TOYOTA TACOMA 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

431
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
ItemsParts and tools
Light bulbs ( P. 484)• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Conventional wrench
Power steering fluid level (P. 446) • Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
Radiator and condenser (P. 444) 
Tire inflation pressure (
P. 461) • Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 450) • Water
• Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)

432 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.

433
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■
If you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air cleaner removed may cause excessive engine wear due
to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
■ If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.

434
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the hood catch lever
and lift the hood.

435
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
■ After installing the support rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely from falling down on to your
head or body.
NOTICE
■When closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood. Closing
the hood with the support rod up could cause the hood to bend.
Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the supporting rod into the
slot.

436
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compar tment
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
Washer fluid tank (P. 450)
Radiator cap
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 443)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 439)
Power steering fluid reservoir ( P. 446)Engine oil level dipstick
( P. 438)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 444)
Fuse box ( P. 474)
Battery ( P. 448)
Condenser ( P. 444)
Radiator ( P. 444)

437
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine
Washer fluid tank (
P. 450)
Power steering fluid reservoir ( P. 446)
Radiator cap
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 438)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 443)Engine oil filler cap
( P. 439)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 444)
Fuse box ( P. 474)
Battery ( P. 448)
Condenser ( P. 444)
Radiator ( P. 444)

438 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine oil
Engine oilWith the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the bottom of the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and pull the dipstick out.
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

439
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
Low
Full
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine Low
Full
■ Adding engine oil
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.

440 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil. Remove the oil filler cap, turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly.
Checking the dipstick.
Reinstall the filler cap, turning it clockwise.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to raise the level between low and
full on the dipstick is indicated as follows:
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
1.4 qt. (1.3 L, 1.1 lmp. qt.)
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 lmp. qt.)
Engine oil selection P. 556
ItemsClean funnel