Page 553 of 720

5537-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
If the level is on or below the “L” line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
( P. 654)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non- nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -35 C [-31F])
For more details about engine coolant, contact any authorized Toyota retailer
or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir cap, drain cock
and water pump. If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota retailer
or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer test the cap and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
Gasoline engineDiesel engine
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line1
2
3
Page 554 of 720

5547-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
Check the radiator, condenser and intercooler and clear away any for-
eign objects. If any of the above parts is extremely dirty or you are not
sure of their condition, have your vehicle inspected by any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
WARNING
■ When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap or the engine coolant reservoir 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 coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight 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 it from damaging parts or paint.
■ Notice on coolant quality
Do not use improper coolant. If improper coolant is used, the engine cooling
system may be damaged.
Radiator, condenser and intercooler (if equipped)
WARNING
■ When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser or intercooler as they may be hot and
cause serious injuries, such as burns.
Page 555 of 720
5557-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Check the battery as follows.
■Caution symbols
The meanings of each caution symbol on the top of the battery are
as follows:
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
Battery
No smoking, no naked
flames, no sparksBattery acid
Shield eyesNote operating
instructions
Keep away from
childrenExplosive gas
1
2
Page 556 of 720
5567-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
■Checking battery fluid (vehicles with maintenance type bat-
tery)
If there are lines on the side of the battery:
Check that the level is between the upper and lower lines.
Upper line
Lower line
If the fluid level is at or below the
lower line, add distilled water.
If there are not lines on the side of the battery:
Check the fluid level as follows.
Remove the vent plug.
Check the fluid level by look-
ing directly at the cell.
If the fluid level is low, add dis-
tilled water.
Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.
■Adding distilled water (vehicles with maintenance type bat-
tery)
Remove the vent plug.
Add distilled water.
Put the vent plug back on and close it securely.
1
2
1
Low O.K.2
3
1
2
3
Page 557 of 720

5577-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
■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.
■ After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with smart entry &
start system)
The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.
Shift the shift lever to P (automat ic transmission) or depress the brake
pedal with the shift lever in N (manual transmission).
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the engine.
● Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possi-
ble immediately after reconnecting the battery. If this happens, use the wire-
less remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
● Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine
may not start with the engine switch turned off. However, the engine will
operate normally from the second attempt.
● The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the status it was in
before the battery was disconnected. Make sure to turn off the engine
before disconnect the battery. Take extra care when connecting the battery
if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■ If a symbol of a battery is shown on the multi-information display (if
equipped)
There is a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repai rer, or any reliable repairer. Continu-
ing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
1
2
3
Page 558 of 720

5587-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
WARNING
■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 w here there is insufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the battery (vehicles with maintenance-free type bat-
tery)
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
■ Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
● If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
● When there is insufficient battery fluid
Do not use if there is insufficient fluid in the battery. There is a possible
danger that the battery may explode.
■ When disconnecting the battery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) terminal on the body. The disconnected
negative (-) terminal may touch the positive (+) terminal, which may cause a
short and result in death or serious injury.
Page 559 of 720

5597-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
7
Maintenance and care
Add washer fluid in the following
situations:
● A washer does not work.
● The warning message appears
on the multi-information display
(if equipped).
NOTICE
■ When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
■ When adding distilled water (vehicles with maintenance type battery)
Avoid overfilling. Water spilled duri ng battery recharging may cause corro-
sion.
Washer fluid
WARNING
■ When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fi re if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures list ed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.
Page 560 of 720

5607-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
HILUX_OM_OM0K322E_(EE)
You may drain the fuel filter yourself. However, as the operation is dif-
ficult, we recommend having it drained by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Even if
you decide to drain it yourself, contact any authorized Toyota retailer
or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
The water in the fuel filter needs to be drained if one of the following
symptoms occurs:
Vehicles without multi-information display
When the fuel system warning light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
( P. 612)
Vehicles with multi-information display
When “WATER ACCUMULATION IN FUEL FILTER SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL”/“Water accumulation in fuel filter See owner’s
manual” is shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer
sounds*1.
Vehicles without smart entry & start system: Turn the engine switch
to the “LOCK” position.
Vehicles with smart entry & start system: Turn the engine switch off.
Place a small tray under the drain plug or drain hose to catch the
water and any fuel that comes out.
Perform the draining as shown in the illustration.
Turn the drain plug counter-
clockwise 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 fuel begins to run out.
After draining, tighten the drain plug by hand.
*1: Models for model code destination Blank*2
*2: See “Checking your vehicle’s model” if you are not sure of which model
your vehicle is. ( P. 1 1 )
Fuel filter (diesel engine only)
1
2
3
1
2
4