Scion xB. Service Manual - part 15

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Engine oil consumption

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

●

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

●

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

●

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

●

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

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CAUTION

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Used engine oil

●

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.

●

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 infor-
mation concerning recycling or disposal.

●

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

NOTICE

■

To prevent serious engine damage

Check the oil level on a regular basis.

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

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

●

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.

●

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

●

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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Engine coolant

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. 323)

■

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.

U.S.A.:

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31

F [-35C])

Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant

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

F [-42C])

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

■

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.

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CAUTION

■

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

■

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.

■

If you spill coolant

Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damaging parts or paint.

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Radiator and condenser

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.

Brake fluid

■

Checking fluid level

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

CAUTION

■

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.

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Adding fluid

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

Disconnect the claws to remove
the service cover as shown in
the illustration.

Remove the reservoir cap.

Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.

Fluid type

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

Items

Clean funnel

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

■

Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air

Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking
efficiency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

STEP 

3 

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CAUTION

■

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

■

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.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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Battery

Check the battery as follows:

■

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

■

Before recharging

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

●

If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.

●

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

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CAUTION

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Chemicals in the battery

Batteries contains 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:

●

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

●

Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.

●

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

●

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.

●

Keep children away from the battery.

■

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.

■

How to recharge the battery

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

■

Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

●

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.

●

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

●

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.

●

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

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Washer fluid

For vehicles sold in U.S.A. 

If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.

For vehicles sold in Canada

If any washer does not work or
the low washer fluid warning light
comes on, the washer tank may
be empty. Add washer fluid.

NOTICE

■

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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Using the gauge (U.S.A. only)

CAUTION

■

When adding washer fluid

Do not add the 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

■

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.

■

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.

The washer fluid level can be checked by
observing the position of the level on the
liquid-covered holes in the gauge.
If the level falls below the second hole
from the bottom (the “LOW” position),
refill the washer fluid.

Current 

fluid level

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Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-

ules and treadwear.

■

Checking tires

New tread

Treadwear indicator

Worn tread

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

” marks, etc.,

molded on the sidewall of
each tire.

Check spare tire condition
and pressure if not rotated.

■

Tire rotation

Rotate the tires in the order
shown.

To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Scion recom-
mends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.

■

Tire pressure warning system

Your Scion is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low
tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise. (

P. 295)

Front

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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 warn-
ing computer and the tire pressure warning system must be initial-
ized. Have tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes
registered by your Scion dealer. (

P. 240)

■

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 infla-
tion pressure level. (

P. 340)

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

Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position. 

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3 

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Press and hold the tire pressure
warning reset button until the tire
pressure warning light blinks
slowly 3 times.

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

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.

STEP 

4 

STEP 

5 

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When to replace your vehicle’s tires

Tires should be replaced if:

●

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

●

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.

■

Replacing tires and wheels

If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not
registered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After
driving for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for
1 minute and stay on to indicate a system malfunction.

■

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.

■

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.

■

Maximum load of tire

Check that the number given by dividing the maximum load by 1.10 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.

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. 345)

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Tire types

●

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
installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

●

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
compared with summer tires in highway driving.

●

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. 161)

■

Initializing the tire pressure warning system

Initialize the system with the tire inflation pressure adjusted to the speci-
fied level.

■

If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)

The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.