Before servicing any vehicle read all of the following precautions that deal with personal safety, prevention of component damage, and important points to take into consideration when servicing a motor vehicle:
- If the battery is removed for any reason, ensure that it is reconnected with the correct polarity. Reversing the battery’s polarity may result in damage to the one-way rectifiers.
- Never operate the generator with the main circuit broken. Ensure that the battery, generator, and regulator leads are not disconnected while the engine is running.
- Never attempt to polarize an generator.
- When charging a battery that is installed in the vehicle, disconnect the negative battery cable.
- When utilizing a booster battery as a starting aid always connect it in parallel; negative to negative and positive to positive.
- When arc (electric) welding is to be performed on any part of the vehicle disconnect the negative battery cable and generator leads.
- Never unplug the PCM while the engine is running or with the ignition in the ON position. Severe and expensive damage may result.
- Never attempt to charge or connect jumper cables to a frozen battery. The battery may explode. Bring the battery indoors where it can thaw before charging the battery.
- Never open, service or drain the radiator or cooling system when the engine is hot; serious burns and blindness can occur from the steam and hot coolant.
- Observe all applicable safety precautions when working around fuel. Whenever servicing the fuel system always work in a well ventilated area. Do not allow fuel spray or vapors to come in contact with sparks, open flame, or excessive heat (a hot drop light, for example). Keep a dry chemical fire extinguisher near the work area. Always keep fuel in a container specifically designed for fuel storage; and always properly seal fuel containers to avoid the possibility of fire or explosion. Refer to the additional fuel system precautions later in this section.
- Fuel injection systems often remain pressurized, even after the engine has been turned OFF. The fuel system pressure must be relieved before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire and/or personal injury.
- The EPA warns that prolonged contact with used engine oil may cause a number of skin disorders including cancer. You should make every effort to minimize your exposure to used engine oil. Protective gloves should be worn when changing oil. Wash your hands and any other exposed skin areas as soon as possible after exposure to used engine oil. Soap and water or waterless hand cleaner should be used.
- Never operate the engine without the proper amount and type of engine oil. Doing so will result in severe engine damage.
- Timing belt maintenance is extremely important. Many models utilize an interference-type, non-freewheeling engine. If the timing belt breaks, the valves in the cylinder head may strike the pistons causing potentially serious (also time-consuming and expensive) engine damage. Refer to the maintenance interval charts in the front of this manual for the recommended replacement interval for the timing belt, and to the timing belt section for belt replacement and inspection.
- Disconnecting the negative battery cable on some vehicles may interfere with the functions of the on-board computer system(s) and may require the computer to undergo a relearning process once the negative battery cable is reconnected.
- Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply current high enough to cause burns. Batteries produce explosive gases. When working on batteries always wear eye protection. Never allow battery acid to contact the skin or eyes. Do not allow sparks or flames near the battery.
NOTE: Disconnecting the negative battery cable on some vehicles may interfere with the functions of the on board computer system. The computer may undergo a relearning process once the negative battery cable is reconnected.
