Page 506 of 688
506 4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism • Can the vehicle be held securely
on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clear-
ance and correct amount of free
play?
Brakes • Not pull to one side when
applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly?
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system oper-
ate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate
properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
Page 510 of 688
510 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Light bulbs ( P. 558)• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
Power steering fluid level (P. 523) • Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding power steering fluid)
Radiator and condenser (P. 521)
Tire inflation pressure (
P. 536) • Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 527) • Water
• Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding washer fluid)
Page 523 of 688
523
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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 and funnel (only for adding fluid)
Page 573 of 688

5
When trouble arises
573
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.
Type A 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.
Page 575 of 688
5
When trouble arises
575
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
NOTICE
■
To prevent causing serious da mage to the 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
and that the installation bolts are not loose.
● 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.
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
Page 576 of 688
576 5-1. Essential information
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck from the frontUse a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck from the rear2WD models Turn the engine switch to the
ACC position.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle wheels on the ground.
Page 577 of 688
5
When trouble arises
577
5-1. Essential information
4WD models
When not using a towing dolly,
turn the engine switch to the
ACC position, shift the shift lever
to N and put the front wheel drive
control switch in 2WD.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission (4WD models)
Never tow this vehicle wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the key removed or in the LOCK position.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
Page 579 of 688

5
When trouble arises
579
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher or lower than normal
● Voltmeter continually points higher or lower than normal
● Engine oil pressure gauge continually points higher or lower
than normal
● Automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge needle con-
tinually points higher or lower than normal (if equipped)
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor