TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2021 Owners Manual (in English)

4116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)■
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.
Remove the oil fille r cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may ne ed to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
● When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing t he vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when t owing, or
when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selection P. 523
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.8 qt. (1.7 L, 1.5 Imp. qt.)
Items
Clean funnel
1
2
3

4126-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(P. 514)
WARNING
■ Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so c are
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewe rs or onto the
ground.
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store fo r information
concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the v ehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
Engine coolant
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2
3

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-bora te coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota deal er.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir ca ps, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
WARNING
■ When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap.
(P. 515)
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■ When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The cor rect mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication , corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging p arts or paint.

4146-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehic le inspected by your Toyota dea ler.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
“MAX” line
“MIN” line
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid ty pe and prepare the necessary ite m.
■Refilling brake fluid
Turn the engine switch off.
Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.
Remove the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake fluid up to the
“MAX” line.
If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may over-
flow.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■ When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and c ause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.
Brake fluid
1
2
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3

4156-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss o f braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
WARNING
■ When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damag e
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■ If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as t he brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serio us problem.

4166-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)■
Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 min- utes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid tempera-
ture, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C]).
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tempera- ture, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C]).
■Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turni ng it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Power steering fluid
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2
3
4
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
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2
3
4
5

4176-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
Check the battery as follows.
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■ Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sur e to disconnect
the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connectin g and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the battery.
WARNING
■ When checking the reservoir
Take care as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.
Battery
1
2

4186-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)■
After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with a smar t key sys-
tem)
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initial ize the system.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the engine.
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possi ble imme-
diately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wireless
remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine
may not start when the engine switch turned from off. However, the engine
will operate normally from the second attempt.
● The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the batte ry is recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the s tatus it was in
before the battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the engine
before disconnect the battery. Take extra care when connecting the battery
if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
WARNING
■ Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the ri sk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the
battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tool s.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
● Keep children away from the battery.
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2
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4196-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)
WARNING
■Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the ba ttery in a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explo de if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and ge t immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water wit h a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, b e sure all
accessories are turned off.

4206-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
Ty p e A
If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
Ty p e B
If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW ” , add washer fluid.
■ Using the gauge (Type B only)
Washer fluid
The washer fluid level can be checked by
observing the position of the level on the
liquid-covered holes in the gauge.
If the level falls below the second hole
from the bottom (the “LOW” position), refill
the washer fluid.
Current
fluid
level