Page 505 of 680
505
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
MAX
MIN
■ Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.
■ Refilling brake fluid
Vehicles without a smart key system
Turn the engine switch off.
Vehicles with a smart key system
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off.
Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.
Remove the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake fluid up to the
“MAX” line.
If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may over-
flow.
CTH43AS120
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Page 506 of 680
506 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking
efficiency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious proble\
m.
Page 507 of 680
507
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
Power steering fluid
■ Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine 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 tem-
perature, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C]).
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tempera- ture, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C]).
CTH43AS130
CTH43AS016
Page 508 of 680
508 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U■
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 the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
CAUTION
■When checking the reservoir
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.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Page 509 of 680
509
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
Battery
Check the battery as follows:
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
CTH43AS118
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:
● If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.
Page 510 of 680

510 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U
■After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with smart key sys-
tem)
● Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible
immediately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the engine with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCES-
SORY mode. The engine may not start with the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch turned OFF. However, the engine will operate normally from the
second attempt.
● The “ENGINE START STOP” switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If
the battery is reconnected, the vehicle will return the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch mode to the status it was in before the battery was discon-
nected. Make sure to turn off the engine before disconnect the battery.
Take extra care when connecting the battery if the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.
CAUTION
■ Chemicals in the battery
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the
battery:
● Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
● Keep children away from the battery.
Page 511 of 680

511
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER_U
CAUTION
■
Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
Page 512 of 680
512 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER_U
Washer fluidTy p e A If any washer does not work or
the low washer fluid warning light
comes on, the washer tank may
be empty. Add washer fluid.
Ty p e B If the washer fluid level is at
“LOW ” , add washer fluid.
CTH43AS119
CTH43AS071
■Using the gauge (Type B only)
The washer fluid level can be checked by
observing the position of the level on the
liquid-covered holes in the gauge.
If the level falls below the second hole
from the bottom (the “LOW” position),
refill the washer fluid.
CTH43AS134
Current
fluid level