1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER checking oil

4RUNNER (1998)
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at
high speeds, as on an expressway,
making it appear that oil is excessive-
ly consumed after driving at high
speeds.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEV-
EL CHECK
One of the most important points in
proper vehicle maintenance is to keep
the engine oil at the optimum level so
that oil function will not be impaired.
Therefore, it is essential that the oil
level be checked regularly. Toyota rec-
ommends that the oil level be checked
every time you refuel the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regu-
larly could lead to serious enginetrouble due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level
check, see ºChecking the engine oil
levelº in Chapter 7- 2. Twin ground electrode spa
r
plugs (5VZ- FE engine)

4RUNNER (1998)
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts,
damage or excessive wear. See Chap-
ter 7- 2 for additional information.
When checking the tires, make sure
no nuts are missing, and check the
nuts for looseness. Tighten them if
necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Chapter 7- 2 for additional
information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil,
water 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 back
door operate smoothly and all latches
lock securely. Make sure the engine
hood secondary 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 per-
forming periodic 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
warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indica-
tors and warning buzzers function
properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free-
play. Be alert for changes in steering
condition, such as hard steering or
strange noise.
Seats
Check that all seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc.
operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in any position. Check
that the head restraint move up and
down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For
folding- down rear seatbacks, swing- up
rear seat cushions and detachable
temporary third seat, check that the
latches lock securely.Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such
as buckles, retractors and anchors op-
erate properly and smoothly. Make
sure the belt webbing is not cut,
frayed, worn or damaged.
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.

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)
Part 7
DO- IT- YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7- 2
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level
Checking the engine coolant
level
Checking brake fluid
Checking power steering fluid
Checking tire pressure
Checking and replacing tires
Rotating tires
Installing snow tires and
chains
Replacing wheels
Aluminum wheel precautions
Checking the engine oil level

4RUNNER (1998)
Low level
Full level
Type A
Type B
Add oil O.K. Too full
With the engine at operating tem-
perature and turned off, check the
oil level on the dipstick. 1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level spot. After
turning off the engine, wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain back
into the bottom of the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstickÐpush it in as far as it will go, or the reading will
not be correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level on the end. If the oil level is below or only
slightly above the low level, add en-
gine oil of the same type as already
in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add en-
gine oil in small quantities at a time,
checking the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil need-
ed to fill between the low level and
the full level on the dipstick is indi-
cated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the cor-
rect range, install the f
iller cap hand-
tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.): 3RZ- FE engine
1.5 (1.6, 1.3) 5VZ- FE engine
1.2 (1.3, 1.1)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dip-stick once again after adding
the oil.

4RUNNER (1998)
The top portion of the label shows the
oil quality by API (American Petroleum
Institute) designations such as SJ.
The center portion of the label shows
the SAE
viscosity grade such as SAE 5W- 30.
ºEnergy- Conservingº shown in the
lower portion, indicates that the oil
has fuel- saving capab ilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant
Standardization and Approval Commit-
tee) Certification Mark is displayed on
the front of the container. Look at the see- through coolant
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The coolant level is satisfactory if
it is between the ºF (Full)º and ºL
(Low)º 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. Howev-
er, if the level is on or below the ºLº
line, add coolant. Bring the level up
to the ºFº 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 radiator, 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.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do
not remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-
glycol antifreeze. In addition to pre-
venting freezing and subsequent dam-
age to the engine, this will also
prevent corrosion. Further supplemen-
tal inhibitors or additives are neither
needed nor recommended.
Read the antifreeze container for in-
formation on freeze protection. Follow
the manufacturer 's directions for how
much to mix with water. The total ca-
pacity of the cooling system is given
in Part 8. We recommend 50% solu-
tion be used for your Toyota, or a
sufficient quantity to provide protection
to about -35
C (- 31 F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze
or plain water alone.
Checking the engine coolan
level

4RUNNER (1998)
Part 7
DO- IT- YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7- 3
Electrical components
Checking battery condition
Battery recharging precautions
Checking and replacing fuses
Adding washer fluid
Replacing light bulbs
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable
and explosive hydrogen gas. Do not cause a spark from the
battery with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match
near the battery.
The electrolyte contains poison-
ous and corrosive sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
Never ingest electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses
when working near the battery.
Keep children away from the
battery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean wa-
ter immediately and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If pos-
sible, continue to apply water
with a sponge or cloth while en
route to the medical office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact
area. If you feel pain or burn-
ing, get medical attention im-
mediately.
If electrolyte gets on your
clothes, there is a possibility of
its soaking through to your
skin, so immediately take off
the exposed clothing and follow
the procedure above, if neces-
sary.
If you happen to swallow elec-
trolyte, drink a large quantity of
water or milk. Follow with milk
of magnesia, beaten raw egg or
vegetable oil. Then go immedi-
ately for emergency help.
Checking battery c onditionÐ
ÐPrecautions