Toyota Tacoma (2015-2018) Service Manual: Precaution

PRECAUTION

1. BASIC REPAIR HINT

(a) HINTS ON OPERATIONS

1	Attire	Always wear a clean uniform. A hat and safety shoes must be worn.
2	Vehicle protection	Prepare a grille cover, fender cover, seat cover and floor mat before starting the operation.
3	Safe operation	When working with 2 or more persons, be sure to check safety for one another. When working with the engine running, make sure to provide ventilation for exhaust fumes in the workshop. If working on high temperature, high pressure, rotating, moving, or vibrating parts, wear appropriate safety equipment and take extra care not to injure yourself or others. When jacking up the vehicle, be sure to support the specified location with a safety stand. When lifting up the vehicle, use appropriate safety equipment.
4	Preparation of tools and measuring gauge	Before starting the operation, prepare a tool stand, SST, gauge, oil and parts for replacement.
5	Removal and installation, disassembly and assembly operations	Diagnose with a thorough understanding of proper procedures and of the reported problem. Before removing parts, check the general condition of the assembly and for deformation and damage. When the assembly is complicated, take notes. For example, note the total number of electrical connections, bolts, or hoses removed. Add matchmarks to ensure reassembly of components to their original positions. Temporarily mark hoses and their fittings if needed. Clean and wash the removed parts if necessary and assemble them after a thorough check.
6	Removed parts	Place removed parts in a separate box to avoid mixing them up with new parts or contaminating new parts. For non-reusable parts such as gaskets, O-rings, and self-locking nuts, replace them with new ones as instructed in this manual. Retain the removed parts for customer inspection, if requested.
7*	Checks to perform after work is finished	Make sure that removed and installed parts (oil filler cap, level dipstick, floor mat, etc.) are properly installed/tightened. Make sure that none of the cloths or tools that were used have been left in the engine compartment or within the vehicle. Check that there are no oil leaks.

CAUTION:

*: Be sure to perform these checks properly, Not performing these checks properly after finishing work can lead to serious accident or injury.

(b) JACKING UP AND SUPPORTING VEHICLE

(1) Care must be taken when jacking up and supporting the vehicle. Be sure to lift and support the vehicle at the proper locations.

(c) PRECOATED PARTS

(1) Precoated parts are bolts and nuts that are coated with a seal lock adhesive at the factory.

(2) If a precoated part is retightened, loosened or moved in any way, it must be recoated with the specified adhesive.

(3) When reusing a precoated part, clean off the old adhesive and dry the part with compressed air. Then apply new seal lock adhesive appropriate to that part.

(4) Some seal lock agents harden slowly. You may have to wait for the seal lock adhesive to harden.

(d) GASKETS

(1) When necessary, use a sealer on gaskets to prevent leaks.

(e) BOLTS, NUTS AND SCREWS

(1) Carefully follow all the specifications for tightening torques. Always use a torque wrench.

(f) FUSES

(1) When inspecting a fuse, check that the wire of the fuse is not broken.

(2) If the wire of a fuse is broken, confirm that there are no shorts in its circuit.

(3) When a fuse is replaced, a fuse with the same amperage rating must be used.

Illustration	Symbol	Part Name	Abbreviation
		FUSE	FUSE
		MEDIUM CURRENT FUSE	M-FUSE
		HIGH CURRENT FUSE	H-FUSE
		FUSIBLE LINK	FL
		CIRCUIT BREAKER	CB

(g) CLIPS

(1) The removal and installation methods of typical clips used for vehicle body parts are shown in the table below.

HINT:

If clips are damaged during a procedure, always replace the clips with new clips.

Shape (Example)	Illustration	Procedures
		Remove clips with a clip remover or pliers.
		Remove clips with a clip remover or screwdriver.
		Remove clips with a wide scraper to prevent panel damage.
		Remove clips by pushing the center pin through and prying out the shell.
		Remove clips by unscrewing the center pin and prying out the shell.
		Remove clips by prying out the pin and then prying out the shell.

(h) CLAWS

(1) The removal and installation methods of typical claws used for vehicle body parts are shown in the table below.

HINT:

If claws of caps or covers are damaged during a procedure, always replace the caps or covers with new ones.

