of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only in
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a safe and acceptable manner. Do not
dispose of used oil and filter in house-
hold rubbish, in sewers or onto the
ground. Call your dealer, a service
station or local government for in-
formation concerning recycling or
disposal.
Take care when filling the brake fluid
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reservoirs because brake fluid can
harm your hands or eyes. If fluid gets
on your hands, flush the affected area
with clean water immediately. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately
and seek medical assistance.
--
INTRODUCTION
253
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