run flat TOYOTA TACOMA 2009 Owners Manual (in English)

347
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Vehicle exterior
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
ItemsCheck points
Doors • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after park-
ing?
Tire • Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-
aged?
• Tires rotated according to the maintenance schedule?
• Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
■ If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.
ItemsCheck points

414
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing (4WD models and PreRunner only)
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet/hook. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced
roads for short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Vehicles without off-road package Towing eyelet
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
The wheels and axle on the groun d must be in good condition.
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

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

444 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
4WD models and PreRunner
Stowing the flat tire, jack and all toolsLay down the tire with the outer side facing up, and install the
holding bracket.
Then secure the tire, taking care that the tire goes straight up
without catching on any other part, to prevent it from flying for-
ward during a collisi on or sudden braking.
Keep winding until three clicks are heard.
Stow the tools and jack securely.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warnin g system must be reset. ( P. 374)
■When using the temporary spare tire
As the temporary spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warn-
ing valve and transmitter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not
be warned. Also, if you replace the temporary spare tire after the tire
pressure warning light comes on, the light remains on.

5
When trouble arises
445
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Using the jack
Improper use of the jack may lead to death or injuries due to the vehicle
suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or install-
ing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, an
d do not use other jacks for replac-
ing tires on this vehicle.
●Always check that the jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the
jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a hei ght greater than that required to
replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one
working on or near the vehicle will be injured.
■Using the jack handle
Tighten all the screws securely to prevent the extension parts from com-
ing apart unexpectedly.
■Replacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury.
●Lower the spare tire completely to the ground before removing it from
under the vehicle.
●Do not try to remove the wheel ornament by hand. Take due care in
handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal injury.

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