1998 TOYOTA TACOMA tailgate

'98 Tacoma (U)9
Part 1
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLSÐ
Chapter 1- 2
Keys and Doors
Keys
Side doors
Power windows
Quarter windows
Rear window
Tailgate
Hood
Fuel tank cap
Detachable moon roof
Detachable sun shade
Keys
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 key
inside 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.

'98 Tacoma (U)13
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. Rear windowTo unlock the rear window, pull the left
end of the latch handle toward you and
disengage the right end from the catch.
When closing the window, make sure it is
completely closed.TailgateTo open the tailgate, pull the handle up.
The support cables will hold the tailgate
horizontal.
See ºLuggage stowage precautionsº in part
2 for precautions to observe in loading
luggage.
After closing the tailgate, try pulling it to-
ward you to make sure it is securely
locked.
NOTICE
Avoid driving with the tailgate open.
Quarter windows
(Xtra- cab models)

'98 Tacoma (U)
14
To lower the tailgate fully, release the
support brackets from the lugs as shown.
NOTICE
Make sure the tailgate is securely caught by the support brackets beforeclosing the tailgate.
Hood
To open the hood, do the following.
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is securely closed and locked. Other-
wise, the hood may open unexpected-
ly while driving and an accident may
occur.
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up on the auxiliary catch l ever and lift the
hood.

'98 Tacoma (U)
194
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. Tighten
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. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing 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 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 seat controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly and that all latches lock securely
in any position. Check that the head re-
straints 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 secure-
ly.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.