brakes TOYOTA TACOMA 2006 Owners Manual (in English)

1542006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
(a) Brake System Warning Light andbuzzer
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds
when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position even after the parking brake
is released.
When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level is
low.
When the hydraulic brake booster
fails (with the vehicle stability con-
trol system)...
If the hydraulic booster causes a problem
resulting in poor braking performance, the
warning light comes on and buzzer sounds
continuously.
Have your vehicle checked at your
Toyota dealer in the following case:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the igni-
tion key is in the “ON” position.
The light does not come on even if the
ignition key is turned on with the park-
ing brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
Without the vehicle stability control
system—
If either of the following conditions
occurs, immediately stop your vehicle
at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
The light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running.
In this case, the brakes may not
work properly and your stopping
distance will become longer. De-
press the brake pedal firmly and
bring the vehicle to an immediate
stop.
The brake system warning light re-
mains on together with the “ABS”
warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely un-
stable during braking.
With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
If any of the following conditions oc-
curs, immediately stop your vehicle at
a safe place and contact your Toyota
dealer.
The light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running.
The warning buzzer comes on to-
gether with the warning light.
In either case, this can indicate that
the brakes may not work properly
and your stopping distance will be-
come longer. Depress the brake
pedal firmly and bring the vehicle
to an immediate stop.
The brake system warning light re-
mains on together with the “ABS”
warning light.

1792006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of rear
wheels (twowheel drive models) or 4
wheels (fourwheel drive models) when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power to the rear wheels (twowheel
drive models) or 4 wheels (fourwheel
drive models) cannot be maintained,
even though the traction control sys-
tem is in operation. Do not drive the
vehicle under any speed or maneuver-
ing conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In si-
tuations where the road surface is
covered with ice or snow, your ve-
hicle should be fitted with snow tires
or tire chains. Always drive at an ap-
propriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
LS17007
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the trac-
tion control system is in the self−check
mode, but does not indicate a malfunction. When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the
rear wheels (two
−wheel drive models)
or 4 wheels (four −wheel drive models).
At this time, the slip indicator light
blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
The brake actuator temperature increases
during continuous operation of the follow-
ing systems under conditions such as on
slippery roads.
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Downhill assist control system
Hill− start assist control system
Traction control system

1802006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
If the brake actuator temperature becomes
too high while any of the systems is oper-
ating, a buzzer will start to sound intermit-
tently to indicate that the traction control
system can no longer operate. In this
case, immediately stop your vehicle at a
safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to
continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.)
At the time, the slip indicator light will
come on and the traction control system
temporarily stops operating in order to
protect the brake actuator. (Although the
traction control system does not operate,
it is no problem to continue driving.) The
system will be automatically restored after
a short time and the slip indicator light
goes off.
With rear differential lock: However, it is
a normal operation for the light to be on
with rear differential locked. At this time,
the traction control system does not oper-
ate.
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the following.
Traction control system
Vehicle stability control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Downhill assist control system
Hill− start assist control system When the system is normal and the igni-
tion key is turned to “ON”, the light will
come on and will go off after a few sec-
onds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the “VSC TRAC” warning light and slip
indicator light come on while driving, the
traction control system does not work.
However, as the brakes operate normally
when applied, it is no problem to continue
your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.

1832006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
These lights warn that there is a problem
somewhere in the following.
“AUTO LSD” system
Traction control system
Vehicle stability control system
Hill−start assist control system When the system is normal and the igni-
tion key is turned to “ON”, the light will
come on and will go off after a few sec-
onds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning
light may stay on for 60 seconds after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if it
goes out after a few seconds.
If the “VSC TRAC” warning light and slip
indicator light come on while driving, the
“AUTO LSD” system does not work. How-
ever, as the brakes operate normally when
applied, it is no problem to continue your
driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
NOTICE
Do not drive with the “AUTO LSD”
switch continuously turned on.
The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as antilock brake sys-
tem, traction control, engine control,
etc. This system automatically controls
the output of the brakes or engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding
when cornering on a slippery road sur-
face or operating steering wheel abrupt-
ly.
The vehicle stability control activates
when the vehicle speed is more than 15
km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the sys-
tem is in the self
−check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
Vehicle stability control
system

1852006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned to
“ON”.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The indicator light comes on when the
system is on while driving.
LS17017
“VSC TRAC” warning light
This light warns that when there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Hill−start assist control system
Downhill assist control system
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to “ON”, and will go off after a
few seconds. The light may come on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”. It
is normal if they go out after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
vehicle stability control system does not
work. However, as the brakes operate nor-
mally when applied, it is no problem to
continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
Four −wheel drive models, and two −wheel
drive models with the rear differential lock
system—
The “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on
when the “VSC TRAC” warning light
comes on, even when the front drive con-
trol switch knob is in the “H2” position or
the rear differential is unlocked.

