2000 TOYOTA TACOMA check engine

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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)

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DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level228
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Checking the engine coolant level 229
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Checking brake fluid 230
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Checking power steering fluid 231
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Checking tire pressure 232
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Checking and replacing tires 233
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Rotating tires 234
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Installing snow tires and chains 234
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Replacing wheels 235
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Aluminum wheel precautions 236
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SECTION 7− 2

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Checking the engine oil level
Low level Full levelTy p e A
Ty p e B
Add oil O.K. Too full
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture 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 dipstickpush 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.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-
erence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the f iller cap hand−tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.): 2RZ−FE and 3RZ−FE engines 1.5(1.6,1.3)
5VZ−FE engine Two−wheel drive models
except Pre Runner 1.5(1.6,1.3)
Four−wheel drive models
and Pre Runner 1.2(1.3,1.1)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
Use API grade SJ, Energy−Conserving"
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy, and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W−30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the engine
may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W−30 engine oil is recommended.

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API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SJ. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. Energy−
Conserving" shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel−saving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.Look at the see−through coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the F" and L" lines on the reservoir.
If the level is low, add ethylene−glycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the L" line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the F" line.
Always use ethylene−glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. 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.
Checking the engine coolant
level

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CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system. Your coolant
must contain ethylene−glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of your
engine that contains aluminum
components. Use TOYOTA Long Life
Coolant" or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and
subsequent damage to the engine, this
type of coolant will also prevent corrosion.
Further supplemental inhibitors or additives
are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information
on freeze protection. Follow the manufac-
turer’s directions for how much to mix
with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity
of the cooling system is given in Section
8. We recommend to use 50% solution for
your Toyota, to provide protection down to
about −35
C (−31 F). When it is extreme-
ly cold, to provide protection down to
about −50 C (−58 F), 60% solution is rec-
ommended. Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
Checking brake fluid
Ty p e A
Ty p e B

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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.

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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 negative
terminal (−" mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short cir-
cuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the
battery when washing it.
Checking battery fluid
Ty p e A
Green Dark Clear or
light yellow
Ty p e B Blue White Red
CHECKING BY HYDROMETER
Check the battery condition by the
hydrometer color.
Hydrometer color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e B
GREENBLUEGood
DARKWHITE
Charging necessary.
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
CLEAR
or LIGHT
YELLOW
RED
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
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 (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may ex-
plode, causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.

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ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and refill), L (qt., Imp.
qt.):
Two−wheel drive models except Pre
Runner2RZ−FE engineWith filter 5.5(5.8,4.8)
Without filter 4.8(5.0,4.2)
5VZ−FE engine With filter 5.4(5.7,4.8)
Without filter 5.1(5.4,4.5)
Four−wheel drive models and Pre
Runner
3RZ−FE engineWith filter 5.4(5.7,4.8)
Without filter 4.7(5.0,4.1)
5VZ−FE engine With filter 5.2(5.5,4.6)
Without filter 4.9(5.2,4.3)
Oil grade: API grade SJ, Energy−Conserving" or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended. Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Two−wheel drive models except Pre
RunnerWith manual transmission2RZ−FE engine 8.0(8.5,7.0)
5VZ−FE engine 9.7(10.3,8.5)
With automatic transmission 2RZ−FE engine 7.8(8.2,6.9)
5VZ−FE engine 9.5(10.0,8.4) Four−wheel drive models and Pre
Runner
With manual transmission3RZ−FE engine 8.3(8.8,7.3)
5VZ−FE engine 10.1(10.7,8.9)
With automatic transmission 3RZ−FE engine 8.2(8.7,7.2)
5VZ−FE engine 10.0(10.5,8.8)
Coolant type: TOYOTA Long Life Coolant" or equiva-
lent
With ethylene−glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20 °C (68 °F):
12.612.8 V Fully charged
12.212.4 V Half charged
11.812.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes
after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.