ABS TOYOTA TACOMA 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
If your seat belts cannot be fastened se-
curely because they are not long enough,
a personalized seat belt extender is avail-
able from your Toyota dealer free of
charge.
Please contact your local Toyota dealer so
that the dealer can order the proper re-
quired length for the extender. Bring the
heaviest coat you expect to wear for prop-
er measurement and selection of length.
Additional ordering information is available
at your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
When using the seat belt extender,
observe the following precautions.
Failure to follow these instructions
could reduce the effectiveness of the
seat belt restraint system in case of
an accident, increasing the chance of
death or serious injury.
Remember that the extender pro-
vided for you may not be safe when
used on a different vehicle, for
another person, or at a different
seating position than the one origi-
nally intended.
LS13097
If the seat belt extender has been
connected to the driver ’s seat belt
buckle without the driver actually
wearing the seat belt, the SRS driv-
er ’s airbag system will judge that
the driver is wearing it. In this
case, the driver ’s airbag may not
activate correctly, causing death or
serious injury in the event of colli-
sion. Be sure to wear the seat belt
with the seat belt extender.
Make sure the front passenger oc-
cupant classification indicator light
indicates “ON” when using the seat
belt extender for the front passen-
ger seat. If the indicator light indi-
cates “OFF”, disconnect the extend-
er tongue from the seat belt buckle,
then reconnect the seat belt. Recon-
nect the seat belt extender after
making sure the indicator light indi-
cates “ON”. If you use the seat belt
extender while the indicator light
indicates “OFF”, the front passen-
ger airbag and side airbag on the
front passenger side may not acti-
vate correctly, which could cause
death or serious injury in the event
of collision.
Do not use the seat belt extender
if it is not absolutely necessary.
—Seat belt extender

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
9. Driver ’s seat position sensor
10. Airbag sensor assembly
11. Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator)
12. SRS warning light
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a
safing sensor and airbag sensor.
The airbag sensors constantly monitor the
forward deceleration of the vehicle. If an
impact results in a forward deceleration
beyond the designed threshold level, the
system triggers the airbag inflators. At this
time a chemical reaction in the inflators
very quickly fills the air bags with non−tox-
ic gas to help restrain the forward motion
of the occupants. The front airbags then
quickly deflate, so that there is no ob-
struction of the driver ’s vision should it be
necessary to continue driving. When the airbags inflate, they produce a
loud noise and release some smoke and
residue along with non
−toxic gas. This
does not indicate a fire. This smoke may
remain inside the vehicle for some time,
and may cause some minor irritation to
the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to
wash off any residue as soon as possible
to prevent any potential skin irritation with
soap and water. If you can safely exit
from the vehicle, you should do so imme-
diately. Deployment of the airbags happens in a
fraction of a second, so the airbags must
inflate with considerable force. While the
system is desi
gned to reduce serious inju-
ries, primarily to the head and chest, it
may also cause other, less severe injuries
to the face, chest, arms and hands. These
are usually in the nature of minor burns
or abrasions and swelling, but the force of
a deploying airbag can cause more seri-
ous injuries, especially if an occupant’s
hands, arms, chest or head is in close
proximity to the airbag module at the time
of deployment. This is why it is important
for the occupant to: avoid placing any
object or part of the body between the
occupant and the airbag module; sit
straight and well back into the seat; wear
the available seat belt properly; and sit as
far as possible from the airbag module,
while still maintaining control of the ve-
hicle.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel
hub, airbag cover and inflator) may be hot
for several minutes after deployment, so
do not touch! The airbags inflate only
once. The windshield may be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflat-
ing airbag.

