transmission oil TOYOTA TACOMA 2003 Owners Manual (in English)

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
62003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Seat belt reminder light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Low fuel level warning light∗1
Brake system warning light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Antilock brake system warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
or
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning
light∗1
Unengaged “Park” warning light∗1
Low windshield washer fluid level warning
light∗1
Headlight high beam indicator light
Overdriveoff indicator light Turn signal indicator lights
Driving pattern (POWER mode) indicator light
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2112003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of
Land Management
CAUTION
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of serious
personal injury or damage to your ve-
hicle:
Drive carefully when off the road.
Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous places.
Do not grip the steering wheel
spokes when driving offroad. A
bad bump could jerk the wheel and
injure your hands. Keep both hands
and especially your thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
Always check your brakes for effec-
tiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
After driving through tall grass,
mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check
that there is no grass, bush, paper,
rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or
trapped on the underbody. Clear off
any such matter from the under-
body. If the vehicle is used with
these materials trapped or adhering
to the underbody, a breakdown or
fire could occur.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted per-
son is significantly more likely to
die than a person wearing a seat
belt. Therefore, the driver and all
passengers should fasten their seat
belts whenever the vehicle is mov-
ing.
When driving offroad or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause
loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage
to your vehicle’s suspension and
chassis.
NOTICE
If driving through water, such as
when crossing shallow streams,
first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the river bed for
firmness. Drive slowly and avoid
deep water.
 Take all necessary safety measures
to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does
not occur.
Water entering the engine air intake
will cause severe engine damage.
Water can wash the grease from
wheel bearings, causing rusting and
premature failure, and may also en-
ter the differentials, transmission
and transfer case, reducing the gear
oil’s lubricating qualities.
 Sand and mud that has accumulated
in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency
and may damage brake system com-
ponents.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2262003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in “P”
(automatic) or neutral (manual) and ap-
ply the parking brake. Turn off the air
conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Visually check to see if the enginedrive belt (fan belt) is broken or loose.
Look for obvious coolant leaks from the
radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the engine drive belt is broken or thecoolant is leaking, stop the engine im-
mediately. Call a Toyota dealer for as-
sistance.
5. If the engine drive belt is O.K. and there are no obvious leaks, you may
help the engine cool down more quickly
by running it at about 1500 rpm for a
few minutes with the accelerator pedal
lightly depressed.
6. Check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the
engine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine and radiator are
hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
7. After the engine coolant temperaturehas cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You s hould have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2612003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine
compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold, power steering
fluid reservoir and spark plug
boots, etc.—will be hot. So be care-
ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids
and spark plugs may also be hot.
If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the drain
plugs to prevent burning yourself.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flammable.
Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to flying
or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your
skin, wash thoroughly with soap
and water.
Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cables carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
 Do not pry the outer electrode of a
spark plug against the center elec-
trode.
 Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
 Do not overfill automatic transmis-
sion fluid, or the transmission
could be damaged.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2622003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
 When closing the engine hood,
check to see that you have not for-
gotten any tools, rags, etc.Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing doityourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equiva-
lent
See Section 72 for details about en-
gine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or
equivalent
See Section 72 for details about cool-
ant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant) CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
Parts (if level is low):
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
brake fluid
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON II or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
Parts and tools

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2932003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Drive belt tension measured with Bor-
roughs drive belt tension gauge No.
BT3373F (used belt), lbf:2RZFE and 3RZFE enginesGenerator belt 115  20
Air conditioning compressor belt
100 20
Power steering pump belt
100
+20
15
5VZFE engineGenerator belt 100  20
Air conditioning compressor belt 100 20
Power steering pump belt
100
+20
15
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Twowheel drive models except Pre
Runner2RZFE engineWith filter 5.5 (5.8, 4.8)
Without filter 4.8 (5.0, 4.2)
5VZFE engine With filter 5.4 (5.7, 4.8)
Without filter 5.1 (5.4, 4.5)
Fourwheel drive models and Pre
Runner
3RZFE engineWith filter 5.4 (5.7, 4.8)
Without filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
5VZFE engine With filter 5.2 (5.5, 4.6)
Without filter 4.9 (5.2, 4.3)
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is f illed in
your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
to satisfy the following grade and
viscosity.
Oil grade: API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil Recommended oil viscosity:
SAE 5W30
Outside temperature
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Twowheel drive models except Pre
RunnerWith manual transmission2RZFE engine 8.0 (8.5, 7.0)
5VZFE engine 9.7 (10.3, 8.5)
With automatic transmission 2RZFE engine 7.8 (8.2, 6.9)

