2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER Owners Manual

261
4−1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
 Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
CAUTION
 Water in the vehicle
 Be careful not to splash or spill liquid on the floor.
Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(P. 7 3 )
Electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or severe injury.
NOTICE
 Cleaning detergents
Do not use organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, acidic or alka−
line solutions, dye, bleach or other detergent. Doing so may discolor the
vehicle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
 Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces.
 Remove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
 Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or that contain wax on the uphol−
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
 Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and
may also cause the body to rust.

262 4−1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
 Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.

263
4
Maintenance and care
4−2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
 Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repair to ensure
performance of each system. If non−Toyota parts are used in replacement or
if a repair shop other than Toyota deal
er performs repairs, confirm the war−
ranty coverage. To ensure safe and economical driv ing, daytoday care and regular
maintenance is essential. It is the owner ’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Toyota recommends the following maintenance.
 General maintenance
Should be performed on a daily basis. This can be done by your−
self or by a Toyota dealer.
 Scheduled maintenance
Should be performed at specified intervals according to the
maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supplement”.
 Doityourself maintenance
You can perform some maintenance procedures yourself.
Please be aware that do−it−yourself maintenance may affect war−
ranty coverage.
The use of Toyota Repair Manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, see the separate “Owner ’s
y Warrant Information Booklet”, “Owner ’s Manual Supplement”.

264 4−2. Maintenance
 Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer
 Toyota technicians are well−trained specialists and are kept up to date
with the latest service information. They are well informed about the
operations of all systems on your vehicle.
 Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly
take care of it.
CAUTION
 Warning in handling of battery
 Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
 Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor−
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.
 Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. (
P. 283)

265
4−2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
Items Check points
Battery Maintenance−free. ( P. 283)
Brake fluid At the correct level? ( P. 280)
Engine coolant At the correct level? ( P. 279)
Engine oil At the correct level? ( P. 275)
Exhaust system No fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluid At the correct level? (
P. 282)
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
(
P. 280)
Washer fluid At the correct level? (
P. 286)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per
formed at the intervals specified
in the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supp lement”. It is recommended that
any problem you notice should be brought to the attention of your
Toyota dealer or qualifie
d service shop for advice.

266 4−2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
Items Check points
Accelerator pedalMoves smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanismCan the vehicle be hold securely
on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedalMoves smoothly?
Does it have appropriate clear−
ance and correct amount of free
play?
BrakesNot pull to one side when
applied?
Loss of brake effectiveness?
Spongy feeling brake pedal?
Pedal almost touches floor?
Clutch pedalMoves smoothly?
Does it have correct amount of
free play?
Head restraintsMove smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzersFunction properly?
LightsDo all the lights come on?
Headlights aimed correctly?
( P. 314)
Parking brakeMoves smoothly?
Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat beltsDoes the seat belt system oper−
ate smoothly?
Are the belts undamaged?
SeatsDo the seat controls operate
properly?

267
4−2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Vehicle exterior
Steering wheel
Moves smoothly?
Has correct free play?
No strange noises?
Items Check points
DoorOperate smoothly?
Engine hoodThe lock system works properly?
Fluid leaksIs there any leakage after park−
ing?
Ti reInflation pressure is correct?
Tire surfaces not worn or dam−
aged?
Tires rotated according to the
maintenance schedule?
Wheel nuts are not loose?
CAUTION
 If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per−
forming maintenance checks.
ItemsCheck points

268
4−2. Maintenance
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emissi on inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system moni
tors the operation of th
e emission control system.
 If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere
in the emission control system.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/
M test and may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer
to service the vehicle.
 Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
 When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are se t during ordinary driving are
erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes
may not be completely set.

When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal−
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

When the malfunction indicator lamp goes off after several
driving trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
 If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re−testing.