TOYOTA 4RUNNER 1998 Owners Manual

4RUNNER (1998)
The top portion of the label shows the
oil quality by API (American Petroleum
Institute) designations such as SJ.
The center portion of the label shows
the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W- 30.
ºEnergy- Conservingº shown in the
lower portion, indicates that the oil
has fuel- saving capab ilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant
Standardization and Approval Commit-
tee) Certification Mark is displayed on
the front of the container. Look at the see- through coolant
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The coolant level is satisfactory if
it is between the ºF (Full)º and ºL
(Low)º lines on the reservoir. If the
level is low, add ethylene- glycol
type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will
vary with engine temperature. Howev-
er, if the level is on or below the ºLº
line, add coolant. Bring the level up
to the ºFº line.
Use only ethylene- glycol type coolant.
See information in the next column.
If the coolant level drops within a
short time after replenishing, there
may be a leak in the system. Visually
check the radiator, hoses, radiator cap
and drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your
Toyota dealer test the cap pressure
and check for leaks in the cooling
system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do
not remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-
glycol antifreeze. In addition to pre-
venting freezing and subsequent dam-
age to the engine, this will also
prevent corrosion. Further supplemen-
tal inhibitors or additives are neither
needed nor recommended.
Read the antifreeze container for in-
formation on freeze protection. Follow
the manufacturer 's directions for how
much to mix with water. The total ca-
pacity of the cooling system is given
in Part 8. We recommend 50% solu-
tion be used for your Toyota, or a
sufficient quantity to provide protection
to about -35
C (- 31 F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze
or plain water alone.
Checking the engine coolan
level

4RUNNER (1998)
Checking brake fluid
To check the fluid level, simply look
at the see- through reservoir. The
level should be between the ºMAXº
and ºMINº lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level
to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear. So be sure to keep the reser-
voir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refil-
ling, it may indicate a serious me-
chanical problem.
If the level is low, add SAE J1703
or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake
fluid to the brake reservoir. Remove and replace the reservoir
cover by hand.
Use only newly opened brake fluid.
Once opened, brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air, and excess
moisture can cause a dangerous loss
of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the r
eser-
voir because brake fluid can harm
your eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your
eyes, flush your eyes with clean
water.
NOTICE
If you spill the fluid, be sure to
wash it off with water to preventit from damaging the parts orpaint.

4RUNNER (1998)
Checking power steering
fluid
If cold add
If cold O.K.
If hot add If hot O.K.
Check the fluid level on the dip-
stick. If necessary, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON II or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around
80 km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a
little more in frigid temperatures), the
fluid is hot (60 CÐ80 C or
140 FÐ175 F). You may also check
the level when the fluid is cold (about
room temperature, 10 CÐ30 C or
50 FÐ85 F) if the engine has not
been run for about five hours.
a. Clean all dirt from outside of the
reservoir tank.
b. Remove the filler cap by turning it
counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick
clean. c. Reinstall the filler cap.
d. Remove the filler cap again and
look at the fluid level. If the fluid is
cold, the level should be in the
ºCOLDº range on the dipstick.
Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the
level is at the low side of either
range, add automatic transmission
fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the
level within the range.
e. After replacing the filler cap, visual-
ly check the steering box case, vane
pump and hose connections for leaks
or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so
be careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power
steering could be damaged.

4RUNNER (1998)
Checking tire pressure
Keep your tire pressures at the
proper level.
The recommended cold tire pressures,
tire size and the cargo weight rating
are given in Part 8.
You should check the tire pressures
every two weeks, or at least once a
month. And do not forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce
tire life and make your vehicle less
safe to drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive
wear, poor handling, reduced fuel
economy, and the possib ility of blow-
outs from overheated tires. Also, low
tire pressure can cause poor sealing
of the tire bead. If the tire pressure
is excessively low, there is the possi-
bility of w heel deformation and/or tire
separation.
High tire pressure produces a harsh
ride, handling problems, excessive
wear at the center of the tire tread,
and a greater possibility of tire dam-
age from road hazards.
If a tire frequently needs ref illing,
have it checked by your Toyota deal-
er. The following instructions for
checking tire pressure should be
observed:
The pressure should be checked
only when the tires are cold. If
your vehicle has been packed for
at least 3 hours and has not been
driven for more than 1.5 km or 1
mile since, you will get an accurate
cold tire pressure reading.
Always use a tire pressuregauge. The appearance of a tire
can be misleading. Besides, tire
pressures that are even just a few
pounds off can degrade handling
and ride.
Do not bleed or reduce tire pres-
sure after driving. It is normal for
the tire pressure to be higher after
driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capac-
ity weight. The passenger and lug-
gage weight should be located so
that the vehicle is balanced.
Be sure to reinstall the tire infla-
tion valve caps. Without the valve
caps, dirt or moisture could get
into the valve core and cause air
leakage. If the caps have been
lost, have new ones put on as
soon as possible. Checking and replacing tires

4RUNNER (1998)
Tread wear indicator
CHECKING YOUR TIRES
Check the tire tread for the tread
wear indicators. If the indicators
show, replace the tires.
The tires on your Toyota have built- in
tread wear indicators to help you
know when the tires need replace-
ment. When the tread depth wears to
1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indica-
tors will appear. If you can see the
indicators in two or more adjacent
grooves, the tire should be replaced.
The lower the tread, the higher the
risk of skidding.
The effectiveness of snow tires is
lost if the tread wears down below
4 mm (0.16 in.). Check the tires regularly for dam-
age such as cuts, splits and cracks.
If any damage is found, consult
with a technician and have the tire
repaired or replaced.
Even if the damage does not appear
serious, a qualified technician should
examine the damage. Objects which
have penetrated the tire may have
caused internal damage.
Any tires which are over six years
old must be checked by a qualified
technician even if damage is not
obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they
have never or seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.REPLACING YOUR TIRES
When replacing a tire, use only the
same size and construction as origi-
nally installed and with the same or
greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire
may seriously affect handling, ride,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
ground clearance, and clearance be-
tween the body and tires or snow
chains.

