Do−It−Yourself Service Precautions - Toyota 1997 Corolla Owner's Manual

Do−it−yourself service
precautions
If you perform maintenance by your-
self, be sure to follow the correct pro-
cedure given in this part.
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operat-
ing problems.
Performing do−it−yourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect
your warranty coverage. Read the sepa-
rate Toyota Warranty statement for details
and suggestions.
This part gives instructions only for those
items that are relatively easy for an owner
to perform. As explained in Part 6, there
are still a number of items that must be
done by a qualified technician with special
tools.
For information on tools and parts for do−
it−yourself maintenance, see "Parts and
tools".
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to ob-
serve:
CAUTION
!
S When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)
S Right after driving, the engine
compartment—the engine, radia-
tor, 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.
S If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the
drain plugs to prevent burning
yourself.
S Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or
the battery. Their fumes are flam-
able.
S Be extremely cautious
working on the battery. It con-
tains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.
S Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it.
Always
stands or other solid supports.
S Be sure that the ignition is off if
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling
fans will automatically start to run
if the engine coolant temperature
is high and/or the air conditioning
is on.
S Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under you vehicle
where you may be exposed to fly-
ing or falling material, fluid spray,
etc.
S Used engine oil contains poten-
tially harmful contaminants which
may cause skin disorders such as
inflammation or skin cancer, so
care should be taken to avoid pro-
longed and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from
when
your skin, wash thoroughly with
soap and water.
S Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
use automotive jack
165