Page 461 of 636
4Maintenance and care
461
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ......... 462
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .......... 466
4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements................... 470
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ..................... 474
Hood ................................. 478
Engine compartment......... 480
Tires .................................. 496
Tire inflation pressure ....... 500
Wheels .............................. 502
Air conditioning filter ......... 504
Wireless remote control
battery............................. 506
Checking and replacing
fuses ............................... 509
Light bulbs ........................ 525
Page 464 of 636

464 4-1. Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
NOTICE
To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)
Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.
Cleaning the exterior lights
Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
Page 468 of 636

468 4-1. Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
NOTICE
Cleaning detergents
Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alcohol
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:
Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.
Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.
Page 475 of 636
475 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
ItemsParts and tools
Fuses (P. 509)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Light bulbs (P. 525)
• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Wrench
Radiator, condenser and
intercooler
(P. 488)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 500)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 493)
• Water or washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding
water or washer fluid)
Page 477 of 636
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.
Page 478 of 636
478
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood lock release
lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the auxiliary catch
lever and lift the hood.
Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the supporting rod into the
slot.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
Page 491 of 636

491 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
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.
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.
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.
Page 495 of 636
495 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
HILUX_EE (OM0K132E)
Draining the fuel filter water
The water in the fuel filter must be drained immediately when the fuel
system warning light flashes.
Place a small tray under the drain plug or drain hose to catch
the water.
Turn the drain plug about 2 to
2 1/2 turns.
Loosening more than this will
cause water oozing from around
the drain plug.
Operate the priming pump
until the fuel begins to run out.
After draining, retighten the drain plug. Do not use a tool.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3