Page: 256

Exercise Extreme Caution when Working on your vehicle
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do not attempt the adjustments described on the following pages.

This caution applies to the entire vehicle.

Fire and Explosion Hazards
Many vehicle fluids are highly flammable, e.g. fuel, engine and transmission oil. Fuel vapors can cause an explosion. When a battery is being charged, highly explosive gases can develop.

• Do not smoke or allow an open flame around the battery or fuel.
  Pay attention to sparks, e.g. when coming into contact with cables.
  Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
• Ensure that there are no open flames in the area of your vehicle at any time when fuel fumes might be present. Be especially cautious of devices such as hot water heaters which ignite a flame intermittently.
• Only work on your vehicle outdoors or in a well ventilated area.

---

Fluid Health Hazards
Refill fluids, e.g. engine oil, brake fluid or coolant are hazardous to health (poisonous, irritant, caustic).

• Keep these fluids out of children's reach and dispose of them in accordance with the appropriate regulations.
• Only work on your vehicle outdoors or in a well ventilated area.

---

Exhaust Gas Inhalation
Engine exhaust is dangerous if inhaled.

Engine exhaust fumes have many components which you can smell. They also contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless and odorless gas.

Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and even death if inhaled.

• Only work on your vehicle outdoors or in a well ventilated area.

---

Hot Engine Parts, Exhaust System and Fluids
The engine and surroundings components, the exhaust system and coolant become very hot when the engine is running.

The coolant reservoir is pressurized. Careless opening of the coolant reservoir can lead to hot coolant suddenly spraying out.

• Take care when working near hot parts of the vehicle, in particular engine parts and parts of the exhaust system.
• Before working in the engine compartment, always switch the engine off and let it cool sufficiently.
• Do not open the cap of the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot.
• Only add coolant when the engine is cold and the vehicle is level.

---