2003 TOYOTA TACOMA brake fluid

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2622003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
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.Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing doityourself 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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equiva-
lent
See Section 72 for details about en-
gine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or
equivalent
See Section 72 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)
Parts and tools

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2652003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 268
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 270
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 270
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. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 271
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 271
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. .
Checking and replacing tires 272
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 274
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. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 274
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 276
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. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 276
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SECTION 7 2

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2702003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
If either of the above parts are extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, take your vehicle to Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, be care-
ful not to touch the radiator or con-
denser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator
and condenser, do not perform the
work by yourself.
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough 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 cap by
hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cap 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 r
eservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If
you still feel uncomfortable with your
eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash
it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
Checking the radiator and
condenser Checking brake fluid

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2962003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with a pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
when the engine is stopped and after de-
press the brake pedal several times,
mm (in.):105 (4.1)
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): 16—30 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel free play: Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II
or III
Tires
Tire size Tire pressure
kPa (kgf/cm2 or bar, psi) Wheel size
Front Rear
P205/75R15 97S 200 (2.0, 29) 200 (2.0, 29)
P225/75R15 102S 180 (1.8, 26) 200 (2.0, 29) 1661/2JJ
P235/55R16 96T 200 (2.0, 29) 220 (2.2, 32) 15
7J
15 7JJ
P265/70R16 111S 180 (1.8, 26) 180 (1.8, 26) 16
7J
16 7JJ
15
6J
15 6JJ
Wheel nut torque, N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf): 11 0 ( 11 . 5 , 8 3 )
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wheels), see “Checking tire pressure” through “Aluminum wheel precautions” in Sec-
tion 72.
∗1: Double cab models∗2: Regular cab and Xtracab models
P265/70R16 111T 180 (1.8, 26) 180 (1.8, 26)∗
1
200 (2.0, 29)∗216 7JJ