check engine TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2003 J100 Owners Manual

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It is not a malfunction even if the needle
of the engine coolant temperature gauge
returns to “C” when the ignition switch is
turned to the “START” position.
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” on page 230.
Engine oil pressure gauge
Idling
Normal
driving
The engine oil pressure gauge indicates
engine oil pressure when the ignition
switch is on. Check it while driving to
make sure the needle is in the proper
range.
If the engine oil pressure should stay be-
low the normal range, pull off the road to
a safe place and stop the engine immedi-
ately. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified
repair shop for assistance.
Engine oil pressure may not build up
when the engine oil level is too low. The
engine oil pressure gauge is not designed
to indicate oil level, and the engine oil
level must be checked using the level
dipstick. It is not a malfunction even if the needle
of the engine oil pressure gauge returns
to “L” when the ignition switch is turned
to the “START” position.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the en-
gine oil pressure below the normal
range until the cause is fixed—it may
ruin the engine.

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Vo l t m e t e r
The voltmeter tells whether the battery
is charged or discharged. Check it
while the engine is running—the needle
should always indicate as shown above.
If the needle reads below or above the
normal range while the engine is running,
it indicates the charging system needs im-
mediate repair.
However, it is normal for the needle to
drop below the normal range during en-
gine starting.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle
of the voltmeter returns to “9” when the
ignition switch is turned to the “START”
position.
Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed
in thousands of rpm (revolutions per
minute). Use it while driving to prevent
engine over-revving.
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.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle
of the tachometer returns to “0” when the
ignition switch is turned to the “START”
position.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get
into the red zone. This may cause
severe engine damage.

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

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(a) Brake System Warning Light andBuzzer
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds
when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-
tion even after the parking brake is re-
leased.
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...
If the hydraulic booster causes an 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 cases:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the igni-
tion key is in the “ON” position.
The light does not come on even if the
ignition key is turned on with the park-
ing brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If any of the following conditions oc-
cur, 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 become
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.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
Any of the following conditions may oc-
cur, but do not indicate a malfunction:
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned
to “ON” position. It is normal if it goes
out after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the warning light and
buzzer. It is normal if the light goes
out and the buzzer stops sounding af-
ter 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.

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If the system fails to reset, the light will
remain flashing.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position and
goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system 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 will not go off even after sev-
eral trips, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. If the lamp will not go off even after
the several trips...
or
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.
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
If the engine speed does not increase with
the accelerator pedal depressed, there
may be a problem somewhere in your
electronic 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 ignition key 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 emis-
sion inspection if the malfunction indicator
lamp remains on. Contact your Toyota
dealer to check your vehicle’s emission
control system and OBD (OnBoard Diag-
nostics) system before taking your vehicle
for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs” on page 260.
(g) 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.

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Either of the following conditions may
occur, but do not indicate a malfunc-
tion.
The light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned
to “ON” position. It is normal if it turns
off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the light. It is normal if it
turns off after a few seconds.
(j) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the side
doors and back door are completely
closed.
(k) Unengaged ”Park” Warning Light
This light warns that the transmission
”Park” mechanism is not engaged. If the
fourwheel drive control is in the ”N” posi-
tion while the selector lever is in the ”P”
position, the transmission will disengage
and the wheels will not lock.
CAUTION
To restore the park function, shift the
fourwheel drive control out of ”N”,
or the vehicle can move.
(l) Automatic Transmission Fluid Tem- perature Warning Light
This light warns that the automatic trans-
mission fluid temperature is too high.
If this light comes on while you are driv-
ing, slow down and pull off the road. Stop
the vehicle at a safe place and put the
selector lever in ”P” and leave the engine
idling until the light goes off. If the light
goes off, you can start the vehicle again.
If the light does not go off, call a Toyota
dealer or qualified repair shop for assis-
tance.
NOTICE
Continued driving with the warning
light on may damage the automatic
transmission.
(m) Vehicle Skid Control System and Active Traction Control System
Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle skid control sys-
tem and/or active traction control system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC
OFF” indicator light come on, have your
vehicle checked by Toyota dealer as soon
as possible. However, it is no problem
that the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes
on when the brake actuator temperature
becomes high. (For details, see “Active
traction control system” on page 140.)
The lights will come on with the ignition
key turned to “ON”, and will go off after
a few seconds.
The lights may come on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”
position. It is normal if they go out after
a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. it is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and
“VSC OFF” indicator light come on, the
vehicle skid control system and/or active
traction control system are not operating,
but there is no problem if you continue to
drive.

