TOYOTA TACOMA 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high
speed driving.
Idling for a long period with the air
conditioning on in stop−and− go traffic.
Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in
the engine cooling system as this
may cause the engine to overheat.
The thermostat is designed to con-
trol the flow of coolant to keep the
temperature of the engine within
the specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an
overheated engine. See “If your ve-
hicle overheats” in Section 4.
LS16003
The tachometer indicates engine speed
in thousands of rpm (revolutions per
minute). Use it while driving to select
correct shift points and to prevent en-
gine lugging and overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast
causes excessive engine wear and poor
fuel economy. Remember, in most cases
the slower the engine speed, the greater
the fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get
into the red zone. This may cause
severe engine damage.
LS16004
This meter displays the odometer and
two trip meters.
1. Odometer—Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
2. Two trip meters—Show two different distances independently driven since
the last time each trip meter was set
to zero.
You can use one trip meter to calculate
the fuel economy and the other to
measure the distance on each trip. All
trip meter data is cancelled if the elec-
trical power source is disconnected.
Tachometer Odometer and two trip meters

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
3. Trip meter reset knob—Resets the twotrip meters to zero, and also change
the meter display.
To change the meter display, quickly
push and release the knob. The meter
display changes in the order from the
odometer to trip meter A to trip meter
B, then back to the odometer each
time you push.
To reset the trip meter A to zero, dis-
play the meter A reading, then push
and hold the knob until the meter is
set to zero. The same process can be
applied for resetting the trip meter B.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
If the indicator or buzzer comes on...Do this.
(a)(indicator and buzzer)
If parking brake is off, stop immediately and contact Toyota dealer.
(b)
(indicator and buzzer)
Fasten driver ’s seat belt.
(c)
(indicator and buzzer)
Fasten front passenger ’s seat belt.
(d)Stop immediately and contact Toyota dealer.
(e)Stop and check.
(f)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(g)Replace engine oil.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
If the indicator or buzzer comes on...Do this.
(h)Low fuel level
warning lightFill up tank.
(i)orTake vehicle to Toyota dealer.
If brake system warning light is also on, stop immediately and contact Toyota dealer.
(j)If the light flashes, take vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(k)Close all doors.
(l)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer immediately.
(m)Adjust tire inflation pressure (including spare tire). If the warning light comes on after
blinking for 1 minute, contact Toyota dealer.
(n)Stop and check.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
If the indicator or buzzer comes on...Do this.
(o)Key reminder buzzerRemove key.
(p)Parking brake reminder buzzerRelease parking brake.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
(a) Brake System Warning Light andbuzzer
This light comes on in the following cases
when the engine switch is in the “ON”
position.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds
when the engine switch 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 en-
gine switch is in the “ON” position.
The light does not come on even if the
engine switch is turned on with the
parking 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.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
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 system—
Any of the following conditions may oc-
cur, but do not indicate the malfunc-
tion:
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the engine switch is
turned to the “ON” position. It is nor-
mal if it turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the 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.(b) Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light
and Buzzer
The light and buzzer act as a reminder to
buckle up the driver’s seat belt.
Once the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” or “START”, the reminder light
flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver ’s
seat belt is not fastened. Unless the driv-
er fastens the belt, the light continues
flashing and the buzzer stops after about
4 to 8 seconds.
If the vehicle speed rises above 20 km/h
(12 mph) with the seat belt unfastened,
the buzzer will sound for about 10 sec-
onds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfas-
tened, the buzzer will sound in a different
tone for 20 seconds. Even if the vehicle
speed drops below 20 km/h (12 mph), the
buzzer will continue to sound. To stop the
buzzer, fasten the seat belt. If the buzzer
still sounds, make sure the front passen-
ger ’s seat belt is fastened.
The vehicle speed linked seat belt remind-
er buzzer can be disabled. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.
However, Toyota recommends that the
seat belt reminder buzzer be operational
to alert the driver and front passenger that
the seat belts are not fastened. (c) Front Passenger ’s Seat Belt Re-
minder Light and Buzzer
The light and buzzer act as a reminder to
have the front passenger buckle up the
seat belt.
Once the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the reminder light flashes if
a passenger sits in the right front passen-
ger seat and does not fasten the seat
belt.
If the vehicle speed rises above 20 km/h
(12 mph) with the seat belt unfastened,
the buzzer will sound for 10 seconds.
Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,
the buzzer will sound in a different tone
for 20 seconds. Even if the vehicle speed
drops below 20 km/h (12 mph), the buzzer
will continue to sound. To stop the buzzer,
fasten the seat belt. If the buzzer still
sounds, make sure the driver ’s seat belt
is fastened.
If luggage or other load is placed on the
front passenger seat, depending on its
weight, the reminder light to flash and
buzzer to sound.
The vehicle speed linked seat belt remind-
er buzzer can be disabled. For details,
contact your Toyota dealer.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
However, Toyota recommends that the
seat belt reminder buzzer be operational
to alert the driver and front passenger that
the seat belts are not fastened.
(d) Charging System Warning Light
This warning light comes on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, and goes off when the engine is
started.
When there are problems in the charging
system while the engine is running, the
warning light comes on.
NOTICE
When the charging system warning
light comes on while the engine is
running, malfunctions such as the en-
gine drive belt being broken may have
occurred. If the warning light comes
on, immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota
dealer.
(e) Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position
and goes off after the engine starts.
This means that the warning light sys-
tem is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp
comes on while driving, first check the
followings.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immedi-
ately.
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely
tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp does not go off even after
several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel
tank cap is not loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the
engine, emission control system, elec-
tronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warn-
ing light system itself.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
If engine speed does not increase when
the accelerator pedal is depressed, there
may be a problem somewhere in the elec-
tronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. Howev-
er, if you depress the accelerator pedal
more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the engine switch is turned to “ACC” or
“LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state
emission inspection if the malfunction
indicator lamp remains on. Contact your
Toyota dealer to check your vehicle’s
emission control system and OBD
(On−Board Diagnostics) system before
taking your vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs” in Section 6.
(g) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light acts as a reminder to replace
the engine oil.
This light will come on when the engine
switch is turned to “ON” and will go off
after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500
miles) after the engine oil replacement,
this light illuminates for about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 12 seconds
with the engine switch turned to the “ON”
position. If you continue driving without
replacing the engine oil, and if the
distance driven exceeds 8000 km (5000
miles), the light will come on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON” position.
The light will remain on thereafter. If the light is flashing, we recommend that
you replace the engine oil at an early
opportunity depending on the driving and
road conditions. If the light comes on,
replace it as soon as possible.
The system must be reset after the
engine oil replacement. Reset the system
by the following procedure:
1. Turn the engine switch to the “OFF” position with the odometer reading
shown. (For details, see “Odometer and
two trip meters” on page 151 in this
Section.)
2. Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position while holding down the trip
meter reset knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5
seconds. The odometer indicates “000000”
and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
continue flashing.
(h) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
(i) “ABS” Warning Light
Without the vehicle stability control
system—
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti−lock brake system works properly,
the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system does not operate,
but the brake system still operates con-
ventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system does not operate
but the brake assist system still operates.
In this case, the wheels could lock up
during a sudden braking or braking on
slippery road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions
occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the parts monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position, or the light remains on.
The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
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.
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. With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti
−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter,
if either of the systems malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
following systems do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
Anti −lock brake system
Brake assist system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Vehicle stability control system
Downhill assist control system
Hill −start assist control system