If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct pro- cedures given in these sections.

CAUTION

The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury observe the following precautions.

- When working on the engine compartment
l Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fans and engine drive belt.
l Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
l Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine compartment.
l Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery.

Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
l Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.

- When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.

With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.) - When working on or under the vehicle
l Do not get under the vehicle with just the jack supporting it.
Always use automotive jack stands or other solid supports.

l Use eye protection to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.

from getting in your eyes.

NOTICE

- If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart- ment.