Toyota Camry (2018 year). Manual — part 107

438

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

WARNING

■

When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or 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 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.

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.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Checking fluid level

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

“MAX”
“MIN”

■

Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.

■

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.

Brake fluid

1
2

Fluid type

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

Item

Clean funnel

WARNING

■

When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and 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.

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 out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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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

■

Checking battery fluid (batteries with vent plugs)

Check that the fluid level is
above the “LOWER LEVEL”
line.

“LOWER LEVEL” line

If the fluid level is at or below the
“LOWER LEVEL” line, add dis-
tilled water.

■

Adding distilled water (batteries with vent plugs)

Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.

If it is difficult to see the fluid
level from the side, check it by
looking directly into the cell.

Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.

Battery

1
2

1

1

Low

O.K.

2

3

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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 disconnecting the battery. Take extra care when connecting the bat-
tery if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.

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

WARNING

■

Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain 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 insufficient ventilation.