2004 TOYOTA TACOMA check engine

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
291
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 294
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 296
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 303
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 305
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
292
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
Low level Full level
Add oil O.K. Too full
2RZFE and 3RZFE engines
Low level Full level
Add oil O.K. Too full
5VZFE engine
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick. 1. To get a true reading, the vehicle should be on a level ground. After turn-
ing off the engine, wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the bottom
of the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level while holding a rag under the
end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop the engine oil
on the vehicle components.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick. We recommend that you use
a funnel when adding oil.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-
erence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the filler cap hand− tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.): 2RZ− FE and 3RZ −FE engines
1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
5VZ− FE engine
Tw o −wheel drive models except Pre
Runner 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
Four −wheel drive models and Pre
Runner 1.2 (1.3, 1.1)
Checking the engine oil level

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
293
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
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 filled 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 “Energy −Conserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil Recommended viscosity:
SAE 5W −30
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

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
294
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
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 5W−30. “Energy −
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel −saving 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, “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all
Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil”. 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 the coolant. (For
the coolant type, see “Coolant type
selection” described below.)
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.
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.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Checking the engine coolant
level

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
295
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non−silicate, non −amine, non− nitrite,
and non− borate coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology consists of the combination of
low phosphates and organic acids.)
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre −
mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. This coolant provides protec-
tion down to about −35 C ( −31 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Toyota recommends “Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” which has been tested to
ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor
result in malfunction of your engine
coolant system with proper usage. “Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant” is formulated
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology and has been specifically
designed to avoid engine cooling system
malfunction on Toyota vehicles.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details. If either of the above parts are extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, take your vehicle to a 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.
Checking the radiator and
condenser

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
297
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
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.
Checking power steering fluid Checking tire inflation
pressure

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
309
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
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

’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
324
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
Recommended oil viscosity:SAE 5W −30
Outside temperature
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Tw o −wheel drive models except Pre
Runner
With manual transmission2RZ− FE engine 8.0 (8.5, 7.0)
5VZ− FE engine 9.7 (10.3, 8.5)
With automatic transmission 2RZ− FE engine 7.8 (8.2, 6.9) Four
−wheel drive models and Pre
Runner
With manual transmission3RZ− FE engine 8.3 (8.8, 7.3)
5VZ− FE engine 10.1 (10.7, 8.9)
With automatic transmission 3RZ− FE engine 8.2 (8.7, 7.2)
5VZ− FE engine 10.0 (10.5, 8.8)
Coolant type: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
filled in your Toyota vehicle at factory
fill. In order to avoid technical problems,
only use “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non −silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non− borate coolant with
long− life hybrid organic acid technology.
Do not use 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.): 2RZ− FE engine 2.6 (2.7, 2.3)
3RZ− FE engine 2.5 (2.6, 2.2)
5VZ− FE engine
Tw o −wheel drive models
2.6 (2.7, 2.3)
Four −wheel drive models
2.2 (2.3, 1.9)
Oil type: Gear Oil API GL−4 or GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W −90