2015 TOYOTA TACOMA coolant temperature

145
2
When driving
2-2. Gauges and meters
Gauges and meters
The following gauges, meters and displays illuminate when the
engine switch is in the ON position.Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
ODO/TRIP button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and hold-
ing the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being dis-
played.

147
2-2. Gauges and meters
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place, and check the engine after it has cooled completely. (
P. 508)

227
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●
Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long
downhill grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long down-
hill grades.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the
brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may
overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when
driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, immedi ately turn off the air condition-
ing (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
(  P. 508)
● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the
trailer’s wheels when parking. Ap ply the parking brake firmly, and
put the transmission in P (automatic transmission) or in 1 or R
(manual transmission). Avoid park ing on a slope, but if unavoid-
able, do so only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blo cks under both the vehicle’s
and trailer’s wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in pl ace, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P (automatic transmission) or 1 or R (manual trans-
mission) and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P (automatic transmission) or the
clutch pedal (manual transmission) depressed, start the
engine. On vehicles with an au tomatic transmission, be sure
to keep the brake pedal depressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.

402 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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 or 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, see a doctor.
■ When working near the cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch on, the cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

474
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge 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 misfire, stumbling or running rough
● 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, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

508
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
Correction proceduresStop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condition-
ing system, and then stop the engine.
If you see steam: Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides completely.
If you do not see steam: Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fan
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Toyota
dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory if
the reservoir level is between the
“FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
reservoir.Reservoir
“FULL”
“LOW”
Radiator cap
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
● The needle of the engine co olant temperature gauge (P. 145)
enters the red zone or a loss of engine power is experienced.
(For example, the vehicl e speed does not increase.)
● Steam comes out from under the hood.

545
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation,
or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire inflation
pressure
Tire pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more, or has not
been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km under
that condition
Maximum inflation
pressureThe maximum cold inflated pressure to which a
tire may be inflated, s hown on the sidewall of
the tire
Recommended
inflation pressureCold tire inflation pressure recommended by a
manufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
transmission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio and heater,
to the extent that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether installed
or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment, including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil and coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional
engine
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight

578 Alphabetical index
Daytime running light system .................................... 154
Deck Auxiliary boxes ...................... 365
Deck ...................................... 364
Deck hooks ........................... 366
Deck rails .............................. 202
Tie-down cleats ..................... 367
Detachable pole antenna......... 335
Dimension................................. 516
Dinghy towing .......................... 233
Do-it-yourself main tenance..... 400
Doors Access doors...........................39
Door glasses ...........................71
Door lock ...........................32, 35
Open door warning light ........ 479
Side doors ...............................35
Side mirrors .............................68
Downhill Assist Control
System .................................... 188
Driver’s seat belt reminder light ......................................... 479
Driver’s seat belt reminder warning buzzer ...................... 479
Driving
Break-in tips .......................... 122
Correct posture .......................80
Driving assist systems........... 191
Procedures ............................ 120
Winter driving tips.................. 209
Emergency, in case of Blown fuse............................. 444
If the engine will not start ...... 501
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P...................... 502
If the vehicle battery is discharged .......................... 504
If the warning buzzer
sounds ................................ 476
If the warning light turns on ... 476 If you have a flat tire ............. 486
If you lose your keys ............. 503
If you think something is
wrong .................................. 474
If the vehicle becomes
stuck ................................... 511
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ... 513
If your vehicle needs to be towed .................................. 467
If your vehicle overheats ....... 508
Emergency flashers Switch ................................... 466
Engine
Compartment ........................ 406
Engine switch ........................ 131
Exhaust gas .......................... 127
Hood ..................................... 404
How to start the engine ......... 131
Identification number............. 521
If the engine will not start ...... 501
Ignition switch ....................... 131
Immobilizer system ................. 77
Overheating .......................... 508
Warning light ......................... 477
Engine coolant
Capacity ................................ 527
Checking ............................... 412
Preparing and checking before winter ....................... 209
Temperature gauge .............. 145
Engine coolan t temperature
gauge ...................................... 145
Engine immobilizer system ...... 77
Engine oil Capacity ................................ 524
Checking ............................... 408
Preparing and checking before winter ....................... 209
Warning light ......................... 477
Engine switch........................... 131
Event data recorder ................... 24D
E