Shape (Example)	Illustration	Procedures
		Using a screwdriver, detach the claws and remove the caps or covers.
		Using a screwdriver, detach the claws and remove the caps or covers.
		Using a screwdriver, detach the claws and remove the caps or covers.

(i) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF VACUUM HOSES

(1) To disconnect a vacuum hose, pull and twist from the end of the hose. Do not pull from the middle of the hose as this may cause damage.

(2) When disconnecting vacuum hoses, use tags to identify where they should be reconnected.

(3) After completing any hose related repairs, double check that the vacuum hoses are properly connected. The label under the hood shows the proper layout.

(4) When using a vacuum gauge, never force the hose onto a connector that is too large. If a hose has been stretched, it may leak air. Use a step-down adapter if necessary.

(j) TORQUE WHEN USING TORQUE WRENCH WITH EXTENSION TOOL

(1) Use the formula below to calculate special torque values for situations where SST or an extension tool is combined with a torque wrench.

Formula:

T' = L2 / (L1 + L2) * T

T'	Reading of torque wrench {N*m (kgf*cm, ft.*lbf)}
T	Torque {N*m (kgf*cm, ft.*lbf)}
L1	Length of SST or extension tool {cm (in.)}
L2	Length of torque wrench {cm (in.)}

NOTICE:

If an extension tool or SST is combined with a torque wrench and the wrench is used to tighten to a torque specification in this manual, the actual torque will be excessive and parts will be damaged.

2. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SRS AIRBAG AND FRONT SEAT OUTER BELT ASSEMBLY WITH PRETENSIONER

The TOYOTA TACOMA is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).

CAUTION:

Failure to carry out the service operations in the correct sequence could cause the SRS to unexpectedly deploy during servicing and lead to serious injury. Furthermore, if a mistake is made when servicing the SRS, it is possible that the SRS may fail to operate properly. Before servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the following section carefully.

(a) GENERAL NOTICE

(1) As malfunctions of the SRS are difficult to confirm, the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) become the most important source of information when troubleshooting. When troubleshooting the SRS, always check the DTCs before disconnecting the battery.

(2) Work must be started at least 90 seconds after the ignition switch is turned OFF and after the cable is disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal.

(The SRS is equipped with a backup power source. If work is started within 90 seconds after turning the ignition switch OFF and disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal, the SRS may deploy.

When the cable is disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal, clock and audio system memory is erased. Before starting work, make a note of the settings of each memory system. When work is finished, reset the clock and audio system as before.

CAUTION:

Never use a backup power source (battery or other) to avoid erasing system memory. The backup power source may inadvertently power the SRS and cause it to deploy.

(3) Even in cases of a minor collision where the SRS does not deploy, the steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, front seat side airbag assembly, curtain shield airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner should be inspected

(4) In minor collisions where the SRS does not deploy, the steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, front seat side airbag assembly, curtain shield airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner should be inspected before further use of the vehicle.

(5) Never use SRS parts from another vehicle. When replacing parts, use new parts.

(6) Before repairs, remove the airbag sensor assemblies if impacts are likely to be applied to the sensor during repairs.

(7) Never disassemble and attempt to repair the steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, side airbag assembly, curtain shield airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner.

(8) Replace the steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, front seat side airbag assembly, curtain shield airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner if: 1) damage has occurred from being dropped, or 2) cracks, dents or other defects in the case, bracket or connector are present.

(9) Do not directly expose the airbag sensor assemblies or airbag assemblies to hot air or flames.

(10) Use an ohmmeter / voltmeter with high impedance (10 kΩ/V minimum) for troubleshooting electrical circuits.

(11) Information labels are attached to the SRS components. Follow the instructions on the labels.

(12) After work on the SRS is completed, check the SRS warning light.

(b) SPIRAL CABLE

(1) The steering wheel must be fitted correctly to the steering column with the spiral cable at the neutral position, as cable disconnection and other problems may occur. Refer to the information about correct installation of the steering wheel.

(c) STEERING PAD

(1) Always place a removed or new steering pad surface upward as shown in the illustration. Placing the horn button with the pad surface facing down could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates. Also, do not place anything on top of the horn button.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.

(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the horn button.

(4) Store the horn button assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and there is no electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the airbag ECU connectors (4 pins). These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of the vehicle or the horn button assembly by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal. Activate the airbag in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(d) DRIVER SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place a removed or new driver side knee airbag assembly with the pad surface facing upward as shown in the illustration. Placing the airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing down could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.

