service TOYOTA tC 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting 
the vehicle exterior ........... 270
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle interior ............ 274
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance 
requirements .................... 277
General maintenance ......... 280
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs .......................... 284
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service 
precautions ...................... 285
Hood................................... 290
Positioning a floor jack ....... 292
Engine compartment .......... 294
Tires ................................... 310
Tire inflation pressure......... 320
Wheels ............................... 324
Wireless remote control/ 
electronic key battery ....... 326
Checking and replacing 
fuses ................................ 330
Light bulbs .......................... 341 5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ............ 352
If your vehicle needs to be 
towed ................................ 353
If you think something is  wrong ................................ 361
Fuel pump shut off 
system .............................. 362
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If a warning light turns 
on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................... 363
If you have a flat tire ........... 380
If the engine will not start .... 395
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from P (automatic 
transmission) .................... 398
If you lose your keys ........... 399
If the electronic key does not 
operate properly ............... 400
If the vehicle battery is dis- charged ............................ 404
If your vehicle overheats..... 408
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck ................................. 411
If your vehicle has to be 
stopped in an 
emergency ........................ 413
4Maintenance and care5When trouble arises

21
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Installation of a mobile two-way radio system
The installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle could affect
electronic systems such as:
●Multi-port fuel injection system/sequential multi-port fuel injection system
● Cruise control system
● Anti-lock brake system
● SRS airbag system
● Seat belt pretensioner system
Be sure to check with your Scion dealer for precautionary measures or spe-
cial instructions regarding installation of a mobile two-way radio system.
Scrapping of your Scion
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your Scion contain
explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags and seat belt
pretensioners left as they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner
removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Scion dealer
before you scrap your vehicle.
Perchlorate Material
Special handling may apply, 
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Your vehicle has components that may contain perchlorate. These compo-
nents may include airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and wireless remote con-
trol batteries.

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.

230
2-5. Driving information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Dinghy towing (manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing:
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without a smart key system 
Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” position. ( P. 163) 
Vehicles with a smart key system 
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY
mode. ( P. 167)
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices are turned
off.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before
driving the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Con-
tact the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recom-
mended equipment.
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4
wheels on the ground) behind a motor home.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

Maintenance and care4
269
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting 
the vehicle exterior......... 270
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle interior.......... 274 4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance 
requirements .................. 277
General maintenance....... 280
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs ........................ 284
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service 
precautions .................... 285
Hood ................................ 290
Positioning a floor jack ..... 292
Engine compartment ........ 294
Tires ................................. 310
Tire inflation pressure ...... 320
Wheels ............................. 324
Wireless remote control/ 
electronic key battery ..... 326
Checking and replacing 
fuses .............................. 330
Light bulbs........................ 341

278 4-2. Maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
■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

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.

284
4-2. Maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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 se t 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 vehi cle 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.

298 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
■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.

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