Maintenanceandcare -> Do-it-yourself service precautions for Your Toyota Corolla 4 Door Ninth Generation (2007-2012)

4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
Do-it-yourself service precautions  
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct  
procedures as given in these sections.  
Items  
Parts and tools  
• Warm water  
• Baking soda  
(P. 321) • Grease  
Battery condition  
• Conventional wrench  
(for terminal clamp bolts)  
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE  
J1703 brake fluid  
Brake fluid level  
(P. 318) • Rag or paper towel  
• Funnel (used only for adding  
brake fluid)  
• “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.  
For the U.S.A.:  
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Toyota Super Long Life  
Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%  
coolant and 50% deionized  
water.  
Engine coolant level  
(P. 317)  
For Canada:  
Toyota Super Long Life  
Coolant” is pre-mixed with 55%  
coolant and 45% deionized  
water.  
• Funnel (used only for adding  
engine coolant)  
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or  
equivalent  
• Rag or paper towel, funnel  
(used only for adding oil)  
Engine oil level  
P. 312)  
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
Items  
Parts and tools  
• Fuse with same amperage rating  
as original  
Fuses  
(P. 347)  
Radiator and condenser  
(P. 318)  
• Tire pressure gauge  
• Compressed air source  
Tire inflation pressure (P. 335)  
• Water washer fluid containing  
antifreeze (for winter use)  
• Funnel  
Washer fluid  
(P. 324)  
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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 or 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.  
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Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage  
painted surfaces.  
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with  
clean water immediately.  
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.  
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille  
Vehicles with smart key system: Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch  
is OFF. With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the  
electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on  
and/or the coolant temperature is high. (P. 318)  
Vehicles without smart key system: Be sure the engine switch is OFF. With  
the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fans may auto-  
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-  
ture is high. (P. 318)  
Safety glasses  
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from  
getting in the eyes.  
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance  
NOTICE  
If you remove the air cleaner  
Driving with the air cleaner removed may cause excessive engine wear due  
to dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-  
ment.  
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