TOYOTA TACOMA 2013 Owners Manual (in English)

391
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.

392 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

When trouble arises5
393
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 394
If your vehicle needs to be towed ............................. 395
If you think something is wrong ............................. 401
Fuel pump shut off system ........................... 402 5-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ........................ 403
If you have a flat tire......... 413
If the engine will not start ................................ 430
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P (vehicles
with an automatic
transmission) ................. 431
If you lose your keys ........ 432
If the vehicle battery is discharged ..................... 433
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 437
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 440
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency ................ 442

394
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
395
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.

396 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
397
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.

398 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.

5
When trouble arises
399
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck from the rear
2WD models Turn the engine switch to the
ACC position.
4WD models We recommend to use a towing
dolly under the front wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
turn the engine switch to the ACC
position, shift the shift lever to N
and put the front-wheel drive con-
trol switch in H2.
NOTICE
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the key removed or in the LOCK position.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.

400 5-1. Essential information
Using a flat bed truckIf your Toyota is transported by a
flat bed truck, it should be tied
down at the locations shown in
the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Front