fuel TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2000 Owners Manual

1672000 4Runner (OM35762U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Off- road vehicle precautions168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break- in period169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel169 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three- way catalytic converter171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption174 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twin ground electrode spark plugs175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators178 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions178 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Toyota's identification179 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2
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1692000 4Runner (OM35762U)

When driving off- road or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause
loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage
to your vehicle's suspension and
chassis.

Do not drive horizontally across
steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your ve-
hicle (or any similar off- road ve-
hicle) can tip over sideways much
more easily than forward or back-
ward.
Break- in period
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break- in. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:

Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).

Run the engine at moderate speed be-
tween 2000 and 4000 rpm.

Avoid full- throttle starts.

Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).

Do not drive slowly with the manual
transmission in a high gear.

Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.

Do not tow a trailer during the first
800km (500miles).
Fuel
FUEL TYPE
Your new vehicle must use only un-
leaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mix- ups, your
Toyota has a new smaller fuel tank open-
ing. The special nozzle on pumps with
unleaded fuel will fit it, but the larger
standard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas
will not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use
should meet the specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5- M93
in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three-
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
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1702000 4Runner (OM35762U)
OCTANE RATING
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Oc-
tane Number 91) or higher.
Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating or research octane number lower
than stated above will cause persistent
heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will
lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accel-
erating or driving up hills. This is no need
of concern.
GASOLINES CONTAINING DETERGENT
ADDITIVES
Toyota recommends use of gasolines
that contain detergent additives to
avoid build- up of engine deposits.
For further details, ask your Toyota dealer
or a local gasoline retailer.IMPROVED GASOLINES
The American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) has developed a
specification of improved gasolines. The
AAMA specification offers optimal fuel
information for better vehicle perfor-
mance and better protection of your en-
gine.
Toyota recommends the use of gasolines
that meet the AAMA specification, if avail-
able, for improved driveability and emis-
sion control system.
GASOLINES CONTAINING MTBE
Gasolines that contain MTBE (Methyl
Tertiary- Butyl Ether) are available in the
market. If you use a gasoline mixed
with MTBE, make certain that it does
not contain more than 15% of MTBE.
GASOLINES CONTAINING MMT
Some gasolines contain an
octane- enhancing additive called MMT
(methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl).Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasolines that contain MMT. If fuels con-
taining MMT are used, your emission con-
trol system may be adversely affected.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the in-
strument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Toyota dealer for ser-
vice.
GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL
If you use gasohol in your Toyota, be
sure that it is unleaded, has an octane
rating no lower than 87 and does not
contain more than 10% ethanol.
Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and etha-
nol.
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasolines containing methanol. If you use
gasoline containing methanol, use only
gasoline meeting the requirements above
and also containing less than 5% metha-
nol with cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors for methanol.
GASOLINES QUALITY
In a very few cases, you may experience
driveability problems caused by the partic-
ular gasoline that you are using. If you
continue to have unacceptable driveability,
try changing gasoline brands. If that does
not rectify your problem, then consult your
Toyota dealer.
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1712000 4Runner (OM35762U)
NOTICE

Do not use gasohol other than
stated above. It will cause fuel sys-
tem damage or vehicle performance
problems.

If driveability problems occur (poor
hot starting, vaporizing, engine
knock, etc.), discontinue the use.

Take care not to spill gasohol dur-
ing refueling. Gasohol may cause
paint damage.
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp. gal.)
Operation in foreign countries
If you plan to drive your Toyota in
another country...
First, comply with the vehicle registration
laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the cor-
rect fuel (unleaded and minimum octane
number).
Except LEV*
LEV*
Three- way catalytic
converterÐ
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1722000 4Runner (OM35762U)
The three- way catalytic converter is an
emission control device installed in the
exhaust system.
The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
*: See following ÐExhaust emission la-
belº for details.
CAUTION

Keep people and combustible mate-
rials away from the exhaust pipe
while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.

Do not drive, idle or park your ve-
hicle over anything that might burn
easily such as grass, leaves, paper
or rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the three- way catalytic
converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent
this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:

Use only unleaded gasoline.

Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creat-
ing an excessive load on the three-
way catalytic converter.

Do not allow the engine to run at
idle speed for more than 20 min-
utes.

Avoid racing the engine.

Do not push- start or pull- start your
vehicle.

Do not turn off the ignition while
the vehicle is moving.

Keep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system
or fuel systems could cause an ex-
tremely high three- way catalytic
converter temperature.

If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a check- up as soon
as possible. Remember, your Toyota
dealer knows your vehicle and its
three- way catalytic converter sys-
tem best.

