Disclaimer: Not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota Motor Company. For informational purposes only. Full Disclaimer

2018 Toyota Corolla Owners Manual - Do-it-yourself maintenance



Do-it-yourself maintenance

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition

(P. 437)

    Warm water
    Baking soda
    Grease
    Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level

(P. 435)

    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. 433)

    “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. 430)

    “Toyota Genuine Motor equivalent
    Rag or paper towel
    Funnel (used only for engine oil)

Oil” or

adding

Fuses

(P. 458)

    Fuse with same amperage rating as original

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

423

Items

Parts and tools

Light bulbs

(P. 461)

    Bulb with same number and watt- age rating as original
    Phillips-head screwdriver
    Flathead screwdriver
    Wrench

Radiator/condenser

(P. 435)

Tire inflation pressure

(P. 448)

    Tire pressure gauge
    Compressed air source

Washer fluid

(P. 439)

    Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
    Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

424 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

425

The hood will pop up slightly.

Hold the hood open by inserting the support rod into the slot.

426 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

427

    Front

    Rear

428 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Before raising the vehicle, make sure that the floor jack is positioned so that the pro- trusion on the jack attach- ment fits securely into the hole of the jack point.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

429

Engine oil filler cap

(P. 431)

Engine oil level dipstick

(P. 430)

Brake fluid reservoir

(P. 435)

Battery (P. 437)

Fuse box (P. 458) Electric cooling fan

Engine coolant reservoir

(P. 433)

Condenser (P. 435)

Radiator (P. 435)

430 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    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.

Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean. Reinsert the dipstick fully.

Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the oil level.

Low Normal Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

    Adding engine oil

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

431

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding oil.

Engine oil selection

P. 541

Oil quantity (Low Full)

1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise. Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.

Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

432 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Engine oil consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following 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

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

433

Reservoir cap“F” line

“L” line

If the level is on or below the“L” line, add coolant up to the“F” line. (P. 531)

    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.

434 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

435

If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your 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 type and prepare the necessary item.

Fluid type

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

Item

Clean funnel

Slide and lift up the rubber strip to partially remove it as shown.

436 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Remove the reservoir cap.

Add brake fluid slowly while checking the fluid level.

    Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air

Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi- ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

437

    Battery exterior

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

Terminals

Hold-down clamp

    Before recharging

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

    If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the ground cable.
    Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis- connecting the charger cables to the battery.
    After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with a smart key sys- tem)
    Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme- diately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
    Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine may not start with the engine switch turned off. However, the engine will operate normally from the second attempt.
    The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is recon- nected, the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the status it was in before the battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the engine before disconnect the battery. Take extra care when connecting the battery if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.

If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota dealer.

438 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

439

situations:

    A washer does not work.
    The warning message (if equipped) appears on the multi- information display. (P. 497)

440 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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“Δ” mark, etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire.

Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

Rotate the tires in the order shown.

To equalize tire wear and extend tire life, Toyota recommends that tire rotation is carried out at the same interval as tire inspection.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

441

    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 ID codes must be registered in the tire pressure warning computer and the tire pressure warning system must be initialized. Have tire pressure warning valves and transmitter ID codes registered by your Toyota dealer. (P. 443)

    Initializing the tire pressure warning system

    The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the fol- lowing circumstances:
    When changing the tire size.
    When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when chang- ing traveling speed or load weight.

When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.

442 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    How to initialize the tire pressure warning system

Initialization cannot be performed while the vehicle is moving. Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation pressure level. (P. 546)

Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire infla- tion pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on this pressure level.

Turn the engine switch to the“ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system).

Open the glove box. Press and hold the tire pressure warning reset switch until the tire pressure warning light blinks slowly 3 times.

Vehicles without a smart key system: Wait for a few minutes with the engine switch in the“ON” position and then turn the engine switch to the“ACC” or“LOCK” position.

Vehicles with a smart key system: Wait for a few minutes with the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode and then turn the engine switch off.

    Registering ID codes

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

443

    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, and 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 Toyota dealer.

    Replacing tires and wheels (vehicles with a tire pressure warning system)

If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not reg- istered, the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driv- ing for about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunction.

    Tire life

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

    Routine tire inflation pressure checks (vehicles with a tire pressure warning system)

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.

    Low profile tires (17-inch 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.

444 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    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.

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. 551)

    Tire types
    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 install- ing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

    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 com- pared with summer tires in highway driving.

    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 restrictions. Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. (P. 263)

    Initializing the tire pressure warning system (vehicles with a tire pressure warning system)

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

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

The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

445

    If you press the tire pressure warning reset switch accidentally (vehi- cles with a tire pressure warning system)

If initialization is performed, adjust the tire inflation pressure to the speci- fied level and initialize the tire pressure warning system again.

    When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed (vehicles with a tire pressure warning system)

Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following cases, the settings have not been recorded and the system will not oper- ate properly. If repeated attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

    When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure warning light does not blink 3 times.
    After driving for a certain period of time since the initialization has been completed, the warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute.
    Tire pressure warning system certification

For the U.S.A.

