maintenance TOYOTA TACOMA 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior and
exterior featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in-
terior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For owners
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, seat belt and
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners and
camper information.
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
3-4. Using the hands-free phonesystem (for cellula r phone)
Hands-free phone system features ............................ 326
Using the hands-free phone system ................... 330
Making a phone call ........... 339
Setting a cellular phone...... 344
Security and system setup ................................ 350
Using the phone book ........ 355
3-5. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 363
• Interior light ...................... 364
• Personal lights ................. 364
3-6. Using the storage features List of storage features....... 365
• Glove box .......................... 366
• Front console box ............ 366
• Cup holders ...................... 367
• Bottle holders ................... 369
• Auxiliary boxes ................. 370
• Overhead console ............ 372 3-7. Other interior features
Sun visors ........................... 373
Vanity mirrors ..................... 374
Clock................................... 375
Outside temperature display (vehicles with
auto anti-glare inside rear
view mirror) ....................... 376
Power outlets (12V DC) ...... 381
Power outlet (120V AC) ...... 382
Seatback table .................... 388
Floor mat ............................ 389
Luggage compartment features ............................ 391
Garage door opener ........... 400
Compass (vehicles with auto anti-glare inside rear
view mirror) ....................... 409
4-1. Maintenance and care Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ........... 418
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ............ 421
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................... 424
General maintenance ......... 426
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs .......................... 429
4Maintenance and care

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenanceDo-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 430
Hood ................................... 434
Engine compartment ........... 436
Tires .................................... 452
Tire inflation pressure ......... 461
Wheels ................................ 466
Air conditioning filter............ 469
Wireless remote control battery ............................... 472
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 474
Light bulbs........................... 484
5-1. Essential information Emergency 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
6-1. Specifications Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ........... 548
Fuel information.................. 569
Tire information .................. 572
6-2. Customization Customizable features........ 583
Items to initialize ................. 587
5When trouble arises
6Vehicle specifications

84
1-6. Theft deterrent system
Engine immobilizer system
: If equipped
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type engine immobilizer system.
■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
●If the key is in contact with a metallic object
● If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system
(key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
The vehicle’s keys have built-in tr ansponder chips that prevent the
engine from starting if the key has not been previously registered in
the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
The indicator light flashes after
the key has been removed
from the engine switch to indi-
cate that the system is operat-
ing.
The indicator light stops flash-
ing after the registered key
has been inserted into the
engine switch to indicate that
the system has been can-
celed.

211
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
To prevent the water damage
●Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulat ed in brake drums and around brake
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

240 2-5. Driving information
●The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Toyota rec-
ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven \
for
over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can s\
tart
towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a
speed of less than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Owner’s Warranty Information Booklet”
or “Scheduled Maintenance Guide/Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■ If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can
adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to
stabilize the vehicle and trailer.)

Maintenance and care4
417
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior......... 418
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior.......... 421
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................. 424
General maintenance....... 426
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................ 429 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 430
Hood ................................ 434
Engine compartment ........ 436
Tires ................................. 452
Tire inflation pressure ...... 461
Wheels ............................. 466
Air conditioning filter......... 469
Wireless remote control battery ............................ 472
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 474
Light bulbs........................ 484

418
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors and remove the detachable pole antenna before wash-
ing the vehicle. Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to
re-install the detachable pole antenna and extend the mirrors before driv-
ing.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
● In certain automatic car washes, the roof antenna (if equipped) may
interfere with machine operation. This may prevent the vehicle from
being cleaned properly or result in damage to the roof antenna.
■ High pressure car washes
Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity \
of
the windows. Before entering an automatic car wash, check that the fuel filler
door on your vehicle is closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime
condition.
● Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any
dirt and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.

419
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
■
Aluminum or chrome cladded wheels (if equipped)
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use
hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical
cleaners. Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
● Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
● Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
■ Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
CAUTION
■Caution about the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled
sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum or chrome cladded wheels etc.)
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If you see coal tar or tree sap on the paint surface
• If you see dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings on the paint
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled in dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
● To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.

420 4-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax on the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■ Detachable pole antenna installation and removal precautions
●Before driving, ensure that the antenna is installed.
● When the antenna is removed, such as before entering an automatic car
wash, make sure to store it in a suitable place so as not to lose it. Also,
before driving, make sure to reinstall the antenna in its original position.
●Clean the drainage hole of the deck
regularly.
If the drainage hole is stopped up, the
water will not be able to flow, and it will
cause rust.