Note. The procedures for checking the fluid level are described below, performed every 400 km or monthly. A description of other fluid level checks can be found later in the Sections on specific maintenance procedures. Regardless of the scheduled inspection intervals, do not allow fluid to leak under the vehicle, such leaks indicate a malfunction that should be repaired immediately.
Fluids are an integral part of the lubrication, cooling, brake and windshield washer systems. Due to the gradual consumption and / or contamination of fluids during normal vehicle operation, they should be replaced periodically. Check out Section «Types and volumes of lubricants and fluids used» V Specifications, before adding fluid to any of the listed components.
Note. Whenever checking the fluid level, the vehicle must be on a level surface.
Engine oil
Visual control of leaks
1. With an oily engine and high oil consumption, check for leaks. For this, the following places are checked:
- Open the filler cap and check the seal for cracks or damage.
- Crankcase ventilation: For example, a ventilation hose from the cylinder head cover to the air intake hose.
- Cylinder head cover gasket.
- Cylinder head gasket.
- Oil removal plug (round ring).
- Oil filter gasket: Fitting the filter to the flange.
- Oil pan gasket.
- Front and rear crankshaft seals.
2. Since oil spreads over a large surface of the engine in the presence of leaks, it is difficult to immediately determine the location of leaks. To detect leaks, proceed as follows: flush the engine as follows: cover the generator with a plastic bag. Spray the engine with a normal cold cleaner and after a short time wash it with water at a car wash.
3. Sprinkle the connecting planes and seals on the engine with lime or talc on the outside.
4. Check the oil level, top up if necessary.
5. Take a test drive. Since the oil in a hot engine reduces its viscosity and leaks out more quickly at leaks, a test drive of about 30 km on the highway should be carried out.
6. Finally, examine the engine with a lamp and locate leaks by troubleshooting.
Level check
1. When checking the oil level, the car must be in a horizontal position.
Check the oil level approximately 5 minutes after stopping a warm engine.
Wipe the oil dipstick before each check.
The oil level must be between the lower mark (min) and top (max) oil measuring rod.
2. If oil needs to be added, unscrew the oil filler cap and carefully add oil. Excess oil must be drained or pumped out. Then screw on the oil filler cap again.
When the oil level is above the mark «max» there is a risk of engine or catalytic converter damage.
If an indication of the level of impellent oil appears on the multifunction display when the engine is running, refer to Section Warning and indicator lamps, as well as messages of the multi-information display about the registered malfunctions previous Chapter.
Note. Warning indication of the level of impellent oil - refer to Section Multifunction steering wheel, multi-information display.
Engine oil consumption
Max. 1l/1000km, depending on driving style.
Engine oil consumption can only be determined after a longer distance has been covered. In the initial period, it may exceed the given value. Frequent driving at high engine speeds will increase oil consumption.
Recommendations:
If you start measuring the engine oil level immediately after turning off the engine, some of the oil will remain in the upper part of the engine, which will significantly affect the accuracy of the dipstick readings.
1. Remove the probe and dry the blade with a clean cloth or paper towel. Insert the dipstick all the way back and remove it again. The height of the oiled section of the blade will match the oil level in the engine. This level should be between the marks on the dipstick.
2. To raise the oil level from the minimum mark on the dipstick to the maximum, the amount of oil specified in the Specifications is required. Do not allow the level to fall below the minimum mark, as oil starvation can damage the engine. On the other hand, overfilling the engine with oil (topping up above the maximum mark) can cause clogged spark plugs, oil leaks, or seal failure.
3. To add oil, unscrew the filler cap 2 in the illustration. After adding oil, wait a few minutes for the oil level to stabilize, then remove the dipstick and check the level again. Add more oil if required. Close the filler cap and tighten it by hand.
4. Checking the oil level is an important preventive measure. A persistent drop in oil level indicates either oil leaks from damaged seals or loose connections, or it is burning out (internal leaks through worn piston rings or through valve guides). In addition, you should pay attention to the condition of the oil itself. If the oil has a milky color or you can see drops of water in its composition, this indicates a possible leak in the cylinder head gasket or a crack in the cylinder head or block. In this case, the engine should be repaired immediately. Each time you check the oil level, run your thumb and forefinger over the dipstick blade before wiping. If dirt particles or metal particles are found adhering to the dipstick, the oil should be changed (refer to section Changing the engine oil and oil filter).
Engine cooler
Attention! Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with your skin or painted vehicle surfaces. If this does happen, rinse off the antifreeze immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze is extremely toxic if ingested. Never leave it unattended in an open container or spilled on the floor; children or animals may be attracted to its sweet smell and drink it. Arrange with local authorities to dispose of used antifreeze.
