2012 TOYOTA YARIS radiator

228
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the battery fluid and
connections. (
P. 249)
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct
level? (
P. 248)
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the
correct level? (
P. 246)
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct
level?
(P. 242)
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser The radiator and condenser
should be free from foreign
objects.
(P. 247)
Washer fluid Is there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 252)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information 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.

234 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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:
■When working on the engine compartment:
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● 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.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses (P. 274)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Light bulbs (P. 286)
• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiator and condenser (P. 247)
Tire inflation pressure ( P. 261)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 252)
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

235
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
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.
( P. 247)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine com-
partment.

241
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine compar tment
Fuse boxes (P. 274)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 243)
Battery ( P. 249)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 248)
Radiator ( P. 247)Condenser ( P. 247)
Electric cooling fan
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 246)
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 242)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 252)

246 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” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■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.
Except Canada:“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool-
ant 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 cap, radiator
cap, 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.

247
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 are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have y our vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■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 serious injuries, such as burns.
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
serious injuries, such as burns.

334
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. Carefully lift the hood after the steam sub-
sides and then restart the engine.
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 Toyota dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and
inspect the radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.

5
When trouble arises
335
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■
Overheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating:
●The high engine coolant temperature warning light flashes or comes on
or a loss of power is experienced.
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
●If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, caus-
ing serious injuries such as burns.
● Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and drive belt while the engine
is running.
● Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 347)
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.