tires TOYOTA TACOMA 1999 User Guide

'9 9 Ta co ma (U)
213
Part 7
DO- IT- YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7- 2
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level
Checking the engine coolant
level
Checking brake fluid
Checking power steering fluid
Checking tire pressure
Checking and replacing tires
Rotating tires
Installing snow tires and chains
Replacing wheels
Aluminum wheel precautions
Checking the engine oil level
Ty p e A
Ty p e B
Add oil O.K. Too full
Low level Full level
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick. 1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstickÐpush it in as far as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end.CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-
erence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the f iller cap hand- tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.): 2RZ- FE and 3RZ- FE engines
1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
5VZ- FE engine Two- wheel drive models
except Pre Runner 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
Four- wheel drive models
and Pre Runner 1.2 (1.3, 1.1)

'99 Tacoma (U)
217
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 5CÐ80 5C or 104 5FÐ175 5F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,0 5CÐ40 5C or 32 5FÐ104 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. 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, visually
check the steering box case, vane pump
and hose connections for leaks or dam- age.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
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 econo-
my, and the possibility of blowouts 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 possibility of w heel deforma-
tion 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 damage from road haz-
ards.
If a tire frequently needs ref illing, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.

'99 Tacoma (U)
218
The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:
The pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold. If your ve-
hicle 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 pressure gauge.
The appearance of a tire can be mis-
leading. Besides, tire pressures that
are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure
after driving. It is normal for the tire
pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the cargo weight rat-
ing. The luggage weight should be dis-
tributed evenly.
Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation
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
Tread wear indicator
CHECKING YOUR TIRES
Check the tire tread for the tread wear
indicators. If the indicators show, re-
place the tires.
The tires on your Toyota have built- in
tread wear indicators to help you know
when the tires need replacement. When
the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06
in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If
you can see the indicators in two or more
adjacent grooves, the tire should be re-
placed. 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 damage
such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any
damage is found, consult with a techni-
cian and have the tire repaired or re-
placed.
Even if the damage does not appear seri-
ous, a qualified technician should examine
the damage. Objects which have pene-
trated the tire may have caused internal
damage.
Any tires which are over six years old
must be checked by a qualified techni-
cian 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 original-
ly installed and with the same or great-
er load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may
seriously affect handling, ride, speedome-
ter/odometer calibration, ground clearance,
and clearance between the body and tires
or snow chains.

'99 Tacoma (U)
219
CAUTION
Do not mix radial, bias belted, or
bias- ply tires on your vehicle. It
can cause dangerous handling char-
acteristics, resulting in loss of con-
trol.
Do not use tires or wheels other
than the manufacturer 's recom-
mended 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 vehicle
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
With a spare tire of the same wheel type
as the installed tires
With a spare tire of different wheel type
from the installed tiresTo equalize tire wear and help extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that you
rotate your tires approximately every
12000 km (7500 miles). However, the
most appropriate timing for tire rotation
may vary according to your driving hab-
its 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 usu-
ally caused by incorrect tire pressure, im-
proper wheel alignment, out- of- balance
wheels, or severe braking.

'99 Tacoma (U)
220
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
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 men-
tioned above. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.
Installing snow tires on the rear w
heels
only can lead to an excessive difference
in road grip capab ility between 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 direction when
replacing.
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 location 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. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5Ð1.0 km
(1/4Ð1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, care-
fully follow the instructions of the chain
manufacturer.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so remove
the covers before putting on the chains.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or
the chain manufacturer 's recom-
mended 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 ad-
versely affect vehicle handling.
Installing snow tires and
chains

'99 Tacoma (U)
221
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 re-
placed by ones with the same load ca-
pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available
at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may
adversely affect handling, wheel and bear-
ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odom-
eter calibration, stopping ab
ility, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clear-
ance, and tire or snow chain clearance to
the body and chassis. Replacement with used wheels is not rec-
ommended as they may have been sub-
jected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent
wheels which have been straightened may
have structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner
tube in a leaking wheel which is designed
for a tubeless 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 driving
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 aluminum
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 immediately.

'9 9 Ta co ma (U)
233
Part 8
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions and weight
Engine
Fuel
Service specifications

Ti r es
Fuses Dimensions and weight
TWO- WHEEL DRIVE MODELS EXCEPT PRE RUNNER
Normal cab models Xtra- cab models
Overall length mm (in.)
Overall height *
5
mm (in.)
Front tread mm (in.)
Rear tread mm (in.)
Cargo weight rating kg (lb.)
Overall width mm (in.)
Wheelbase mm (in.)
4540 (178.7)
*
1
4690 (184.6) *
2 5010 (197.2)
*
1
5155 (203.0) *
2
1690 (66.5)
1580 (62.2) *
4
3095 (121.9)
1425 (56.1)
1440 (56.7) 500 (1100) *
6
430 (950) *
7
295 (650) *
8
500 (1100)
*
6
430 (950) *
7
1415 (55.7)
*
3
1440 (56.7) *
4
1395 (54.9)
*
3
1425 (56.1) *
4
2625 (103.3)
1575 (62.0)
*
3
1580 (62.2)
1690 (66.5)
* 1
: Without rear step bumper
* 2
: With rear step bumper
* 3
: With P195/75R14 tires
* 4
: With P215/70R14 tires
* 5
: Unladen vehicle
* 6
: With 1 or 2 occupants
* 7
: With 3 occupants
* 8
: With 5 occupants

