Toyota 4Runner (2023 year). Manual in english - page 25

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6-2. Maintenance

General maintenance should be performed on a daily basis. This can
be done by yourself or by a Toyota dealer.

Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.

For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

You can perform some maintenance procedures by yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect warranty
coverage.

The use of Toyota Repair Manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, refer to the separate “Owner’s War-
ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

■

Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repairs to ensure
performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or if
a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war-
ranty coverage.

Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg-
ular maintenance are essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to
perform regular checks. Toyota recommends the following main-
tenance:

General maintenance

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

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6-2. Maintenance

■

Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required (U.S.A. only)

After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures described below:

Turn the engine switch off with the trip meter A reading shown. (



P. 89)

While pressing the display change button (



P. 89), turn the engine switch

to the IGNITION ON mode (do not start the engine because otherwise the
reset mode will be canceled).
Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.

■

Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer

●

Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with
the latest service information. They are well informed about the operations
of all systems on your vehicle.

●

Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take
care of it.

WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly maintained

Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible death or serious injury.

■

Handling of the battery

●

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.

●

Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.

●

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. (



P. 422)

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6-2. Maintenance

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General maintenance

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed  at  the  intervals  specified  in  the  “Owner’s  Warranty
Information  Booklet”  or  “Owner’s  Manual  Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you  notice  should  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  your  Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Battery

Check the connections.

(



P. 422)

Brake fluid

Is the brake fluid at the correct level?

(



P. 419)

Engine coolant

Is the engine coolant at the correct level? (



P. 417)

Engine oil

Is the engine oil at the correct level?

(



P. 415)

Exhaust system

There should not be any fumes or strange sounds.

Power steering fluid

Is the power steering fluid at the correct level?

(



P. 421)

Radiator/condenser

The radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects.

(



P. 419)

Washer fluid

Is there sufficient washer fluid?

(



P. 425)

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6-2. Maintenance

Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly

(without uneven pedal effort or catching).

Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nism

• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,

is the vehicle securely stopped?

Brake pedal

• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance

from the floor?

(



P. 531)

• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of

free play?

(



P. 531)

Brakes

• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the

brakes are applied.

• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the

floor when the brakes are applied.

Head restraints

• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock

securely?

Indicators/buzzers

• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?

Lights

• Do all the lights come on?

Parking brake

• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is

on, is the vehicle securely stopped?

Seat belts

• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.

Seats

• Do the seat controls operate properly?

Steering wheel

• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount

of free play?

• There should not be any strange sounds coming

from the steering wheel.

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Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Doors

• Do the doors operate smoothly?

Engine hood

• Does the engine hood lock system work properly?

Fluid leaks

• There should not be any signs of fluid leakage

after the vehicle has been parked.

Tires

• Is the tire inflation pressure correct?
• The tires should not be damaged or excessively

worn.

• Have the tires been rotated according to the

maintenance schedule?

• The wheel nuts should not be loose.

Windshield wipers/
rear window wiper

• The wiper blades should not show any signs of

cracking, splitting, wear, contamination or defor-
mation.

• The wiper blades should clear the windshield/rear

window without streaking or skipping.

WARNING

■

If the engine is running

Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

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6-2. Maintenance

The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the
vehicle.

●

When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.

●

When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.

Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)

programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of the emission control system.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:

When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition

(



P. 422)

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level

(



P. 419)

• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake

fluid

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

Engine coolant level

(



P. 417)

• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar

high quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)

Engine oil level

(



P. 415)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Fuses

(



P. 450)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Light bulbs (



P. 453)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as

original

• Phillips-head screwdriver

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench

Power steering fluid
level

(



P. 421)

• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON

II or III

• Rag or paper towel

• Clean funnel

Radiator

and

con-

denser

(



P. 419)



Tire inflation pressure

(



P. 440)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid

(



P. 425)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for

winter use)

• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer

fluid)

Items

Parts and tools

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WARNING

The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.

■

When working on the engine compartment

●

Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.

●

Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.

●

Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

●

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.

NOTICE

■

If you remove the air cleaner filter

Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Push the auxiliary catch lever to
the left and lift the hood.

Hood

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Engine compartment

Washer fluid tank (



P. 425)

Power steering fluid reservoir

(



P. 421)

Engine oil level dipstick

(



P. 415)

Engine coolant reservoir

(



P. 417)

Engine oil filler cap (



P. 416)

Brake fluid reservoir

(



P. 419)

Fuse box

(



P. 450)

Battery

(



P. 422)

Condenser

(



P. 419)

Radiator

(



P. 419)

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Removing the engine compartment cover

■

Installing the clips

Push up center portion
Insert
Press

Engine compartment cover

NOTICE

■

After installing an engine compartment cover

Make sure that the cover is securely installed in its original position.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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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.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out and
check the oil level.

Low
Normal
Excessive

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

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Engine oil

416

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

■

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

Engine oil selection



P. 527

Oil quantity
(Low



Full)

1.8 qt. (1.7 L, 1.5 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.

Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line

If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(



P. 519)

WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and 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 a regular basis.

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

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

●

Avoid overfilling, or 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

418

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Coolant selection

Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a 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% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31



F [-35



C])

Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44



F [-42



C])

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

■

If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.

WARNING

■

When the engine is hot

Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap.
(



P. 520)

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 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 it from damaging parts or paint.

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