service TOYOTA TACOMA 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

i
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value−conscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and
quality construction of each vehicle we build.
This Owner ’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants
follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and troublefree motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle very well and is interested in your complete
satisfaction. Your Toyota dealer will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Toyota dealer near you, please call the following number:
U.S. OWNERS
:When traveling in the U.S. mainland or Canada:
Toyota Customer Experience Center Tollfree:18003314331
Hawaii:
Servco Automotive Customer Services Tollfree:18882725515
CANADIAN OWNERS:
When traveling in Canada or the U.S. mainland: Toyota Canada Customer Interaction Centre Tollfree:1888TOYOTA8 or 18888696828
Please leave this Owner ’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of
continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may
find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
Please access our websites for further information.
The U.S. mainland www.toyota.com
Hawaiiwww.toyotahawaii.com
Canada www.toyota.ca
©2008 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyo ta
Motor Corporation.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as they
are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to
have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt preten-
sioner removed and disposed of by a qualified service
shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your
vehicle.
Onpavement and offroaddriving tips
(fourwheel drive models and PreRunner)
This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from an
ordinary passenger car because it is also designed for
off−road use. It has a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. In addition, this vehicle has a
higher ground clearance and center of gravity than that of
an ordinary passenger car. This vehicle design feature
causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control, accidents or vehicle rollover causing death or
serious injury. Be sure to read “Off −road vehicle
precautions” on page 270 in Section 2 and “Off −road
driving precautions” on page 307 in Section 3.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS11005b
1. Tachometer
2. Speedometer
3. Odometer and two trip meters4. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights
5. Engine coolant temperature gauge
6. Fuel gauge 7. Trip meter reset knob
8. Shift position indicator lights (automatic
transmission)
Instrument cluster overview

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
∗1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 153 in Section 1 −6.
∗
2: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” on page 201 in
Section 1 −7.
∗
3: If this light flashes, see “Four −wheel drive system” on page
175 in Section 1− 7.
∗
4: If this light flashes, see “Rear differential lock system” on
page 192 in Section 1 −7.
∗
5: For details, see “Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off
switch” on page 92 in Section 1 −3.
Cruise control indicator light
∗
2
Rear differential lock indicator light∗4
Four −wheel drive indicator light∗
3
Slip indicator light
Vehicle stability control system off
indicator/warning light
∗ 1
“AUTO LSD” indicator light
Headlight high beam indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Tail light indicator light
Automatic transmission indicator lights
(5 −speed)
Automatic transmission indicator lights
(4 −speed)
Low speed four −wheel drive indicator light∗
3
Downhill assist control system indicator light
Headlight low beam indicator light

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
seat belt pretensioners in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Repairs on or near the front seat
belt pretensioner assemblies
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure or con-
sole
LS13104
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the seat belt pretensioners
are operating properly. This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag
sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensors, curtain shield airbag sensors,
driver ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger
occupant classification system
∗ and
indicator light, passenger airbag off switch,
seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, “RSCA OFF” indicator light,
interconnecting wiring and power sources.
(For details, see “Service reminder
indicators and warning buzzers” on page
153 in Section 1 −6.)
∗: The front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system includes the front passenger
occupant classification ECU, pressure sen-
sor, load sensor, front passenger ’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger ’s seat
position sensor and belt tension sensor.
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Do not modify or remove any wir-
ing. Do not modify, remove, strike
or open any components such as
the steering wheel pad, steering
wheel, column cover, dashboard
near the front passenger airbag,
front passenger airbag cover, front
passenger airbag or airbag sensor
assembly. Doing so may prevent the
front airbag system from activating
correctly, cause sudden activation
of the system or disable the sys-
tem, which could result in death or
serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious injury.
Consult your Toyota dealer about any
repair and modification.
If you wish to modify your vehicle for
a person with a physical disability,
consult your Toyota dealer. It may
dangerously interfere with the SRS
front airbags operation.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
SRS airbag system in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure, con-
sole, steering column, steering
wheel, front passenger ’s seat or
dashboard near the front passenger
airbag
LS13104
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the SRS airbags are operat-
ing properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag
sensors, driver ’s seat position sensor,
driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front
passenger occupant classification system
∗
and indicator light, passenger airbag off
switch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, interconnecting wiring and power
sources. (For details, see “Service
reminder indicators and warning buzzers”
on page 153 in Section 1 −6.)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
SRS front airbag system in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure, con-
sole, steering column, steering
wheel, front passenger ’s seat or
dashboard near the front passenger
airbag
LS13104
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the SRS front airbags are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag
sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensors, curtain shield airbag sensors,
driver ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger
occupant classification system
∗ and
indicator light, seat belt pretensioner
assemblies, inflators, “RSCA OFF”
indicator light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (For details, see “Service
reminder indicators and warning buzzers”
on page 153 in Section 1− 6.)
∗: The front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system includes the front passenger
occupant classification ECU, pressure sen-
sor, load sensor, front passenger ’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger ’s seat
position sensor and belt tension sensor.
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.
The SRS warning light will come on and
front passenger occupant classification in-
dicator light will indicate “OFF” if there is
a malfunction in the front passenger occu-
pant classification system.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag
sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensors, curtain shield airbag sensors,
driver ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger
occupant classification system
∗ and
indicator light, seat belt pretensioner
assemblies, inflators, “RSCA OFF”
indicator light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (For details, see “Service
reminder indicators and warning buzzers”
on page 153 in Section 1 −6.)
∗: The front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system includes the front passenger
occupant classification ECU, load sensor
and front passenger ’s seat belt buckle
switch.
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.
The SRS warning light will come on and
front passenger occupant classification in-
dicator light will indicate “OFF” if there is
a malfunction in the front passenger occu-
pant classification system.
LS13138c
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible:
Any of the SRS side airbags and cur-
tain shield airbags have been inflated.
The portion of the doors (shaded in the
illustration) was involved in an accident
that was not severe enough to cause
the SRS side airbags and curtain
shield airbags to inflate.
The surface of the seats with the side
airbag (shaded in the illustration) is
scratched, cracked, or otherwise dam-
aged.
The portion of the front pillars, rear
pillars or headlining (padding) contain-
ing the curtain shield airbag inside
(shaded in the illustration) is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery cables
before contacting your Toyota dealer.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
When waxing your vehicle, make sure that
the washer nozzles do not become
blocked. If a nozzle becomes blocked,
contact your Toyota dealer to have the
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE
If a nozzle becomes blocked, do not
try to clear it with a pin or other
object. The nozzle will be damaged.
LS15011d
To turn on the windshield wipers, move
the lever to the desired setting.
The engine switch must be in the “ON”
position.Lever position
Speed setting
Position 1Slow
Position 2Fast
For a single sweep of the windshield,
push the lever up and release it.
To squirt washer fluid, pull the lever
toward you and release it.
For instructions on adding washer fluid,
see “Adding washer fluid” on page 391 in
Section 7 −3. In freezing weather, warm the windshield
with the defroster before using the washer.
This will help prevent the washer fluid
from freezing on your windshield, which
can block your vision.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the wind-
shield is dry. It may scratch the
glass.
When waxing your vehicle, make sure that
the washer nozzles do not become
blocked. If a nozzle becomes blocked,
contact your Toyota dealer to have the
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE
If a nozzle becomes blocked, do not
try to clear it with a pin or other
object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Windshield wipers and washer
(type B)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 151
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and two trip meters 151
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 153
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 6