Preparation for working in the engine compartment

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Opening and closing the bonnet

Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine compartment.

The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Never carry out any work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the requisite procedures and general safety requirements, or if you only have access to incorrect operating equipment, service fluids, and unsuitable tools ⇒ . The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.

Additional information and warnings

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.

The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not been carried out properly.
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
The following points should be noted before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down.
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position P or move the manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the vehicle unattended.
The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth.
When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.

There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.

Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can start automatically, even if the engine has been switched off and the vehicle key has been removed from the ignition lock.
If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always be particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work, remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid them getting caught in the engine compartment.
- Always depress the accelerator carefully and never without due consideration. The vehicle can start to move even if the handbrake is applied.
Always ensure that you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and fires.

Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other fluids on the ground, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of properly.

Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

Checklist

The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in the engine compartment ⇒ :

Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.
Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Handbrake
Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to P ⇒ Changing gear
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ Ignition lock
Allow the engine to cool sufficiently.
Children and other people should be kept well away from the engine compartment.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away unexpectedly.

Opening and closing the bonnet

Fig. 136 A: release lever in the footwell on the driver side. B: release lever on the bonnet

Fig. 136 A: release lever in the footwell on the driver side. B: release lever on the bonnet

Fig. 137 C: holder for the bonnet stay in the lock carrier. D: bonnet secured with the bonnet stay

Fig. 137 C: holder for the bonnet stay in the lock carrier. D: bonnet secured with the bonnet stay

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings .

Opening the bonnet

Ensure that the windscreen wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the bonnet ⇒ .
Open the driver door and pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 136 1. The bonnet is released from its lock by a spring mechanism ⇒ .
Lift the bonnet slightly and at the same time push the release lever in the direction of the arrow 2 to open the bonnet completely.
Take the bonnet stay out of the holder in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 137 3 and hook it into the opening in the bonnet 4.

Closing the bonnet

Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒ .
Unhook the bonnet stay out of the opening 4 and insert it in the holder 3.
Let the bonnet drop into the catches from a height of approximately 30 cm - do not press it down!

If the bonnet is not closed, open it again and close it properly.

The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is closed properly.