(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the driver side knee airbag assembly.

(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and there is no electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the airbag ECU connectors (4 pins). These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of the vehicle or the airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal. Activate the airbag in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(e) FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place a removed or new front passenger airbag assembly with the pad surface facing upward as shown in the illustration. Placing the airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing down could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.

(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the front passenger airbag assembly.

(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and there is no electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the airbag ECU connectors (4 pins). These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of the vehicle or the airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal. Activate the airbag in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(f) FRONT PASSENGER SIDE KNEE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place a removed or new front passenger side knee airbag assembly with the pad surface facing upward as shown in the illustration. Placing the airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing down could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.

(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the front passenger side knee airbag assembly.

(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and there is no electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the airbag ECU connectors (4 pins). These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of the vehicle or the airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal. Activate the airbag in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(g) CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place a removed or new curtain shield airbag assembly in a clear plastic bag, and keep it in a safe place.

CAUTION:

The plastic bag is not reusable.

NOTICE:

Never disassemble the curtain shield airbag assembly.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.

(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the curtain shield airbag assembly.

(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and there is no electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the airbag ECU connectors (4 pins). These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal. Activate the airbag in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(h) FRONT SEAT SIDE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY

(1) Always place a removed or new front seat airbag assembly with the airbag inflation direction facing up.

(2) Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. This may cause the airbag to inflate, which could cause serious injury.

(3) Grease or detergents of any kind should not be applied to the front seat airbag assembly.

(4) Store the airbag assembly in an area where the ambient temperature is below 93°C (200°F), the humidity is not high and there is no electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the airbag ECU connectors (2 pins). These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the airbag deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the airbag assembly unit by itself, the airbag should be deployed using SST before disposal. Activate the airbag in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(i) FRONT SEAT OUTER BELT ASSEMBLY WITH PRETENSIONER

(1) Never measure the resistance of the seat outer belt. This may cause the pretensioner of the seat belt to activate, which could cause serious injury.

(2) Never disassemble the seat outer belt.

(3) Never install the seat outer belt on another vehicle.

(4) Store the seat outer belt in an area where the ambient temperature is below 80°C (176°F), the humidity is not high and there is no electrical noise.

(5) When using electric welding anywhere on the vehicle, disconnect the airbag ECU connectors (2 pins). These connectors contain shorting springs. This feature reduces the possibility of the pretensioner deploying due to currents entering the squib wiring.

(6) When disposing of a vehicle or the seat outer belt assembly by itself, the seat outer belt should be activated before disposal. Activate it in a safe place away from electrical noise.

(7) As the seat outer belt is hot after the pretensioner is activated, allow some time for it to cool down sufficiently before disposal. Never apply water to try to cool down the seat outer belt.

(8) Grease, detergents, oil or water should not be applied to the front seat outer belt.

(j) AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY

(1) Never reuse an airbag sensor assembly that has been involved in a collision where the SRS has deployed.

(2) The connectors to the airbag sensor assembly should be connected or disconnected with the sensor placed on the floor. If the connectors are connected or disconnected while the airbag sensor assembly is not placed on the floor, the SRS may activate.

(3) Work must be started at least 90 seconds after the ignition switch is turned OFF and the cable is disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal, even if only loosening the set bolts of the airbag sensor assembly.

(k) WIRE HARNESS AND CONNECTOR

(1) The SRS wire harness is integrated with the instrument panel wire harness assembly. All the connectors in the system are a standard yellow color. If the SRS wire harness becomes disconnected or the connector becomes broken, repair or replace it.

3. ELECTRONIC CONTROL

(a) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF BATTERY TERMINAL

NOTICE:

Certain systems need to be initialized after disconnecting and reconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal.

(1) Before performing electronic work, disconnect the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal to prevent component and wire damage caused by accidental short circuits.

(2) When disconnecting the cable, turn the ignition switch off and the headlight dimmer switch OFF and loosen the cable nut completely. Perform these operations without twisting or prying the cable. Then disconnect the cable.

(3) Clock settings, radio settings, audio system memory, DTCs and other data are erased when the cable is disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal. Write down any necessary data before disconnecting the cable.

