2008 TOYOTA YARIS HATCHBACK Owners Manual

244 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the FULL and LOW
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
FULL
LOW
If the level is on or below the
LOW line, add coolant up to the
FULL line.
NOTICE
nTo prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on regular basis.
n When replacing the engine oil
lBe careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
l Avoid overfilling, as the engine could be damaged.
l Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
l Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
n
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.
n Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
Except Canada:“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool- ant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 °F [-42 °C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
n When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
nWhen adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
n If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

246 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
n Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
n Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
CAUTION
n When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
burns.
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
n Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
.
Battery
n 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
CAUTION
nWhen filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
nIf the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.
n If you spill fluid
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

248 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nChecking battery condition
Check the battery condition using the indicator color.
Type A
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer.
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Toyota dealer.
Type B Green: Good condition
Dark: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer.
Clear or light yellow: Not
working properly, have the
battery checked by your
Toyota dealer.
nBefore recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
lIf recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
l Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
n
Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains 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 bat-
tery:
l Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
l Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
l Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
l Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
l Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
l Keep children away from the battery.
n Where to safety 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 not sufficient ventilation.
n How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5A or less).
The battery may explode if charged at a quicker rate.
n Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
lIf 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.
l If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
l 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.
l If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beaten raw egg or vegetable oil. Get emergency medical attention immedi-
ately.

250 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Washer fluidIf any washer does not work or the low washer fluid warning light
comes on, the washer tank may be empty. Open the lid.
Add washer fluid.
NOTICE
nWhen recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
n
When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
nDo not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
n Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.