Page 342 of 528
3426-2. Maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections. (P. 360)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? (P. 357)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level? (P. 355)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 352)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Power steering fluidIs the power steering fluid at the correct level?
(P. 359)
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. (P. 356)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 363)
Page 343 of 528

3436-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly
(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,
is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? (P. 467)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? (P. 467)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the
floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is
on, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount
of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.
Page 347 of 528
3476-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
Fuses (P. 382)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs (P. 385)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as
original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Power steering fluid
level (P. 359)• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel• Clean funnel
Radiator and con-
denser (P. 356)
Tire inflation pressure
(P. 371)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 363)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for
winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer
fluid)
ItemsParts and tools
Page 350 of 528
3506-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
Engine compartment
Washer fluid tank (P. 363)
Power steering fluid reservoir
(P. 359)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 352)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 355)
Engine oil filler cap (P. 353)Brake fluid reservoir
(P. 357)
Fuse box (P. 382)
Battery (P. 360)
Condenser (P. 356)
Radiator (P. 356)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 359 of 528
3596-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)■
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 min-
utes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid tempera-
ture, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C]).
Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tempera-
ture, 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 the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Power steering fluid
1
2
3
4
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
1
2
3
4
5
Page 360 of 528
3606-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)
Check the battery as follows.
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
■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 disconnect
the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the battery.
CAUTION
■When checking the reservoir
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.
Battery
1
2
Page 390 of 528
3906-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)■
Front turn signal/parking light
Turn the steering wheel in
the opposite direction of the
front turn signal light and
parking light that you wish to
replace.
For example, if you wish to
replace the front turn signal light
and parking light on the right
side, turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Remove the fender liner
screws.
Partly remove the fender
liner.
1
2
3
Page 392 of 528
3926-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)_(OM35B23U)■
Front side marker lights
Turn the steering wheel in
the opposite direction of the
front side marker light that
you wish to replace.
For example, if you wish to
replace the front side marker
light on the right side, turn the
steering wheel to the left.
Remove the fender liner
screws.
Partly remove the fender
liner.
1
2
3