Note: As a rule, fluid levels are checked every 400 km or weekly. Sometimes during specific maintenance procedures it is necessary to determine the level of a particular fluid. If traces of a leak are found under the vehicle, it is necessary to determine the cause and fix the problem immediately, regardless of mileage or time interval.
1. Operating fluids are used in engine lubrication and cooling systems, the hydraulic brake system, and also in the glass washer. Due to the fact that fluids tend to lose levels and become contaminated over time, there is a periodic need to top up and replace them. Before adding fluid to the system, refer to the subsections «Recommended lubricants and fluids» and «Volumes» see the specifications at the end of this chapter.
Note: Before checking fluid levels, make sure the vehicle is on a level surface.
Engine oil
2. The engine oil level is checked using a dipstick located in the engine cylinder block. The dipstick is inserted into a tube that reaches the bottom of the pan (see illustration).
4.2. The dipstick for determining the engine oil level is located in the right front corner of the engine
3. Check the oil level before starting the engine or at least five minutes after turning it off. If the level is measured immediately after stopping the engine, then some of the oil will not yet have time to drain from the upper part of the crankcase, and a low level will be displayed on the dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick and use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off the oil. Insert the clean dipstick into the tube as far as it will go, then remove it again. Using the marks on the dipstick, determine the oil level, which should be between the top (F) and lower (L) mark or in the zone «SAFE» (see illustration).
4.4. The oil level should be maintained in a safe range, between the marked marks. In order to raise the level from the mark «L» to the mark «F», you need to add about 1 liter of oil
5. Do not exceed the permissible level, as this may lead to oil splashing on the spark plugs, oil leakage or failure of the engine seals.
6. Before pouring oil into the system, unscrew the oil filler cap located on the valve cover (see illustration). To prevent spillage, it is recommended to use a funnel.
4.6. Oil is added to the engine lubrication system after unscrewing the filler cap. Before unscrewing the cap, it is necessary to wipe the area adjacent to the neck clean - this will prevent clogging of the lubrication system
7. Checking the engine oil level is an extremely important preventive maintenance procedure. If you have to add oil to the engine frequently, check for leaks. If there is an emulsion or droplets of liquid in the oil, the cylinder head gasket may be damaged. You should immediately diagnose the engine and check the condition of the engine oil. When checking the oil level, always pass the dipstick between your thumb and forefinger before wiping it. If there are foreign or metal particles on the dipstick, change the oil and filter (see subsection 8).
Engine Coolant
Warning 1: do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with the skin of people or animals, as well as automobile and other paint surfaces. The area on which antifreeze has come into contact should be immediately washed with running water. Keep stored antifreeze away from children or pets, who may be attracted by its sweet smell. Swallowing even small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. Wipe up spilled antifreeze from the garage floor immediately. Keep antifreeze canisters tightly sealed and repair any leaks in the cooling system immediately. Used coolant must be sent to special organizations for disposal.
Warning 2: Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap or expansion tank cap when the engine is warm.
Note: Non-toxic antifreeze is now available in many stores, but coolant containing this type of antifreeze must also be safely disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Caution: Do not mix green ethylene glycol antifreeze with orange antifreeze «DEX-COOL», which does not have silicate components, since this reduces the efficiency of the latter, which is intended for operation over a mileage of 160,000 km (or 5 years).
8. All models described in this manual have an expansion tank for the cooling system, located on the right in the engine compartment. The tank is connected by hoses to the cooling system and radiator.
9. It is necessary to regularly check the fluid level in the tank. If the engine is not warmed up, the level should be slightly above the minimum COLD mark (see illustration). As it warms up, the level rises to the NOT mark. If this condition is not met, it is necessary to add liquid to the cooling system. Turn and remove the cap and add 50% water solution of antifreeze «DEX-COOL» (see the caution at the beginning of this subsection).
