2013 TOYOTA MATRIX Owners Manual

337 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the bottom of the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine with flat dipstick and 2.4 L 4-cyl-
inder (2AZ-FE) engine
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine with non-flat dipstick
Reinsert the non-flat dipstick fully
with its protruding areas ( in
the illustration) pointing towards
the engine.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP4
STEP5
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338 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine with flat dipstick
Low
Full
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine with non-flat dipstick
Low
Measuring side
Full
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine
Low
Full

339 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the filler cap, turning it clockwise.
Engine oil selectionP. 443
Oil quantity
(Low  Full)1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine
1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp. qt.)
Items Clean funnel
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the follow-
ing situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle
or after replacing the engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
●2.4L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine: When driving at high engine speeds or
with a heavy load, when towing, or when driving while accelerating or
decelerating frequently
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340 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
●1.8L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine: When driving at high engine speeds or
with a heavy load, or when driving while accelerating or decelerating fre-
quently
●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should
be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine
oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for
information concerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, as the engine could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

341 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (P. 430)
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, 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.
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or 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. (Enabled: -31F [-35C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant
and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44F [-42C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the 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.

342 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and remove any foreign objects.
If any of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight 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 damage to parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and may cause
serious injuries, such as burns.

343 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Brake fluid
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Slide and lift up the rubber strip
to partly remove it as shown.
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
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344 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Disconnect the claws and
remove the service cover.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.STEP2
STEP3
■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
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
STEP4