153
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
SCION
Information before driving your Scion
Break−in period 154
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Fuel 154
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Operation in foreign countries 156
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Three −way catalytic converter 156
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Engine exhaust cautions 157
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Facts about engine oil consumption 158
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Electric power steering system 159
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Brake system 161
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 164
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Your Scion’s identification 164
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Theft prevention labels 165
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Suspension and chassis 166
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Tire information 167
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Vehicle load limits 181
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Cargo and luggage 182
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Types of tires 184
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SECTION 2
159
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an express way, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Scion recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 242.The electric power steering system, us-
ing an electric motor, assists the turn-
ing of the steering wheel.
In the following cases, you may feel the
steering becomes heavy. However, the
electric power steering system warning
light does not come on. (Because it is
not a malfunction.)
When maneuvering or turning frequently
over a long time
The power steering effect will be re-
duced to prevent the system from over-
heating. Avoid turning the steering
wheel, or stop the vehicle and turn the
ignition key to “ACC” or LOCK”. The
system will become cool in a
bout 10
minutes.
NOTICE
Frequent maneuvering and turning
over a long time may cause damage
to the system in which the mecha-
nism prevents overheating of the elec-
tric power steering system.
Electric power steering system
160
When racing the engine for 30 seconds
or more with the vehicle stopped
The normal power steering effect will
be obtained when you start driving.
When the battery is discharged
Check the battery’s condition. If neces-
sary, recharge or replace the battery.
For details, see “Checking battery con-
dition” on page 254.
20XB009a
Electric power steering system warning
light
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position. If the elec-
tric power steering system works properly,
the light turns off after a few seconds. If
the system has malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
If the following conditions occur, this
indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the components monitored by the warn-
ing light system. Contact your Scion
dealer as soon as possible to service
the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion or remains on.
The light stays on while you are driv-
ing.
CAUTION
If the electric power steering system
warning light comes on, take your ve-
hicle to Scion dealer as soon as pos-
sible. In this case, more effort is re-
quired for the steering wheel to turn
than usual. Drive your vehicle while
firmly gripping the steering wheel.
161
Brake system
The tandem master cylinder brake system
is a hydraulic system with two separate
sub−systems. If either sub −system s hould
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
power −assist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your reserved vacu-
um.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.
ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The anti lock brake system is designed
to automatically help prevent lock up of
the wheels during a sudden braking or
braking on slippery road surfaces. This
assists in providing directional stab ility
and steering performance of the vehicle
under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake
pedal:
When the anti −lock brake system func-
tion is in action, you may feel the brake
pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this
situation, to let the anti −lock brake sys-
tem work for you, just hold the brake
pedal down more firmly. Do not pump
the brake in a panic stop. This will re-
sult in reduced braking performance.
The anti −lock brake system becomes op-
erative after the vehicle has accelerated
to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery
road surfaces such as on a manhole cov-
er, a steel plate at a construction site,
joints in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day
tends to activate the anti −lock brake sys-
tem.
You may hear a click or motor sound in
the engine compartment for a few seconds
when the engine is started or just after
the vehicle begins to move. This means
that the anti −lock brake system is in the
self −check mode, and does not indicate a
malfunction.