
'98 Tacoma (U)
208
Look at the see-through coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the ºFº and ºLº 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 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 en-
gine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-glycol
antifreeze. In addition to preventing freez-
ing and subsequent damage to the engine,
this will also prevent corrosion. Further
supplemental inhibitors or additives are
neither needed nor recommended.
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
recommend 50% solution be used for your
Toyota, or a sufficient quantity to provide
protection to about ±35
5C (±31 5F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
Checking brake fluid
Ty p e A
Ty p e B
Checking the engine coolant level

'98 Tacoma (U)209
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the see-through reservoir. The level
should be between the ºMAXº and
ºMINº 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 ref
illing, 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
level 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 r eservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water.
NOTICE
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash
it off with water to prevent it fromdamaging the parts or paint.
Checking power steering fluid
If cold add
If cold O.K.
If hot add If hot O.K.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. 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 (40 5C±80 5C or 104 5F±175 5F). You may
also check the level when the fluid is cold
(about room temperature, 0 5C±40 5C or
32 5F±104 5F) 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.

'98 Tacoma (U)217
ÐChecking battery exterior
Ground cable
Terminals
Hold- down
clamp
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 nuts±but 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 accesso- ries are off before performing main-tenance.
When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negativeterminal (º
º mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short cir- cuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into thebattery when washing it.
ÐChecking battery fluid
Ty p e A
Ty p e B Red
White Clear or
Dark
Green
Blue light yellow
CHECKING BY THE HYDROMETER
Check the battery condition by the
hydrometer color. Hydrometer color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e BCondition
GREENBLUEGood
DARKWHITECharging necessary. Have
battery checked by your
Toyota dealer.
CLEAR or
LIGHT
YELLOWREDHave battery checked by
your Toyota dealer.

'98 Tacoma (U)
218
Battery recharging precautions
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
Only do a slow charge (5A or less).
Charging at a quicker rate is dan-
gerous. The battery may explode,
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure allaccessories are turned off.
Checking and replacing fuses
Blown
Blown
Blown
Good
Good
Good
Ty p e A
Ty p e B
Ty p e C

'98 Tacoma (U)
220
Adding washer fluid
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 dam-age your vehicle's paint.
The following illustrations show how to
gain access to the bulbs. When replacing
a bulb, make sure the ignition switch and
light switch are off. Use bulbs with the
wattage ratings given in the table.
CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas
inside and require special handling.
They can burst or shatter if scratched
or dropped. Hold a bulb only by its
plastic or metal case. Do not touch
the glass part of a bulb with barehands.
NOTICE
Only use a bulb of the listed type.
Light bulbsBulb No.WTy p e
HeadlightsHB260/55A
Parking lights1685C
Front turn signal
lights115627B
Rear turn signal
lights115627B
Stop and tail lights115727/8B
Back- up lights115627B
License plate lights1943.8C
High mounted
stop light1685C
Interior light
Normal cab
Xtra-cab
Ð Ð 5
10D
Personal lightsÐ5D
Door courtesy lightsÐ3D
Glovebox lightÐ1.4C
A: HB2 halogen bulbs
B: Single end bulbs
C: Wedge base bulbs
D: Double end bulbs
Replacing light bulbsÐ