1996 TOYOTA TACOMA engine

156Engine oil selection Use API SH, Energy-Conserving IIº mul- tigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade en-
gine oil. Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W-30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the en-
gine may become difficult to start, so
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recom- mended.
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark
Oil identification marks
Either or
both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container. The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SH. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W-30. Energy-
Conserving IIº shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel-saving ca-
pabilities. Oils marked Energy-Conserv-
ing IIº will have higher fuel-saving capa-
bilities than oils marked Energy- Conservingº.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee)Certification Mark is displayed on the front
of the container.

157
Look at the see-through coolant res-
ervoir when the engine is cold. The
coolant level is satisfactory if it is be-
tween the FULLº and LOWº lines on
the reservoir. If the level is low, add
ethylene-glycol type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the LOWº line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the FULLº line. Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant. See information in the next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the ra-
diator, hoses, radiator cap
and drain cock
and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot.
CAUTION! Coolant type selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-gly-
col antifreeze. In addition to preventingfreezing and subsequent damage to the
engine, this will also prevent corrosion. Further supplemental inhibitors or addi-
tives are neither needed nor recom- mended.
Read
the antifreeze container for informa-
tion on freeze protection. Follow the
manufacturer 's directions for how much
to mix with water. The total capacity of the
cooling system is given in Part 8. We rec- ommend 50% solution be used for your
Toyota, or a sufficient quantity to provideprotection to about -35 C (-31 F).
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze
or plain water alone.
NOTICE
Type A
Type B
Checking brake fluid
Checking the engine coolant level

158To check the fluid level, simply look at
the see-through reservoir. The level
should be between the MAXº and
MINº lines on the reservoir. It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mechanical prob- lem.
If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir. Remove and replace the reservoir cover
by hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line.
This brings the fluid to the correct lev-
el when you put the cover back on. Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air, and excess moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water.!
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
NOTICE
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add automatic transmis-
sion fluid DEXRON [
-II or -III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little more
in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot (40 C ' 80 C or 104 F ' 175 F). You
may also check the level when the fluid is
cold (about room temperature, 0 C '
40 C or 32 F ' 104 F) if the engine has
not been run for about five hours.
a. Clean all dirt from outside of the reser- voir tank.
b. Remove the filler cap by turning it
counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick clean.
Checking power steering fluid

166
Check the battery for corroded or
loose terminal connections, cracks, or
loose hold-down clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm water and baking
soda. Coat the outside of the terminals with grease to prevent further corrosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose, tighten their clamp nutsÐbut do not over-
tighten.
c. Tighten the hold-down clamp only
enough to keep the battery firmly in place.
Overtightening may damage the battery case.
NOTICE
Be sure the engine and all acces-
sories are off before performing
maintenance.
When checking the battery, re-move the ground cable from the
negative terminal (-º mark) first
and reinstall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short cir-cuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into thebattery when washing it.
There are two types of batteries: main-
tenance type and non-maintenance type. A non-maintenance battery has MAIN-
TENANCE FREE BATTERYº on its top. A
maintenance type battery does not havesuch indication. Maintenance type batteryÐ Check the fluid condition by the fluid level
lines on the side of the battery. Or if the
battery has a hydrometer on its top, you
can also check the hydrometer. Non-maintenance batteryÐ
Check the battery condition by the
hydrometer on the top of the battery.
ÐChecking battery exterior
ÐChecking battery fluid

168
ADDING DISTILLED WATER (MAINTE-
NANCE TYPE BATTERY ONLY)
1. Remove the vent plugs.
2. Add distilled water to cells needing fluid.
If the side of your battery is covered,
check the water level by looking down di-
rectly above the cell as illustrated above.
3. Retighten the vent plugs securely.
NOTICE
Do not overfill the cells. Excess electrolyte could squirt out of the
battery during heavy charging,causing corrosion or damage.
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas. Therefore, before recharging:
1. Maintenance type batteriesÐRemove the vent plugs.
2. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect theground cable.
3. Be sure the power switch on the re-
charger is off when connecting the char-ger cables to the battery and when dis-
connecting them.
Always charge the battery in an
unconfined area. Do not charge
the battery in a garage or closed
room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
Non-maintenance batteries: Only
do a slow charge (5A or less).
Charging at a quicker rate is dan- gerous. The battery may explode,
causing personal injuries.
Maintenance type batteries: Be sure to remove the vent plugs be-fore recharging. CAUTION
!
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
Battery recharging precautions