'99 Tacoma (U)
234 Engine
Model:
2RZ- FE, 3RZ- FE and 5VZ- FE
Type: 2RZ- FE and 3RZ- FE engine4 cylinder in line, 4 cycle, gasoline
5VZ- FE engine
6 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke, mm (in.): 2RZ- FE engine95.0 86.0 (3.74 3.39)
3RZ- FE engine
95.0 95.0 (3.74 3.74)
5VZ- FE engine
93.5 82.0 (3.68 3.23)
Displacement, cm 3
(cu. in.):
2RZ- FE engine 2438 (148.8)
3RZ- FE engine 2694 (164.3)
5VZ- FE engine 3378 (206.1)
FOUR- WHEEL DRIVE MODELS AND PRE RUNNER
Normal cab models Xtra- cab models
Overall length mm (in.)
Overall height *
4
mm (in.)
Front tread mm (in.)
Rear tread mm (in.)
Cargo weight rating kg (lb.)
Overall width mm (in.)
Wheelbase mm (in.)
4665 (183.7) 5135 (202.2)
1690 (66.5)*
1
1720 (67.7) *
2
1765 (69.5) *
3
1720 (62.7) *
1
1750 (68.9) *
2
3095 (121.9)
1460 (57.5) *
7
1500 (59.1) *
8
500 (1100) *
9
317 (700) *
10
500 (1100)
1455 (57.3)
*
7
1495 (58.9) *
8
1460 (57.5)
*
5
1500 (59.1) *
6
2625 (103.3)
1715 (67.5)
*
1
1745 (68.7) *
2
1690 (66.5)
*
1
1720 (67.7) *
2
1765 (69.5) *
3
1455 (57.3) *
7
1495 (58.9) *
8
* 1
: With P225/75R15 tires
* 2
: With P265/75R15 tires or with 31 10.5R15LT tires
* 3
: With wheel opening extension
* 4
: Unladen vehicle
* 5
: With steel wheels plus P225/75R15 tires
* 6
: With steel wheels plus P265/75R15 tires or with aluminum wheels
* 7
: With steel wheels
* 8
: With aluminum wheels
* 9
: With 3 occupants
* 10
: With 5 occupants

'99 Tacoma (U)
239
Tires
Fuses
Engine compartment (U.S.A.)
Fuses (type A) 1. PWR OUTLET 15 A: Power outlet
2. DRL 7.5 A: Daytime running light
system
3. HEAD (HI RH) 10 A: Right- hand head-
light (high beam), high beam indicator
light
4. HEAD (HI LH) 10 A: Left- hand head-
light (high beam)
5. HEAD (LO RH) 10 A: Right- hand
headlight (low beam)
Wheel nut torque, N´m (kgf´m, ft´lbf):
110 (11.5, 83) Tire size
Tire pressure
kPa (kgf/cm 2
or bar, psi)
Wheel size
Front Rear
P195/75R14 200 (2.0, 29) 240 (2.4, 35) 14 5J
P215/70R14 200 (2.0, 29) 200 (2.0, 29) 14
6J
14 6JJ
P225/75R15 180 (1.8, 26) 200 (2.0, 29)15
6J
15 7J
15 7JJ
31x10.5R15LT 180 (1.8, 26) 200 (2.0, 29) 15
7J
15 7JJP265/75R15
180 (1.8, 26) 180 (1.8, 26) 15
7J
15 7JJ

'99 Tacoma (U)
244
This information has been prepared in ac-
cordance with regulations issued by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration of the U.S. Department of Trans-
portation. It provides the purchasers and/
or prospective purchasers of Toyota
vehicles with information on uniform tire
quality grading.
Your Toyota dealer will help answer any
questions you may have as you read this
information.
DOT quality gradesÐAll passenger ve-
hicle tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. These quality grades are
molded on the sidewall.
TreadwearÐ
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the wear rate
of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1- 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may de-
part significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service prac-
tices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate. Traction AA, A, B, CÐ
The traction
grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C, and they represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on braking (straight
ahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, CÐ The temperature
grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ab ility to dissi-
pate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to de-
generate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a lev-
el of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grades for this
tire are established for a tire that is prop-
erly inflated and not overloaded. Exces-
sive speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
Uniform tire quality grading
(except vehicles with 31

10.5R15LT tires)