coolant level TOYOTA TACOMA 2004 Owners Manual (in English)

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
11 8
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
With tachometer
Without tachometer
The gauge indicates the approximate
quantity of the fuel remaining in the
tank when the ignition switch is on.
Nearly full—Needle at “F”
Nearly empty—Needle at “E”
It is a good idea to keep the tank over
1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non−return type
needle which remains at the last indicated
position when the ignition switch is turned
off.
If the fuel level approaches “E” or the low
fuel level warning light comes on, fill the
fuel tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the fuel gauge
needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Fill
the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving
several times. If the indicator lamp does
not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
With tachometer
Without tachometer
Fuel gauge Engine coolant temperature
gauge

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
236
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
Always perform a maintenance in-
spection after each day of offroad
driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.
For scheduled maintenance in-
formation, refer to the “Scheduled
Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”.Make sure your coolant is properly pro-
tected against freezing.
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 hy-
brid organic acid technology.
See “Checking the engine coolant level” in
Section 7 −2 for details of coolant type
selection.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre −
mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. This coolant provides protec-
tion down to about −35 C ( −31 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter start-
ing. Section 7 −3 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer
and most service stations will be pleased
to check the level of charge. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See Section 7
−2 for recommended viscos-
ity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota deal-
er—he will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing. To open
a frozen lock, try heating the key before
inserting it.
Use a washer fluid containing an ant
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Winter driving tips

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
250
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
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

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
279
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
What about doityourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy
to do yourself if you have a little mechani-
cal ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to per-
form them are presented in Section 7.
If you are a skilled do−it−yourself mechan-
ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-
mended. Please be aware that do −it−your-
self maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See “Owner ’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the details. Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing the items listed, if you notice any
unusual noise, smell or vibration, you
should investigate the cause or take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-
fied service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
the qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only with ade-
quate ventilation if you run the en-
gine.
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Section 7
−3 for additional in-
formation. Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the “F” and “L” lines on the see
−through
reservoir when the engine is cold. See
Section 7 −2 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt, or insects. See in Section
7 −2 for additional information.
Battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indica-
tor color. See Section 7 −3 for additional
information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Section 7 −2 for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See Section 7 −2 for addi-
tional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level on the dipstick. The level
should be in the “HOT” or “COLD” range
depending on the fluid temperature. See
Section 7 −2 for additional information.
General maintenance

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
281
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors including tailgate op-
erate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See Section 7−2 for additional
information.
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts,
damage or excessive wear. See Sec-
tion 7 −2 for additional information.
When checking the tires, make sure
no nuts are missing, and check the
nuts for looseness. Tighten them if
necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the
maintenance schedule. (For sched-
uled maintenance information, please
refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment”.) See Section 7 −2 for additional
information.
Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip −offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flat −looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal If you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
284
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil level dipstick
3. Power steering fluid reservoir
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Fuse block
6. Battery
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Condenser
9. Radiator
10. Windshield washer fluid tank
Engine compartment overview
 2RZFE and 3RZFE engines

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
285
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Fuse block
4. Battery
5. Engine coolant reservoir
6. Engine oil level dipstick
7. Condenser
8. Radiator
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Windshield washer fluid tank

5VZFE engine

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
288
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
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.
 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 to perform do− it−yourself 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 7 −2 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 Super Long Life Coolant” or
similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non −silicate, non −amine, non− ni-
trite, and non −borate coolant with long −
life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
pre− mixed with 50% coolant and 50%
deionized 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

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
291
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 294
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 296
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 303
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 305
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
294
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SL. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. “Energy −
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel −saving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.
To ensure excellent lubrication perfor-
mance for your engine, “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all
Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil”. Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “F” and “L” lines on the reservoir.
If the level is low, add the coolant. (For
the coolant type, see “Coolant type
selection” described below.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the “F” line.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, radiator cap and drain
cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Checking the engine coolant
level