Safety When Performing Maintenance

Some of the most important safety precautions are given here. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether you should perform a given task.

WARNING

Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations according to the schedules in this owner’s manual.

WARNING

Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures and precautions in this owner’s manual.

Maintenance Safety

• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
  
  • Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them, causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
  
  • Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.

Vehicle Safety

• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
  
  • Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and the engine is off.
• Make sure that the radiator fan is stopped before inspecting the engine compartment.
  
  • Depending on the vehicle condition, the radiator fan may operate even when the power mode is in VEHICLE OFF.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
  
  • Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
  
  • Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away from moving parts.
  • Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop* function is activated.

* Not available on all models