4RUNNER (1998)
CAUTION
Do not mix radial, bias belted,
or bias- ply tires on your ve-
hicle. It can cause dangerous
handling characteristics, result-
ing in loss of control.
Do not use tires or wheels oth-
er than the manufacture's rec-
ommended size.
Toyota recommends all four tires,
or at least both of the front or rear
tires be replaced at a time as a set.
See ºIf you have a flat tireº in Part
4 for tire change procedure.
When a tire is replaced, the wheel
should always be balanced.
An unbalanced wheel may affect ve-
hicle handling and tire life. Wheels
can get out of balance with regular
use and should therefore be balanced
occasionally.
When replacing a tubeless tire, the
air valve should also be replaced
with a new one. Rotating tires

4RUNNER (1998)
To equalize tire wear and help ex-
tend tire life, Toyota recommends
that you rotate your tires approxi-
mately every 12000 km (7500 miles).
However, the most appropriate tim-
ing for tire rotation may vary ac-
cording to your driving habits and
road surface conditions.
See ºIf you have a flat tireº in Part
4 for tire change procedure.
When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tire pres-
sure, improper wheel alignment, out-
of- balance wheels, or severe braking. WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recom-
mended when driving on snow or
ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional
tires provide better traction than snow
tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select the
same size, construction and load
capacity as the original tires on
your Toyota.
Do not use tires other than those
mentioned above. Do not install
studded tires without first checking lo-
cal regulations for possible restric-
tions.SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on
all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front
wheels only can lead to an excessive
difference in road grip capab
ility be-
tween the front and rear tires which
could cause loss of vehicle control.
When storing removed tires, you
should store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be
sure to install them in the same direc-
tion when replacing.
Installing snow tires
and chains

4RUNNER (1998)
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow
tires incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75
mph) with any type of snow
tires.
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Use the tire chains of correct size.
Regulations regarding the use of
tire chains vary according to loca-
tion or type of road, so always
check them before installing chains.
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Install the chains on the rear tires
as tightly as possible. Do not use
tire chains on the front tires. Re-
tighten chains after driving 0.5Ð1.0
km (1/4Ð1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires,
carefully follow the instructions of the
chain manufacturer.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so re-
move the covers before putting on the
chains.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufactur-
er 's recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which
may cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked-
wheel braking, as use of chains
may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
Replacing wheels
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion,
the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels,
the tire may slip off the wheel or they
may cause loss of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should
be taken to ensure that the wheels
are replaced by ones with the same
load capacity, diameter, rim width,
and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are avail-
able at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type
may adversely affect handling, wheel
and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration,
stopping ab ility, headlight aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance, and
tire or snow chain clearance to the
body and chassis.

4RUNNER (1998)
Replacement with used wheels is not
recommended as they may have been
subjected to rough treatment or high
mileage and could fail without warning.
Also, bent wheels which have been
straightened may have structural dam-
age and therefore should not be used.
Never use an inner tube in a leaking
wheel which is designed for a tube-
less tire. Aluminum wheel precautions
After driving your vehicle the first
1600 km (1000 miles), check that
the wheel nuts are tight.
If you have rotated, repaired or
changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driv-
ing 1600 km (1000 miles).
When using tire chains, be careful
not to damage the aluminum
wheels.
Use only the Toyota wheel nuts
and wrench designed for your alu-
minum wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use
only Toyota balance weights or
equivalent and a plastic or rubber
hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically
check your aluminum wheels for
damage. If damaged, replace im-
mediately.

4RUNNER (1998)
Part 7
DO- IT- YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7- 3
Electrical components
Checking battery condition
Battery recharging precautions
Checking and replacing fuses
Adding washer fluid
Replacing light bulbs
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable
and explosive hydrogen gas. Do not cause a spark from the
battery with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match
near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poison-
ous and corrosive sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
Never ingest electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses
when working near the battery.
Keep children away from the
battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean wa-
ter immediately and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If pos-
sible, continue to apply water
with a sponge or cloth while en
route to the medical office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact
area. If you feel pain or burn-
ing, get medical attention im-
mediately.
If electrolyte gets on your
clothes, there is a possibility of
its soaking through to your
skin, so immediately take off
the exposed clothing and follow
the procedure above, if neces-
sary.
If you happen to swallow elec-
trolyte, drink a large quantity of
water or milk. Follow with milk
of magnesia, beaten raw egg or
vegetable oil. Then go immedi-
ately for emergency help.
Checking battery c onditionÐ
ÐPrecautions