66
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
The airbag sensors constantly monitor the
forward deceleration of the vehicle. If an
impact results in a forward deceleration
beyond the designed threshold level, the
system triggers the airbag inflators. At this
time a chemical reaction in the inflators
very quickly fills the airbags with non−tox-
ic gas to help restrain the forward motion
of the occupants. The front airbags then
quickly deflate, so that there is no ob-
struction of the driver ’s vision should it be
necessary to continue driving.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a
loud noise and release some smoke and
residue along with non −toxic gas. This
does not indicate a fire. This smoke may
remain inside the vehicle for some time,
and may cause some minor irritation to
the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to
wash off any residue as soon as possible
to prevent any potential skin irritation with
soap and water. If you can safely exit
from the vehicle, you should do so imme-
diately. Deployment of the airbags happens in a
fraction of a second, so the airbags must
inflate with considerable force. While the
system is desi
gned to reduce serious inju-
ries, primarily to the head and chest, it
may also cause other, less severe injuries
to the face, chest, arms and hands. These
are usually in the nature of minor burns
or abrasions and swelling, but the force of
a deploying airbag can cause more seri-
ous injuries, especially if an occupant’s
hands, arms, chest or head is in close
proximity to the airbag module at the time
of deployment. This is why it is important
for the occupant to: avoid placing any
object or part of the body between the
occupant and the airbag module; sit
straight and well back into the seat; wear
the available seat belt properly; and sit as
far as possible from the airbag module,
while still maintaining control of the ve-
hicle.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel
hub, airbag cover and inflator) may be hot
for several minutes after deployment, so
do not touch! The airbags inflate only
once. The windshield may be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflat-
ing airbag.CAUTION
The driver or front passenger who is
too close to the steering wheel or
dashboard during airbag deployment
can be killed or seriously injured.
Toyota strongly recommends that:
The driver sit as far back as pos-
sible from the steering wheel while
still maintaining control of the ve-
hicle.
The front passenger sit as far back
as possible from the dashboard.
All vehicle occupants be properly
restrained using the available seat
belts.
If the seat belt extender has been
connected to the driver ’s seat belt
buckle without the driver actually
wearing the seat belt, the SRS driv-
er ’s airbag system will judge that
the driver is wearing it. In this
case, the driver ’s airbag may not
activate correctly, causing death or
serious injury in the event of colli-
sion. Be sure to wear the seat belt
with the seat belt extender.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Your vehicle is equipped with a front
passenger occupant classification sys-
tem. The system detects conditions
1—4 (Shown in the table on page 84)
Based on these conditions, the systems
below are activated or deactivated:
Front passenger airbag
Front passenger ’s seat belt pretension-
er
The system monitors the weight and
load on the front passenger seat, and
the seat belt buckle switch to determine
conditions 1—4.
In order to ensure that the system de-
tects the conditions correctly:
Do not place a heavy load on the front
passenger seat or the seatback table,
etc.
Do not attach a commercial seatback
table or other heavy item to the back
of the front passenger seat.
Do not apply pressure to the front pas-
senger seat by resting hands or legs
on the seatback.
LS13139a
The front passenger occupant classifi-
cation indicator light indicates the ac-
tuation of the front passenger airbag
and front passenger seat belt preten-
sioner.
The front passenger occupant classifi-
cation indicator light will indicate “ON”
and “OFF” when the engine switch is
turned to the “ON” position. After
about four seconds, it will go off. After
that, the front passenger occupant clas-
sification system operates and judges
whether to indicate “ON” or “OFF”. The indicator light will indicate “OFF”
when the engine switch is in the “ON”
position with the condition 2 in the table
shown below.
If the front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system determines that a person of
adult size sits in the front passenger seat
but the “OFF” indicator is illuminated, one
of the following is likely to have occurred:
A rear passenger lifts the front passen-
ger seat cushion with their legs.
Objects are placed under the front pas-
senger seat.
The front passenger seatback is in
contact with the rear seat or the back
wall.
To ensure that the system correctly de-
tects the presence or absence of a person
of adult size sitting in the front passenger
seat, make sure that none of the above
occur.
Make sure that the “ON” indicator is illu-
minated when a person of adult size is
seated in the front passenger seat. If the
“OFF” indicator is illuminated, follow the
procedure below: 1. Turn the engine switch off.
2. Make sure the airbag off switch is set to the “AUTO” position.
Front passenger occupant
classification system (regular cab
models with separate seats and
access cab models)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS13139b
The front passenger occupant classifi-
cation indicator light indicates the ac-
tuation of the front passenger airbag,
side airbag on the front passenger seat
and front passenger seat belt preten-
sioner.
The front passenger occupant classifi-
cation indicator light will indicate “ON”
and “OFF” when the engine switch is
turned to the “ON” position. After
about four seconds, it will go off. After
that, the front passenger occupant clas-
sification system operates and judges
whether to indicate “ON” or “OFF”.The indicator light will indicate “OFF”
when the engine switch is in the “ON”
position with the condition 2 in the table
shown below.
If the front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system determines that a person of
adult size sits in the front passenger seat
but the “OFF” indicator is illuminated, one
of the following is likely to have occurred:
A rear passenger lifts the front passen-
ger seat cushion with their legs.
Objects are placed under the front pas-
senger seat.
Double cab models—The front passen-
ger seatback is in contact with the rear
seat.
To ensure that the system correctly de-
tects the presence or absence of a person
of adult size sitting in the front passenger
seat, make sure that none of the above
occur. Make sure that the “ON” indicator is illu-
minated when a person of adult size is
seated in the right front passenger seat
(regular cab models with bench seat) or
front passenger seat (double cab models).
If the “OFF” indicator is illuminated, ask
the passenger to sit up straight, well back
in the seat, and with the seat belt worn
correctly. If the “OFF” indicator remains
illuminated, either ask the passenger to
move to the rear seat, or if that is not
possible, move the front passenger seat
fully rearward.