2752006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
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 level” on
page 360 in Section 7−2. Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridiumtipped spark plugs.
Do not adjust gaps for engine perfor-
mance smooth driveability.
Without the vehicle stability control
system—
The tandem master cylinder brake system
is a hydraulic system with two separate
sub
−systems. If either sub −system s hould
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
This brake system has 2 independent hy-
draulic circuits. If either circuit should fail,
the other will still work. However, the ped-
al will be harder to press, and your stop-
ping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
Iridiumtipped spark plugs
(2TRFE engine) Brake system

2762006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER (without the vehicle
stability control system)
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
power−assist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stops—but no
more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your reserved vacu-
um.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.
BRAKE BOOSTER (with the vehicle
stability control system)
The brake booster uses brake fluid pres-
surized by the pump to power −assist the
brakes. If the brake booster fails during
driving, the brake system warning light
comes on and buzzer sounds continuous-
ly. In this case, the brakes may not work
properly. If they do not work well, depress
the brake pedal firmly. If the brake system
warning light comes on, immediately stop
your vehicle and contact your Toyota deal-
er.
The brake system warning light may stay
on for about 60 seconds after the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position. It is
normal if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the brake system warning
light and buzzer. It is normal if the light
turns off and the buzzer stops sounding
after a few seconds.
You may hear a small sound in the engine
compartment after the engine is started or
the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly.
This is a pump pulsating sound of the
brake system, and it is not a malfunction.CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your brake fluid
pressure reserve.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.

2802006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
Any of the following conditions may oc-
cur, but do not indicate a malfunction:
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position. It is normal if it
turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
turns off after a few seconds.
With rear differential lock: The light
comes on with rear differential locked.
At this time, the anti−lock brake sys-
tem, the brake assist system, the ve-
hicle stability control system, the trac-
tion control system, the downhill assist
control system and the hill −start assist
control system do not operate. BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
When you slam the brakes on, the
brake assist system judges as an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more pow-
erful braking will be applied. At this time,
you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the
brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
Vehicles with the vehicle stability control
system—
The brake assist system becomes opera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to
a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
For an explanation of this system’s warn-
ing light, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 151 in Sec-
tion 1
−6.

2812006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
LS20007
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.
LS20010
The rear step bumper is for rear end
protection and easier stepup loading.
CAUTION
Do not allow more than one person
to get on the rear step bumper at
a time. It is designed for only one
person.
Never drive the vehicle with anyone
on the rear step bumper.
Do not stand on the rear step
bumper while the vehicle is moving.
Some Toyotas are equipped with a limit-
ed−slip differential. If one of the rear
wheels begins to spin, the limited −slip dif-
ferential is designed to aid traction by
automatically transmitting driving force to
the other rear wheel. If you are not sure
whether your vehicle is equipped with one,
you can ask your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Do not start or run the engine while
your vehicle is supported by a jack.
The vehicle could be driven off the
jack and could pose a danger or re-
sult in serious injury.
NOTICE
Use only a spare tire of the same
size, construction and load capacity
as the original tires on your Toyota
because damage to the limitedslip
differential could possibly occur with
another tire type.
Brake pad wear limit
indicators Rear step bumper Limitedslip differential

2902006 TACOMA from Jan.’06 Prod. (OM35871U)
Ti r e relat ed ter mMeaning
Cold tire inflation pressure
tire inflation pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least 3
hours or more, or it has not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
under that condition
Maximum inflation pressurethe maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and it
is shown on the sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation pressurecold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
Accessory weight
the combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items
are available as factory −installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Curb weight
the weight of a motor vehicle wi th standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
t he sum of —
(a) curb weight;
(b) accessory weight;
(c) vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) production options weight
Normal occupant weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second
column of Table 1 that follows
—Glossary of tire terminology