Page 228 of 384
2286-2. Maintenance
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
General maintenance
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/Sched-
uled 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.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections. (→P. 246)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? (→P. 244)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level?
(→P. 242)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? ( →P. 239)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free of for-
eign objects. (→P. 244)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (→P. 249)
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233
6
Maintenance and care
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(→ P. 246)• Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(→ P. 244)• 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. 242)
• “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
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)
Engine oil level
(→ P. 239)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 269)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 272)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser (
→P. 244)⎯
Tire inflation
pressure
(→ P. 260)•Tire pressure gauge
•Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→ P. 249)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
Page 234 of 384

2346-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
WARNING
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.
■ When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in the “ON” position,
the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning
is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 244)
■ 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.
Page 238 of 384
2386-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
Engine compartment
Washer fluid tank (→P. 249)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 242)
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 240)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 239) Brake fluid reservoir
(→ P. 244)
Battery (→ P. 246)
Fuse box ( →P. 269)
Electric cooling fan
Condenser ( →P. 244)
Radiator ( →P. 244)1
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Page 242 of 384

2426-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
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” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. ( →P. 318)
■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.
For the U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool- ant and 50% deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 °F
[-35° C])
For Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% cool- ant 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.
Engine coolant
1
2
3
Page 244 of 384
2446-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have yo ur vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid ty pe and prepare the necessary item.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■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.
Brake fluid
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
Page 318 of 384
3187-2. Steps to take in an emergency
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
●The engine coolant temperature gauge ( →P. 74) enters the red
zone or a loss of power is exper ienced (for example, the vehicle
speed does not increase).
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning sys-
tem, and then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficient ly, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fan
If a large amount of coolant
leaks, immediately contact your
Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
Correction procedures
1
2
3
1
2
Page 319 of 384
3197-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
COROLLA iM_U (OM12M42U)
The coolant level is satisfactory
if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir.Reservoir
“FULL”
“LOW”
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is unavail-
able.
Start the engine and turn the air conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fan opera tes and to check for coolant leaks
from the radiator or hoses.
The fan operates when the air conditioning system is turned on immedi-
ately after a cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating by checking the fan
sound and air flow. If it is difficult to check these, turn the air conditioning
system on and off repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and contact your Toyota dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle in spected at the nearest Toyota dealer.
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