Fluid level checks
1. Fluids are an essential part of the lubrication, cooling, brake, clutch and other systems. Because these fluids gradually become depleted and/or contaminated during normal operation of the vehicle, they must be periodically replenished. See Recommended lubricants and fluids and Capacities in this Chapter’s Specifications before adding fluid to any of the following components.
Note: The vehicle must be on level ground before fluid levels can be checked.
Engine oil
2. The engine oil level is checked with a dipstick located at the front side of the engine (see illustration). The dipstick extends through a metal tube from which it protrudes down into the engine oil pan.
i. 2 The engine oil dipstick is located at the front of the engine
3. The oil level should be checked before the vehicle has been driven, or about five minutes after the engine has been shut off.
If the oil is checked immediately after driving the vehicle, some of the oil will remain in the upper engine components, producing an inaccurate reading on the dipstick.
4. Pull the dipstick from the tube and wipe all the oil from the end with a clean rag or paper towel. Insert the clean dipstick all the way back into its metal tube and pull it out again. Observe the oil at the end of the dipstick. At its highest point, the level should be between the two dimples (see illustration).
i. 4 The engine oil dipstick has two dimples — keep the oil level at or near the upper dimple
5. It takes one quart of oil to raise the level from the L mark to the F mark (or the lower dimple and the upper dimple) on the dipstick. Do not allow the level to drop below the L mark (or the lower dimple) or oil starvation may cause engine damage. Conversely, overfilling the engine (adding oil above the F mark or upper dimple) may cause oil fouled spark plugs, oil leaks or oil seal failures.
6. Remove the threaded cap from the valve cover to add oil (see illustration). Use a funnel to prevent spills. After adding the oil, install the filler cap hand tight. Start the engine and look carefully for any small leaks around the oil filter or drain plug. Stop the engine and check the oil level again after it has had sufficient time to drain from the upper block and cylinder head galleys.
i. 6 The threaded oil filler cap is located on the valve cover — always make sure the area around the pening is clean before unscrewing the cap to prevent dirt from contaminating the engine
7. Checking the oil level is an important preventive maintenance step. A continually dropping oil level indicates oil leakage through damaged seals, from loose connections, or past worn rings or valve guides. If the oil looks milky in color or has water droplets in it, a cylinder head gasket may be blown. The engine should be checked immediately. The condition of the oil should also be checked. Each time you check the oil level, slide your thumb and index finger up the dipstick before wiping off the oil. If you see small dirt or metal particles clinging to the dipstick, the oil should be changed (see Engine oil and oil filter change ).
Engine coolant
Warning: Do not allow antifreeze to come in contact with your skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Flush contaminated areas immediately with plenty of water. Don’t store new coolant or leave old coolant lying around where it’s accessible to children or pets —they’re attracted by its sweet smell and may drink it. Ingestion of even a small amount of coolant can be fatal! Wipe up garage floor and drip pan spills immediately. Keep antifreeze containers covered and repair cooling system leaks as soon as they’re noticed.
8. All vehicles covered by this manual are equipped with a coolant recovery system. The expansion tank is located on the right side of the engine compartment and is connected by a hose to the radiator (see illustration). The expansion tank is under the same pressure as the rest of the cooling system and is equipped with a pressure cap (there is no radiator cap on these models).
i. 8 The coolant expansion tank is on the right side of the engine compartment
9. The coolant level should be checked regularly. It must be between the Full and Low lines on the tank (see illustration). The level will vary with the temperature of the engine. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or slightly above the Low mark on the tank. Once the engine has warmed up, the level should be at or near the Full mark. If it isn’t, allow the engine to cool completely, then remove the cap from the expansion tank and add coolant to bring the level up to the Full line. Use only ethylene/glycol type coolant and water in the mixture ratio recommended by your owner’s manual. Do not use supplemental inhibitor additives. If only a small amount of coolant is required to bring the system up to the proper level, water can be usedё However, repeated additions of water will dilute the recommended antifreeze and water solutionё In order to maintain the proper ratio of antifreeze and water, it is advisable to top up the coolant level with the correct mixtureё Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended ratioё
i. 9 The coolant level must be between the Full (1) and Low (2) lines on the tank
10. If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishment, there may be a leak in the system. Inspect the radiator, hoses, pressure cap, drain plugs and water pump. If no leak is evident, have the radiator cap or pressure cap pressure tested by a service station.
