battery TOYOTA tC 2013 (in English) Owner's Manual

281
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
tC_OM_OM21042U_(U)
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. 306)

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4-2. Maintenance
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General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the connections.

( P. 306)
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 303)
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the cor-
rect level? (
P. 301)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level? (
P. 297)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects. (
P. 303)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?

( P. 310)
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.

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4-2. Maintenance
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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.

287
4
Maintenance and care
tC_OM_OM21042U_(U)
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. 306)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench 
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 303)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

290 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions:
■When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Engine compar tment
Washer fluid tank (P. 310)
Engine coolant reservoir 
(  P. 301)
Engine oil filler cap 
(  P. 298)
Engine oil level dipstick 
(  P. 297)Brake fluid reservoir 
(  P. 303)
Fuse box ( P. 334)
Battery ( P. 306)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 303)
Radiator ( P. 303)

306 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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BatteryCheck 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.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
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■
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.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with a smart key
system)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible
immediately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the engine with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCES-
SORY mode. The engine may not start with the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch turned OFF. However, the engine will operate normally from the
second attempt.
● The “ENGINE START STOP” switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If
the battery is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch mode to the status it was in before the battery was discon-
nected. Make sure to turn off the power before disconnecting the battery.
Take extra care when connecting the battery if the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Scion
dealer.

308 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain 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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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CAUTION
■
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.
NOTICE
■ When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.