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4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
n
Cleaning detergents
lDo not use organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, acidic or
alkaline solutions, dye, bleach or other detergent. Doing so may discolor
the vehicle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
l Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
n Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration o\
f
leather surfaces.
lRemove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
l Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
l Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or that contain wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
n Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and
may also cause the body to rust.
n Cleaning the inside of the rear window
lDo not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause
damage to the rear window defogger heater wires. Use a cloth dampened
with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in
strokes running parallel to the heater wires.
l Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.
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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism • Can the vehicle be hold securely
on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clear-
ance and correct amount of free
play?
Brakes • Not pull to one side when
applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Clutch pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have correct amount of
free play?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly?
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system oper-
ate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate
properly?
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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.
ItemsParts and tools
Light bulbs ( →P. 297) • Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Flathead screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (→ P. 262) ⎯
Tire inflation pressure (
→P. 275) • Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid ( →P. 267) • Water
• Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding washer fluid)
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252 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nWhen working on the engine compartment
lTake 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.
NOTICE
nIf you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air cleaner removed may cause excessive engine wear due
to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
n If the brake 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.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Hood
CAUTION
nPre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the hood catch lever
and lift the hood.
Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the supporting rod into the
slot.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
n
Engine oil consumption
lThe amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
l More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
l A new engine consumes more oil.
l When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accu-
rately.
l Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qt./600 miles (1.0 L per
1000 km)
l If you consume more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 lmp.qt.) every 600 miles
(1000 km), contact your Toyota dealer.
n After changing the engine oil (except Canada)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Turn the engine switch off with the Trip A reading shown.( →P. 140)
Turn the engine switch to the ON position while holding down the
trip meter reset button.
Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays
000000.
If the system fails to reset, the light will continue flashing.
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264 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Batteryn 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
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
n
Before 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.
CAUTION
nChemicals 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.