’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
1202001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
(j) Automatic Transmission Fluid Tem-perature Warning Light
This light warns that the automatic trans-
mission fluid temperature is too high.
If this light comes on while you are driv-
ing, slow down and pull off the road. Stop
the vehicle at a safe place and put the
selector lever in P". With the engine id-
ling, wait until the light goes off. If the
light goes off, you may start the vehicle
again. If the light does not go off, call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
(k) Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light (on some models)
The light warns that the windshield washer
fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at
your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,
see Adding washer fluid" in Section 7−3.)
(l) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver ’s door with
the ignition key in the ACC" or LOCK"
position. CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light and low windshield
washer fluid level warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC". The SRS warning light should come on.
It goes off after about 6 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition key to ON", but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the SRS warning light should
come on. The ABS" warning light goes
off after a few seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, have it checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.
’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
1222001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
START"Starter motor on. The key
will return to the ON" position when
released.
For starting tips, see Section 3.
ON"Engine on and all accessories
on.
This is the normal driving position.
ACC"Accessories such as the radio
operate, but the engine is off.
If you leave the key in the ACC" or
LOCK" position and open the driver’s
door, a buzzer will remind you to remove
the key.
LOCK"Engine is off and the steering
wheel is locked. The key can be re-
moved only at this position.You must push in the key to turn the key
from ACC" to the LOCK" position. On
vehicles with an automatic transmission,
the selector lever must be in the P" posi-
tion before pushing the key.
When starting the engine, the key may
seem stuck at the LOCK" position. To
free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key gently.
CAUTION
For manual transmission:
Never remove the key when the ve-
hicle is moving, as this will lock the
steering wheel and result in loss of
steering control.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ON"
position if the engine is not running.
The battery will discharge and the
ignition could be damaged.
Ignition switch with steering
lock
’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
1782001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
Glove box
To open the glove box door, pull the
lever.
On some models, the glove box light will
come on when the glove box is open with
the instrument panel lights on.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or a sudden stop,
always keep the glove box door
closed while driving.
To use the box, do the following.
Pull up on the lock release lever and
open the lid.
This box is equipped with a coin holder
and a cassette tape holder.1. Coin holder: To use it, push coins down into the holder. The coin holder
is detachable.
To remove: Pull the coin holder straight
up.
To install: Push the coin holder straight
down.
2. Cassette tape holder: The dividing plate for the cassette tape holder is detach-
able.
CAUTION
To reduce the chance of injury in
case of an accident or a sudden stop,
always keep the auxiliary box closed
while driving.
Auxiliary box
(Xtra−cab models)
’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
2042001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
Before starting the engine
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-fore entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, seat cushion angle, head restraint
height and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts. 1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3. Manual transmission: Press the clutch
pedal to the floor and shift the trans-
mission into neutral. Hold the clutch
pedal to the floor until the engine is
started. A starter safety device will pre-
vent the starter from operating if the
clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
Automatic transmission: Put the se-
lector lever in P". If you need to re-
start the engine while the vehicle is
moving, put the selector lever in N".
A starter safety device will prevent the
starter from operating if the selector
lever is in any drive position.
4. Automatic transmission only:
De-
press the brake pedal and hold it to
the floor until driving off.
(b) Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to fol-
low the instructions in (a) Before crank-
ing".
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system in your
engine automatically controls the proper
air−fuel mixture for starting. You can start
a cold or hot engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator ped- al, crank the engine by turning the key
to START". Release it when the en-
gine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 se- conds, you are ready to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the
engine warm up for a few minutes before
driving.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-
dure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start...
See If your vehicle will not start" in Sec-
tion 4.
How to start the engine
(a) Before cranking
’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
2082001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
Always perform a maintenance in-
spection after each day of off−road
driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.
For scheduled maintenance in-
formation, refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide" or Owner’s
Manual Supplement".
Winter driving tips
Make sure you have a proper freeze
protection of engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene−glycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components. Use
TOYOTA Long Life Coolant" or equivalent.
See Section 7−2 for details about coolant
type selection.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend
to use 60% solution for your Toyota, to
provide protection down to about −50 C
(−58 F). Do not use more than 70% solu-
tion for better coolant performance.
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter start-
ing. Section 7−3 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer
and most service stations will be pleased
to check the level of charge. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See Section 7−2 for recommended viscos-
ity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota deal-
erhe will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de−icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing. To open
a frozen lock, try heating the key before
inserting it.
Use a washer fluid containing an ant−
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
2382001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
If you cannot shift the selector lever
out of P" position to other positions
even though the brake pedal is de-
pressed, use the shift lock override but-
ton as follows:1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK" position. Make sure the parking
brake is set.
2. Pry up the cover with a flat−bladed screwdriver or equivalent.3. Insert your finger into the hole tomove the shift lock override lever
backward. You can shift out of P"
position only while holding back the
lever.
4. Shift into N" position.
5. Insert the cover.
6. Start the engine. For your safety, keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
If you lose your keys
You can purchase a new key at your
Toyota dealer if you can give them the
key number.
See the suggestion given in Keys" in
Section 1−2.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and
you cannot get a duplicate, many Toyota
dealers can still open the door for you,
using their special tools. If you must
break a window to get in, we suggest
breaking the smallest side window be-
cause it is the least expensive to replace.
Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from
the glass.
If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever
’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
2472001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
What about do−it−yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy
to do yourself if you have a little mechani-
cal ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to per-
form them are presented in Section 7.
If you are a skilled do−it−yourself mechan-
ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-
mended. Please be aware that do−it−your-
self maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See Owner ’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet" or Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment" 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 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.
’01 Tacoma U (L/O 0009)
2882001 TACOMA (OM35766U)
Engine compartment (with daytime run-
ning light system)
7. HEAD (LO LH) 10 A: Left−hand head-
light (low beam)
8. TAIL 10 A: Tail lights, licence plate
lights
9. A.C 10 A: Air conditioning system
10. FOG 15 A: No circuit
11. DOME 15 A: Car audio system, interior
light, clock, personal lights, door cour-
tesy light, day time running light sys-
tem, gauges and meters
12. OBD 7.5 A: On−board diagnosis sys-
tem
Instrument panel
13. EFI 20 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system
14. ALT−S 7.5 A: Charging system
15. PWR OUTLET 15 A: Power outlet
16. ECU−IG 7.5 A: Cruise control system,
anti−lock brake system, automatic
transmission shift lock system
17. TURN 10 A: Turn signal lights, emer-
gency flashers
18. WIPER 20 A: Windshield wipers and
washer 19. 4WD 20 A:
A.D.D. control system,
four−wheel drive control system, rear
differential lock system
20. ACC 15 A: Cigarette lighter, clock,
power rear view mirrors, back−up
lights, automatic transmission shift lock
system, SRS airbag system, seat belt
pretensioners, car audio system
21. GAUGE 10 A: Day time running light
system, back−up lights, cruise control
system, rear differential lock system,
electronically controlled automatic
transmission system, starting system,
charging system, air conditioning sys-
tem
22. IGN 7.5 A: Gauges and meters, SRS
airbag system, seat belt pretensioners,
multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system
23. ECU−B 7.5 A: SRS warning light, air
conditioning system
24. HORN−HAZ 15 A: Emergency flashers,
horns
25. STA 7.5 A: Clutch start cancel system,
starting system