Scion tC. Service Manual - part 18

275

4-1. Maintenance and care

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

■

Automatic car washes

●

Fold the mirrors and remove the antenna before washing the vehicle.
Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to re-install the
antenna and extend the mirrors before driving.

●

Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.

■

High pressure car washes

●

Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity
of the windows.

●

Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle
is closed properly.

■

Aluminum wheels

●

Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use
hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical
cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.

●

Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.

●

Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.

■

Bumpers and side moldings

Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.

■

Notes for a smart key system (if equipped)

●

If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the
effective range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. Place the key
in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehi-
cle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)

●

If the electronic key is inside the vehicle and a door handle becomes wet
during a car wash, a buzzer will sound outside the vehicle. To turn off the
alarm, lock all the doors.

276

4-1. Maintenance and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

CAUTION

■

When washing the vehicle

Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.

■

Precautions regarding the exhaust pipe

Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.

When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled
sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.

NOTICE

■

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

●

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

●

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

●

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

277

4-1. Maintenance and care

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

NOTICE

■

Cleaning the exterior lights

●

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

●

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

■

Antenna installation and removal precautions

●

Before driving, ensure that the antenna is installed.

●

When the antenna is removed, such as before entering an automatic car
wash, make sure to store it in a suitable place so as not to lose it. Also,
before driving, make sure to reinstall the antenna in its original position.

■

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 repeat for the passenger side. When returning
the wipers to their original position, do so from the passenger side first.

■

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

278

4-1. Maintenance and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

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

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

■

Cleaning the leather areas
● Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.
● 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.

● Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly

wipe off all remaining traces of detergent.

● Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remain-

ing moisture. Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and venti-
lated area.

279

4-1. Maintenance and care

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

■

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.

■

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
keeping the carpet as dry as possible.

■

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.

CAUTION

■

Water in the vehicle

●

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

●

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

P. 110)

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

■

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.

280

4-1. Maintenance and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

NOTICE

■

Cleaning detergents

●

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

●

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

■

Preventing damage to leather surfaces

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

●

Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.

●

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

●

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.

■

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.

■

Cleaning the inside of the rear window

●

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.

●

Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.

281

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

4-2. Maintenance

Maintenance requirements

■

Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine Scion parts be used for repairs to ensure
performance 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 war-
ranty coverage.

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular

maintenance are essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform

regular checks. Scion recommends the following maintenance:

■

General maintenance

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

■

Scheduled maintenance

Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified inter-
vals according to the maintenance schedule.

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

■

Do-it-yourself maintenance

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

The use of Scion Repair Manuals is recommended.

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

282

4-2. Maintenance

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

■

Resetting the maintenance required reminder light (U.S.A. only)

After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the reminder light.
To reset the reminder light, follow the procedures described below:

Switch the display to the trip meter A when the engine is running.
(

P. 190)

Vehicles without a smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position.

Vehicles with a smart key system:
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off.

Vehicles without a smart key system:
While pressing the odometer/trip meter display change button
(

P. 190), turn the engine switch to the “ON” position (do not start

the engine because reset mode will be canceled). Continue to
press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.

Vehicles with a smart key system:
While pressing the odometer/trip meter display change button
(

P. 190), turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to the IGNI-

TION ON mode (do not start the engine because otherwise the
reset mode will be canceled). Continue to press and hold the but-
ton until the trip meter displays “000000”.

■

Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Scion dealer

●

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

●

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.

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3 

283

4-2. Maintenance

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

CAUTION

■

If your vehicle is not properly maintained

Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.

■

Handling of the battery

●

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.

●

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

●

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

P. 308)

284

4-2. Maintenance

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

General maintenance

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Battery

Check the connections.

(

P. 308)

Brake fluid

Is the brake fluid at the correct 
level? (

P. 305)

Engine coolant

Is the engine coolant at the cor-
rect level?

(

P. 303)

Engine oil

Is the engine oil at the correct 
level?

(

P. 299)

Exhaust system

There should not be any fumes or 
strange sounds.

Radiator/condenser

The radiator and condenser 
should be free from foreign 
objects.

(

P. 305)

Washer fluid

Is there sufficient washer fluid?

(

P. 312)

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-

formed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty Informa-

tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled

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.

285

4-2. Maintenance

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

• The accelerator pedal should 

move smoothly (without uneven 
pedal effort or catching).

Automatic 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. 438)

• Does the brake pedal have the 

correct amount of free play?

(

P. 438)

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 

appropriate clearance from the 
floor?

• Does the clutch pedal have the 

correct amount of free play?

(

P. 437)

286

4-2. Maintenance

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

Head restraints

• Do the head restraints move 

smoothly and lock securely?

Indicators/buzzers

• Do the indicators and buzzers 

function properly?

Lights

• Do all the lights come on?

Parking brake

• Does the parking brake lever 

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 

properly?

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

287

4-2. Maintenance

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Doors

• Do the doors operate smoothly?

Engine hood

• Does the engine hood lock sys-

tem 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 or cracking, splitting, 
wear, contamination or deforma-
tion.

• The wiper blades should clear the 

windshield/rear window without 
streaking or skipping.

CAUTION

■

If the engine is running

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

288

4-2. Maintenance

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which

include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system moni-

tors the operation of the emission control system.

■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

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.

■

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situa-
tions:
● 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.

● When the fuel tank cap is loose

The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a tempo-
rary malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

■

When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after
several driving trips

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

■

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

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

289

4

Mai

n

tenan

ce and care

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct

procedures as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition

(

P. 308)

• Warm  water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench 

(for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level

(

P. 305)

• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE 

J1703 brake fluid

• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding 

brake fluid)

290

4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

tC_OM_OM21056U_(U)

Items

Parts and tools

Engine coolant level

(

P. 303)

• “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. 299)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or 

equivalent

• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding 

engine oil)

Fuses

(

P. 341)

• Fuse with same amperage rating 

as original