FCC ID: HYQ23AAK FCC ID: PAXPMVC010 NOTE:

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 Canada NOTE:

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:

L’utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée seulement aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur du dispositif doit être prêt à  accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reà§u, même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionne- ment du dispositif.

446 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

447

448 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

tion pressure and tire size are dis- played on the tire and loading information label. (P. 546)

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

449

Tire pressure gauge

Remove the tire valve cap.

Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve. Read the pressure using the gauge gradations.

If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust the pressure.

If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to deflate.

After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and adjustment, apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.

Put the tire valve cap back on.

    Tire inflation pressure check interval

You should check tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.

Do not forget to check the spare.

    Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure

Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:

    Reduced fuel economy
    Reduced driving comfort and poor handling
    Reduced tire life due to wear
    Reduced safety
    Damage to the drive train

If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.

450 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure

When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:

    Check only when the tires are cold.

If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven for more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure reading.

    Always use a tire pressure gauge.

It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based only on its appear- ance.

    It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is generated in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving.
    Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.

Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

451

Replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer.

*: Conventionally referred to as“offset”.

Toyota does not recommend using the following:

    Wheels of different sizes or types
    Used wheels
    Bent wheels that have been straightened
    Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with your aluminum wheels.
    When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
    Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire chains.
    Use only Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent and a plas- tic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.

    When replacing wheels (vehicles with a tire pressure warning sys- tem)

The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advance warning in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced, tire pressure warning valves and trans- mitters must be installed. (P. 441)

452 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

453

Open the glove box. Slide off the damper.

Push in the glove box on the vehicle’s outer side to discon- nect the claws. Then pull out the glove box and disconnect the lower claws.

Remove the filter cover.

454 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Replacement method

The“­UP” marks shown on the filter should be pointing up.

    Checking interval

Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance schedule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the“Schedule maintenance guide” or“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)

    If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically

The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

455

    Flathead screwdriver
    Small flathead screwdriver
    Lithium battery CR2016 (vehicles without a smart key system), or CR2032 (vehicles with a smart key system)

Vehicles without a smart key system Remove the cover.

To prevent damage to the key,

cover the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

To prevent the buttons from being disassembled, face the button sur- face downward.

*: If equipped

456 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Insert a new battery with the“+” terminal facing up.

Remove the cover.

To prevent damage to the key, cover the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

Insert a new battery with the“+” terminal facing up.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

457

    Use a CR2016 (vehicles without a smart key system) or CR2032 (vehicles with a smart key system) lithium battery
    Batteries can be purchased at your Toyota dealer, local electrical appliance shops or camera stores.
    Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manu- facturer.
    Dispose of used batteries according to local laws.
    If the key battery is depleted

The following symptoms may occur:

    The smart key system (if equipped) and wireless remote control will not function properly.
    The operational range will be reduced.

458 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Engine compartment

Push the tab in and lift the lid off.

Under the driver’s side instrument panel Remove the lid.

Remove the fuse with the pull- out tool.

Only type A fuses can be removed using the pullout tool.

Normal fuse Blown fuse

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

459

Replace the blown fuse with a new fuse of an appropriate amperage rat- ing. The amperage rating can be found on the fuse box lid.

Type A Type B

Type C

460 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    After a fuse is replaced
    If the lights do not turn on even after the fuse has been replaced, a bulb may need replacement. (P. 461)
    If the replaced fuse blows again, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
    If there is an overload in a circuit

The fuses are designed to blow, protecting the wiring harness from damage.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

461

    Front

Front turn signal/parking lights Front side marker lights

462 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Rear

Stop/tail/rear side marker lights License plate lights

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

463

    Front side marker lights

Remove the light bulb.

When installing, reverse the steps listed.

464 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Front turn signal/parking lights

Remove the light bulb.

When installing, reverse the steps listed.

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Stop/tail/rear side marker lights and rear turn signal lights

To prevent damage to the vehi- cle, cover the tip of the screw- driver with a rag.

Turn the bulb base counter- clockwise.

Rear turn signal light

Stop/tail/rear side marker light

Remove the light bulb. Rear turn signal light

Stop/tail/rear side marker light

When installing, reverse the steps listed.

465

466 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Back-up lights (bulb type)

Turn the bulb base counter- clockwise.

Remove the light bulb.

When installing, reverse the steps listed.

    License plate lights

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

467

To prevent damage to the vehi- cle, cover the tip of the screw- driver with a rag.

Remove the light bulb.

When installing, reverse the steps listed.

468 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

    Replacing the following bulbs
    Headlights/daytime running lights (if equipped)
    Daytime running lights (if equipped)
    High mounted stoplight
    Side turn signal lights (if equipped)
    Back-up lights (LED type)

    LED light bulbs

The headlights, daytime running lights, high mounted stoplight, and back-up lights (LED type) consist of a number of LEDs. If any of the LEDs burns out, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer to have the light replaced.

    Condensation build-up on the inside of the lens

Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the headlight lens does not indicate a malfunction.

Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the following situations:

    Large drops of water have built up on the inside of the lens.
    Water has built up inside the headlight.

Download Manual