Various fluids play the role of working fluids in lubrication, cooling, heating and air conditioning systems, braking, washing windows, etc. Due to the fact that all fluids are subject to thinning and exhaustion over time, and also gradually become contaminated during the normal operation of systems, it is necessary to periodically replace them completely. Please refer to the list of fluids recommended for use in your vehicle before attempting to level or replace.
Note. When checking fluid levels, the vehicle must be parked on a flat, level surface, preferably paved.
Engine oil
Checking the level of impellent oil is carried out using a dipstick inserted into the guide tube and lowered into the engine to the bottom of the oil pan. On all models, the dipstick is located at the front of the power unit .
The oil level must be checked before the first ride of the day, or at least 15 minutes after the engine has been stopped. If the check is performed immediately after the engine is turned off, the results will not adequately reflect the situation, as part of the oil will be distributed to the internal galleries and engine components.
Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Insert the dipstick back into the tube until it stops, then remove it again. Inspect the dipstick blade, checking the size of the oil-wetted area. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick blade. If necessary, top up the engine with the appropriate amount of oil of the required grade.
It takes about one liter of oil to raise the level from the bottom mark on the dipstick to the top. Exceeding the lower limit of the permissible range leads to the development of engine oil starvation, which is fraught with serious mechanical damage to the latter. Try also not to overfill the oil above the upper mark, as this can lead to spark plugs being thrown or failure of the oil seals of the power unit as a result of excessive pressure build-up.
In order to fill the engine with oil, it is necessary to remove the threaded filler cap. Use a funnel or a long-spouted oiler to minimize splashing of oil when filling the engine. After filling in oil, screw on and firmly tighten the filler cap, then start the engine and carefully inspect the drain plug and the surface of the oil filter mating with the block for signs of oil leakage. Stop the engine, wait about 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the sump, and check the level again.
Checking the engine oil level is an important preventative engine maintenance procedure. A constantly low level indicates the presence of oil leaks as a result of failed oil seals, damaged seals, worn piston rings or valve guides. If the oil resembles milk in color or consistency, or there are drops of water in it, this indicates a possible damage to the cylinder head gasket, or the formation of cracks in the body of the head (OK) or block. The verification must be done without delay. When measuring the oil level, always also check its condition. Using your thumb and forefinger, remove traces of oil from the dipstick blade - if there are small metal particles in it, the oil must be replaced (see Section Changing the engine oil and oil filter).
Engine coolant
Attention! Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with exposed areas of the body and painted surfaces of the car. Wash off accidental splashes with plenty of water without delay. Remember that antifreeze is a highly toxic liquid and getting it into the body, even in small quantities, is fraught with the most serious consequences, even death. Never leave antifreeze stored in a loosely closed container, immediately collect spilled coolant on the floor. Remember that the sweet smell of antifreeze can attract the attention of children and animals. Consult your local authorities for disposal of used coolant. In many regions of the world, special points have been set up to receive various types of detention. Never drain old coolant down the drain and onto the ground!
Recently, non-toxic grades of antifreeze have been developed, but these must also be disposed of in an organized manner.
All models of vehicles described in this manual are equipped with an overpressure compensation type cooling system. Made of translucent plastic, the expansion tank of the cooling system is located in the engine compartment and is connected by an overflow hose to the base of the radiator filler neck. When the engine overheats, the coolant expands, and its excess flows through the valve mounted in the radiator filler cap into the expansion tank. As it cools, the liquid returns through the hose back to the radiator, which allows you to constantly maintain its normal level in the system.
The coolant level in the expansion tank is checked regularly and should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the translucent sides of the tank. It should be remembered that the liquid level depends on its temperature, therefore, in a cold state, it should be only slightly above the lower mark, and after the engine warms up, it should rise to the MAX mark. If necessary, make the appropriate adjustment by adding the required amount of fresh mixture to the tank through the neck.
Note. Do not remove the cap from the radiator to check the fluid level in it when the engine is hot! Use only the correct mixture of ethylene glycol and distilled water to correct the fluid level (about 50/50). Remember that frequent use of plain water to adjust the coolant level leads to a gradual dilution of the antifreeze and the loss of its frost resistance and anti-corrosion properties by the mixture.
