2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER check engine

IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
It is especially important to both
routinely check your vehicle’s engine oil
level (once a month) and regularly
replace the engine oil and oil filter (see
the Maintenance Log section of this
booklet to determine how often you
should change your vehicle’s oil and
filter). Failure to do so can cause oil
starvation and or oil gelling, which can
result in severe damage to your vehicle
and require costly repairs that are not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Maintenance Records
Maintaining your vehicle according to the
recommendations in this booklet is
required to ensure that your warranty
coverage remains intact. You should keep
detailed records of vehicle maintenance,
including date of service, mileage at time
of service and a description of service
and/or parts installation performed. The
scheduled maintenance log in this booklet
can help you document this information. If
you sell your vehicle, be sure to give your
maintenance records to the new owner.
Toyota will not deny a warranty claim
solely because you do not have records to
show that you maintained your vehicle.
However, damage or failure caused by lack
of proper maintenance are not covered
under warranty.
Maintenance Providers
Maintenance and repair services may be
performed by you or by any automotive
service provider you choose. Toyota will
not deny a warranty claim solely because
you used a service provider other than a
Toyota dealership for maintenance and
repairs. However, damage or failure
caused by improper maintenance or
repairs are not covered under warranty.
Dealer-Recommended
Maintenance
Your dealer may recommend more
frequent maintenance intervals or more
maintenance services than those listed in
the scheduled maintenance log. These
additional services are not required to
maintain your warranty coverage. Ask your
dealer to explain any recommended
maintenance not included in the scheduled
maintenance log.
For a complete description of Toyota
warranty coverages, see the Warranty
Information portion of this booklet.
Maintaining Your Warranty
34Maintenance Log
MAINTENANCE

Special Operating Conditions
In addition to standard maintenance items,
the maintenance log indicates services that
should be performed on vehicles that are
driven under especially demanding
conditions. These “special operating
conditions” and their required maintenance
items are clearly indicated in each chart.
NOTE:You should perform these
additional maintenance services only if
the majority of your driving is done
under the special operating conditions
indicated. If you only occasionally
drive under these circumstances, it is
not necessary to perform the
additional services.
Engine Oil Selection
Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for
the specific oil viscosity rating
recommended for your vehicle/engine
type.
Additional Maintenance
In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your Toyota requires ongoing general
maintenance such as fluid checks and
visual inspections. These procedures are
explained in the Vehicle Maintenance and
Care section of the
Owner’s Manual.Be
sure to perform these procedures regularly
to ensure the most trouble-free operation
of your vehicle.
SuperChrome and Alloy Wheel
Care
If you purchased genuine Toyota
accessory Aluminum Alloy Wheels, follow
these cleaning guidelines to maintain the
appearance of your alloy wheels:
• If wheels are hot, wait for them to
cool
before washing.
• Use a soft sponge or cotton cloth to
apply
the

same mild car-wash soap as
used for the vehicle body. Quickly
rinse off with water. Use a soft cloth
to apply the same car wax as used for
the vehicle body.
• DO NOT USE: Any kind of chemical
based
cleaners,

alcohol, solvents,
gasoline, steam cleaners, scouring
pads, wire brushes, or coarse
abrasives to clean your wheels.
Using the Maintenance Log Charts
36Maintenance Log
MAINTENANCE

I
n addition to the maintenance items
indicated for each mileage/month
interval, you should perform certain
inspections daily when you drive off-road.
Whenever you take your vehicle off-road
through deep sand, mud or water, perform
these inspections every day:
• Check ball joints and dust covers
• Check brake lines and hoses
• Check brake pads/disc
• Check differential oil
• Check drive shaft boots
• Check engine air filter
• Check nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
• Check steering linkage and boots
• Check transfer case oil (4WD models)
• Check transmission fluid or oil
• Lubricate propeller shaft (4WD
models)
Off-Road Daily Maintenance
Maintenance Log37
MAINTENANCE

5,000 miles or 6 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matInspect and adjust all fluid levelsRotate tiresVisually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for
Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Inspect ball joints and dust coversInspect drive shaft boots (4WD)Inspect engine air filterInspect steering linkage and bootsLubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Driving while towing, using a car-top
carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:
Lubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Repeated trips of less than five miles in
temperatures below 32°F / 0°C:
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Extensive idling and/or low speed driving
for a long distance such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use:
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
10,000 miles or 12 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matInspect and adjust all fluid levelsReplace engine oil and oil filter1
Rotate tiresVisually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for
Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Inspect ball joints and dust coversInspect drive shaft boots (4WD)Inspect engine air filterInspect steering linkage and bootsLubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Driving while towing, using a car-top
carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:
Lubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
Maintenance Log
MAINTENANCE
38Maintenance Log

