Scion iM. Instruction - part 14

224

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

n

Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replacement tire is greater than 1/2
of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the
rear axle, whichever is greater.

n

Tire types

l

Summer tires

Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended. When install-
ing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

l

All season tires

All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most winter conditions as well as for use
year-round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, all
season tires fall short in acceleration and handling performance com-
pared with summer tires in highway driving.

l

Snow tires

For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the originally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible restrictions. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. (

P. 162)

n

If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

For the GAWR, see the Certification
Label. For the maximum load of the tire,
see the load limit at maximum cold tire
inflation pressure mentioned on the
sidewall of the tire. (

P. 306)

225

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

n

Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not oper-
ate properly

l

In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate
properly.

• If non-genuine Scion wheels are used. 
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equip-

ment) tire.

• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
• Tire chains etc. are equipped.
• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the

wheels or wheel housings.

• If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified

level.

• If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-

ters are used.

• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is

not registered in the tire pressure warning computer.

l

Performance may be affected in the following situations.

• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large

display, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or
electrical noise.

• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or

other wireless communication device.

l

When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go
off could be extended.

l

When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has
burst, the warning may not function.

226

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

n

The initialization operation

l

Make sure to carry out initialization after adjusting the tire inflation pres-
sure. 
Also, make sure the tires are cold before carrying out initialization or tire
inflation pressure adjustment.

l

If you have accidentally turned the engine switch off during initialization,
it is not necessary to press the reset switch again as initialization will
restart automatically when the engine switch to the “ON” position for the
next time. 

l

If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization is not neces-
sary, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level when the
tires are cold, and conduct initialization again.

n

Warning performance of the tire pressure warning system
The warning of the tire pressure warning system will change in accor-
dance with driving conditions. For this reason, the system may give a
warning even if the tire pressure does not reach a low enough level, or if
the pressure is higher than the pressure that was adjusted to when the
system was initialized.

n

When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following
cases, the settings have not been recorded and the system will not oper-
ate properly. If repeated attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings
are unsuccessful, have the vehicle inspected by your Scion dealer.

l

When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure
warning light does not blink 3 times.

l

After driving for a certain period of time since the initialization has been
completed, the warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute.

227

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

n

Tire pressure warning system certification



For the U.S.A.

FCC ID: PAXPMVC010

NOTE:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsi-
ble for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.



For Canada

NOTE:

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

L’utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée seulement aux deux conditions
suivantes : (1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur du
dispositif doit être prêt à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu,
même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionne-
ment du dispositif.

228

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

WARNING

n

When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as
dangerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.

l

Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.

l

Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Scion.

l

Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).

l

Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.

l

Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously. 

l

Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed.

n

When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first
adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the
tire pressure warning light may not come on even if the tire inflation
pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pressure is
actually normal.

229

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

NOTICE

n

Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps

l

When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact your Scion dealer as the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled cor-
rectly.

l

Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not
installed, water could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the
tire pressure warning valves could be bound.

l

When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than
those specified. The cap may become stuck.

n

To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmit-
ters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is
used, contact your Scion dealer or other qualified service shop as soon
as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter when replacing the tire. (

P. 221)

n

Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or pot-
holes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing
the cushioning ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads
may cause damage to the tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s
wheels and body.

n

Low profile tires
Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the tire wheel
when sustaining impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay attention
to the following:

l

Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated,
they may be damaged more severely.

l

Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Fail-
ure to do so may lead to severe tire and wheel damage.

n

If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

230

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

The recommended cold tire infla-
tion pressure and tire size are dis-
played on the tire and loading
information label. (

P. 301)

Tire inflation pressure

Tire inflation pressure

231

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

Tire valve

Tire pressure gauge

Remove the tire valve cap.

Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve.

Read the pressure using the gauge gradations.

If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust
the pressure.
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to deflate.

After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and
adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.

Put the tire valve cap back on.

n

Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once
a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.

n

Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:

l

Reduced fuel economy

l

Reduced driving comfort and poor handling

l

Reduced tire life due to wear

l

Reduced safety

l

Damage to the drivetrain

If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by your Scion dealer.

Inspection and adjustment procedure

1
2

1
2
3
4

5

6

232

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

n

Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:

l

Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been
driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire
inflation pressure reading.

l

Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based only on its appear-
ance.

l

It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as
heat is generated in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after
driving.

l

Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is
balanced.

