2008 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN engine coolant

221
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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.
n
When working on the engine compartment
lKeep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
l 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.
l Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
l Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
l Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
l Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
n When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch on, the electric cooling fan may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
n Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

226
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compar tment
Washer fluid tank (→P. 238)
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 227)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 227)
Radiator cap
Battery ( →P. 235)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 233)Fuse box ( →P. 257)
Condenser ( →P. 233)
Electric cooling fan
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 232)
Radiator ( →P. 233)

232 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.
nIf 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.

233
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely 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.
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.
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
burns.

288
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
n Visible symptoms
lFluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
l Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
l High engine coolant temperatur e warning light flashes or
comes on
l Low engine coolant temperature indicator comes on or does
not come on continuously
n Audible symptoms
lChanges in exhaust sound
l Excessive tire squeal when cornering
l Strange noises related to the suspension system
l Pinging or other noises related to the engine
n Operational symptoms
lEngine missing, stumbling or running rough
l Appreciable loss of power
l Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
l Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
l Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

5
When trouble arises
293
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warnings indicate the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota dealer.
*: The light may come on when the oil level is extremely low. It is not designed to indicate low oil level, and the oil level must be checked using the engine
oil level dipstick.
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.
Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging sys-
tem.
Low engine oil pressure warning light Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low*.
High engine coolant temperature warning light Indicate a engine is almost overheating.( →P. 320)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(except Canada)
(Canada) Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system;
• The electronic automatic transmission control sys-tem; or
• Emission control system.

320
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the high engine coolant temperature warning
light goes off and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Toyota
dealer.

5
When trouble arises
321
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The engine has cooled down sufficiently.
Low engine coolant temperature indicator comes on.
Check the engine coolant level.
Look for obvious coolant leaks
from the radiator, hoses and
under the vehicle.
Note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
Add engine coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. ( →P. 330)
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.