1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER check transmission fluid

4RUNNER (1998)
(k) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove
the key when you open the driver's
door with the ignition key in the ºACCº
or ºLOCKº position.
(l) Unengaged ºParkº Warning
Light
( vehicles with automatic
transmission)
This light warns that the transmission
ºParkº mechanism is not engaged. If
the front drive control lever is in the
ºNº position while the selector lever is
in the ºPº position, the transmission
will disengage and the wheels will not
lock.
CAUTION
To restore the park function, shift
the front drive control lever out
of ºNº, or the vehicle can move.
(m) Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Warning Light
This light warns that the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is too
high.
If this light comes on while you are
driving, slow down and pull off the
road. Stop the vehicle at a safe place
and put the selector lever in ºPº. With
the engine idling, wait until the light
goes off. If the light goes off, you
may start the vehicle again. If the
light does not go off, call a Toyota
dealer or qualified repair shop for as-
sistance.
NOTICE
Continued driving with the warn- ing light on may damage the auto-matic transmission.
(n) Low windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light (Canada)
The light warns that the windshield
washer fluid level is too low. Add
washer fluid at your earliest opportuni-
ty. (For instructions, see ºAdding
washer fluidº in Chapter 7- 3.) CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the side doors or the back door.
The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should
go off.
4. Turn the ignition key to ºACCº. The SRS airbag warning light
should come on. It goes off after
about 6 seconds.
5. Turn the ignition key to ºONº, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators
except the open door warning light
and SRS airbag warning light
should come on. The ºABSº warn-
ing light goes off after about 3 se-
conds.

4RUNNER (1998)
Use a washer fluid containing an
antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyo-
ta 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 itmay damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake
when there is a possibility it could
freeze.
When parking, put the transmission
into ºPº (automatic) or into first or
reverse (manual) and block the rear
wheels. Do not use the parking brake,
or snow or water accumulated in and
around the parking brake mechanism
may freeze, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulat-
ing under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your
fenders can make steering difficult.
During bad winter driving, stop and
check under the fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driv-
ing, we recommend you carry some
emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in
the vehicle are tire chains, window
scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares,
small shovel, jumper cables, etc.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as
a passenger- and- load- carrying ve-
hicle. Towing a trailer will have an
adverse effect on handling, perfor-
mance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.).
Your safety and satisfaction depend
on the proper use of correct equip-
ment and cautious driving habits. For
your safety and the safety of others,
you must not overload your vehicle or
trailer. Ask your local Toyota dealer
for further details before towing.
WEIGHT LIMITS
Before towing, make sure the total
trailer weight, gross combination
weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue
load can be measured with platform
scales found at a highway weighing
station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.

4RUNNER (1998)
3. Visually check to see if the engine drive belt (fan belt) is broken or
loose. Look for obvious coolant
leaks from the radiator, hoses, and
under the vehicle. However, note
that water draining from the air
conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive
belts.
4. If the engine drive belt is brokenor the coolant is leaking, stop the
engine immediately. Call a Toyota
dealer for assistance.
5. If the engine drive belt is O.K. and there are no obvious leaks, you
may help the engine cool down
more quickly by running it at about
1500 rpm for a few minutes with
the accelerator pedal lightly de-
pressed.
6. Check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir
while the engine is running. Fill it
about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the ra-
diator cap when the engine and
radiator are hot. Serious injury
could result from scalding hot
fluid and steam blown out under
pressure.
7. After the engine coolant tempera-ture has cooled to normal, again
check the coolant level in the res-
ervoir. If necessary, bring it up to
half full again. Serious coolant loss
indicates a leak in the system. You
should have it checked as soon as
possible at your Toyota dealer. If you have a flat tireÐ
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keep- ing a straight line. Move cautiously
off the road to a safe place well
away from the traffic. Avoid stop-
ping on the center divider of a
highway. Park on a level spot with
firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in ºPº (auto-
matic) or reverse (manual).
4. Have everyone get out of the ve- hicle on the side away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe
the following to reduce the possi-
bility of personal injury: Follow jacking instructions.
Do not start or run the engine
while your vehicle is supported
by the jack.

