TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
 Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level gro und. After turning off the engine,
wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Low
Full

276 4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
 Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap, turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly.
Checking the dipstick.
Reinstall the filler cap, turning it clockwise.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to raise the level between low and
full on the dipstick is indicated as follows:
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 lmp. qt.)

Recommended viscosity
SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for
good fuel economy, and good
starting in cold weather.
*: If SAE 5W−30 oil is not avail−
able, SAE 10W−30 oil may be
used. However, it should be
replaced with SAE 5W−30 at
the next oil change.
Oil grade ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Items Clean funnel
Outside temperature

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4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
 How to read oil container labels
Some oil containers are labeled with ILSAC certification marks that
help you to select the proper oil.
 Engine oil consumption
 The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
 A new engine consumes more oil.
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accu−
rately.
 Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qt./600 miles (1.0 L per
1000 km)
If you consume more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 lmp.qt.) every 600 miles
(1000 km), contact your Toyota dealer.

278 4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
 After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures:
Turn the engine switch off with the odometer reading shown.( P.
124)
Turn the engine switch to the ON position while holding down the
trip meter reset button.
Continue to press and hold the button until the odometer displays
000000.
If the system fails to reset, the light will continue flashing.
CAUTION
 Used engine oil
 Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care 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 sewers or onto the
ground. Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for
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 regular basis.
When replacing the engine oil
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
Avoid overfilling, as the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

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4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the F (Full) and L
(Low) lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the L
line, add coolant up to the F line.
1
2
3
 If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.
 Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non−silicate, non−amine, non−nitrite and non−borate coolant with
long−life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and
50% deionized water. (Enabled: −31 F [−35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and
45% deionized water. (Enabled: −44 F [−42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
 When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.

280 4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are ex
tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
 Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
NOTICE
 When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct 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 damage to parts or paint.
CAUTION
 When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
burns.

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4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
 Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Turn the engine switch off.
Depress the brake pedal 20 times or more.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add newly opened brake fluid up to the MAX line.
.
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
 Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi−
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
 When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
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 the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
 If you spill fluid
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

282 4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid
 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
minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid
temperature, 140°F − 175°F [60°C − 80°C])
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tem−
perature, 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 turn
ing it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
Items Rag or paper towel and funnel (only for adding fluid)

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4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Battery
 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
CAUTION
 Checking the fluid level
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.

284 4−3. Do−it−yourself maintenance
 Checking battery condition
Check the battery condition using the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer.
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Toyota dealer.
 Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
 If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon−
nect the ground cable.

Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.
CAUTION
 Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near bat−
tery:
 Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
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.