Page 178 of 204

1998 COROLLA(U)
186
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the see−through reservoir. The level
should be between the ”MAX” and
”MIN” lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear. So
be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
lem.
If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake fluid to
the brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cover
by hand.Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
Checking power steering fluid
Close If hot
O.K.
If cold
O.K.
If cold
add
If hot
addOpen
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRON II or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (60C—80C or 140F—175F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
10C—30C or 50F—85F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 179 of 204

1998 COROLLA(U)
187
Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ”COLD”
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ”HOT” range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the level within the range.
To remove the filler cap, turn it counter-
clockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn
it clockwise. After replacing the filler
cap,visually check the steering box case,
vane pump and hose connections for
leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
Checking tire pressure
Keep your tire pressures at the proper
level.
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire
size and the vehicle capacity weight are
given in Part 8. They are also on the tire
pressure label as shown.
You should check the tire pressures every
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
don’t forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.Low tire pressure results in excessive
wear, poor handling, reduced fuel econo-
my, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead.
If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of wheel deforma-
tion and/or tire separation.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride,
handling problems,excessive wear at the
center of the tire tread, and a greater
possibility of tire damage from road haz-
ards.
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:
The pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold. If your ve-
hicle has been parked for at least 3
hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you
will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of a tire can be mis-
leading. Besides, tire pressures that
are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 199 of 204

1998 COROLLA(U)
207
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Manual transmission
5.8 (6.1, 5.1)
Automatic transmission
5.7 (6.0, 5.0)
Coolant type:
With ethylene−glycol antifreeze
(Do not use alcohol type.)
BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20C (68F):
12.6−12.8 V Fully charged
12.2−12.4 V Half charged
11 . 8−12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after
the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
CLUTCH
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.):
5—15 (0.2—0.6)
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
1.9 (2.0, 1.7)
Oil type:
Gear oil API GL−4 or GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity:
SAE 75W−90
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Automatic transmission
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Four−speed type
Up to 3.1 (3.3, 2.7)
Three−speed type
2.5 (2.6,2.2)
Fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid D−ll or
DEXRONIII (DEXRONII)
Differential (three−speed type only)
Fluid capacity L (qt., Imp. qt.):
1.4 (1.5, 1.2)
Fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid D−II or
DEXRONIII (DEXRONII)BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):
Vehicles with anti−lock brake system
90 (3.5)
Vehicles without anti−lock brake system
85 (3.3)
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.):
1—6 (0.04—0.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf):
4—7 clicks
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel freeplay:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII
or III
ProCarManuals.com