Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) Owners Manual: Engine compartment

2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine

1. Washer fluid tank

2.Radiator cap

3.Engine coolant reservoir

4. Engine oil filler cap

5. Power steering fluid reservoir

6. Engine oil level dipstick

7. Brake fluid reservoir

8. Fuse box

9. Battery

10. Condenser

11. Radiator

4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine

1. Washer fluid tank

2. Power steering fluid reservoir

3. Radiator cap

4.Engine oil level dipstick

5.Engine coolant reservoir

6. Engine oil filler cap

7. Brake fluid reservoir

8. Fuse box

9. Battery

10. Condenser

11. Radiator

Engine oil

With 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.

1. Low

2. Normal

3. Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

■ 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.

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 consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.

●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or after replacing the engine

●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used

●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently

●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through heavy traffic

CAUTION

■Used engine oil

●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information concerning recycling or disposal.

●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

NOTICE

■To prevent serious engine damage

Check the oil level on regular basis.

■When replacing the engine oil

●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.

●Avoid overfilling, as the engine could be damaged.

●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.

●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

Engine coolant

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the FULL and LOW lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.

1. Reservoir cap

2. FULL line

3. LOW line

If the level is on or below the LOW line, add coolant up to the FULL line.

■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock and water pump.

If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and check for leaks in the cooling system.

■Coolant selection

Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.

U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31°F [-35°C])

Canada:“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44°F [-42°C])

For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

■When the engine is hot

Do not remove the radiator cap.

The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

NOTICE

■When adding engine coolant

Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.

■If you spill coolant

Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

Radiator and condenser

Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.

If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

■When the engine is hot

Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious injuries, such as burns.

Brake fluid

■ Checking fluid level

Type A

The brake fluid level should be between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.

1. MAX line

2. MIN line

Type B

1.

MAX line

2.

MIN line

■ Adding fluid

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.

Type B only

Turn the engine off.

Depress the brake pedal 20 times or more.

Remove the reservoir cap.

Add newly opened brake fluid up to the MAX line.

■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air

Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.

Use only newly opened brake fluid.

CAUTION

■When filling the reservoir

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.

NOTICE

■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 problem.

■If you spill fluid

Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

Power steering fluid

■ Fluid level

The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.

2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine

1. Full (when cold)

2. Add fluid (when cold)

3. Full (when hot)

4. Add fluid (when hot)

Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid temperature, 104°F - 175°F [40°C - 80°C])

Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room temperature, 32°F - 104°F [0°C - 40°C])

4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine

1. Full (when cold)

2. Add fluid (when cold)

3. Full (when hot)

4. Add fluid (when hot)

Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid temperature, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C])

Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room temperature, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C])

■ Checking the fluid level

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.

Clean all dirt off the reservoir.

Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.

Wipe the dipstick clean.

Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.

Check the fluid level.

CAUTION

■Checking the fluid level

Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.

NOTICE

■When adding fluid

Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.

■After replacing the reservoir cap

Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

Battery

■ Battery exterior

Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

1. Terminals

2. Hold-down clamp

■Before recharging

When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Therefore, before recharging: ●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the ground cable.

●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.

CAUTION

■Chemicals in the battery

A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near battery: ●Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.

●Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.

●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.

●Keep children away from the battery.

■Where to safety charge the battery

Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.

■How to recharge the battery

Only perform a slow charge (5A or less).

The battery may explode if charged at a quicker rate.

■Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

●If electrolyte gets in your eyes

Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.

●If electrolyte gets on your skin

Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical attention immediately.

●If electrolyte gets on your clothes

It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and follow the procedure above if necessary.

●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte

Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention immediately.

NOTICE

■When recharging the battery

Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

Washer fluid

If the washer does not work, the washer tank may be empty.

Open the lid.

Add washer fluid.

CAUTION

■When refilling the washer fluid

Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.

NOTICE

■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid

Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.

Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.

■Diluting washer fluid

Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.

Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.