WARNING

n

Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. 
If the tires are not properly inflated, the following conditions may occur
which could lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:

l

Excessive wear

l

Uneven wear

l

Poor handling

l

Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires

l

Air leaking from between tire and wheel

l

Wheel deformation and/or tire damage

l

Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards,
expansion joints, sharp edges in the road, etc.)

NOTICE

n

When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on. 
If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or moisture may get into the valve and
cause an air leak, resulting in decreased tire inflation pressure.

233

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are
equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim width and
inset

*

.

Replacement wheels are available at your Scion dealer.

*

: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.

Scion does not recommend using the following:

l Wheels of different sizes or types

l Used wheels

l Bent wheels that have been straightened

l Use only Scion wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with

your aluminum wheels.

l When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the

wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).

l Use only Scion genuine balance weights or equivalent and a plastic

or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.

n

When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to
provide advance warning in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure.
Whenever wheels are replaced, tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters must be installed. (

P. 221)

Wheels

If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be
replaced. Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or
cause a loss of handling control.

Wheel selection

Aluminum wheel precautions

234

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

WARNING

n

When replacing wheels

l

Do not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in
the Owner’s Instruction, as this may result in a loss of handling control.

l

Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a
tubeless tire. Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or seri-
ous injury.

n

When installing the wheel nuts

l

Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened,
leading to bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can
cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing an
accident and resulting in death or serious injury. Remove any oil or
grease from the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.

n

Use of defective wheels prohibited
Do not use cracked or deformed wheels.
Doing so could cause the tire to leak air during driving, possibly causing
an accident.

NOTICE

n

Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

l

Because tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters, make sure to have tires serviced by your
Scion dealer or other qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to
purchase your tire pressure warning valves and transmitters at your
Scion dealer.

l

Ensure that only genuine Scion wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly
with non-genuine wheels. 

l

Be sure to install the wheel nuts with
the tapered ends facing inward.
Installing the nuts with the tapered
ends facing outward can cause the
wheel to break and eventually cause
the wheel to come off while driving,
which could lead to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.

Tapered 
portion

235

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

Turn the engine switch off.

Open the glove box. Slide off
the damper.

Push in the glove box on the
vehicle’s outer side to discon-
nect the claws. Then pull out
the glove box and disconnect
the lower claws.

Remove the filter cover.

Air conditioning filter

The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain
air conditioning efficiency.

Removal method

1
2

3

4

236

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

n

Replacement method

Remove the air conditioning filter
and replace it with a new one.

The “

UP” marks shown on the fil-

ter should be pointing up.

n

Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance
schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement
may be required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the
“Schedule maintenance guide” or “Owner’s Instruction Supplement”.)

n

If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.

NOTICE

n

When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the
system.

237

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

l Flathead screwdriver

l Small flathead screwdriver

l Lithium battery CR1620

Remove the cover.

To prevent damage to the key,
cover the tip of the screwdriver with
a rag.

Remove the battery cover.

Remove the depleted battery
using a small flathead screw-
driver.

Insert a new battery with the “+”
terminal facing up.

Wireless remote control battery

Replace the battery with a new one if it is depleted.

You will need the following items:

Replacing the battery

1

2

3

238

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

n

Use a CR1620 lithium battery

l

Batteries can be purchased at your Scion dealer, local electrical appliance
shops or camera stores.

l

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manu-
facturer.

l

Dispose of used batteries according to local laws.

n

If the key battery is depleted 
The following symptoms may occur:

l

The wireless remote control will not function properly.

l

The operational range will be reduced.

WARNING

n

Removed battery and other parts
These parts are small and if swallowed by a child, they can cause choking.
Keep away from children. Failure to do so could result in death or serious
injury.

NOTICE

n

For normal operation after replacing the battery
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents:

l

Always work with dry hands.
Moisture may cause the battery to rust.

l

Do not touch or move any other component inside the remote control.

l

Do not bend either of the battery terminals.

239

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

Turn the engine switch off.

Open the fuse box cover. 



Engine compartment

Push the tab in and lift the lid
off.



Under the driver’s side instrument panel

Remove the lid.

Remove the fuse with the pull-
out tool.

Only type A fuses can be removed
using the pullout tool.

Checking and replacing fuses

If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may
have blown. If this happens, check and replace the fuses as nec-
essary.

1
2

3