2009 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER steering

281
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Maintenance-free. ( P. 299)
Brake fluid At the correct level? ( P. 296)
Engine coolant At the correct level? ( P. 295)
Engine oil At the correct level? ( P. 291)
Exhaust system No fumes or strange sounds?
Power steering fluid At the correct level? ( P. 298)
Radiator/condenser/hoses Not blocked with foreign matter?
(
P. 296)
Washer fluid At the correct level? ( P. 302)
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 qualified service shop for advice.

283
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Vehicle exterior
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
ItemsCheck points
Door • Operate smoothly?
Engine hood • The lock system works properly?
Fluid leaks • Is there any leakage after park-
ing?
Tire • Inflation 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

286 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Light bulbs ( P. 331)• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
Power steering fluid level (P. 298) • Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
Radiator and condenser (P. 296) 
Tire inflation pressure (
P. 309) • Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 302) • Water
• Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)

290
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compar tment
Washer fluid tank (P. 302)
Power steering fluid reservoir ( P. 298)
Radiator cap
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 291)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 295)Engine oil filler cap
( P. 291)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 296)
Fuse box ( P. 320)
Battery ( P. 299)
Condenser ( P. 296)
Radiator ( P. 296)
5214
910
6873

298 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid■ Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid
temperature, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C])
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tem- perature, 50°F - 85°F[10°C - 30°C])
■ Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid type Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
Items Rag or paper towel

299
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Battery
■ Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
CAUTION
■Checking the fluid level
Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.
NOTICE
■When adding fluid
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.
■ After replacing the reservoir cap
Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.

5
When trouble arises
341
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for
short distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Towing eyelet
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
The wheels and axle on the groun d must be in good condition.
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

342 5-1. Essential information
■Emergency towin g procedure
The engine switch must be in the ACC (engine off) or the ON
(engine running) position.
4WD models with an automatic transmission: Shift the front-wheel
drive control lever in H2.
4WD models with a manual transmission: Unlock the center differ-
ential.
Put the shift lever in N.
Release the parking brake.
CAUTION
■ Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains.
● If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
■ Emergency towing eyelet precautions
● Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not broken or damaged.
● Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet.
● Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
● To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or at a vertical
angle. Always pull straight ahead.