Warning: Never remove the cap on the expansion tank (also called the expansion tank pressure cap) when the engine is running or has just been shut down, because the cooling system is hot. Escaping steam and scalding liquid could cause serious injury.
11. If it is necessary to open the expansion tank cap, wait until the system has cooled completely, then wrap a thick cloth around the cap and slowly unscrew it. If any steam escapes, wait until the system has cooled further, then remove the cap.
12. When checking the coolant level, always note its condition. It should be relatively clear. If it is brown or rust colored, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Even if the coolant appears to be normal, the corrosion inhibitors wear out with use, so it must be replaced at the specified intervals.
13. Do not allow antifreeze to come in contact with your skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Flush contacted areas immediately with plenty of water.
Windshield washer fluid
14. Fluid for the windshield (and rear window) washer system is stored in a plastic reservoir which is located on the right side of the engine compartment (see illustration). In milder climates, plain water can be used to top up the reservoir, but the reservoir should be kept no more than two-thirds full to allow for expansion should the water freeze. In colder climates, the use of a specially designed windshield washer fluid, available at your dealer and any auto parts store, will help lower the freezing point of the fluid. Mix the solution with water in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions on the container. Do not use regular antifreeze. It will damage the vehicle’s paint.
i. 14 The windshield/rear window washer fluid reservoir is located in the right front corner of the engine compartment
Battery electrolyte
15. On models not equipped with a sealed battery, unscrew the filler/vent caps and check the electrolyte level. It must be between the upper and lower levels. If the level is low, add distilled water. Install and securely retighten the caps (see illustration).
i. 15 The battery electrolyte level should be between the upper and lower level in all cells
Caution: Overfilling the cells may cause electrolyte to spill over during periods of heavy charging, causing corrosion or damage.
Brake fluid
16. The brake master cylinder is mounted on the front of the power booster unit in the engine compartment.
17. To check the fluid level, simply look at the MAX and MIN marks on the brake fluid reservoir (see illustration). The level should be at or near the maximum fill line.
i. 17 The brake fluid level should be kept between the MIN (1) and MAX (2) marks on the translucent plastic reservoir
18. If the level is low, wipe the top of the reservoir cover with a clean rag to prevent contamination of the brake or clutch system before lifting the cover.
19. Add only the specified brake fluid to the reservoir (refer to Recommended lubricants and fluids in this Chapter’s Specifications or to your owner’s manual). Mixing different types of brake fluid can damage the system.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir only to the dotted line — this brings the fluid to the correct level when you put the cover back on.
Warning: Use caution when filling the reservoir — brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces. Do not use brake fluid that has been opened for more than one year (even if the cap has been on) or has been left open. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Excess moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking.
20. While the reservoir cap is removed, inspect the master cylinder reservoir for contamination. If deposits, dirt particles or water droplets are present, the fluid in the brake system should be changed (see Brake fluid change for the brake fluid replacement procedure or Driveline for the clutch hydraulic system bleeding procedure).
21. After filling the reservoir to the proper level, make sure the lid is properly seated to prevent fluid leakage and/or system pressure loss.
22. The brake fluid in the master cylinder will drop slightly as the brake pads at each wheel wear down during normal operation. If the master cylinder requires repeated replenishing to keep it at the proper level, this is an indication of leakage in the brake or clutch release system, which should be corrected immediately. Check all brake and clutch release lines and connections, along with the brake and clutch master cylinders, brake calipers, wheel cylinders and clutch release cylinder (see Brake check for more information).
23. If, upon checking the master cylinder fluid level, you discover the reservoir empty or nearly empty, the brake system must be diagnosed immediately (see Brakes).