2008 TOYOTA tC check engine

209
3. Tighten the towing eyelet securely bya wheel nut wrench.
CAUTION
When installing the eyelet on the ve-
hicle, be sure to tighten the eyelet
securely. If the eyelet is loose, it may
come off when being towed and re-
sult in death or serious injury.
If you cannot move the selector lever
out of “P” position to other positions
even though the brake pedal is de-
pressed, use the shift lock override but-
ton as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to “LOCK” position. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2. Pry up the cover with a flathead screwdriver or equivalent.3. Insert your finger into the hole topush down the shift lock override
button. You can move out of “P”
position only while pushing the but-
ton.
4. Shift into “N” position.
5. Insert the cover.
6. Start the engine. For your safety, keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by
your Scion dealer as soon as possible.
If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever

210
If you lose your keys
You can purchase a new key at your
Scion dealer if you can give them the
key number. If your vehicle equipped
with the engine immobilizer system, the
dealer will also need your master key.
Vehicle with engine immobilizer sys-
tem—Even if you lose only one key, con-
tact your Scion dealer to make a new key.
If you lose all your master keys, you can-
not make new keys; the whole engine im-
mobilizer system must be replaced.
See the suggestion given in “Keys” on
page 8.
You can use the wireless remote control
system with the new key. Contact your
Scion dealer for detailed information.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and
you cannot get a duplicate, many Scion
dealers can still open the door for you,
using their special tools. If you must
break a window to get in, we suggest
breaking the smallest side window be-
cause it is the least expensive to replace.
Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from
the glass.
40T007a
If the back door opener does not oper-
ate, you can open the back door from
the inside.
To open the back door from inside, per-
form the following procedure.1. Remove the cover on the back door trim.
40T008a
2. Push the lever with the back door mo-tor, open the back door.
Be sure to have the back door opener
checked/repaired by your Scion dealer.
If you cannot operate back
door opener

213
Check the interior of your vehicle. Wa-
ter and dirt can accumulate under the
floor mats and could cause corrosion. Oc-
casionally check under the mats to make
sure the area is dry. Be particularly care-
ful when transporting chemicals, cleans-
ers, fertilizers, salt, etc.; these should be
transported in proper containers. If a spill
or leak should occur, immediately clean
and dry the area.
Use mud shields on your wheels. If you
drive on salted or gravel roads, mud
shields help protect your vehicle. Full–size
shields, which come as near to the ground
as possible, are the best. We recommend
that the fittings and the area where the
shields are installed be treated to resist
corrosion. Your Scion dealer will be happy
to assist in supplying and installing the
shields if they are recommended for your
area.
Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated
garage or a roofed place. Do not park
your vehicle in a damp, poorly venti-
lated garage. If you wash your vehicle in
the garage, or if you drive it covered with
water or snow, your garage may be so
damp as to cause corrosion. Even if your
garage is heated, a wet vehicle can cor-
rode if the ventilation is poor. Washing your Scion
Keep your vehicle clean by regular
washing.
The following cases may cause weakness
to the paint or corrosion to the body and
parts. Wash your vehicle as soon as pos-
sible.
When driving in a coastal area
When driving on a road sprinkled with
antifreeze
When exposed to coal tar, tree sap,
bird droppings and carcass of an insect
When driving in areas where there is
a lot of smoke, soot, dust, iron dust or
chemical substances
When the vehicle becomes remarkably
dirty with dust and mud
Hand–washing your Scion
Work in the shade and wait until the
vehicle body is not warm to the touch.
CAUTION
When cleaning under floor or chas-
sis, be careful not to injure your
hands.
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust
pipe to become quite hot. When
washing the vehicle, be careful not
to touch the pipe until it has cooled
sufficiently, as touching a hot ex-
haust pipe can cause burns.
1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Re- move any mud or road salt from the
underside of the vehicle or the wheel
wells.
2. Wash with a mild car–wash soap, mixed according to the manufacturer ’s
instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and
keep it wet by dipping it frequently into
the wash water. Do not rub hard—let
the soap and water remove the dirt.
Fuel filler door: Do not apply water
(high–pressure car wash, for example) at
or near the fuel tank inlet with the fuel
filler door opened. If the water enters the
air vent, you may experience trouble with
refueling or rough engine idling.
Wa sh in g an d waxin g yo u r
Scion

219
If you are a skilled do–it–yourself
mechanic, the Scion service manuals are
recommended. Please be aware that
do–it–yourself maintenance can affect your
warranty coverage. See “Owner ’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner ’s Manual
Supplement” for details.
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing the items listed, if you notice any
unusual noise, smell or vibration, you
should investigate the cause or take your
vehicle to your Scion dealer or a qualified
service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
the qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only with ade-
quate ventilation if you run the en-
gine.
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See page 251 for additional informa-
tion.Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
see–through reservoir when the engine is
cold. See page 234 for additional informa-
tion.
Radiator, condenser, and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt or insects. See page 235 for
additional information.
Battery electrolyte level
Your Scion has a maintenance free bat-
tery. You do not have to add distilled wa-
ter. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 249 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See page 235 for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See page 232 for addi-
tional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the “HOT” or “COLD”
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 236 for additional information.

220
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 152.)
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has specified free play. Be
alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-
erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down
smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position. For folding–down
rear seatbacks, check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in “P” position and all brakes re-
leased.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all the side doors and back
door operate smoothly and all latches lock
securely. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.

221
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See page 237 for additional
information.
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts,
damage or excessive wear. See page
239 for additional information. When
checking the tires, make sure no nuts
are missing, and check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires
according to the
maintenance schedule. (For sched-
uled maintenance information, please
refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment”.) See page 241 for additional
information.
Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip–offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (however,
water dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flat–looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal If you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Scion dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

227
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cables carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Add only “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or similar high quality eth-
ylene glycol based non–s ilicate,
non–amine, non–nitrite, and non–bo-
rate coolant with long–life hybrid
organic acid technology to fill the
radiator. “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water.
 If you spill some of the coolant, be
sure to wash it off with water to
prevent it from damaging the parts
or paint.
 Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
 Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
 Do not overfill automatic transmis-
sion fluid and power steering fluid,
or the transmission and power
steering could be damaged.
Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
 When closing the engine hood,
check to see that you have not for-
gotten any tools, rags, etc.
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need to perform do–it–yourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Scion parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent. See
page 233 for details about engine oil
selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or
similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non–silicate, non–amine, non–ni-
trite, and non–borate coolant with
long–life hybrid organic acid technology.
(Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low
phosphates and organic acids.)
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a
mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water.

231
DO–IT–YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 235
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 235
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 239
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 242
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 244
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 245
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7– 2