check engine TOYOTA TACOMA 1998 Owner's Guide

'98 Tacoma (U)209
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 reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent ref
illing, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
lem.
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. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cover back on.
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 eservoir
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 prevent it fromdamaging the parts or paint.
Checking power steering fluid
If cold add
If cold O.K.
If hot add If hot O.K.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. 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 (40 5C±80 5C or 104 5F±175 5F). You may
also check the level when the fluid is cold
(about room temperature, 0 5C±40 5C or
32 5F±104 5F) if the engine has not been
run for about five hours.
a. Clean all dirt from outside of the reser-
voir tank.
b. Remove the filler cap by turning it
counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick
clean.

'98 Tacoma (U)217
ÐChecking battery exterior
Ground cable
Terminals
Hold- down
clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
hold-down clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off
with a solution of warm water and baking
soda. Coat the outside of the terminals
with grease to prevent further corrosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose,
tighten their clamp nuts±but do not over-
tighten.
c. Tighten the hold-down clamp only
enough to keep the battery firmly in place.
Overtightening may damage the battery
case.
NOTICE
Be sure the engine and all accesso- ries are off before performing main-tenance.
When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negativeterminal (º
º mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short cir- cuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into thebattery when washing it.
ÐChecking battery fluid
Ty p e A
Ty p e B Red
White Clear or
Dark
Green
Blue light yellow
CHECKING BY THE HYDROMETER
Check the battery condition by the
hydrometer color. Hydrometer color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e BCondition
GREENBLUEGood
DARKWHITECharging necessary. Have
battery checked by your
Toyota dealer.
CLEAR or
LIGHT
YELLOWREDHave battery checked by
your Toyota dealer.

'98 Tacoma (U)
218
Battery recharging precautions
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
Only do a slow charge (5A or less).
Charging at a quicker rate is dan-
gerous. The battery may explode,
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure allaccessories are turned off.
Checking and replacing fuses
Blown
Blown
Blown
Good
Good
Good
Ty p e A
Ty p e B
Ty p e C

'98 Tacoma (U)229
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and ref
ill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Two-wheel drive models
except Pre Runner2RZ- FE engineWith filter 5.5 (5.8, 4.8)
Without filter 4.8 (5.0, 4.2)
5VZ- FE engine With filter 5.4 (5.7, 4.8)
Without filter 5.1 (5.4, 4.5)
Four-wheel drive models
and Pre Runner 3RZ- FE engine
With filter 5.4 (5.7, 4.8)
Without filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
5VZ- FE engine
With filter 5.2 (5.5, 4.6)
Without filter 4.9 (5.2, 4.3)
Oil grade:
API grade SH, ºEnergy-Conserving IIº or
SJ, Energy- Conservingº multigrade engine
oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil is re-
commended. Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Two-wheel drive models
except Pre RunnerWith manual transmission
2RZ- FE engine 8.0 (8.5, 7.0)
5VZ- FE engine
9.7 (10.3, 8.5)
With automatic transmission 2RZ- FE engine
7.8 (8.2, 6.9)
5VZ- FE engine 9.5 (10.0, 8.4) Four-wheel drive models
and Pre Runner
With manual transmission
3RZ- FE engine 8.3 (8.8, 7.3)
5VZ- FE engine
10.1 (10.7, 8.9)
With automatic transmission 3RZ- FE engine
8.2 (8.7, 7.2)
5VZ- FE engine 10.0 (10.5, 8.8)
Coolant type: With ethylene-glycol antifreeze (Do not
use alcohol type.)
BATTERY
Open voltage *
at 20 5C (68 5F):
12.6Ð12.8 V Fully charged
12.2Ð12.4 V Half charged
11.8Ð12.0 V Discharged
* : Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after
the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.