1. All vehicles covered in this manual are equipped with an overpressure compensation type cooling system. The white plastic expansion tank is located in the engine compartment and is connected by a hose to the radiator. As the engine warms up during operation, the expanding coolant fills the reservoir. When the engine cools down, the coolant automatically returns to the cooling system, which ensures that its level is maintained at a constant value.
2. Checking the coolant level in the tank should be done regularly, with the car in a strictly horizontal position and the engine off.
When the coolant is cold, the level must reach the mark -1- in the expansion tank.
When the coolant is hot, the level should be about 1 cm higher.
Add 40%/60% ethylene glycol based antifreeze and water. The composition specified in the Specifications should be used.
Attention! Do not remove the filler cap of the expansion tank or the radiator cap to check the coolant level before the engine has completely cooled down! The level in the reservoir fluctuates depending on the temperature of the engine. When the engines are cold, the coolant level should be above the mark «MIN» on the tank. As the engine warms up, the level should approach the mark «MAX». If not, let the engine cool down and then remove the tank cap.
3. Run the car and measure the coolant level again. If only a small amount of coolant needs to be added to the correct level, clean water can be used for this. However, frequent additions of water will dilute the antifreeze. In order to ensure the correct ratio of antifreeze and water, always top up to the correct level with the required mixture.
4. If the coolant level drops regularly, there may be a leak in the system. Inspect the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water pump (refer to section Checking the functioning of the cooling system and frost resistance of the coolant. Fluid replacement). If no leaks are found, perform a leak test.
5. If you need to remove the cover, wait until the engine is completely cool, then wrap a piece of thick rag around the cover and unscrew it to the first stop. If steam or coolant starts to escape from the cover, allow the engine to cool slightly before removing the cover.
6. You should also check the condition of the cooler. It should be relatively clean. If the fluid is brown or rusty in color, it must be drained, the system flushed and filled with new mixture. Even if the coolant looks normal, the corrosion inhibitors it contains lose their effectiveness over time, so it should be replaced at regular intervals
7. To check the frost resistance of the coolant, you must use a hydrometer.
Brake fluid
Attention! Brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage the painted surfaces of your vehicle, so be very careful when handling it. Do not use brake fluid that has been exposed for a long time or is more than one year old. Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to a dangerous loss of brake system performance. Use only the recommended type of brake fluid. Mixing different types of fluid can cause brake system failure.
1. The master cylinder of the brake system is installed in the rear left corner of the engine compartment.
2. The brake fluid level is checked visually, according to the marks on the plastic reservoir installed on the master cylinder. The fluid level must be between the marks «MAX» And «MIN». If the level is too low, first wipe the top of the reservoir and the lid with a clean rag to prevent dirt from entering the system after removing the lid. Top up to the correct level with the recommended fluid, but do not overfill.
3. While the reservoir cap is off, check the fluid and master cylinder reservoir for contamination. If it contains particles of rust, dirt or drops of water, the fluid from the system should be drained and filled with new.
4. After filling the reservoir to the correct level, make sure that the lid is installed evenly to avoid fluid leakage and / or dirt entry.
5. The fluid level in the master cylinder will drop slightly as a result of worn brake linings. There is no need to add it as long as the level remains near the mark «MIN»; it will rise after changing the pads. A very low level may indicate worn brake pads. Check them for wear (refer to section Checking the brake system).
6. If the brake fluid level keeps dropping, check the entire system for leaks immediately. Inspect brake lines, hoses and fittings, along with calipers, wheel cylinders and master cylinder (refer to Sections Checking the brake system, Checking the condition and replacing the engine compartment hoses, localizing leaks).
7. If the reservoir is empty or nearly empty when checking the fluid level, the brake system must be checked for leaks and bled (contact the head Brake system).
Checking the oil level in the reservoir of the hydraulic system of the power steering
The power steering hydraulic system reservoir is located at the rear of the engine compartment. Refer to Section Checking the fluid level of the power steering system.
Windshield washer fluid
Windshield washer concentrate is highly flammable.
Do not use fire, open flames or smoking when handling windshield washer concentrate.
1. The windshield washer fluid is in the plastic reservoir on the right side of the engine compartment, refer to the illustration. The capacity of the tank is given in the Specifications.
2. In temperate regions, the system can be charged with normal water, but it is recommended to add glass cleaner to the water. The tank should be no more than two-thirds full, so that there is free space in case the water expands when it freezes. In cold climates, use a windshield washer antifreeze that lowers the fluid's freezing point, available from any auto supply store. It is usually sold in concentrated or prepared form. If you purchased concentrated antifreeze, mix it with water according to the manufacturer's instructions on the package.
Attention! Do not use antifreeze in the cooling system - it will damage the painted surfaces of the car.