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(n) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver ’s door with
the ignition key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK”
position.
CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER INDICA-
TORS (except the low fuel level warning
light)1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the side doors or back door.
The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Place the fourwheel drive control lever in ”N” position and the selector lever
in ”P” position.
5. Turn the ignition key to ”ON”, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on. The ”ABS”, ”VSC/TRAC”,
”VSC OFF”, ”TRAC”, and slip indicator
light go off after a few seconds. The
SRS warning light goes off after about
6 seconds. There may be the case that the ”ABS”,
”VSC/TRAC” and ”VSC OFF” stay on
for about 60 seconds after the ignition
key is turned to “ON” position. It is
normal if they go out after a while.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, have it checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.
Trip information display
The following information is shown with
the ignition key turned on. Each time
you push the “MODE” button, the dis-
played information is changed.
Average vehicle speed
Driving distance after engine starting
Available driving range
Average fuel consumption after refuel-
ing
Current fuel consumption
The displayed cruise information values
indicate the general driving condition and
may not always reflect precise and actual
conditions.

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When active traction control is applied,
the active traction control system indi-
cator light blinks.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the ac-
tive traction control system is in the self
check mode, and does not indicate mal-
function. When the active traction control
system is operating, you may feel vibra-
tion or hear noise of your vehicle, caused
by operation of the brakes. This indicates
the system is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or
new snow, etc. the active traction control
system will help operate to prevent the
wheels from spinning.
Active traction control system failure
warning
This light warns when there is a problem
somewhere in the active traction control
system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes
on, have your vehicle checked by your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.The brake actuator temperature increases
during the active traction control system
or vehicle skid control system operating.
If the brake actuator temperature becomes
too high while the active traction control
system or vehicle skid control system is
operating, a buzzer will start to sound
intermittently to indicate that the active
traction control system can no longer op-
erate. In this case, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place. If the system
continues to operate, the buzzer sound
changes from intermittent to continuous.
(The continuous buzzer sounds for about
3 seconds.) At the time, the “VSC/TRAC”
warning light will come on and the traction
control system temporarily stops operating
in order to protect the brake actuator. (Al-
though the active traction control system
does not operate, there is no problem to
continue your driving.) The system will be
automatically restored after a short time
and “VSC/TRAC” warning light goes off if
the accelerator pedal is released.
When the “ABS” warning light come on,
the active traction control system is not
operating.
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light will come
on when the ignition key is turned “ON”,
and will go off after a few seconds.

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The “VSC/TRAC” warning light may stay
on for 60 seconds after the ignition key
is turned to “ON” position. It is normal if
it goes off after a few seconds.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the “VSC/TRAC” warning
light. It is normal if it goes off after a few
seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light
comes on the active traction control sys-
tem is not operating, but there is no prob-
lem if you continue to drive.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light does not
come on after the ignition key is turned
“ON”.
The “VSC/TRAC” remains on after the
ignition key is turned “ON”.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicles and
power to 4 wheels may not be main-
tained, even though the active trac-
tion control system is in operation.
Do not drive the vehicle under any
speed or maneuvering conditions
which will cause the vehicle to lose
traction. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the road conditions pres-
ent.
The vehicle skid control system helps
provide integrated control of the sys-
tems such as antilock brake, traction
control, engine control, etc. This sys-
tem automatically controls the output of
the brakes or engine to help prevent
the vehicle from skidding under adverse
conditions.
The vehicle skid control system activates
when the vehicle speed is more than the
following speed.
Fourwheel drive control lever in “H”15 km/h (9 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourwheel drive control lever in “L”
30 km/h (19 mph)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the ve-
hicle skid control system is in the self
check mode and does not indicate a mal-
function.
Vehicle skid control system

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Threeway catalytic converter
The threeway catalytic converter is the
emission control devices installed in
the exhaust system.
Its purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible mate-
rials away from the exhaust pipe
while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
Do not idle or park your vehicle
over anything that might burn easi-
ly such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the threeway catalytic
converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent
this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creat-
ing an excessive load on the three
way catalytic converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at
idle speed for more than 20 min-
utes.
Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not pushstart or pullstart your
vehicle.
 Do not turn off the ignition while
the vehicle is moving.
 Keep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electric ignition
system or fuel system could cause
an extremely high threeway cata-
lytic converter temperature.
 If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a checkup as soon
as possible. Remember, your Toyota
dealer knows your vehicle and its
threeway catalytic converter sys-
tem best.