To ensure that the three- way cata-
lytic converter and the entire emis-
sion control system operate proper-
ly, your vehicle must receive the
periodic inspections required by the
Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information,
refer to the separate Scheduled
Maintenance Guideº or Owner's
Manual Supplementº.
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1742000 4Runner (OM35762U)
FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of
lubricating and cooling the inside of the
engine, and plays a major role in main-
taining the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.

Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil
is left on the cylinder wall when a pis-
ton moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when
the vehicle is decelerating sucks some
of this oil into the combustion chamber.
This oil as well as some part of the oil
film left on the cylinder wall is burned
by the high temperature combustion
gases during the combustion process.

Oil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.
The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed by high- speed driv-
ing and frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since
its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls
have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to judge
the true level accurately.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see Checking the engine oil levelº in Sec-
tion 7- 2.
Facts about engine oil
consumption
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1782000 4Runner (OM35762U)
If the light lit during driving goes out and
does not come on again, it is a normal
operation.
With rear differential lock: However, it is
a normal operation for the light to be on
with rear differential locked. At this time,
the anti- lock brake system does not oper-
ate.
Brake pad wear limit indicators
The brake pad wear limit indicators on
your disc brakes give a warning noise
when the brake pads are worn to where
replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise
while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-
tor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when necessary.
Luggage stowage precautions
When stowing luggage or cargo in the
vehicle, observe the following:

Put luggage or cargo in the luggage
compartment when at all possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.

Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
anced. Locating the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain bal-
ance.

For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded weight.
CAUTION

To prevent luggage or packages
from sliding forward during braking,
do not stack anything in the lug-
gage compartment higher than the
seatbacks. Keep luggage or pack-
ages low, as close to the floor as
possible.

Never allow anyone to ride in the
luggage compartment. It is not de-
signed for passengers. They should
ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise,
they are much more likely to suffer
serious bodily injury, in the event
of sudden braking or a collision.
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1832000 4Runner (OM35762U)
STARTING AND DRIVING
Before starting the engine184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving in various conditions185 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off- road driving precautions186 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too194 . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3
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1842000 4Runner (OM35762U)
Before starting the engine
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-
fore entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle,
seat cushion angle, head restraint
height and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view
mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3.Manual transmission: Press the clutch
pedal to the floor and shift the trans-
mission into neutral. Hold the clutch
pedal to the floor until the engine is
started. A starter safety device will pre-
vent the starter from operating if the
clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
Automatic transmission: Put the se-
lector lever in Pº. If you need to re-
start the engine while the vehicle is
moving, put the selector lever in Nº.
A starter safety device will prevent the
starter from operating if the selector
lever is in any drive position.
4.Automatic transmission only: De-
press the brake pedal and hold it to
the floor until driving off.
(b) Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to fol-
low the instructions in (a) Before crank-
ingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system in your
engine automatically controls the proper
air- fuel mixture for starting. You can start
a cold or hot engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator ped-
al, crank the engine by turning the key
to STARTº. Release it when the en-
gine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 se-
conds, you are ready to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the
engine warm up for a few minutes before
driving.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-
dure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start...
See If your vehicle will not startº in Sec-
tion 4.
How to start the engineÐ
(a) Before cranking
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1852000 4Runner (OM35762U)
NOTICE

Do not crank for more than 30 se-
conds at a time. This may overheat
the starter and wiring systems.

Do not race a cold engine.

If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, have the
engine checked immediately.

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
This will allow you much better control.

Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving
onto high, sharp- edged objects and
other road hazards. Failure to do so
can lead to severe tire damage result-
ing in tire bursts.

When parking on a hill, turn the front
wheels until they touch the curb so
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the
parking brake, and place the transmis-
sion in Pº (automatic) or in first or
reverse (manual). If necessary, block
the wheels.

Washing your vehicle or driving through
deep water may get the brakes wet. To
see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you, and then
press the pedal lightly. If you do not
feel a normal braking force, the brakes
are probably wet. To dry them, drive
the vehicle cautiously while lightly
pressing the brake pedal with the park-
ing brake applied. If they still do not
work safely, pull to the side of the road
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.

Four- wheel drive modelsÐToyota rec-
ommends not using four- wheel drive on
dry hard- surfaced roads, because four-
wheel driving will cause unnecessary
noise and wear, and poor fuel econo-
my.

Four- wheel drive modelsÐIn cold tem-
peratures, noise may occur when driv-
ing in two- wheel drive before the trans-
fer is warmed up. Therefore, first drive
in four- wheel drive until the transfer is
warmed up.
CAUTION

Before driving off, make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the parking brake reminder
light is off.

Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is running.

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.
Tips for driving in various
conditions
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