2001 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER checking oil

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As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine 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 recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see ”Checking the engine oil level” in Sec-
tion 7
−2.
Your engine is fitted with iridium −tipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridium −tipped spark plugs
and do not adjust gaps for your en-
gine performance and smooth drivabil-
ity.
Iridium −tipped spark plugs

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If you are a skilled do
−it−yourself
mechanic, the Toyota service manuals are
recommended. Please be aware that do −it−yourself maintenance can affect your
warranty coverage. See ”Owner ’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or ”Owner ’s Manual
Supplement” for the details. General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing the items listed, if you notice any
unusual noise, smell or vibration, you
should investigate the cause or take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-
fied service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
the qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where ade-
quate ventilation can be obtained if
you run the engine.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month. See
Section 7
−2 for additional information. Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See Section 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 according to the mainte-
nance schedule. (For scheduled mainte-
nance information, please refer to the
”Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or ”Own-
er ’s Manual Supplement”.) See Section 7 −2 for additional information.
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 and back door oper-
ate smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch secures the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.

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Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
Do not reuse iridium −tipped spark
plugs by cleaning or regapping.
Do not overfill automatic transmis-
sion fluid, transfer oil and power
steering fluid, or the transmission,
transfer and power steering could
be damaged.
Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
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” 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): ”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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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 poisonous
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 bat-
tery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and get immediate
medical attention. If possible,
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 burning,
get medical attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your
clothes, there is a possibility of
its soaking through to your skin,
so immediately take off the ex-
posed clothing and follow the
procedure above, if necessary.
If you accidentally swallow elec-
trolyte, drink a large quantity of
water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten raw egg or
vegetable oil. Then go immediate-
ly for emergency help.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals know to
the State of California to cause can-
cer and reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
Checking battery c ondition—
—Precautions

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Oil type:
Standard differential
Hypoid gear oil API GL −5
Limited −slip differential
Hypoid gear oil for limited −slip differ-
ential API GL −5
Recommended oil viscosity: 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: Lithium base wheel bearing grease,
NLGI No.2 BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):
116 (4.6)
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 1—6 (0.04—0.24)
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): 4—6 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel free play: Less than 40 mm (1.6 in.)
Power steering fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II
or III Tires
Tire size:
P275/70R16 114S
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm 2
or bar, psi):
Normal driving Front 200 (2.0, 29)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
Trailer towing Front 200 (2.0, 29)
Rear 240 (2.4, 35)
Wheel size: 16 8JJ
Wheel nut torque, N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf): 131 (13.4, 96.6)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing
wheels), see ”Checking tire pres-
sure” through ”Aluminum wheel
precautions” in Section 7 −2.