TOYOTA TACOMA 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

491
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
High mounted stoplight
Remove the screws and cover.
Remove the light bulbs.

492 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■License plate lights
Remove the screw and light unit.
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
Remove the light bulb.

493
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Lights other than the above
If any of the lights listed below has burnt out, have it replaced by
your Toyota dealer.
• Side turn signal lights (if equipped)
• Stop/tail lights (LED type)
• Rear side marker lights (LED type)
■ Condensation build-up on th e inside of the lens
Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the following situations.
Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the headlight lens does
not indicate a malfunction.
● Large drops of water are built up on the inside of the lens.
● Water has built up inside the headlight.
■ LED light bulbs
The side turn signal lights (if equipped), stop/tail and rear side marker lights
(LED type) consist of a number of LEDs. If any of the LEDs burn out, take
your vehicle to your Toyota dealer to have the light replaced.
If two or more LEDs in a stop light burn out, your vehicle may not conform to
local laws (SAE).
CAUTION
■Replacing light bulbs
●Turn off the headlights. Do not attempt to replace the bulb immediately
after turning off the headlights.
The bulbs become very hot and may cause burns.
● Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. Hold the
bulb by the plastic or metal portion.
If the bulb is scratched or dropped it may blow out or crack.
● Fully install light bulbs and any parts used to secure them. Failing to do so
may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the headlight unit. This
may damage the headlights or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
■ To prevent damage or fire
Make sure bulbs are fully seated and locked.

494 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

When trouble arises5
495
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 496
If your vehicle needs to be towed ............................. 497
If you think something is wrong ............................. 503
Fuel pump shut off system ........................... 504 5-2. Steps to take in
an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................ 505
If you have a flat tire......... 515
If the engine will not start ................................ 532
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P (vehicles
with an automatic
transmission) ................. 533
If you lose your keys ........ 534
If the vehicle battery is discharged ..................... 535
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 539
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 542
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency ................ 544

496
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Use the emergency flashers if th e vehicle malfunctions or is
involved in an accident.
Press the switch to flash all
the turn signal lights. To turn
them off, press the switch
once again.

5
When trouble arises
497
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.
Type A 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.

498 5-1. Essential information
Type BTowing hook
■Emergency towin g procedure
The engine switch must be in the ACC (engine off) or the ON
(engine running) position.
4WD models: Put the front-wheel drive control switch in H2.
Put the shift lever in N.
Release the parking brake.
CAUTION
■ Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet/hook and the cables or chains.
Always be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
● If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.

5
When trouble arises
499
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
NOTICE
■
Emergency towing eyelet/hook precautions
●Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet/hook is not broken or
damaged.
● Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet/hook.
● Do not jerk the eyelet/hook. Apply steady and even force.
● To avoid damaging the eyelet/hook, do not pull from the side or at a verti-
cal angle. Always pull straight ahead.
NOTICE
■ To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

500 5-1. Essential information
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck from the frontVehicles with an automatic trans-
mission: Use a towing dolly
under the rear wheels.
2WD models with a manual
transmission: We recommend to
use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
release the parking brake and
shift the shift lever to N.
4WD models with a manual
transmission: We recommend to
use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
release the parking brake, shift
the shift lever to N and put the
front-wheel drive control switch in
H2.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission (vehicles with
an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle wheels on the ground.