Scion iM. Instruction - part 13

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

Engine compartment

Washer fluid tank (

P. 219)

Engine coolant reservoir

(

P. 212)

Engine oil filler cap

(

P. 210)

Engine oil level dipstick

(

P. 209)

Brake fluid reservoir

(

P. 214)

Battery

(

P. 216)

Fuse box

(

P. 239)

Electric cooling fan

Condenser

(

P. 214)

Radiator

(

P. 214)

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With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.

n

Checking the engine oil

Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the bottom of the engine.

Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.

Reinsert the dipstick fully.

Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out and
check the oil level.

Low

Normal

Excessive

The shape of the dipstick
may differ depending on the
type of vehicle or engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Engine oil

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Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.

Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.

Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

Engine oil selection

P. 297

Oil quantity 
(Low 

 Full)

1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

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Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.

l

When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine

l

If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used

l

When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently

l

When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic

WARNING

n

Used engine oil

l

Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

l

Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. 
Call your Scion dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.

l

Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

NOTICE

n

To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.

n

When replacing the engine oil

l

Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.

l

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.

l

Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.

l

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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Scion iM_U (12J49U)

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.

Reservoir cap

“FULL” line

“LOW” line

If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (

P. 288)

n

Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.

For the U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool-

ant and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31

F

[-35

C])

For Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% cool-

ant and 45% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44

F

[-42

C])

For more details about engine coolant, contact your Scion dealer.

n

If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Scion dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.

Engine coolant

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WARNING

n

When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap. 
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

NOTICE

n

When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.

n

If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

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Scion iM_U (12J49U)

Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects. 

If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Scion dealer.

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Checking fluid level

The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.

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Adding fluid

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.

Radiator and condenser

WARNING

n

When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

Brake fluid

Fluid type

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

Item

Clean funnel

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Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

WARNING

n

When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.

If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

NOTICE

n

If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
However, if the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious
problem. Have the vehicle inspected at your Scion dealer as soon as possi-
ble.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

Check the battery as follows.

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Battery exterior

Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

Terminals

Hold-down clamp

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Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:

l

If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.

l

Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the battery.

Battery

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WARNING

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Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the
battery:

l

Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.

l

Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.

l

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

l

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

l

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.

l

Keep children away from the battery.

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Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.

n

How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.

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Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

l

If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.

l

If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.

l

If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.

l

If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

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Scion iM_U (12J49U)

NOTICE

n

When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.

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If any washer does not work or
“Windshield Washer Fluid Low” is
displayed on the multi-information
display, the washer fluid tank may
be empty. Add washer fluid.

Washer fluid

WARNING

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When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.

NOTICE

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Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid 
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.

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Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. 
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check
the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the
tread.

Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.

New tread

Worn tread

Treadwear indicator

The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “



” mark,

etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire. 
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

Rotate the tires in the order
shown.

To equalize tire wear and extend
tire life, Scion recommends that
tire rotation is carried out at the
same interval as tire inspection.

Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.

Checking tires

Tire rotation

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Front

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Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low tire infla-
tion pressure before serious problems arise.

If the tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, the driver is
warned by a warning light. (

P. 263)

u

Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters must also be installed.

When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are
installed, new ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure
warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be
initialized. Have tire pressure warning valves and transmitter ID
codes registered by your Scion dealer. (

P. 223)

u

Initializing the tire pressure warning system

n

The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the fol-
lowing circumstances:

l When rotating front and rear tires which have different tire infla-

tion pressures.

l When changing the tire size.

l When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when chang-

ing traveling speed or load weight.

When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire
inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.

Tire pressure warning system

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How to initialize the tire pressure warning system

Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off.

Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving.

Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. (

P. 301)

Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire infla-
tion pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate
based on this pressure level.

Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.

Open the glove box. Press
and hold the tire pressure
warning reset switch until the
tire pressure warning light
blinks slowly 3 times.

Wait for a few minutes with the engine switch in the “ON” position
and then turn the engine switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.

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Registering ID codes

The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a
unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, it is necessary to register the ID code. Have the ID code
registered by your Scion dealer.

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When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:

l

The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

l

You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric, and bulges indicating internal damage

l

A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size
or location of a cut or other damage

If you are not sure, consult with your Scion dealer.

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Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not reg-
istered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driv-
ing for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1
minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.

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Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even
if it has seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.

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Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation
pressure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of
your routine of daily vehicle checks.

n

Low profile tires
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip perfor-
mance will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to
standard tires. Be sure to use snow tires on snowy and/or icy roads and
drive carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.