A constant drop in the coolant level usually indicates the development of leaks in the system. Check the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water pump housing for evidence of leaks. If no signs of leaks can be detected, a pressure test of the radiator cap should be carried out in a car service workshop.
Note. Never remove the cap from the radiator/expansion tank when the engine is hot!
If it is necessary to remove the radiator cap, wait for the engine to cool completely, then wrap the neck with a thick layer of rags and slowly unscrew the cap to the first stop. If this produces steam, let the engine cool down a little more, only then remove the cover completely.
In addition to the level, also check the condition of the coolant - it should be relatively transparent. If the coolant is rust reddish brown, the cooling system must be emptied, flushed and filled with a fresh mixture of antifreeze and water. Even if the fluid does not change externally, the corrosion inhibitors it contains will wear out over time, so the coolant should be changed regularly in accordance with the vehicle's routine maintenance schedule.
Try not to allow antifreeze to come into contact with exposed skin or painted surfaces of body components. Accidental splashes should be washed off immediately with plenty of water.
Windshield and rear window washer fluid
14 Windshield washer fluid is poured into a special reservoir located in the left front corner of the vehicle's engine compartment. In temperate regions, clear water can be used as a glass washer fluid, but the tank should not be more than 2/3 full to compensate for the expansion of water when it freezes during frosts. When operating the vehicle in harsh climates, only fill the reservoir with proprietary windshield wipers that will adequately lower the fluid's freezing point. To avoid freezing of the glass when washing in cold weather, preheat it by blowing air passed through the heater heat exchanger.
Note. In no case do not use antifreeze used in the cooling system to add to the windshield washer fluid - the latter is aggressive towards the paintwork of body panels!
Hydraulic fluid brake and clutch
Master brake cylinder (GTZ) mounted on the servo block of the vacuum brake booster. The hydraulic clutch cylinder is used on models with a manual transmission and is mounted next to the GTZ directly on the rear bulkhead of the engine compartment. On ABS-equipped models, the ABS hydraulic modulator reservoir is located on the right side of the engine compartment.
Note. Before checking the ABS modulator fluid level on the vehicle, perform a short (A couple of minutes) travel to equalize pressure. If the fluid level rises well above the MAX mark, the vehicle should be taken to a workshop for more detailed checks and necessary repairs.
The liquid level inside the tanks is clearly visible through the translucent walls of the latter and must be maintained between the two marks MIN and MAX on the walls. If equipped, do not forget to check also the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir of the ABS unit located on the right side of the engine compartment.
If fluid level adjustment is necessary, thoroughly wipe the appropriate reservoir cap and area around it with a clean cloth to prevent dirt from entering the system.
When pouring liquid into the tank, be careful not to splash it onto the surrounding painted surfaces of the bodywork. Add only the correct grade of fluid to each system. Mixing two liquids of different grades is in no case unacceptable! When adjusting the liquid level in the GTZ tank, do not bring it to the upper mark by about 20 mm - after installing the cover, the level will automatically return to normal. Attention: Brake fluid is highly chemically aggressive - do not let it get into your eyes and onto painted surfaces of body panels! Do not use hydraulic fluid that has stood for more than one year or has been stored in a loosely closed container to add to the system. Remember that brake fluid is very hygroscopic and has the ability to absorb moisture from the air, after which its effectiveness is noticeably reduced!
During the level adjustment step, you should also carefully check the condition of the liquid and the internal walls of the tank. If dirt deposits, solid foreign particles or water droplets are detected, the system must be emptied and filled with fresh hydraulic fluid (see chapter Clutch and drive shafts or Brake system).
Once the reservoir is filled to the required level, place the lid firmly on it.
Remember that the hydraulic fluid level in the GTZ reservoir slowly drops as the friction linings of the brake pads actuate, but this decrease is always very small. If the fluid has to be topped up too often, then there is a leak in the system, the source of which must be immediately identified and the cause eliminated. Carefully inspect all brake lines and their fittings, including calipers, wheel cylinders and vacuum booster servo (see Section Checking the brake system). A drop in the fluid level in the reservoir of the clutch master cylinder indicates the presence of leaks in the hydraulic drive system of the latter (see chapter Clutch and drive shafts).
If, during the check of the fluid level in the GTZ, the fact that its reservoir is almost empty is revealed, the brake system must be completely bled (see chapter Brake system).