2003 TOYOTA TACOMA check engine

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2672003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
NOTICE
Be careful not to spill the engine
oil on the vehicle components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is f illed in
your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
to satisfy the following grade and
viscosity.
Oil grade:
API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil Recommended viscosity:
SAE 5W30
Outside temperature
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for good
fuel economy and good starting in cold
weather.
If SAE 5W30 is not available, SAE
10W30 may be used. However, it
should be replaced with SAE 5W30 at
the next oil change.
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark

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2682003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SL. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W30. “Energy
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuelsaving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.
To ensure excellent lubrication perfor-
mance for your engine, the “Toyota
Genuine Motor Oil” range is available,
which has been specifically tested and
approved for all Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details of the “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil” range.Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “F” and “L” lines on the reservoir.
If the level is low, add ethyleneglycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the “F” line.
Always use ethyleneglycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. See information in the
next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, radiator cap and drain
cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
Checking the engine coolant
level

’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)
2712003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
If cold addIf cold O.K.
If hot add If hot O.K.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If
necessary, add automatic transmission
fluid DEXRON II or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (40 C—80 C or 104 F—175 F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
0 C—40 C or 32 F—104 F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.
a. Clean all dirt from outside of the reser- voir tank.
b. Remove the reservoir cap by turning it counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick
clean. c. Reinstall the reservoir cap
d. Remove the reservoir cap again and look at the fluid level. If the fluid is
cold, the level should be in the “COLD”
range on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is
hot, the fluid level should be in the
“HOT” range. If the level is at the low
side of either range, add automatic
transmission fluid DEXRON II or III to
bring the level within the range.
e. After replacing the reservoir cap, visu- ally check the steering box case, vane
pump and hose connections for leaks
or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
Keep your tire pressures at the proper
level.
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire
size and the cargo weight rating are given
in Section 8. Tire size and pressure are
also on the tire pressure label as shown.
You should check the tire pressures every
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
do not forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure may waste fuel,
reduce the comfort of driving, reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.
If a tire frequently needs ref illing, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
Checking power steering fluid Checking tire pressure

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2792003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
NOTICE
Be sure the engine and all accesso-
ries are off before performing main-
tenance.
 When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negative
terminal (“” mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short cir-
cuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the
battery when washing it.
Ty p e A
Green Dark Clear or
light yellow
Ty p e B Blue White Red
CHECKING BY INDICATOR
Check the battery condition by the indi-
cator color.
Indicator color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e B
GreenBlueGood
DarkWhite
Charging necessary.
Have battery checked
by your Toyota
dealer.
Clear orlight
yellow
Red
Have battery checked
by your Toyota
dealer.
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may ex-
plode, causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
—Checking battery fluid Battery recharging precautions

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2942003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Fourwheel drive models and Pre
RunnerWith manual transmission3RZFE engine 8.3 (8.8, 7.3)
5VZFE engine 10.1 (10.7, 8.9)
With automatic transmission 3RZFE engine 8.2 (8.7, 7.2)
5VZFE engine 10.0 (10.5, 8.8)
Coolant type: “Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” is
filled in your Toyota vehicle. In order to
avoid technical problems, we strongly
recommend using “Toyota Genuine Long
Life Coolant” or equivalent.
With ethyleneglycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details. BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20
°C (68 °F):
12.6—12.8 V Fully charged
12.2—12.4 V Half charged
11.8—12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes
after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
CLUTCH
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 5—15 (0.2—0.6)
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 2RZFE engine 2.6 (2.7, 2.3)
3RZFE engine 2.5 (2.6, 2.2)
5VZFE engineTwowheel drive models 2.6 (2.7, 2.3)
Fourwheel drive models 2.2 (2.3, 1.9)
Oil type: Gear Oil API GL4 or GL5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W90 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Fluid capacity (drain and ref
ill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Twowheel drive models except Pre
RunnerUp to 2.4 (2.5, 2.1)
Fourwheel drive models and Pre Run-
ner Up to 2.0 (2.1, 1.8)
Fluid type:
2RZFE engine—Toyota Genuine ATF DII or
DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
3RZFE and 5VZFE engines—
Toyota Genuine ATF Type TIV
Change automatic transmission fluid
only as necessary.

’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