156
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
(a) Brake System Warning Light andbuzzer
This light comes on in the following cases
when the engine switch is in the “ON”
position.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds
when the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position even after the parking brake
is released.
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 (with the vehicle stability con-
trol system)...
If the hydraulic booster causes a 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 case:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the en-
gine switch is in the “ON” position.
The light does not come on even if the
engine switch is turned on with the
parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
Without the vehicle stability control
system—
If either of the following conditions
occurs, 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.
In this case, the brakes may not
work properly and your stopping
distance will become longer. De-
press 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 un-
stable during braking.
With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
If any of the following conditions oc-
curs, 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 be-
come 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.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
(i) “ABS” Warning Light
Without the vehicle stability control
system—
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti−lock brake system works properly,
the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system does not operate,
but the brake system still operates con-
ventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system does not operate
but the brake assist system still operates.
In this case, the wheels could lock up
during a sudden braking or braking on
slippery road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions
occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the parts monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position, or the light remains on.
The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
With rear differential lock: However, it is
a normal operation for the light to be on
with rear differential locked. At this time,
the anti −lock brake system does not oper-
ate. With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti
−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter,
if either of the systems malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
following systems do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
Anti −lock brake system
Brake assist system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Vehicle stability control system
Downhill assist control system
Hill −start assist control system

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake system does not operate,
so that the wheels will lock up during a
sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are dri-
ving.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
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 engine switch is
turned to the “ON” position. It is nor-
mal 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.
With rear differential lock: The light
comes on with rear differential locked.
At this time, the anti −lock brake sys-
tem, the brake assist system, the ve-
hicle stability control system, the trac-
tion control system, the downhill assist
control system and the hill −start assist
control system do not operate.
(j) “VSC OFF” warning light
The light flashing warns that there is a
problem somewhere in the following.
Vehicle stability control system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Downhill assist control system
Hill −start assist control system
The light will come on when the engine
switch turned to “ON”, and will go off after
a few seconds.
It is not a malfunction that the light may
stay on for 60 seconds after the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
may turn on the lights. It is normal if they
go out after a few seconds.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
(n) Automatic Transmission Fluid Tem-perature Warning Light (fourwheel
drive models only)
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”. With the engine id-
ling, wait until the light goes off. If the
light goes off, you may start the vehicle
again. If the light does not go off, call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
NOTICE
Continued driving with the warning
light on may damage the automatic
transmission.
(o) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer acts as a reminder to remove
the key when you open the driver’s door
with the engine switch in the “ACC” or
“LOCK” position. (p) Parking Brake Reminder Buzzer
The buzzer acts once when the parking
brake is not completely released at the
vehicle speed of 5 km/h (3 mph) or more.
Stop the vehicle and release the parking
brake fully.
CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the doors. The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the engine switch to “ON”, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on.
The following service reminder indica-
tors go off after a few seconds:
Engine oil replacement reminder light
“ABS” warning light
“RSCA OFF” indicator light
“VSC OFF” indicator/warning light
“AUTO LSD” indicator light
Tire pressure warning light
Slip indicator light
Downhill assist control system indicator
light

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
The SRS warning light goes off after
about 6 seconds.
With the vehicle stability control sys-
tem—
There may be the case that the “ABS”
warning light (brake assist system
warning light), slip indicator light or
“VSC OFF” indicator/warning light stays
on for about 60 seconds after the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It is normal if they go out after
a whi l e.
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.