2003 TOYOTA TACOMA automatic transmission fluid

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
62003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
Seat belt reminder light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Low fuel level warning light∗1
Brake system warning light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Antilock brake system warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
or
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning
light∗1
Unengaged “Park” warning light∗1
Low windshield washer fluid level warning
light∗1
Headlight high beam indicator light
Overdriveoff indicator light Turn signal indicator lights
Driving pattern (POWER mode) indicator light
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

’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)
2262003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in “P”
(automatic) or neutral (manual) and ap-
ply the parking brake. Turn off the air
conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Visually check to see if the enginedrive belt (fan belt) is broken or loose.
Look for obvious coolant leaks from the
radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the engine drive belt is broken or thecoolant is leaking, stop the engine im-
mediately. Call a Toyota dealer for as-
sistance.
5. If the engine drive belt is O.K. and there are no obvious leaks, you may
help the engine cool down more quickly
by running it at about 1500 rpm for a
few minutes with the accelerator pedal
lightly depressed.
6. Check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the
engine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine and radiator are
hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
7. After the engine coolant temperaturehas cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You s hould have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2542003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all seat controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly and that all latches lock securely
in any position. Check that the head re-
straints move up and down smoothly and
that the locks hold securely in any latched
position. For foldingdown seatback
(bench seat) and rear seatback (rear split
bench seat), check that the latches lock
securely.Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever (floor shift type) for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline,
check that your vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in “P” position and
all brakes released.
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Section 73 for additional in-
formation.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the “F” and “L” lines on the seethrough
reservoir when the engine is cold. See
Section 72 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt, or insects. See in Section
72 for additional information.

’03 Tacoma U (L/O 0209)
2612003 MY TACOMA (OM35800U)
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 advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine
compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold, power steering
fluid reservoir and spark plug
boots, etc.—will be hot. So be care-
ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids
and spark plugs may also be hot.
If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the drain
plugs to prevent burning yourself.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flammable.
Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to flying
or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your
skin, wash thoroughly with soap
and water.
Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cables carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
 Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
 Do not pry the outer electrode of a
spark plug against the center elec-
trode.
 Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
 Do not overfill automatic transmis-
sion fluid, or the transmission
could be damaged.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.

’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)
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)
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.