2012 TOYOTA YARIS HATCHBACK maintenance

386
Abbreviation list
Abbreviation/Acronym list
ABBREVIATIONSMEANING
A/C Air Conditioning
ABS Anti-Lock Brake System
ACC Accessory
AI-SHIFT Artificial Intelligence Shift Control ALR Automatic Locking Retractor
CRS Child Restraint System
ECU Electronic Control Unit
EDR Event Data Recorder ELR Emergency Locking Retractor
EPS Electric Power Steering
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Ratings
GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating I/M Emission inspection and maintenance
LATCH Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children LED Light Emitting Diode
M + S Mud + Snow
MMT Methylcy clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
MTBE Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether OBD On Board Diagnostics
SRS Supplemental Restraint System TIN Tire Identification Number
TPMS Tire Pressure Warning System
TRAC Traction Control TWI Treadwear IndicatorsVIN Vehicle Identification Number
VSC Vehicle Stability Control

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, seat belt and
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners.
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

72
1-6. Theft deterrent system
Engine immobilizer system∗
∗: If equipped
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type engine immobilizer system.
■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
●If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object
● If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system
(key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
The vehicle’s keys have built-in tr
ansponder chips that prevent the
engine from starting if a key has not been previously registered in
the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
The indicator light flashes after
the key has been removed
from the engine switch to indi-
cate that the system is operat-
ing.
The indicator light stops flash-
ing after the registered key
has been inserted into the
engine switch to indicate that
the system has been can-
celed.

75
1-6. Theft deterrent system
1
Before driving
■
System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type alarm system.
■ Items to check before locking the vehicle
To prevent unexpected triggering of the alarm and vehicle theft, make sure
of the following:
●Nobody is in the vehicle.
● The windows are closed before the alarm is set.
● No valuables or other personal items are left in the vehicle.
■ Triggering of the alarm
The alarm may be triggered in the following situations:
(Stopping the alarm deactivates the alarm system.)
■ When the battery is disconnected
Be sure to cancel the alarm system.
If the battery is disconnected before canceling the alarm, the system may be
triggered when the battery is reconnected. ●
A person inside the vehicle opens a
door or hood.
● The battery is recharged or replaced
when the vehicle is locked.

183
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 351)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights work as required by law.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trai\
ler.
● The vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched.
Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or local
regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota
recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

220
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors and remove the antenna before washing the vehicle.
Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to re-install the
antenna and extend the mirrors before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
● For vehicles with the rear spoiler, in certain automatic car washes, the
rear spoiler may interfere with machine operation. This may prevent the
vehicle from being cleaned properly or result in damage to the rear
spoiler.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity
of the window and door borders, and high mounted stoplight.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle
is closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the
vehicle and maintain it in prime
condition:
● Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any
dirt and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehi-
cle body is cool.

221
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
■
Aluminum wheels (if equipped)
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use
hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical
cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
● Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
● Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
● To preserve the wheels’ luster, do not allow hot water, such as from
steam cleaning, to contact them directly.
■ Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
CAUTION
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■ Precautions regardin g the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled
sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.

222 4-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■ Antenna installation and removal precautions
●Before driving, ensure that the antenna is installed.
● When the antenna is removed, such as before entering an automatic car
wash, make sure to store it in a suitable place so as not to lose it. Also,
before driving, make sure to reinstall the antenna in its original position.
■ To prevent damage to the antenna
Remove the antenna in the following situations:
●When the antenna will touch the ceiling of a garage or other such places
● When a car cover is to be used to cover the vehicle