brake fluid TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

162 2-1. Driving procedures
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Scion dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of eng ine oil, transaxle fluid, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

280
4-2. Maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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.

285
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition ( P. 304)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench 
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 301)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

294
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Engine compar tment
Washer fluid tank (P. 308)
Engine coolant reservoir 
(  P. 299)
Engine oil filler cap 
(  P. 296)
Engine oil level dipstick 
(  P. 295)Brake fluid reservoir 
(  P. 301)
Fuse box ( P. 330)
Battery ( P. 304)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 301)
Radiator ( P. 301)

301
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign
objects. 
If either of the above parts is extr emely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e 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.

302 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■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

303
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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 proble\
m.

5
When trouble arises
361
5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Cont act your Scion dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle 
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● High engine coolant temperatur e warning light flashes or
comes on
● Low engine coolant temperature indicator comes on or does
not come on continuously
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

5
When trouble arises
363
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a war ning light turns on or a war ning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Scion dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer: 
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h) or more.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)
*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released, the system is operating normally.
Calmly perform the following actio
ns if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes
off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.
However, if this continues to occu r, have the vehicle inspected by
your Scion dealer.

424 6-1. Specifications
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Brakes
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 67.5 lbf (300 N, 30.6 kgf) while the engine is running
*2: Parking brake lever travel when pulled up with a force of 45 lbf (200 N, 20 kgf)
Steering
Pedal clearance*13.86 in. (98 mm)
Pedal free play 0.04  0.24 in. (1  6 mm)
Brake pad wear limit 0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake lever travel*25  8 clicks
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
Free playLess than 1.2 in. (30 mm)