(b) HANDLING OF ELECTRONIC PARTS

(1) Do not open the cover or case of the ECU unless absolutely necessary. If the IC terminals are touched, the IC may be rendered inoperative by static electricity.

(2) Do not pull the wires when disconnecting electronic connectors. Pull the connector.

(3) Be careful not to drop electronic components, such as sensors or relays. If they are dropped on a hard surface, they should be replaced.

(4) When cleaning the engine with steam, protect the electronic components, air filter and emission-related components from water.

(5) Never use an impact wrench to remove or install temperature switches or temperature sensors.

(6) When measuring the resistance of a wire connector, insert the tester probe carefully to prevent terminals from bending.

4. REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FUEL CONTROL PARTS

(a) PLACE FOR REMOVING AND INSTALLING FUEL SYSTEM PARTS

(1) Work in a location with good air ventilation that does not have welders, grinders, drills, electric motors, stoves, or any other ignition sources.

(2) Never work in a pit or near a pit as vaporized fuel will collect in those places.

(b) REMOVING AND INSTALLING FUEL SYSTEM PARTS

(1) Prepare a fire extinguisher before starting the operation.

(2) To prevent static electricity, install a ground wire to the fuel changer, vehicle and fuel tank, and do not spray the surrounding area with water. Be careful when performing work in this area, as the work surface will become slippery. Do not clean up gasoline spills with water, as this may cause the gasoline to spread, and possibly create a fire hazard.

(3) Avoid using electric motors, working lights and other electric equipment that can cause sparks or high temperatures.

(4) Avoid using iron hammers as they may create sparks.

(5) Dispose of fuel-contaminated cloth separately using a fire resistant container.

5. REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF ENGINE INTAKE PARTS

(a) If any metal particles enter inlet system parts, they may damage the engine.

(b) When removing and installing inlet system parts, cover the openings of the removed parts and engine openings. Use gummed tape or other suitable materials.

(c) When installing inlet system parts, check that no metal particles have entered the engine or the installed parts.

6. HANDLING OF HOSE CLAMPS

(a) Before removing the hose, check the clamp position so that it can be reinstalled in the same position.

(b) Replace any deformed or dented clamps with new ones.

(c) When reusing a hose, attach the clamp on the clamp track portion of the hose.

(d) For a spring type clamp, you may want to spread the tabs slightly after installation by pushing in the direction of the arrows as shown in the illustration.

7. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

(a) Install the antenna as far away from the ECU and sensors of the vehicle electronic systems as possible.

(b) Install the antenna feeder at least 20 cm (7.87 in.) away from the ECU and sensors of the vehicle electronic systems. For details about ECU and sensor locations, refer to the section of the applicable components.

(c) Keep the antenna and feeder separate from other wiring as much as possible. This will prevent signals from the communication equipment from affecting vehicle equipment and vice versa.

(d) Check that the antenna and feeder are correctly adjusted.

(e) Do not install a high-powered mobile communication system.

8. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL (TRAC) AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC) SYSTEM

(a) NOTICES FOR WHEN TESTING WITH 2-WHEEL DRUM TESTER

(1) When testing with a 2-wheel drum tester such as a speedometer tester, a combination tester for the speedometer and brake, a chassis dynamometer, enter maintenance mode, or switch to VSC OFF mode to turn TRC and VSC operation off. Then enter test mode, start the engine and perform measurements.

(b) NOTICES OF RELATED OPERATIONS TO VSC

(1) Do not carry out unnecessary installation and removal as it might affect the adjustment of VSC related parts.

(2) Be sure to follow the instructions for work preparation and final confirmation of proper operation of the VSC system.

9. FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTION:

If a large amount of unburned gasoline or gasoline vapors flow into the converter, it may cause overheating and create a fire hazard. To prevent this, observe the following precautions.

(a) Use only unleaded gasoline.

(b) Avoid idling the engine for more than 20 minutes.

(c) Avoid performing unnecessary spark jump tests.

(1) Perform a spark jump test only when absolutely necessary. Perform this test as rapidly as possible.

(2) While testing, never race the engine.

(d) Avoid a prolonged engine compression measurement. Engine compression measurements must be performed as rapidly as possible.

(e) Do not run the engine when the fuel tank is nearly empty. This may cause the engine to misfire and create an extra load on the converter.