2003 TOYOTA TACOMA stop start

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1212003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
When the parking brake is applied...
When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level is
low.
Have your vehicle checked at your
Toyota dealer in the following case:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the igni-
tion key is in the “ON” position.
CAUTION
If the light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running, immedi-
ately stop your vehicle at a safe
place and contact your Toyota dealer.
In this case, the brakes may not work
properly and your stopping distance
will become longer. Depress the brake
pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to
an immediate stop.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzz-er
This light and buzzer remind you to
buckle up the driver’s seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or
“START”, the reminder light flashes and
buzzer comes on if the driver’s seat belt
is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens
the belt, the light stays on and the buzzer
sounds for about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being
discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, there
is a problem somewhere in the charging
system. The engine ignition will continue to oper-
ate, however, until the battery is dis-
charged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to
the nearest Toyota dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine
drive belt is broken or loose.
(d) Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1222003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(e) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position and
goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is
operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp
comes on while driving, first check the
followings.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immedi-
ately.
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely
tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp will not go off even after the
several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible. If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel
tank cap is not loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the
engine, emission control system, auto-
matic transmission electrical system or
warning light system itself.
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
Fourwheel drive models and Pre Runner
with 5VZFE engine only—
If the engine speed does not increase with
the accelerator pedal depressed down to
about the middle position, there may be
a problem somewhere in your electronic
throttle control system.
At this time, if you depress the accelera-
tor pedal more firmly and slowly, you can
drive your vehicle at low speeds. Have
your vehicle checked by your Toyota deal-
er as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the ignition key is turned to “ACC” or
“LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state
emission inspection if the malfunction
indicator lamp remains on. Contact your
Toyota dealer to check your vehicle’s
emission control system and OBD
(OnBoard Diagnostics) system before
taking your vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs” in Section 6.
(f) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1242003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
(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 73.)
(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 “ON”, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators
should come on. The “ABS” warning
light goes off after a few seconds. The
SRS warning light goes off after about
6 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.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1392003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
CAUTION
Do not lock the differential until the
wheels have stopped spinning.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move in
an unexpected direction when the
differential lock is engaged, result-
ing in an accident. This may also
lead to possible damage to differen-
tial lock component parts.
Do not drive over 8 km/h (5 mph)
when the differential is locked.
To unlock the differential, push the
switch once again.
Unlock the differential as soon as the ve-
hicle moves out.
For easy unlocking, slightly turn the steer-
ing wheel in either direction while the ve-
hicle is in motion.
When the differential lock is disengaged,
the indicator light will go out.
Except for Pre Runner models⎯
The differential will also unlock if you shift
the front drive control lever out of “L4”.
Never forget to turn off the switch after
using this feature.To check the indicator bulb, turn the igni-
tion key to the “ON” position, but do not
start the engine.
CAUTION
Do not keep driving with the differen-
tial lock switch on.
When parking, firmly apply the parking
brake to avoid inadvertent creeping.
To set: Pull out on the lever. For better
holding power, first depress the brake
pedal and hold it while setting the parking
brake.
To release: Press the lock release button
(1), turn the lever clockwise (2), then
push it in (3).
To remind you that the parking brake is
set, the parking brake reminder light in
the instrument panel remains on until you
release the parking brake.
Parking brake