15,000 miles or 18 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matClean cabin air filterInspect and adjust all fluid levelsLubricate propeller shaft
Re-torque propeller shaft boltRotate tiresVisually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Note:If 0W-20 oil WAS NOT used at the last oil change, replace engine oil and oil filter.1
Inspect the following:
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive shaft boots (4WD)
__ Engine coolant
4
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings __ Front differential oil (4WD)
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
Note:
Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may
shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice
reduced air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily
when you use the Freshmode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Inspect engine air filterReplace engine oil and oil filter1
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Replace front differential oil (4WD)Replace rear differential oilTighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32°F / 0°C:Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use:
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (“MAINT REQD”) or the message “OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” on the
multi-information display after maintenance at every 5,000 miles.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.3Includes operating on roads which road salt has been applied.4Refer to “Engine Coolant” in the “Explanation of Maintenance Items” section in the back of this guide for more
information.
Maintenance Log
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Log39

20,000 miles or 24 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matInspect and adjust all fluid levelsReplace engine oil and oil filter1
Rotate tiresVisually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for
Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Inspect ball joints and dust coversInspect drive shaft boots (4WD)Inspect engine air filterInspect steering linkage and bootsLubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Driving while towing, using a car-top
carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:
Lubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
25,000 miles or 30 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matInspect and adjust all fluid levelsRotate tiresVisually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Note: If 0W-20 oil WAS NOT used at
the last oil change, replace engine oil
and oil filter.
1
Additional Maintenance Items for
Special Operating Conditions2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Inspect ball joints and dust coversInspect drive shaft boots (4WD)Inspect engine air filterInspect steering linkage and bootsLubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Driving while towing, using a car-top
carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:
Lubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Repeated trips of less than five miles in
temperatures below 32°F / 0°C:
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Extensive idling and/or low speed driving
for a long distance such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use:
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
Maintenance Log
MAINTENANCE
40Maintenance Log

30,000 miles or 36 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matInspect and adjust all fluid levelsLubricate propeller shaftRe-torque propeller shaft boltReplace cabin air filterReplace engine air filterReplace engine oil and oil filter1
Rotate tires
Inspect the following:
__ Automatic transmission fluid
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Brake linings/drums and brakepads/discs
4
__ Drive shaft boots (4WD)
__ Engine coolant5
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Front differential oil (4WD) __ Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank
band and fuel tank vapor vent system
hoses
__ Fuel tank cap gasket
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
__ Transfer case oil (4WD)
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Replace transfer case oil (4WD)Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:Replace front differential oil (4WD)Replace rear differential oilReplace transfer case oil (4WD)Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (“MAINT REQD”) or the message “OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” on the
multi-information display after maintenance at every 5,000 miles.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.3Includes operating on roads which road salt has been applied.4Inspect thickness measurement and disc runout.5Refer to “Engine Coolant” in the “Explanation of Maintenance Items” section in the back of this guide for more
information.
Maintenance Log
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Log41

35,000 miles or 42 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matInspect and adjust all fluid levelsRotate tiresVisually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Note: If 0W-20 oil WAS NOT used at
the last oil change, replace engine oil
and oil filter.
1
Additional Maintenance Items for
Special Operating Conditions2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Inspect ball joints and dust coversInspect drive shaft boots (4WD)Inspect engine air filterInspect steering linkage and bootsLubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Driving while towing, using a car-top
carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:
Lubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Repeated trips of less than five miles in
temperatures below 32°F / 0°C:
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
Extensive idling and/or low speed driving
for a long distance such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use:
Replace engine oil and oil filter1
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
40,000 miles or 48 months
Check installation of driver’s floor matInspect and adjust all fluid levelsReplace engine oil and oil filter1
Rotate tiresVisually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for
Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:Inspect ball joints and dust coversInspect drive shaft boots (4WD)Inspect engine air filterInspect steering linkage and bootsLubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
Driving while towing, using a car-top
carrier, or heavy vehicle loading:
Lubricate propeller shaft3
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt3
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and
body
DEALERSERVICEVERIFICATION:
D
AT E:
M
ILEAGE:
Maintenance Log
MAINTENANCE
42Maintenance Log