4.9. The reservoir for adding coolant is located on the right in the engine compartment
10. Drive the vehicle and recheck the coolant level. If very little top-up is required to achieve the required level, add clean water to the system. It should be noted that repeated addition of clean water may lead to a decrease in the concentration of the antifreeze solution in the system. To maintain the required concentration in the future, only antifreeze solution should be added to the system. To prepare the antifreeze solution, it is recommended to use a transparent plastic bottle. Do not add anti-corrosion or other additives to the solution.
11. The closed cooling system does not require regular addition of fluid. If you have to do this frequently, there is probably a leak in the system. Inspect the radiator, all hoses and connectors, the filler cap, fluid drain and air bleed fittings from the system, as well as the system pump (see subsection 14). If a leak is found, repair it as soon as possible. If there is no coolant leak, check the pressure that the radiator cap can hold by contacting a dealer.
12. If necessary, remove the radiator cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap it with a thick cloth and turn it slightly. If steam or liquid begins to leak from the radiator neck, wait until the engine has cooled completely, then remove the cap.
13. When determining the level, check the condition of the coolant. If there is a brown or rusty tint, the fluid should be drained, flushed and refilled. Even in an apparently satisfactory condition, the anti-corrosion properties of the fluid decrease over time, so the replacement intervals should be strictly adhered to. A system filled with a regular green antifreeze solution must be serviced more often.
Window washer fluid
14. Washer fluid is contained in a plastic reservoir located on the left in the engine compartment (see illustration).
4.14. To check the fluid level in the washer reservoir, you must first remove its cap
15. In moderate climates, the washer can be filled with ordinary water, but, remembering the properties of water to increase its volume when freezing, do not fill the reservoir more than two-thirds. When operating in cold conditions, fill the washer only with antifreeze fluid specifically designed for this purpose, which can be purchased at most car dealerships. Dilute the liquid with water in the proportions indicated on the canister label.
Caution: do not fill the washer with cooling system antifreeze, which is aggressive to the paint surfaces of the car.
16. To prevent icing, before using the washer, you should warm up the windshield by directing the heater air onto it.
Battery electrolyte
17. The batteries installed on the described vehicles are completely sealed (except for the ventilation tube), and their design does not provide for the presence of filler plugs. This type of battery is never filled with electrolyte. If a serviceable battery is installed on the car, then it is periodically necessary to unscrew the caps of the cans located on top to control the electrolyte level. Carrying out this check is especially important in hot summer weather. It is permissible to add only clean distilled water to the battery.
Brake fluid
18. The master cylinder reservoir is located in the upper left corner of the rear partition of the engine compartment.
19. Since the reservoir is transparent, the fluid level can be determined without removing the cap (see illustration). Before removing the reservoir cap, it is necessary to wipe the area adjacent to it to prevent clogging of the brake hydraulic system when fluid is subsequently added.
4.19. Do not allow the brake fluid level to drop below the MIN mark
20. When adding fluid, do not allow it to spill past the reservoir onto adjacent painted surfaces. Mixing different types of brake fluid can damage hydraulic system components (see "Recommended lubricants and operating fluids" or "Owner's Guide").
Warning: Brake fluid is hazardous to the eyes and paintwork. Be careful when carrying and pouring it. Do not use fluid that has been stored in an open container for a long period of time as it may absorb moisture from the air and lose braking effectiveness.
21. After removing the cap, make sure there is no dirt inside the master cylinder reservoir, as well as in the brake fluid. If there are foreign particles in the tank, the system should be refilled with new fluid.
22. After adding fluid to the required level in the reservoir, it is necessary to tighten its cap tightly to prevent leakage.
23. There will be a slight drop in fluid level in the brake cylinder reservoir as the front brake pads wear. If you constantly need to maintain the set fluid level in the reservoir, it means there is a leak in the brake system. Identify and correct the problem immediately. Examine the system tubes and hoses, as well as their connections (see subsection 19).
24.If, after checking the fluid level, complete or almost complete emptying of one or both tanks is observed, the brake hydraulic system should be pumped and carefully examined (see _ chapter 9).