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1522003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
SCAN
Radio
You can either scan all the frequencies on
a band or scan only the preset stations
for that band.
To scan the preset stations:
Push and hold “SCAN” until you hear a
beep. The radio will tune in the next pres-
et station up the band, stay there for 5
seconds, and then move to the next pre-
set station. To select a station, push
“SCAN” again.
To scan all the frequencies:
Quickly push and release “SCAN”. If you
hear a beep, you held the button too long,
and the radio will scan the preset sta-
tions. The radio will find the next station
up the station band, stay there for 5 se-
conds, and then scan again. To select a
station, push “SCAN” again.
Compact disc player
There are two scan features—you can ei-
ther scan the tracks on a specific disc or
scan the first tracks of all the discs in the
magazine.Scanning the tracks on a disc:
Quickly push and release “SCAN”. “SCAN”
will appear on the display and the player
will scan all the tracks on the disc you
are listening to. If you hear a beep, you
held the button too long, and the player
will scan the first track of all the discs in
the magazine. To select a track, push
“SCAN” again. If the player scanned all
the tracks on the disc, it will stop scan-
ning.
Compact disc auto changer only—
Scanning the first track of all the discs in
the magazine:
Push “SCAN” until you hear a beep.
“
·SCAN” will appear on the display
and the player will perform the first track
of the next disc. To select a disc, push
the “SCAN” again. If the player has
scanned all the di scs, it will stop scan-
ning.
SEEK (Seeking)
Radio
In the seek mode, the radio finds and
plays the next station up or down the
station band.
To seek a station, quickly push and re-
lease the “ ” or “ ” under the “SEEK”.
Do this again to find another station. Cassette Player
By using this button, you can skip up or
down to a different track.
You can skip up to nine tracks at a time.
Push the up or down side of the button.
“FF 1” or “REW 1” will appear on the
display.
Next, push either side of the track button
until the number on the display reaches
the number of tracks you want to skip. If
you push the button ten times, the skip
feature will be turned off.
When counting the number of tracks you
want to rewind, remember to count the
current track as well. For example, if you
want to rewind to a song that is two be-
fore the song you are listening to, push
on the down side of the button until “REW
3” appears on the display.
If you have pushed the track button more
than you wanted to, push the other side
of the button. The track number will be
reduced.
The track number you select is not valid
if it is higher than the number of tracks
remaining on the current cassette side.
After the beginning of the tape is
reached, the player will automatically
start playing the same side.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1582003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
SCAN
Radio
You can either scan all the frequencies on
a band or scan only the preset stations
for that band.
To scan the preset stations:
Push and hold “SCAN” until you hear a
beep. The radio will tune in the next pres-
et station up the band, stay there for 5
seconds, and then move to the next pre-
set station. To select a station, push
“SCAN” again.
To scan all the frequencies:
Quickly push and release “SCAN”. If you
hear a beep, you held the button too long,
and the radio will scan the preset sta-
tions. The radio will find the next station
up the station band, stay there for 5 se-
conds, and then scan again. To select a
station, push “SCAN” again.
Compact disc player
There are two scan features—you can ei-
ther scan the tracks on a specific disc or
scan the first tracks of all the discs in the
magazine.Scanning the tracks on a disc:
Quickly push and release “SCAN”. “SCAN”
will appear on the display and the player
will scan all the tracks on the disc you
are listening to. If you hear a beep, you
held the button too long, and the player
will scan the first track of all the discs in
the magazine. To select a track, push
“SCAN” again. If the player scanned all
the tracks on the disc, it will stop scan-
ning.
Compact disc auto changer only—
Scanning the first track of all the discs in
the magazine:
Push “SCAN” until you hear a beep.
“
·SCAN” will appear on the display
and the player will perform the first track
of the next disc. To select a disc, push
the “SCAN” again. If the player has
scanned all the di scs, it will stop scan-
ning.
SEEK (Seeking)
Radio
In the seek mode, the radio finds and
plays the next station up or down the
station band.
To seek a station, quickly push and re-
lease the “ ” or “ ” under the “SEEK”.
Do this again to find another station. Cassette Player
By using this button, you can skip up or
down to a different track.
You can skip up to nine tracks at a time.
Push the up or down side of the button.
“FF 1” or “REW 1” will appear on the
display.
Next, push either side of the track button
until the number on the display reaches
the number of tracks you want to skip. If
you push the button ten times, the skip
feature will be turned off.
When counting the number of tracks you
want to rewind, remember to count the
current track as well. For example, if you
want to rewind to a song that is two be-
fore the song you are listening to, push
on the down side of the button until “REW
3” appears on the display.
If you have pushed the track button more
than you wanted to, push the other side
of the button. The track number will be
reduced.
The track number you select is not valid
if it is higher than the number of tracks
remaining on the current cassette side.
After the beginning of the tape is
reached, the player will automatically
start playing the same side.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1892003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
CAUTION
When you load cargo on the roof lug-
gage carrier, observe the following:
Place the cargo on the center of
the cross rails so that its weight
can be distributed evenly between
the front and rear axles.
If loading long or wide cargo, never
exceed the vehicle overall length or
width. (See “Dimensions and
weight” in Section 8 for information
on your vehicle overall length and
width.)
Before driving, make sure the cargo
is securely fastened on the roof
luggage carrier.
Loading cargo on the roof luggage
carrier will make the center of the
vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,
sudden braking or abrupt maneu-
vers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to
failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly.
If driving for a long distance, on
rough roads, or at high speeds,
stop the vehicle now and then dur-
ing the trip to make sure the cargo
remains in its place.
Do not exceed 45 kg (100 lb.) cargo
weight on the roof luggage carrier.
NOTICE
When loading the luggages, be careful
not to scratch the surface of the
moon roof.
Use a floor mat of the correct size.
If the floor carpet and floor mat have a
hole, then it is designed for use with a
locking clip. Fix the floor mat with locking
clip into the hole in the floor carpet.
Floor mat

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
1932003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
When driving offroad or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause
loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage
to your vehicle’s suspension and
chassis.
Do not drive horizontally across
steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your ve-
hicle (or any similar offroad ve-
hicle) can tip over sideways much
more easily than forward or back-
ward.
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
breakin. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:
Avoid full throttle acceleration when
starting and driving.
Avoid racing the engine.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive slowly with the manual
transmission in a high gear.
Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800
km (500 miles).FUEL TYPE
Your new vehicle must use only un-
leaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mixups, your
Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.
The special nozzle on pumps with un-
leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-
dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will
not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use
should meet specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5M93
in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
Breakin period
Fuel