Scion iM. Service Manual - part 12

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6-1. Maintenance and care

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

NOTICE

n

To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)

l

Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:

• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the

paint surface

• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,

iron powder or chemical substances

• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface

l

If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.

l

To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.

n

Cleaning the exterior lights

l

Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush. 
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.

l

Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.

n

To prevent damage to the windshield wiper arms
When lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield, pull the driver side
wiper arm upward first, and then the passenger side. When returning the
wipers to their original position, do so from the passenger side first.

n

When using a high pressure car wash
Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured
cover), connectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they
come into contact with high-pressure water.

• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts

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Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces
with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.

l Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

l Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with

diluted detergent.

Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent.

l Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off

all remaining traces of detergent.

l Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining

moisture. Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.

l Remove loose dirt using a vacuum cleaner.

l Apply a mild soap solution to the synthetic leather using a sponge

or soft cloth.

l Allow the solution to soak in for a few minutes. Remove the dirt and

wipe off the solution with a clean, damp cloth.

Cleaning and protecting the vehicle 

interior

The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior
and keep it in top condition:

Protecting the vehicle interior

Cleaning the leather areas

Cleaning the synthetic leather areas

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Caring for leather areas
Scion recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.

n

Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge
or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.

n

Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.

WARNING

n

Water in the vehicle

l

Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle.
Doing so may cause electrical components etc. to malfunction or catch
fire.

l

Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet. 
(

P. 34)

An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.

n

Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect
off the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.

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NOTICE

n

Cleaning detergents

l

Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:

• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,

alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach

• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco-

hol

l

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.

n

Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:

l

Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.

l

Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.

l

Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.

n

Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.

n

Cleaning the inside of the rear window

l

Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause
damage to the rear window defogger heater wires. Use a cloth dampened
with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in
strokes running parallel to the heater wires.

l

Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.

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Scion iM_U (12J49U)

6-2. Maintenance

General maintenance should be performed on a daily basis. This can
be done by yourself or by a Scion dealer.

Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.

For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

You can perform some maintenance procedures by yourself. 
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect warranty
coverage.

The use of Scion Repair Manuals is recommended.

For details about warranty coverage, refer to the separate “Owner’s War-
ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg-
ular maintenance are essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to
perform regular checks. Scion recommends the following main-
tenance:

General maintenance

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Scion parts be used for repairs to ensure per-
formance of each system. If non-Scion parts are used in replacement or if a
repair shop other than a Scion dealer performs repairs, confirm the warranty
coverage.

n

Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedure described below:

While the engine is running, switch the multi-information display to the set-
tings display. (

P. 76)

Select “Scheduled Maintenance” on the settings display.

Select “Yes” on the “Scheduled Maintenance” screen.

“The Data Has Been Reset” will be displayed on the multi-information display
when the reset procedure has been completed.

n

Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Scion dealer

l

Scion technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with
the latest service information. They are well informed about the operations
of all systems on your vehicle.

l

Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Scion dealer will promptly take
care of it.

WARNING

n

If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible death or serious injury.

n

Handling of the battery

l

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.

l

Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.

l

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. (

P. 216)

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6-2. Maintenance

Scion iM_U (12J49U)

General maintenance

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Scion
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Battery

Check the connections.

 (

P. 216)

Brake fluid

Is the brake fluid at the correct level?

(

P. 214)

Engine coolant

Is the engine coolant at the correct level?

(

P. 212)

Engine oil

Is the engine oil at the correct level?

(

P. 209)

Exhaust system

There should not be any fumes or strange sounds.

Radiator/condenser

The radiator and condenser should be free of for-
eign objects. 

(

P. 214)

Washer fluid

Is there sufficient washer fluid?

(

P. 219)

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Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

• The accelerator pedal should

move smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching).

Continuously variable transmission
“Park” mechanism

• When parked on a slope and the

shift lever is in P, is the vehicle
securely stopped?

Brake pedal

• Does the brake pedal move

smoothly?

• Does the brake pedal have appro-

priate clearance from the floor? 

(

P. 301)

• Does the brake pedal have the

correct amount of free play? 

(

P. 301)

Brakes

• The vehicle should not pull to one

side when the brakes are applied.

• The brakes should work effec-

tively.

• The brake pedal should not feel

spongy.

• The brake pedal should not get

too close to the floor when the
brakes are applied.

Clutch pedal

• Does the clutch pedal move

smoothly?

• Does the clutch pedal have appro-

priate clearance from the floor? 

(

P. 300)

• Does the clutch pedal have the

correct amount of free play?

(

P. 300)

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Head restraints

• Do the head restraints move

smoothly and lock securely?

Indicators/buzzers

• Do the indicators and buzzers

function properly?

Lights

• Do all of the lights come on?

Parking brake

• Does the parking brake move

smoothly?

• When parked on a slope and the

parking brake is on, is the vehicle
securely stopped?

Seat belts

• Do the seat belts operate

smoothly?

• The seat belts should not be dam-

aged.

Seats

• Do the seat controls operate prop-

erly?

Steering wheel

• Does the steering wheel rotate

smoothly?

• Does the steering wheel have the

correct amount of free play?

• There should not be any strange

sounds coming from the steering
wheel.

Items

Check points

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Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Doors

• Do the doors operate smoothly?

Engine hood

• Does the engine hood lock system

work properly?

Fluid leaks

• There should not be any signs of

fluid leakage after the vehicle has
been parked.

Tires

• Is the tire inflation pressure cor-

rect?

• The tires should not be dam-

aged or excessively worn.

• Have the tires been rotated

according to the maintenance
schedule?

• The wheel nuts should not be

loose.

Windshield wipers/rear window
wiper

• The wiper blades should not show

any signs of cracking, splitting,
wear, contamination or deforma-
tion.

• The wiper blades should clear the

windshield/rear window without
streaking or skipping.

WARNING

n

If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

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The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Scion dealer to service the
vehicle.

l When the battery is disconnected or discharged

Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.

l When the fuel tank cap is loose

The malfunction indicator lamp illuminates, indicating a temporary
malfunction, and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

An OBD system error code will not be cleared unless the vehicle is
driven 40 or more times.

Contact your Scion dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) 

programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of the emission control system.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:

When the malfunction indicator lamp remains on after several
driving trips

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition
(

P. 216)

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level
(

P. 214)

• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

Engine coolant
level (

P. 212)

• “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 pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)

Engine oil level
(

P. 209)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

Fuses (

P. 239)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Light bulbs 
(

P. 242)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-

nal

• Phillips-head screwdriver

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench

Radiator and con-
denser (

P. 214)



Tire inflation
pressure 
(

P. 230)

•

Tire pressure gauge

•

Compressed air source

Washer fluid 
(

P. 219)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-

ter use)

• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

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Scion iM_U (12J49U)

WARNING

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.

n

When working on the engine compartment

l

Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan 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 and rags, in the
engine compartment.

l

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

l

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.

n

When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in the “ON” position,
the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning
is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (

P. 214)

n

Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.

NOTICE

n

If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.

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Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever
and lift the hood.

Hold the hood open by inserting
the support rod into the slot.

Hood

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

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Scion iM_U (12J49U)

WARNING

n

Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. 
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

n

After installing the support rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely preventing it from falling
down onto your head or body. 

NOTICE

n

When closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood. Closing
the hood with the support rod not clipped could cause the hood to bend.

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u

Front

u

Rear

Positioning a floor jack

When using a floor jack, follow the instructions in the manual
provided with the jack and perform the operation safely.

When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause
injury.