Scion FR-S. Instruction - part 16

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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

●

When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, or when driving
while accelerating or decelerating frequently

●

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 Scion dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.

●

Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

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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.

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, or 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.

■

If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap,
drain cock and water pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Scion dealer pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.

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Coolant selection

Only use “TOYOTA Genuine 50/50 Pre-mixed Super Long Life Coolant
BLUE” or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technol-
ogy.

“TOYOTA Genuine 50/50 Pre-mixed Super Long Life Coolant BLUE” is a
mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31

F [-35C])

For more details about engine coolant, contact your Scion 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 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 it from damaging parts or paint.

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Radiator and condenser

Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects. 
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle checked by your Scion dealer.

Brake fluid

■

Checking fluid level

The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.

“MAX”

“MIN”

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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Adding fluid

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.

Fluid type

FMVSS No.116 fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Items

Clean funnel

■

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.

NOTICE

■

If the fluid level is low or high

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high. 
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

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Battery

Check the battery as follows.

■

Battery exterior

Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

Hold-down clamp

Terminals

■

Checking battery fluid

Check that the level is between
“UPPER LEVEL” and “LOWER
LEVEL”. 

“UPPER LEVEL”

“LOWER LEVEL”

If the fluid level is at or below
“LOWER LEVEL”, add distilled
water.

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Adding distilled water

Remove the vent plug.

Add distilled water.

If the “UPPER LEVEL” line cannot be seen, check the fluid level by
looking directly at the cell.

Put the vent plug back on and close securely.

Low

O.K.

■

Before recharging

When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:

●

If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.

●

Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3 

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CAUTION

■

Chemicals in the battery

A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the
battery:

●

Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.

●

Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.

●

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

●

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.

●

Keep children away from the battery.

■

Where to safely charge the battery

Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.

■

Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

●

If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.

●

If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.

●

If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.

●

If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

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Washer fluid

If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.

NOTICE

■

When recharging the battery

Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.

■

When adding distilled water

Avoid overfilling. Water spilled during battery recharging may cause corro-
sion.

■

Using the gauge

The washer fluid level can be checked by
observing the position of the level on the
liquid-covered holes in the gauge. 
If the level falls below the second hole
from the bottom (the “LOW” position),
refill the washer fluid.

CTH43AS134

Current

fluid level

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CAUTION

■

When adding washer fluid

Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.

NOTICE

■

Washer fluid 

Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid. 
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.

■

Diluting washer fluid

Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. 
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-

ules and treadwear.

■

Checking tires

Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also
check the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one
side of the tread.

Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.

New tread

Worn tread

Treadwear indicator

The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “

” mark,

etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire. 
Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

■

Tire rotation

Rotate the tires in the order
shown.

To equalize tire wear and
extend tire life, Scion recom-
mends that tire rotation is
carried out at the same inter-
val as tire inspection.

Front

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Installing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

When replacing tires or wheels, tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters must also be installed. 

When new tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are
installed, new tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes
must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and tire
pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter ID codes registered by your Scion
dealer. (

P. 257)

Registering ID codes

The tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is equipped with a
unique ID code. When replacing a tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, it is necessary to register the ID code. Have the ID code
registered by your Scion dealer.

■

The tire pressure warning system

Your Scion is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that
uses tire pressure warning valves and transmitters to detect low
tire inflation pressure before serious problems arise. 
(

P. 311)

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When to replace your vehicle’s tires

Tires should be replaced if:

●

The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

●

You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to
expose the fabric or bulges indicating internal damage

●

A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other damage

If you are not sure, consult with your Scion dealer.

■

Replacing tires and wheels

If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not
registered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After
driving for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light comes on
after blinking for 1 minute to indicate a system malfunction.

■

Tire life

Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even
if they have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.

■

If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires

The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.

■

Low profile tires

Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip perfor-
mance will be reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to
standard tires. Be sure to use snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or
icy roads and drive carefully at a speed appropriate for road and weather
conditions.

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Maximum load of tire

Check that the maximum load of the replacement tire is greater than 1/2
of the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the
rear axle, whichever is greater.

■

Tire types

1 Summer tires

Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended. When
installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

2 All season tires

All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use
year round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also,
all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling performance
compared with summer tires in highway driving.

3 Snow  tires

For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the originally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible restriction. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. (

P. 187)

For the GAWR, see the Certification
Label. For the maximum load of the
tire, see the load limit at maximum cold
tire inflation pressure mentioned on the
sidewall of the tire. (

P. 360)

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Initializing the tire pressure warning system

Initialize the system with the tire inflation pressure adjusted to the speci-
fied level.

■

Routine tire inflation pressure checks

The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation
pressure checks. Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of
your routine of daily vehicle checks.

■

Tire pressure warning system certification

MODEL/FCC IDs:

Transmitter: PAXPMVC010

Receiver: HYQ23AAC

For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsi-
ble for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equip-
ment. 

For vehicles sold in Canada
NOTE:
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS stan-
dard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation
of the device.

NOTE:
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applica-
bles aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée
aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de
brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compro-
mettre le fonctionnement.

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CAUTION

■

Tire pressure warning system operation

The tire pressure warning system may not provide warning immediately
if a tire bursts or if sudden air leakage occurs.

■

When inspecting or replacing tires

Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents. 
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train, as well as
dangerous handling characteristics, which may lead to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.

●

Make sure to install 4 tires that are of the specified size, and that all 4
tires are the same size, same maker, same brand and tread pattern.

●

Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Scion.

●

Only use radial tires.

●

Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.

●

Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle. 
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.

NOTICE

■

Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves,
transmitters and tire valve caps

●

When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters, contact your Scion dealer as the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters may be damaged if not handled cor-
rectly.

●

Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not
installed, water could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the
tire pressure warning valves could be bound.

●

When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than
those specified. The cap may become stuck.