coolant temperature TOYOTA TACOMA 2009 Owners Manual (in English)

150
2-2. Gauges and meters
Gauges and meters
The following gauges, meters and displays illuminate when the
engine switch is in the ON position.Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
ODO/TRIP button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and hold-
ing the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being dis-
played.

152 2-2. Gauges and meters
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (
P. 456)

216 2-5. Driving information
●Note that when making a turn, th e trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making
a larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway . Periodically check the rear to
prepare for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may
cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip
the steering wheel, reduce speed immediately but gradually, and
steer straight ahead. Never increase speed. If you make no
extreme correction with the stee ring or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other v ehicles. Passing requires consider-
able distance. After passing a vehi cle, do not forget the length of
your trailer, and be sure you hav e plenty of room before changing
lanes.
● In order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use fifth gear
(5-speed manual transmission) or sixth gear (6-speed manual
transmission), or do not put the transmission in “D” (automatic
transmission).
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temper atures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(  P. 456)
● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R (manual
transmission). Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.

351
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
■ When working near the cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch on, the cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

420
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

5
When trouble arises
457
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The engine has cooled down sufficiently.
The engine coolant temperature gauge indicates C.
Check the engine coolant level.
Look for obvious coolant leaks
from the radiator, hoses and
under the vehicle.
Note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
Add engine coolant if required.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 470)
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.

458 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Overheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of
power is experienced.
● Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
● If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, caus-
ing serious injury such as burns.
● Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and other belts while the
engine is running.
● Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding engine coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cool coolant to a hot engine too
quickly can cause damage to the engine.

487
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation,
or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire inflation
pressure
Tire pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more, or has not
been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km under
that condition
Maximum inflation
pressureThe maximum cold inflated pressure to which a
tire may be inflated, s hown on the sidewall of
the tire
Recommended
inflation pressureCold tire inflation pressure recommended by a
manufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
transmission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio and heater,
to the extent that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether installed
or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment, including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil and coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional
engine
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight

510 Alphabetical index
Side mirrors .............................66
Downhill Assist Control
System .................................... 181
Driver’s seat belt reminder buzzer ............................. 427, 428
Driver's seat belt reminder light ................................. 427, 428
Driving
Break-in tips .......................... 130
Correct posture .......................79
Driving assist systems........... 184
Procedures ............................ 128
Winter driving tips.................. 201
Emergency, in case of Blown fuse............................. 393
If the engine will not start ...... 449
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P...................... 450
If the vehicle battery is discharged .......................... 452
If the warning buzzer
sounds ................................ 424
If the warning light turns on ... 424
If you have a flat tire ............. 433
If you lose your keys ............. 451
If you think something is wrong .................................. 420
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................... 459
If your vehicle needs to be
towed .................................. 414
If your vehicle overheats ....... 456
Engine
Compartment ........................ 355
Engine switch ........................ 138
Exhaust gas .......................... 134
Hood...................................... 353
How to start the engine ......... 138
Identification number ............. 465
If the engine will not start ...... 449
Ignition switch........................ 138
Immobilizer system .................76 Overheating .......................... 456
Warning light ......................... 424
Engine coolant Capacity ................................ 470
Checking ............................... 363
Preparing and checking before winter ....................... 201
Temperature gauge .............. 150
Engine coolan t temperature
gauge ...................................... 150
Engine immobilizer system ...... 76
Engine oil
Capacity ................................ 468
Checking ............................... 357
Preparing and checking before winter .................................. 201
Warning light ................. 425, 428
Engine oil maintenance data ......................................... 361
Engine switch........................... 138
Event data recorder ................. 422
Floor mat .................................. 318
Fluid Brake..................................... 364
Washer.................................. 371
Fog lights Replacing light bulbs ............. 406
Switch ................................... 159
Wattage................................. 478
Four-wheel drive system
Front-wheel drive control switch.................................. 170
Front fog lights
Replacing light bulbs ............. 406
Switch ................................... 159
Wattage................................. 478
Front passenger occupant classification system .............. 97
Front passenger's seat belt
reminder light ................ 427, 428
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer .............. 427, 428
E
F

517
What to do if...
What to do if...
A tire puncturesP. 433If you have a flat tire
The engine does not start
P. 449If the engine will not start
P. 7 6Engine immobilizer system
P. 452If the vehicle battery is discharged
The shift lever cannot be
moved outP. 450If the shift lever cannot be shifted
from P
The engine coolant temperature
gauge enters the red zone
Steam can be seen coming
from under the hood
P. 456If your vehicle overheats
The key is lostP. 451If you lose your keys
The battery runs outP. 452If the vehicle battery is discharged
The doors cannot be lockedP. 3 5Side doors
P. 3 9Access doors
The vehicle is stuck in
mud or sandP. 459If the vehicle becomes stuck
The warning light or indicator
light comes onP. 424If a warning light turns on