2012 TOYOTA HILUX brake fluid

161 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
NOTICE
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (4WD models), differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

472 4-2. Maintenance
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
tioning system after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon mon-
oxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal or clutch pedal,
pedal almost touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.

476 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
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, consult a doctor.
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in your eyes.

477 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine com-
partment.
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 problem.

5
547
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal.
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 roughly
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, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

5
549
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light tur ns on or a warning buzzer sounds
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any
authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Brake system warning light
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.
• Low negative pressure in the vacuum tank
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes
off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.
However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle inspected by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.

5
551 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Warning lightWarning light/Details
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system (vehicles with VSC system)
(flashes)
and
VSC OFF and slip indicator lights (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in:
• Vehicle stability control; or
• Traction control
(flashes rapidly)
Four-wheel drive indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system
(P. 211)
(flashes)
Cruise control indicator light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system
(P. 202)
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning
light (if equipped)
Indicates that the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is too high.
Timing belt replacement warning light
Indicates that the timing belt should be replaced

610 6-1. Specifications
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Clutch
Brakes
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 490 N (50 kgf,
110 lbf) while the engine is running
*2: Parking brake lever travel when pulled up with a force of 200 N (20.4 kgf,
45.0 lbf)
Pedal free play 5  15 mm (0.2  0.6 in.)
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or
SAE J1704 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4
Pedal
clearance
*1
Left-hand
drive vehiclesWithout
VSC85 mm (3.3 in.)
With VSC79 mm (3.1 in.)
Right-hand
drive vehiclesWithout
VSC89 mm (3.5 in.)
With VSC83 mm (3.3 in.)
Pedal free play1.0  6.0 mm
(0.04  0.24 in.)
Parking brake lever travel*27 9 clicks
Fluid type
SAE J1703 or FMVSS
No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1704
or FMVSS No.116 DOT 4