Get DIY - Engine and Chassis Guide for Toyota Aurion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

7--2

DO-IT-YOURSELF

MAINTENANCE

ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . 258

Checking the engine coolant

level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Checking the radiator and

condenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

Checking the brake fluid level . . . . . 261

Checking the power steering

fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

Checking tyre inflation pressure . . . 263

Checking and replacing tyres . . . . . 264

Rotating tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

Installing snow tyres and chains . . . 266

Replacing wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

Aluminium wheel precautions . . . . . 268

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Checking the engine oil level

The approximate quantity of oil needed to

raise the level between low and full on the

dipstick is 1.5 litres.

Low level

Full level

For the engine oil capacity, see “Service spe-

cifications” on page 281 in Section 8.

When the level reaches within the correct

range, install the filler cap hand-tight.

NOTICE

Add oil

Normal

Too full

D Be careful not to spill engine oil on the

vehicle components.

D Avoid overfilling, or the engine could

be damaged.

With the engine at operating temperature

and turned off, check the oil level on the dip-

stick.

D Check the oil level on the dipstick

once again after adding the oil.

1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should

be on level ground. After turning off the en-

gine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain

back into the bottom of the engine.

ENGINE OIL SELECTION

Toyota Genuine Motor Oil is used in your

Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved Toyota

Genuine Motor Oil or equivalent to satisfy the

following grade and viscosity.

2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the

end and wipe it clean.

3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far as

it will go, or the reading will not be correct.

Oil grade:

20W--50 and 15W--40—

API grade SL or SM multigrade engine oil

4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil

level while holding a rag under the end.

10W--30 and 5W--30—

API grade SL Energy-Conserving, SM

Energy-Conserving or ILSAC multigrade

engine oil

CAUTION

Be careful not to touch the hot exhaust

manifold.

NOTICE

Be careful not to drop engine oil on the

vehicle components.

If the oil level is below or only slightly

above the low level, add engine oil of the

same type as already in the engine.

Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil

in small quantities at a time, checking the dip-

stick. We recommend that you use a funnel

when adding oil.

258

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Recommended viscosity (SAE):

Oil identification marks

Either or both API registered marks are

added to some oil containers to help you

select the oil you should use.

The API Service Symbol is located anywhere

on the outside of the container.

The top portion of the label shows the oil

quality by API (American Petroleum Institute)

designations such as SM. The centre portion

of the label shows the SAE viscosity grade

such as SAE 10W--30. Energy-Conserving

shown in the lower portion, indicates that the

oil has fuel-saving capabilities.

Temperature range anticipated before

next oil change

The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stand-

ardisation and Approval Committee) Certi-

fication Mark is displayed on the front of the

container.

If you use SAE 10W- 30 or a higher viscosity

engine oil in extremely low temperatures,

the engine may become difficult to start, so

SAE 5W- 30 engine oil is recommended.

To ensure excellent lubrication performance

for your engine, Toyota Genuine Motor Oil is

available, which has been specifically tested

and approved for all Toyota engines.

Please contact your Toyota dealer for further

details about Toyota Genuine Motor Oil.

API service symbol

ILSAC certification mark

259

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Checking the engine coolant

level

non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid

organic acid technology. (Coolant with

long-life hybrid organic acid technology is a

combination of low phosphates and organic

acids.)

Full

Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is a mixture

of 50% coolant and 50% deionised water.

This coolant provides protection down to

about --35_C (--31_F).

Low

NOTICE

Do not use plain or tap water alone as

it may freeze in cold temperatures.

Look at the see-through coolant reservoir

when the engine is cold. The coolant level

is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and

“L” lines on the reservoir. If the level is

low, add the coolant. For the coolant type,

see “Coolant type selection” described

below.

Toyota recommends Toyota Super Long Life

Coolant, which has been tested to ensure

that it will not cause corrosion nor result in

malfunction of your engine coolant system

with proper usage. Toyota Super Long Life

Coolant is formulated with long-life hybrid

organic acid technology and has been

specifically designed to avoid engine cooling

system malfunction on Toyota vehicles.

The coolant level in the reservoir will vary

with engine temperature. However, if the

level is on or below the “L” line, add coolant.