170
Never use a fuse with a higher am-
perage rating, or any other object, in
place of a fuse. This may cause ex-
tensive damage and possibly a fire. CAUTION
!
If any washer does not work, the wash-
er tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid.
However, in cold areas where tempera-
tures range below freezing point, use
washer fluid containing antifreeze. This
product is available at your Toyota dealer
and most auto parts stores. Follow the
manufacturer 's directions for how much
to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may
damage your vehicle's paint.
The following illustrations show how to
gain access to the bulbs and units. When
replacing a bulb or unit, make sure the
ignition switch and light switch are off. Use
bulbs or units with the wattage ratings giv-
en in the table.
NOTICE
Only use a bulb or unit of the listed type.
Light Bulbs and
UnitsBulb and Unit No.WType
Headlight unitsH605965/35Ð
Parking lights1685B
Front turn signal lights115627A
Rear turn signal lights115627A
Stop and tail lights115727/8A
Back-up lights115627A
License plate lights1943.8B
High mounted stop- light1685B
Adding washer fluid Replacing light bulbs and unitsÐ

Normal cab models Xtra-cab models
Overall length mm (in.) 4440 (174.8) *1
4910 (193.3) *1
4590 (180.7) *2
5055 (199.0) *2
Overall width mm (in.) 1690 (66.5) 1690 (66.5)
Overall height mm (in.) 1550 (61.0) *3,
5
1560 (61.4) *5
1555 (61.2) *4,
5
1575 (62.0) *6
1570 (61.8) *3,
6
1575 (62.0) *4,
6
Wheelbase mm (in.) 2625 (103.3) 3095 (121.9)
Front tread mm (in.) 1395 (54.9) *3
1425 (56.1)
1425 (56.1) *4
Rear tread mm (in.) 1415 (55.7) *3
1440 (56.7)
1440 (56.7) *4
Cargo weight rating kg (lb.) 500 (1100) *7
500 (1100)*7
430 (950) *8
430 (950)*8
295 (650) *9
*1 : Without rear step bumper
*2 : With rear step bumper
*3 : With P195/75R 14 tires
*4 : With P215/70R 14 tires
*5 : Unladen vehicle plus two occupants
*6 : Unladen vehicle
*7 : With 1 or 2 occupants
*8 : With 3 occupants
*9 : With 5 occupants
Part 8 Dimensions and weight
177
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions and weight
Engine
Fuel
Service specifications
Tires
Fuses
TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS

178FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
Model:
2RZ-FE, 3RZ-FE and 5VZ-FE
Type: 2RZ-FE and 3RZ-FE engine 4 cylinder in line, 4 cycle, gasoline
5VZ-FE engine 6 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke, mm (in.):
2RZ-FE engine 95.0 x 86.0 (3.74 x 3.39)
3RZ-FE engine
95.0 x 95.0 (3.74 x 3.74)
5VZ-FE engine 93.5 x 82.0 (3.68 x 3.23)
Displacement, cm 3
(cu. in.):
2RZ-FE engine 2438 (148.8)
3RZ-FE engine 2694 (164.4)
5VZ-FE engine
3378 (206.1)
Normal cab models Xtra-cab models
Overall length mm (in.) 4585 (180.5) 5055 (199.0)
Overall width mm (in.) 1690 (66.5) *1
1690 (66.5)*1
1720 (67.7) *2
1720 (67.7)*2
Overall height mm (in.) 1690 (66.5) *1,3
1685 (66.3)*1,3
1720 (67.7) *2,3
1715 (67.5)*2,3
1710 (67.3) *1,4
1700 (66.9)*1,4
1740 (68.5) *2,4
1735 (68.3)*2,4
Wheelbase mm (in.) 2625 (103.3) 3095 (121.9)
Front tread mm (in.) 1460 (57.5) *5
1460 (57.5)*5
1500 (59.1) *6
1500 (59.1)*6
Rear tread mm (in.) 1455 (57.3) *5
1455 (57.3)*5
1495 (58.9) *6
1495 (58.9)*6
Cargo weight rating kg (lb.) 500 (1100) 500 (1100) *7
317 (700) *8
*1 : With P225/75R 15 tires
*2 : With 31 x 10.5R 15 LT tires
*3 : Unladen vehicle plus two occupants
*4 : Unladen vehicle
*5 : With steel wheels
*6 : With aluminum wheels
*7 : With 3 occupants
*8 : With 5 occupants
Engine