4RUNNER (1998)
Automatic transmission ºParkº mech- anism
Check the lock release button of the
selector lever for proper and smooth
operation. On a safe incline, check
that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in ºPº position and
all brakes released.
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be
checked from time to time, e.g.
each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in
the tank. See Chapter 7- 3 for addi-
tional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is be-
tween the ºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on
the see- through reservoir when the
engine is cold. See Chapter 7- 2 for
additional information.
Battery electrolyte level
Make sure the electrolyte level of all
battery cells is between upper and
lower level lines on the case. Add
only distilled water when replenishing.
See Chapter 7- 3 for additional in-
formation. Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is cor-
rect. See Chapter 7- 2 for additional
information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with
the engine turned off and the vehicle
parked on a level spot. See Chapter
7- 2 for additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir.
The level should be in the ºHOTº or
ºCOLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See Chapter 7- 2 for
additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound
of the exhaust or smell exhaust
fumes, have the cause located and
corrected immediately. (See engine ex-
haust cautions in Part 2.)
Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip- offs
that indicate service is needed. Some
important clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or ping-
ing
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A leak under the vehicle (however,
water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This
may indicate a dangerous carbon
monoxide leak. Drive with the win-
dows open and have the exhaust
system checked immediately.)
Flat- looking tire; excessive tire
squeal when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when
driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspen-
sion movement
Loss of brake effectiveness;
spongy feeling brake or clutch ped-
al; pedal almost touches floor; ve-
hicle pulls to one side when brak-
ing
Engine coolant temperature continu-
ally higher than normal
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

4RUNNER (1998)
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you
will need on performing do- it- yourself
maintenance. Remember all Toyota
parts are designed in metric sizes, so
your tools must be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low): Engine oil API grade SH, ºEnergy-
Conserving IIº or SJ, ºEnergy-
Conservingº multigrade or ILSAC
multigrade having viscosity proper
for your climate
Tools: Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low): Ethylene- glycol antifreeze
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools: Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low): SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116
DOT 3 brake fluid
Tools: Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid) Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II or III
Tools: Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools: Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
Checking and replacing fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary): Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Tools: Conventional wrench (for instrument
lower panel nut)
Adding washer fluid
Parts: Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
Tools: Funnel Replacing light bulbs
Parts:
Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original (See charts
in ºReplacing light bulbsº in Chap-
ter 7- 3.)
Tools: Screwdriver

4RUNNER (1998)
Checking power steering
fluid
If cold add
If cold O.K.
If hot add If hot O.K.
Check the fluid level on the dip-
stick. If necessary, add automatic
transmission 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 (60 CÐ80 C or
140 FÐ175 F). You may also check
the level when the fluid is cold (about
room temperature, 10 CÐ30 C or
50 FÐ85 F) if the engine has not
been run for about five hours.
a. Clean all dirt from outside of the
reservoir tank.
b. Remove the filler cap by turning it
counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick
clean. c. Reinstall the filler cap.
d. Remove the filler cap again and
look at the fluid level. If the fluid is
cold, the level should be in the
ºCOLDº range on the dipstick.
Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ºHOTº range. If the
level is at the low side of either
range, add automatic transmission
fluid DEXRON
II or III to bring the
level within the range.
e. After replacing the filler cap, visual-
ly check the steering box case, vane
pump and hose connections for leaks
or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so
be careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power
steering could be damaged.

4RUNNER (1998)
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
3RZ- FE engineWith rear heater 11.0 (11.6, 9.7)
Without rear heater
10.0 (10.6, 8.8)
5VZ- FE engine With rear heater
9.0 (9.5, 7.9)
Without rear heater
8.0 (8.5, 7.0) Coolant type:
With ethylene- glycol antifreeze
(Do not use alcohol type.)
BATTERY
Open voltage *
at 20 C (68 F):
12.6Ð12.8 V Fully charged
12.2Ð12.4 V Half charged
11.8 Ð12.0 V Discharged
* : Voltage that is checked 20 minutes
after
the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates:
5 A max.
CLUTCH
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.): 5Ð15 (0.2Ð0.6)
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT
3 MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
3RZ- FE engine
Two- wheel drive models 2.6 (2.7, 2.3)
Four- wheel drive models
2.5 (2.6, 2.2)
5VZ- FE engine 2.2 (2.3, 1.9)
Oil type: Gear oil API GL- 4 or GL- 5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W- 90
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity (drain and ref ill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.): Two- wheel drive models Up to 1.6 (1.7, 1.4)
Four- wheel drive models Up to 2.0 (2.1, 1.8)