document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 262 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
262
Checking and topping up fluids
Brake fluid
WARNING
• The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap
on the expansion tank when the engine is hot: you could be
scalded by escaping steam
Checking brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.
• The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store
the coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used
coolant into a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper
manner (observe environmental regulations).
Fig. 258 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on brake fluid
reservoir
Radiator fan
– Check the fluid level on the brake fluid reservoir
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.
⇒ fig. 258. It should always be between the “MIN” and
“MAX” marks.
The radiator fan is driven by the engine via a poly V-belt. The speed
of the fan is varied by a viscous clutch according to the temperature.
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other
side of the engine compartment.
There is also an auxiliary electric fan, which cuts in automatically
whenever the temperature of the coolant and the engine compart-
ment rises above a certain level.
The fluid level may drop slightly after a period of time due to the
automatic compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after
stopping the engine – even after the ignition is switched off. It may
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops
below the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If
the fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the
brake warning lamp ⇒ page 32. If this should happen, take the car
to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system
inspected.
also start running suddenly ⇒
after a while if
• residual heat raises the coolant temperature, or
• the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the
sun.
WARNING
When working in the engine compartment be aware that the radi-
ator fan may start running suddenly – risk of injury.
English 