Bring the level up to the “F” line.

If the coolant level drops within a short time

after replenishing, there may be a leak in the

system. Visually check the radiator, hoses,

engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap and

drain cock and water pump.

Please contact your Toyota dealer for further

details.

If you can find no leak, have your Toyota

dealer test the cap pressure and check for

leaks in the cooling system.

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, do not re-

move the radiator cap when the engine

is hot.

Coolant type selection

Use of improper coolants may damage your

engine cooling system.

Only use Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or

similar high quality ethylene glycol based

non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and

260

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Checking the radiator and

condenser

Checking the brake fluid level

If the radiator or the condenser is extremely

dirty or you are not sure of their condition,

take your vehicle to a Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, be careful

not to touch the radiator or condenser

when the engine is hot.

Minimum

NOTICE

Maximum

To prevent damage to the radiator and

condenser, do not perform the work by

yourself.

To check the fluid level, simply look at the

see-through reservoir. See “Engine com-

partment overview”, on page 250 in Sec-

tion 7- 1 for the location of the brake fluid

reservoir. The level should be between the

“MAX” and “MIN” lines on the reservoir.

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down

slightly as the brake pads wear. So be sure

to keep the reservoir filled.

If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may

indicate a serious mechanical problem.

If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the

brake reservoir.

Remove and replace the reservoir cover by

hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted line.

This brings the fluid to the correct level when

you put the cover back on.

Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once

opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from

the air, and excess moisture can cause a

dangerous loss of braking.

CAUTION

Take care when filling the reservoir be-

cause brake fluid can harm your eyes

and damage painted surfaces. If fluid

gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with

clean water, and seek medical assist-

ance.

261

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Checking the power steering

fluid level

NOTICE

If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it

off with water to prevent it from damag-

ing the parts or paint.

If hot

normal

If cold

normal

If hot add

If cold add

Check the fluid level through the reser-

voir. See “Engine compartment over-

view”, on page 250 in Section 7- 1 for the

location of the power steering reservoir.

If necessary, add automatic transmission

fluid DEXRONrII or III.

If the vehicle has been driven around 80 km/h

for 20 minutes (a little more in low tempera-

tures), the fluid is hot (60_C—80_C). You

may also check the level when the fluid is

cold (about room temperature, 10_C—30_C)

if the engine has not been run for about five

hours.

Clean any dirt from the outside of the reser-

voir tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid

is cold, the level should be in the “COLD”

range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level

should be in the “HOT” range. If the level is

at the low side of either range, add automatic

transmission fluid DEXRONrII or III to bring

the level within the range.

To remove the filler cap, turn it counterclock-

wise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it clock-

wise. After replacing the filler cap, visually

check the steering box case, vane pump and

hose connections for leaks or damage.

CAUTION

The reservoir tank may be hot so be

careful not to burn yourself.

262

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Checking tyre inflation

pressure

NOTICE

Avoid overfilling, or the power steering

could be damaged.

Tyre information

Keep your tyre inflation pressures at the

proper level.

The recommended cold tyre inflation pres-

sures and tyre sizes are given on page 283

in Section 8.

You should check the tyre inflation pressure

every two weeks, or at least once a month.

And do not forget the spare!

Incorrect tyre inflation pressure may waste

fuel, reduce the comfort of driving, reduce

tyre life and make your vehicle less safe to

drive.

If a tyre frequently needs pumping up, have

it checked by your Toyota dealer.

The following instructions for checking

tyre inflation pressure should be ob-

served:

D The pressure should be checked only

when the tyres are cold. If your vehicle

has been parked for at least 3 hours and

has not been driven for more than 1.5 km

since, you will get an accurate cold tyre

inflation pressure reading.

D Always use a tyre pressure gauge. The

appearance of a tyre can be misleading.

Besides, tyre inflation pressures that are

even just a few pounds off can degrade

ride and handling.

263

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Checking and replacing tyres

D Do not bleed or reduce tyre inflation

pressure after driving. It is normal for

the tyre inflation pressure to be higher

after driving.

Tread wear indicator

D Be sure to reinstall the tyre valve caps.

Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture

could get into the valve core and cause

air leakage. If the caps have been lost,

have new ones put on as soon as pos-

sible.

CAUTION

D Keep your tyres inflated in accord-

ance with the vehicle’s specifications.

Otherwise, death or serious injuries

may result.

CHECKING YOUR TYRES

Check the tyre’s tread for tread wear indi-

cators. If the indicators show, replace the

tyres. The location of tread wear indica-

tors is shown by the “TWI” or “∆” marks,

etc., moulded on the sidewall of each tyre.

D Under inflation can result in:

D possibility of blowouts from an

overheated tyre,

The tyres on your Toyota have built-in tread

wear indicators to help you know when the

tyres need replacement. When the tread

depth wears to 1.6 mm or less, the indicators

will appear. If you can see the indicators in

two or more adjacent grooves, the tyre

should be replaced. The lower the tread, the

higher the risk of skidding.

D poor sealing of the tyre bead,

D wheel deformation and/or tyre sepa-

ration,

D poor handling,

D increased possibility of tyre dam-

age from road hazards,

D excessive wearing of tyres, and/or

D uneven wearing of tyres.

The effectiveness of snow tyres is lost if

the tread wears down below 4 mm.

If you have tyre damage such as cuts,

splits, cracks deep enough to expose the

fabric, or bulges indicating internal dam-

age, the tyre should be replaced.

D Over inflation of tyres can result in:

D poor handling,

D excessive wearing of tyres,

D uneven wearing of tyres, and/or

If a tyre often goes flat or cannot be properly

repaired due to the size or location of a cut

or other damage, it should be replaced. If you

are not sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.

D increased possibility of tyre dam-

age from road hazards.

If air loss occurs while driving, do not con-

tinue driving. Driving even a short distance

can damage a tyre beyond repair.

Any tyres which are over 6 years old must

be checked by a qualified technician even

if damage is not obvious.

264

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Tyres deteriorate with age even if they have

never or seldom been used.

When replacing a tubeless tyre, the air

valve should also be replaced with a new

one.

This applies also to the spare tyre and tyres

stored for future use.

REPLACING YOUR TYRES

When replacing a tyre, use a tyre of the

same size and construction, and the same

or greater load capacity as the originally

installed tyres.

Using any other size or type of tyre may seri-

ously affect handling, ride, speedometer/

odometer calibration, ground clearance, and

clearance between the body and tyres or

snow chains.

CAUTION

Observe the following instructions.

Otherwise, an accident may occur re-

sulting in death or serious injuries.

D Do not mix radial, bias belted, or bias-

ply tyres on your vehicle, as this may

cause dangerous handling character-

istics resulting in loss of control.

D Do not use tyres other than the manu-

facturer’s recommended size, as this

may cause dangerous handling char-

acteristics resulting in loss of control.

Never use second-hand tyres on your

Toyota.

Using tyres whose previous history is un-

known is a risk.

Toyota recommends all four tyres, or at

least both front or rear tyres be replaced

at a time as a set.

See “If you have a flat tyre” on page 224 in

Section 4 for tyre change procedure.

When a tyre is replaced, the wheel should

always be balanced.

An unbalanced wheel may affect vehicle han-

dling and tyre life. Wheels can get out of bal-

ance with regular use and should therefore

be balanced occasionally.

265

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Installing snow tyres and

chains

Rotating tyres

WHEN TO USE SNOW TYRES OR CHAINS

Snow tyres or chains are recommended

when driving on snow or ice.

On wet or dry roads, conventional tyres pro-

vide better traction than snow tyres.

SNOW TYRE SELECTION

If you need snow tyres, select tyres of the

same size, construction and load capacity

as the originally installed tyres.

Do not use tyres other than those mentioned

above. Do not install studded tyres without

first checking local regulations for possible

restrictions.

With a spare tyre of the same wheel type

as the installed tyres

CAUTION

Do not use snow tyres other than the

manufacturer’s recommended size, as

this may cause dangerous handling

characteristics resulting in loss of con-

trol. Otherwise, an accident may occur

resulting in death or serious injuries.

