1997 TOYOTA TACOMA tailgate

Part 1Keys
9
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS ANDCONTROLSÐ
Chapter 1-2 Keys and Doors
Keys
Side doors
Power windows
Quarter windows
Rear windows
Tailgate
Hood
Fuel tank cap
Detachable moon roof
Detachable sun shade
KEY PLATE This key works in every lock.
Since the doors can be locked without a
key, you should always carry a spare key
in case you accidentally lock your keys in-
side the vehicle.
KEY NUMBER PLATE
Your key number is shown on the
plate. Keep the plate in a safe place
such as your wallet, not in the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you need
additional keys, duplicates can be made
by a Toyota dealer using the key number.
You should also put a copy of the key
number with your important papers.

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To open the quarter window, pull the
latch handle toward you and swing it
fully out.
When closing the window, make sure it is completely closed.To unlock the rear window, pull the left
end of the latch handle toward you and
disengage the right end from thecatch.
When closing the window, make sure it is completely closed.To open the tailgate, pull the handle up.
The support cables will hold the tailgate horizontal. See Luggage stowage precautionsº in
part 2 for precautions to observe in load- ing luggage.
After closing the tailgate, try pulling it to-
ward you to make sure it is securely locked.
Avoid driving with the tailgate open.
NOTICE
Tailgate
Quarter windows Xtra-cab models)
Rear window

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To lower the tailgate fully, release the
support brackets from the lugs as shown.
Make sure the tailgate is securelycaught by the support brackets
before closing the tailgate.
NOTICE
To open the hood, do the following.
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will spring up slightly.
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is securely locked. Otherwise, the
hood may open unexpectedly while
driving and an accident may occur.
CAUTION!
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up on the auxiliary catch lever and lift the hood.
Hood

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Tire surface and wheel nuts Check the tires carefully
for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See Chapter 7-2 for
additional information. When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing,
and check the nuts for looseness. T ighten
them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Chapter 7-2 for additional in- formation.
Fluid leaks Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has been
parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found
and corrected immediately. Doors and engine hood Check that all doors including tailgate op- erate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. M ake sure the engine hood secon-
dary latch secures the hood from opening
when the primary latch is released. INSIDE THE VEHICLE Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing peri-
odic services, cleaning the vehicle,etc. Lights Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working. Check headlight aim. Service reminder indicators and
warn-
ing buzzers Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly. Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering or strange noise. Seats Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op- erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down
smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position. For folding-down
seatback (bench seat), check that the
latches lock securely. Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly
and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-aged. Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching. Clutch pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation. Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance. Check the brake booster function. Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied. Parking brake Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle is
held securely with only the parking brake applied.