Page 231 of 270

’00 Tacoma(U)
224
Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
When closing the engine hood,
check to see that you have not for-
gotten any tools, rags, etc.
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing do−it−yourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ,
Energy−Conserving" 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):
TOYOTA Long Life Coolant" or equiva-
lent
See Section 7−2 for details about cool-
ant type selection.
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)
Page 234 of 270

’0 0 Ta c om a (U)
227
DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 231
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Checking and replacing tires 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 235
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7− 2
Page 238 of 270

’00 Tacoma(U)
231
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the see−through reservoir. The level
should be between the MAX" and
MIN" 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 refilling, 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 reservoir
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 from
damaging 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 C80 C or 104 F175 F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
0 C40 C or 32 F104 F) 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.
Page 239 of 270

’00 Tacoma(U)
232
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 COLD" range on
the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the
fluid level should be in the HOT"
range. If the level is at the low side of
either range, add automatic transmis-
sion fluid DEXRON II or III to bring the
level within the range.
e. After replacing the filler cap, visually 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 steer-
ing could be damaged.
Checking tire pressure
Keep your tire pressures at the proper
level.
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire
size and the cargo weight rating are given
in Section 8.
You should check the tire pressures every
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
do not forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive
wear, poor handling, reduced fuel econo-
my, and the possibility of blowouts from
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead.
If the tire pressure is excessively low,
there is the possibility of w heel deforma-
tion and/or tire separation.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride,
handling problems, excessive wear at the
center of the tire tread, and a greater
possibility of tire damage from road haz-
ards.
If a tire frequently needs ref illing, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer. The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:
The pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold.
If your ve-
hicle has been packed for at least 3
hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you
will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of a tire can be mis-
leading. Besides, tire pressures that
are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure
after driving. It is normal for the tire
pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the cargo weight rat-
ing. The luggage weight should be dis-
tributed evenly.
Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation
valve caps. Without the valve caps,
dirt or moisture could get into the valve
core and cause air leakage. If the caps
have been lost, have new ones put on
as soon as possible.
Page 257 of 270

’00 Tacoma(U)
250
Fuel
Fuel type:Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., Imp. gal.): Two−wheel drive models except Pre
Runner57(15.1,12.5)
Four−wheel drive models and Pre
Runner 68(18.0,15.0)
Service specifications
ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):
2RZ−FE and 3RZ−FE enginesIntake 0.150.25(0.0060.010)
Exhaust 0.250.35(0.0100.014)
5VZ−FE engine Intake 0.130.23(0.0060.009)
Exhaust 0.270.37(0.0110.014)
Spark plug type: 2RZ−FE and 3RZ−FE enginesExcept LEV
∗
DENSO K16R−U
NGK BKR5EYA
LEV
∗
DENSO K16R−U11
NGK BKR5EYA−11
5VZ−FE engine DENSO K16TR11
NGK BKR5EKB11
∗: See Exhaust emission label" on
page 159 for details.
Spark plug gap, mm (in.):
2RZ−FE and 3RZ−FE enginesExcept LEV
∗0.8(0.031)
LEV∗1.1(0.043)
5VZ−FE engine 1.1(0.043)
∗: See Exhaust emission label" on
page 159 for details. Drive belt tension measured with Bor-
roughs drive belt tension gauge No.
BT−33−73F (used belt), lbf:
2RZ−FE and 3RZ−FE enginesGenerator belt 115 20
Air conditioning compressor belt
100 20
Power steering pump belt
100
+20
−15
5VZ−FE engineGenerator belt 100 20
Air conditioning compressor belt 100 20
Power steering pump belt
100
+20
−15
Page 260 of 270

’00 Tacoma(U)
253
Recommended oil viscosity:Front
A.D.D. SAE 75W−90
Except A.D.D. Above −18 C (0 F)
SAE 90
Below −18 C (0 F)
SAE 80W or 80W−90
Rear Above −18 C (0 F)
SAE 90
Below −18 C (0 F)
SAE 80W or 80W−90
CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Wheel bearings: Lithium base wheel bearing grease,
NLGI No.2
Front drive shaft thrust bushings: Synthetic oil and lithium soap base
chassis grease, NLGI No.1
Propeller shafts: Spiders
Lithium base chassis grease, NLGI
No.2
Slide yoke and double cardan joint
Molybdenum−disulfide lithium base
chassis grease, NLGI No.2 BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110
lbf) with the engine running, mm (in.):
72(2.8)
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 36(0.120.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0(0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0(0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf): 1218 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel free play: Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II
or III