SNOW TYRE INSTALLATION

Installing snow tyres on the front wheels

only can lead to an excessive difference

in road grip capability between the front

and rear tyres which could cause loss of

vehicle control.

With a spare tyre of different wheel type

from the installed tyres

When storing removed tyres, you should

store them in a cool dry place.

To equalise tyre wear and help extend tyre

life, Toyota recommends that you rotate

your tyres approximately every 15000 km.

However, the most appropriate timing for

tyre rotation may vary according to your

driving habits and road surface condi-

tions.

Mark the direction of rotation and be sure to

install them in the same direction when re-

placing.

See “If you have a flat tyre” on page 224 in

Section 4 for tyre change procedure.

When rotating tyres, check for uneven wear

and damage. Abnormal wear is usually

caused by incorrect tyre pressure, improper

wheel alignment, out-of-balance wheels, or

severe braking.

266

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

CHAIN INSTALLATION

CAUTION

Install the chains on the front tyres as

tightly as possible. Do not use tyre chains

on the rear tyres. Retighten chains after

D Snow tyres should be installed on all

wheels of the vehicle.

driving 0.5—1.0 km.

D Do not drive with the snow tyres in-

correctly inflated.

When installing chains on your tyres, care-

fully follow the instructions of the chain

manufacturer.

D Observe permissible maximum speed

for your snow tyres and the legal

speed limit (whichever is lower).

If wheel covers are used, they will be

scratched by the chain band, so remove the

covers before putting on the chains.

TYRE CHAIN SELECTION

Use the tyre chains of correct size.

CAUTION

D Do not use tyre chains on the rear

tyres.

Side chain

D When using tyre chains:

D Do not exceed 50 km/h or the chain

manufacturer’s recommended speed

limit, whichever is lower.

Cross chain

D Drive carefully avoiding bumps,

holes, and sharp turns, which may

cause the vehicle to bounce.

D Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel

braking as use of chains may ad-

versely affect vehicle handling.

Use the following type chains.

mm (in)

D Slow down before entering curves

to avoid losing control of the vehi-

cle, otherwise an accident may

occur.

A

B

C

D

E

F

Diameter of side chain

Width of side chain

Length of side chain

Diameter of cross chain

Width of cross chain

Length of cross chain

3 (0.12)

10 (0.39)

30 (1.18)

4 (0.16)

14 (0.55)

25 (0.98)

NOTICE

If the wrong combination of tyre and

chain is used, the chains could damage

the vehicle body.

267

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE -- ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Replacing wheels

Aluminium wheel precautions

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS

D When installing aluminium wheels, check

that the wheel nuts are tight after driving

your vehicle the first 1600 km.

If you have wheel damage such as bend-

ing, cracks or heavy corrosion, the wheel

should be replaced.

D If you have rotated, repaired, or changed

your tyres, check that the wheel nuts are

still tight after driving 1600 km.

If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the

tyre may slip off the wheel or cause loss of

handling control.

D When using tyre chains, be careful not to

damage the aluminium wheels.

WHEEL SELECTION

D Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrench

When replacing wheels, care should be

taken to ensure that the wheels are re-

placed by ones with the same load capaci-

ty, diameter, rim width, and offset.

designed for your aluminium wheels.

D When balancing your wheels, use only

Toyota balance weights or equivalent and

a plastic or rubber hammer.

Correct replacement wheels are available at

your Toyota dealer.

D As with any wheel, periodically check

your aluminium wheels for damage. If

damaged, replace immediately.

A wheel of a different size or type may ad-

versely affect handling, wheel and bearing

life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer

calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim,

bumper height, vehicle ground clearance,

and tyre or snow chain clearance to the body

and chassis.

Replacement with used wheels is not recom-

mended as they may have been subjected to

rough treatment or high mileage and could

fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which

have been straightened may have structural

damage and therefore should not be used.

Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel

which is designed for a tubeless tyre.

CAUTION

Do not use wheels other than the manu-

facturer’s recommended size, as this

may cause dangerous handling charac-

teristics resulting in loss of control.

Otherwise, an accident may occur re-

sulting in death or serious injuries.

268

DIY - Engine and Chassis for Your Toyota Aurion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals