engine coolant TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

193
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■
Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator 
( P. 185)
(U.S.A)
Headlight indicator 
( P. 197)
Headlight high beam
indicator ( P. 199)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator 
( P. 197)
Slip indicator ( P. 211)Low engine coolant
temperature indicator
VSC OFF indicator 
( P. 212)
(if equipped)
Cruise control indicator 
( P. 207)
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)(if equipped)
Cruise control “SET”
indicator ( P. 207)
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
“TRAC OFF” indicator 
( P. 212)
(if equipped)
Engine immobilizer sys-
tem indicator ( P. 100)
*1, 2
*1
Shift position indica-
tors (P. 176)
Eco Driving Indicator
Light ( P. 152)*1*1
“AIR BAG ON” and “AIR
BAG OFF” indicator
(  P. 120)*1

222
2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.

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.

286 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine coolant level (P. 299)
• “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. 295)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (P. 330)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original

289
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
■
When working near the electric c ooling fans or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in the “ON” position,
the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning
is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 301)
Vehicles with a smart key system
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off. With the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automat\
-
ically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 301)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting your eyes.
NOTICE
■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. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine com-
partment.

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)

299
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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. 408)
■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.

300 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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 strai ght 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.

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
367
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Follow the correction procedures.
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light goes off.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning light
(warning buzzer)
*1
Indicates that a door is not
fully closed. Check that all the doors are
closed.
Low fuel level warning
light Indicates remaining fuel is
approximately 2.2 gal.
(8.2 L, 1.8 Imp.gal.) or
less. Refuel the vehicle.
Seat belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)
*2
Warns the driver and/or
front passenger to fasten
their seat belts. Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s
seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also
needs to be fastened to
make the warning light
(warning buzzer) off.
High engine coolant tem-
perature warning light Indicates that the engine is
almost overheating. P. 408
(Canada) Low windshield washer
fluid warning light
Indicates low level of
washer fluid. Fill the tank.