2012 TOYOTA CAMRY coolant level

178 2-2. Instrument cluster
■The brightness of the instrument panel lights
When the tail lights are turned on, the meter’s brightness will be reduced
slightly unless the meter brightness level adjustment is set to the brightest
setting.
On some models: If the tail lights are turned on when the surroundings are
dark, the meter’s brightness will reduce slightly. However, when the sur-
roundings are bright, such as during the daytime, the meter’s brightness will
not be reduced even if the tail lights are turned on.
■ Fuel gauge and odometer/trip meter display remain on mode
Vehicles without a smart key system:
After the engine switch has been turned off, the fuel gauge and odometer/
trip meter display remain on for 10 minutes, enabling the fuel gauge and
odometer/trip meter values to be checked again without having to turn the
engine switch to the “ON” position.
When confirming the gauges and meters, turn the headlight switch to the
position. Press the display change button to change between the
odometer and trip meter displays.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
After the “ENGINE START STOP” switch has been turned off, the fuel gauge
and odometer/trip meter display remain on for 10 minutes, enabling the fuel
gauge and odometer/trip meter values to be checked again without having to
turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to IGNITION ON mode.
When confirming the gauges and meters, turn the headlight switch to the
position. Press the display change button to change between the
odometer and trip meter displays.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the rightmost segment of the engine
coolant temperature display is flashing. In this case, immediately stop the
vehicle in a safe place, and check the engine after it has cooled com-
pletely. (
P. 459)

218
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

342
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the connections.
(P. 363)
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 361)
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the
correct level? (
P. 360)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level?
(P. 355)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects.
(P. 361)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 366)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Owner's Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Toyota dealer or qualified
service shop for advice.

347
4
Maintenance and care
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedures as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition ( P. 363)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 361)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level ( P. 360)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol-based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate
coolant with long-life hybrid
organic acid technology
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized
water.
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is pre-mixed with 55%
coolant and 45% deionized
water.
• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)

353
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine compar tment
2.5 L 4-cylinder (2AR-FE) engine
Engine oil filler cap( P. 357)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 355)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 361)
Fuse box ( P. 389)Battery ( P. 363)
Radiator ( P. 361)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 361)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 360)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 366)

354 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
Engine oil filler cap( P. 357)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 355)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 361)
Fuse box ( P. 389)Battery ( P. 363)
Radiator ( P. 361)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 361)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 360)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 366)

360 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolantThe coolant level is sati sfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(P. 459)
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

361
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign
objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have y our vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
“MAX”
“MIN”
NOTICE
■When adding 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.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.