Engine oil
2. The engine oil level is measured with a dipstick. The level probe is lowered through the tube into the pan, to the base of the engine.
3. Check the oil level at least 15 minutes after the engine has been turned off. If the level is taken immediately after the vehicle has been driven, some of the oil will remain in the upper engine components and the measurement will not be accurate.
4. Remove the dipstick from the tube (photo) and wipe off all the oil from its end. Re-insert the dipstick into the pan and remove it again. The level must be between the L and F marks (photo).
5. To raise the level from the L mark to the F mark on the dipstick, you need 1 liter. oils. Do not let the level fall below the L mark, because. this may damage the engine. On the other hand, do not overfill the sump by raising the level above the F mark, as this can lead to oil contamination of the spark plugs, oil leaks, or damage to the seals.
6. To add oil, remove the plug located on the valve cover. Use a funnel.
7. If the oil level drops too quickly, it indicates oil leakage or internal engine wear. If there are drops of water in the oil or it becomes cloudy, the components have failed and the engine must be diagnosed immediately. Also check the condition of the oil - smear the oil up the dipstick with your thumb and forefinger, checking for fine grains of sand and metal particles. If there are such inclusions, change the oil (Chapter 16).
The engine oil dipstick is located on the front of the engine (radiator side) | The oil level must be between the F and L marks |
Coolant
8. All vehicles covered in this manual are equipped with a sealed cooling system. A white coolant expansion tank attached to the inner fender panel is connected by a hose to the radiator cap. Expanding when heated, the coolant exits the radiator into the expansion tank. When the engine cools, the coolant is automatically returned to the radiator, thus maintaining the correct fluid level at all times.
9. The coolant level should be checked when the engine is hot. The fluid level in the expansion tank should be near the mark «Full» on the wall of the tank (photo). If the system is completely cold, also check the level in the radiator by removing the cap from it.
10. Warning: Never remove the radiator cap or expansion tank cap while the engine is still hot - hot steam and splashes can cause serious burns. To check the level in the radiator, wait until the system has cooled down, then wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap and turn it up to the first stop. If steam starts coming out from under the lid, wait until the system has completely cooled down, then remove the lid. The expansion tank cap can be carefully removed after it stops boiling.
11. If a small amount of coolant needs to be added, plain water can be used. If the fluid level in the system is rather low, mix antifreeze with water in the correct proportion (indicated on the container) and add the mixture to the system. Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with your skin or painted vehicle surfaces. Wash off any splashes immediately with plenty of water.
12. Bring the coolant level in the expansion tank to the mark "Full". If the radiator cap has been removed, add fluid until the radiator is full, then install the cap.
13. Check up also a condition of a cooling liquid. It should be relatively light. If it is brown or rusty, the liquid must be drained, the system flushed and refilled (Chapter 26).
14. If the cooling system has to be replenished frequently, check the radiator cap. Also inspect the system for leaks from cracked hoses, loose hose connections, damaged gaskets, etc.
The coolant and windshield washer reservoirs are located next to each other, but they are filled with different liquids, do not confuse them.
Windshield washer fluid
15. Fluid for the windshield washer system is located in a plastic reservoir located next to the coolant reservoir. The tank should be filled no more than 2/3 so that there is a reserve of volume for its expansion when it freezes. The use of additives such as a special flushing fluid will help to lower the freezing point of the fluid. Do not use antifreeze, as it will cause color damage.
16. To prevent icing, warm up the windshield with a defroster before operating the washer in cold weather.
Windshield washer reservoir
Rear windshield washer
17. On models equipped with rear washers, the reservoir is located behind the panel at the rear of the passenger compartment. The level in it must also be maintained within 2/3 of the filling.
Rear washer reservoir (if installed)
Headlight washer
18. Some models are equipped with headlight washers, the reservoir of which is located in the engine compartment. Due to the different placement of components in the engine compartment, it is difficult to indicate the location of the tank. Trace the tubes from the washer and find the reservoir. The tank should be filled no more than 2/3 with the same liquid that is used in the windshield washers.
Battery electrolyte
19. Some of the models described are equipped with maintenance-free batteries that do not have a filler plug. These batteries do not require topping up with water (photo).
This type of battery does not require topping up with water, however, normal maintenance should be carried out
20. If a serviceable battery is installed on the model, periodically remove the compartment covers to make sure that the plates are covered with a layer of electrolyte 10-20 mm thick. Top up the battery with distilled water if necessary. Do not overfill the battery and wipe up spilled drops immediately. Install compartment covers (photo).
