2012 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER Owners Manual

385
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should
be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine
oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for
information concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, as the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

386 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the F (Full) and L
(Low) lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
Full
Low
If the level is on or below the L
line, add coolant up to the F line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and
50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
serious injuries, such as burns.

388 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Turn the engine switch off.
Depress the brake pedal 20 times or more.
Remove the reservoir cap.
Add newly opened brake fluid up to the MAX line.
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
Items Rag or paper towel
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or 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 or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.
■ If you spill fluid
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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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 tem-
perature, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C])
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room temper- ature, 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

390 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
■
Checking battery fluid
Check that the level is between
the upper line and the lower line.
Upper line
Lower line
If the fluid level is at or below the
lower line, add distilled water.
■Adding distilled water
Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.
If the upper line cannot be seen, check the fluid level by looking
directly at the cell.
Put the vent plug back on and close securely.
Low O.K.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, 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.

392 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains 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 bat-
tery:
● 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.
■ Where to safety 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 not sufficient ventilation.
■ 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.