’01 L/C U (L/O 0008)239
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Section 7
−2 for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See Section 7 −2 for addi-
tional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the ”HOT” or ”COLD”
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See Section 7 −2 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See engine exhaust cautions in
Section 2.) Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip
−offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (however,
water dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flat −looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake pedal; pedal almost
touches floor; vehicle pulls to one side
when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal
Engine continually runs hot; oil pres-
sure gauge stays low
If you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?
’01 L/C U (L/O 0008)
244
If you perform maintenance by yourself,
be sure to follow the correct procedure
given in this section.
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operating
problems.
Performing do
−it−yourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect your
warranty coverage. Read the separate
Toyota Warranty statement for details and
suggestions.
This part gives instructions only for those
items that are relatively easy for an owner
to perform. As explained in Section 6,
there are still a number of items that must
be done by a qualified technician with
special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do −
it −yourself maintenance, see ”Parts and
tools”.
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to ob-
serve:
CAUTION
When the engine is running,
keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from the moving fan and
engine drive belts. (Removing
rings, watches, and ties is advis-
able.)
Right after driving, the engine
compartment—the engine, radia-
tor, exhaust manifold, power
steering fluid reservoir and spark
plug boots, etc.—will be hot. So
be careful not to touch them. Oil,
fluids and spark plugs may also
be hot.
If the engine is hot, do not re-
move the radiator cap or loosen
the drain plugs to prevent burn-
ing yourself.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or
allow open flames around fuel or
the battery. Their fumes are flam-
mable.
Be extremely cautious when
working on the battery. It con-
tains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemi-
cals know to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and repro-
ductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Do −it −yourself service
precautions