Add distilled water to the battery | Install cell cover |
Brake fluid
21. The master brake cylinder is installed in the engine compartment, on the front of the brake booster unit. The fluid level must be maintained near the mark "max" on the cylinder tank (photo).
Add brake fluid
22. If it is necessary to top up the brake fluid, before removing the reservoir cap, carefully wipe its outer surface with a clean cloth to prevent dirt from entering the brake system.
23. When adding liquid, pour it into the reservoir carefully, being careful not to spill it on the surrounding painted surfaces. Add only the fluid specified in the Specifications, mixing different types of brake fluid in the system can damage it. Cm. "Recommended lubricants and fluids" or the owner's manual for your vehicle.
24. Also inspect the fluid and cylinder for contamination. The manufacturer recommends changing the fluid by pumping at regular intervals (Section 9). The fluid must also be replaced if particles of suspension, sediment or water droplets are found in it.
25. After filling the reservoir to the correct level, install the lid correctly to prevent fluid leakage.
26. The brake fluid level in the master cylinder gradually decreases as the brake pads wear out. If the fluid in the master cylinder has to be added frequently, there is a leak in the brake system, which should be repaired immediately. Check all brake pipes and connections, as well as working brake cylinders and brake booster unit (see Chapter 13).
27. If, when checking the fluid level in the master cylinder, you find that one or both reservoirs are empty or almost empty, bleed the brake system (Section 9).
Manual transmission oil
28. Manual transmissions do not have a dipstick. The oil level can be checked by removing the speedometer drive mechanism.
29. Remove the mounting bolt, remove the mechanism, wipe the driven gear and reinsert the drive. Remove the mechanism again and check that the oil level is between the F and L marks as shown in the illustration.
30. If the transmission needs more oil, add it through the speedometer drive mounting hole using a syringe.
31. Install the speedometer drive, screw in the mounting bolt and tighten it securely. Take a short drive and check the speedometer drive port for leaks.
Mechanical transmission speedometer driven gear (Chapter 4)
Automatic transmission fluid
32. Automatic transmission fluid level must be maintained carefully. A low fluid level can result in slippage or loss of drive, while an overfill can cause foaming and loss of fluid.
33. Park the car on a flat, level surface. Apply the parking brake, start the engine at idle, and move the drive mode selector lever to each position in sequence, ending with the position "Park". Measure the liquid level.
Note: If the vehicle has just traveled a long distance at high speed, has been driving on city streets in hot weather, or has towed a trailer, the level measurement will give an incorrect result. In these cases, wait until the liquid has cooled down (approximately 30 minutes).
34. After warming up the transmission to normal operating temperature, remove the level measurement harness from the filler tube (photo).
The automatic transmission dipstick is located at the rear of the transmission
35. Wipe the dipstick dry with a clean cloth and reinsert it into the tube.
36. Remove the dipstick again and check the fluid level.
37. The level must be between the L and F marks (photo).
The automatic transmission fluid level must be maintained within the shaded area on the dipstick (arrow) - do not overfill the transmission
38. Add the recommended type of fluid to fill the transmission to the proper level. Approximately 600 ml of liquid is required to raise the level from the L mark to the F mark (with hot transmission). Add fluid little by little and keep an eye on the level. Be very careful not to let dirt or foreign particles burst into the transmission.
39. Also check the condition of the fluid. If the fluid at the end of the dipstick is dark, reddish brown, or has a burnt odor, change the fluid. If the condition of the liquid is in any doubt, buy some fresh liquid and compare the color and smell.
Power Steering Fluid
40. Unlike non-power steering, power steering systems run on fluid and may require replenishment over time.
41. The power steering pump supply reservoir is located behind the radiator near the front of the engine (photo).
The power steering reservoir is located near the engine oil dipstick
42. To check, the front wheels must be pointed straight ahead and the engine must be turned off.
43. Use a clean rag to clean the tank lid and the area around the lid. This will help prevent foreign particles from entering the reservoir during the test.
44. Start the engine and let it warm up to normal operating temperature.
45. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean rag, and reinsert the dipstick. Remove the dipstick again and check the fluid level. The level must be between the marks "Add" And "Full Hot".
46. If fluid needs to be topped up, use only the type of fluid specified in the specifications. Pour it directly into the tank using a funnel.
47. Install the level probe so that the arrow on its cover points forward towards the radiator.
48. If the reservoir has to be replenished frequently, carefully check all power steering hoses, their connections, the power steering pump, and the steering rack assembly for leaks.