TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

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4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■
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 vehicles with a smar t 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.

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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.

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Maintenance and care
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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.
■ 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.

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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.

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Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■
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. 108)
An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Cleaning the interior (esp ecially 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.

276 4-1. Maintenance and care
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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 o\
f
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.

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Maintenance and care
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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 driv ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance is essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Scion recommends performing the following mainte-
nance:
■ 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”.

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■Reset the maintenance data (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the maintenance data.
To reset the data, follow the procedures described below:
Switch the display to the trip meter A when the engine is running.
(P. 188)
Vehicles without a smart key system 
Turn the engine switch off. 
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. 188), 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. 188), 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, y our Scion dealer will promptly take
care of it.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

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Maintenance and care
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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. 304)

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4-2. Maintenance
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General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the connections.

( P. 304)
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 301)
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the cor-
rect level? (
P. 299)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level? (
P. 295)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (
P. 301)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?

( P. 308)
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.