2009 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN Owners Manual

236 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nAdding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
.
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.
CAUTION
nWhen filling the reservoir
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.
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.

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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
n Checking 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.

238 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.

239
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
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.

240 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Washer fluidIf any washer does not work or the low washer fluid warning light
comes on (if equipped), the wa sher 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
4
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.

242
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.
nChecking tires
New tread
Treadwear indicator
Worn tread
The location of treadwear
indicators is shown by the
“TWI” or “ ” marks, etc.,
molded on the sidewall of
each tire.
Check spare tire condition
and inflation pressure if not
rotated.
nTire rotation
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Toyota recom-
mends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.
nThe tire pressure warning system
Your Toyota is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low
tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise.
(→ P. 296)
Front

243
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters must also be installed.
When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are installed,
new tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes must be regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning computer and tire pressure warning
system must be initialized. Have tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter ID codes registered by your Toyota dealer.
Registering ID codes
The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a
unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, it is necessary to regi ster the ID code of tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter. Have the ID code registered by your
Toyota dealer.
nWhen to replace your vehicle's tires
Tires should be replaced if:
lYou have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
lA tire goes flat repeatedly or c annot be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.
nReplacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not
registered, the tire pre ssure warning system will not work properly. After
driving for about 20 minutes, the ti re pressure warning light comes on
after blinking for 1 minute to indicate a system malfunction.
nTire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even
if they have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.