Checking and topping up fluids
bustion engine ðFig. 130, blue cap for elec-
trical components ðFig. 131.
– Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment; there is a risk of being scal-
ded. The cooling system is under pressure.
Wait until you can no longer see or hear es-
caping steam or coolant.
Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid
– When working in the engine compartment
be aware that the radiator fan may start
running suddenly, even if the ignition is
switched off – risk of injury!
– The coolant and coolant additives 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.
CAUTION
Fig. 132 Engine compartment: Cap of brake fluid reservoir
Coolant loss which leads to the coolant ex-
pansion tank being empty normally indicates
significant leaks in the cooling system which
could result in further damage. In this case,
do NOT drive on. Seek professional assistance.
– Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could have got into the cooling
system – risk of damage! In this case, do
NOT drive on. Seek professional assistance.
– If there is a visible amount of coolant re-
maining in the tank, add more coolant.
Fig. 133 Engine compartment: Removing cover for brake
fluid reservoir
Drive to a qualified workshop without delay
and have the fault rectified. If the warning/
Please refer to the safety information
ðpage 234, Safety information on the engine
compartment.
indicator lamp /
comes on again,
stop the vehicle and switch off the ignition.
Seek professional assistance.
Checking the brake fluid level
– If too much coolant has been added to the
coolant expansion tank, drive to a qualified
workshop soon and have the coolant level
corrected.
The brake fluid reservoir is located underneath a
cover in the engine compartment on the driver's
side.
– If you use non-distilled water, the chemicals
that it contains can cause serious corrosion
damage to the engine – risk of engine dam-
age!
►
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Open the bonnet ðpage 236.
Remove the cover below the windscreen on the
driver’s side. To do so, lift the cover slightly at
the front 1 and detach it 2 ðFig. 133.
Read off the brake fluid level on the brake fluid
reservoir ðpage 237. The brake fluid level
must be between the MIN and MAX marks
►
►
– If you have used a large quantity of non-dis-
tilled water (more than 0.5 ltr.) in an emer-
gency, drive directly to a qualified workshop
and have the coolant changed.
►
– Applies to vehicles with cooling of electrical
components: The caps for the two coolant
expansion tanks must not be swapped over
– risk of engine damage! Black cap for com-
ð
.
►
Fit the cover securely again below the wind-
screen. To do so, press the cover down at the
243
English 