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2942003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Fourwheel drive models and Pre
RunnerWith manual transmission3RZFE engine 8.3 (8.8, 7.3)
5VZFE engine 10.1 (10.7, 8.9)
With automatic transmission 3RZFE engine 8.2 (8.7, 7.2)
5VZFE engine 10.0 (10.5, 8.8)
Coolant type: “Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” is
filled in your Toyota vehicle. In order to
avoid technical problems, we strongly
recommend using “Toyota Genuine Long
Life Coolant” or equivalent.
With ethyleneglycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details. BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20
°C (68 °F):
12.6—12.8 V Fully charged
12.2—12.4 V Half charged
11.8—12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes
after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
CLUTCH
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 5—15 (0.2—0.6)
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 2RZFE engine 2.6 (2.7, 2.3)
3RZFE engine 2.5 (2.6, 2.2)
5VZFE engineTwowheel drive models 2.6 (2.7, 2.3)
Fourwheel drive models 2.2 (2.3, 1.9)
Oil type: Gear Oil API GL4 or GL5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W90 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity (drain and ref
ill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Twowheel drive models except Pre
RunnerUp to 2.4 (2.5, 2.1)
Fourwheel drive models and Pre Run-
ner Up to 2.0 (2.1, 1.8)
Fluid type:
2RZFE engine—Toyota Genuine ATF DII or
DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
3RZFE and 5VZFE engines—
Toyota Genuine ATF Type TIV
Change automatic transmission fluid
only as necessary.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2952003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if
your vehicle is driven under one of
the Special Operating Conditions listed
in your “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment”. When changing the automatic
transmission fluid, use only “Toyota
Genuine ATF Type TIV” (ATF
JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in
assuring optimum transaxle perfor-
mance.
Notice: Using automatic transmis-
sion fluid other than “Toyota Genu-
ine ATF Type TIV” may cause dete-
rioration in shift quality, locking up
of your transmission accompanied
by vibration, and ultimately damage
the automatic transmission of your
vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
TRANSFER
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 1.0 (1.1, 0.9)
Oil type: Gear Oil API GL4 or GL5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W90 DIFFERENTIAL
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Twowheel drive models except Pre
Runner2RZFE engine 1.35 (1.4, 1.2)
5VZFE engine 2.55 (2.7, 2.2)
Fourwheel drive models and Pre
Runner
Front (except Pre Runner) 1.15 (1.2, 1.0)
Rear Short wheel baseWith rear differential lock system 2.65 (2.8, 2.3)
Without rear differential lock sys-
tem 2.55 (2.7, 2.2)
Extra long wheel base With rear differential lock system 2.95 (3.1, 2.6)
Without rear differential lock sys-
tem 2.45 (2.6, 2.2)
Oil type: Hypoid Gear Oil API GL5 Recommended oil viscosity:
Front SAE 75W90
Rear Above 18 C (0 F)
SAE 90
Below 18 C (0 F)
SAE 80W or 80W90
CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Wheel bearings: Lithium base wheel bearing grease,
NLGI No.2
Front drive shaft thrust bushings: Synthetic oil and lithium soap base
chassis grease, NLGI No.1
Propeller shafts: SpidersLithium base chassis grease, NLGI
No.2
Slide yoke and double cardan joint Molybdenumdisulfide lithium base
chassis grease, NLGI No.2