General Safety Guidelines

Appropriate service methods and proper repair procedures are essential for the safe, reliable operation of all motor vehicles, as well as the personal safety of the individual performing the work.

There are numerous variations in procedures, techniques, tools, and parts for servicing vehicles, as well as in the skill of the individual doing the work. All possible variations cannot be anticipated, so advice or cautions cannot be provided for each. Accordingly, anyone who departs from given procedures must first establish that personal safety or vehicle integrity will not be compromised by choice of methods, tools, or parts.

This information contains NOTES, CAUTIONS, and WARNINGS. Each is there for a specific purpose.

NOTES
Notes give added information that will help complete a procedure.

NOTE: Move the seats all the way forward to allow access to the floor console retaining screws.

CAUTIONS
Cautions are given to prevent errors that could damage the vehicle.

CAUTION: Disconnect the battery ground cable before removing instrument cluster.

WARNINGS

Warnings remind you to be especially careful in those areas where carelessness may cause personal injury.

WARNING: Make sure that engine is cool before removing radiator cap.

The following WARNINGS should be followed when working on any vehicle:

- Always wear safety glasses for eye protection.

- Use safety stands whenever a procedure requires being under a vehicle.

- Be sure that the ignition switch is always in the OFF position, unless otherwise required in the procedure.

- Set the parking brake when working on a vehicle. The transmission should be in NEUTRAL (M/T with engine running), REVERSE (M/T with engine OFF), or PARK (A/T) unless otherwise instructed. Place wood blocks (4"x4" or larger) against the front and rear surfaces of the tires to provide further restraint against inadvertent vehicle movement.

- Operate the engine only in a well ventilated area to avoid danger of carbon monoxide.

- Keep yourself and your clothing away from moving parts when the engine is running. Tie back long hair. Be especially careful around pulleys and drive belts. Remove rings, watches, hanging jewelry, and loose clothing.

- To avoid serious burns, avoid contact with hot parts such as the radiator, exhaust manifold, tail pipe, catalytic convertor, and muffler.

- Do not smoke while working on a vehicle.

- Keep hands, tools, and other objects clear of the radiator fan blades. Many vehicles are equipped with cooling fans that may turn ON at any time, even with ignition switch in the OFF position. For this reason, care should be taken to disconnect the electric fan motor when working under the hood with the engine not running.