2015 TOYOTA TACOMA Owners Manual (in English)

409
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may
differ depending on the type of
vehicle or engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
■ Adding engine oil
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.

410 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil. Remove the oil filler cap, turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly.
Checking the dipstick.
Reinstall the filler cap, turning it clockwise.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to raise the level between low and
full on the dipstick is indicated as follows:
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
1.4 qt. (1.3 L, 1.1 lmp.qt.)
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 lmp.qt.)
Engine oil selection P. 525
ItemsClean funnel

411
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the follow-
ing situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle
or after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing,
or when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
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.

412 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the FULL and LOW
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
FULL line
LOW line
If the level is on or below the
LOW line, add coolant up to the
FULL line.
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.

413
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
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.
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.

414 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
Type A
The brake fluid level should be
between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
MAX line
MIN line
Type B MAX line
MIN line
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

415
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Type B only Turn the engine 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 FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 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.

416 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Power steering fluid■ Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine 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, 104°F - 175°F [40°C - 80°C])
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tem- perature, 32°F - 104°F [0°C - 40°C])
4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine 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])