2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER check oil

15Pictorial index
4RUNNER (U)
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 422
Tire size/inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 528
Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 329
Checking/rotation/tire pressur e warning system . . . . . . . . .P. 422
Coping with flat tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 489
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 407
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 407
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 523
Coping with overheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 514
Headlights/daytime running lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 225
Front side marker lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 225
Front turn signal/parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 225
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 234
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 223
Stop/tail lights/rear side marker lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 225
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 225
Back-up lights
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 218
6
7
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 449, Wattages: P. 529)
*: Vehicles with a smart key system
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

842. Instrument cluster
4RUNNER (U)
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON
mode (vehicles with a smart key system) or the engine switch is turned to
the “ON” position (vehicles without a smart key system) to indi cate that a
system check is being performed. They will turn off after the engine is
started, or after a few seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if
the lights do not come on, or do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Toyota dealer.
*2: This light flashes to indicate a malfunction.
*3: This light flashes rapidly to indicate a malfunction.
*4: This light flashes continuously to indicate a malfunction.
*5: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
*6: This light flashes or illuminates to indicate a malfunction.
*1, 6PCS warning light
( P. 478)*1Power steering warning
light ( P. 476)
*5
(Amber)
LDA indicator ( P. 478)
*1Master warning light
(P. 484)
Open door warning light
(P. 476)*1Tire pressure warning
light ( P. 478)
Low fuel level warning
light (P. 477)
(if equipped)
Unengaged “Park” warn-
ing light ( P. 476)
Seat belt reminder light
(P. 477)*1
(if equipped)
KDSS warning light
(P. 476)
*5
Low engine oil pressure
warning light ( P. 474)*1, 2
(if equipped)
Automatic running
boards indicator light
(P. 476)

1854-1. Before driving
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. D oing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle i s flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (4WD models), differentials, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspe nsion joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc .

3374-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
4RUNNER (U)
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine d amage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deteriorat ion in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibrati on, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams , first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmn ess. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around bra ke
discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system compo-
nents.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-r oad driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or wat er. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Main tenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

4006-2. Maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
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 “Own er’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 s ervice shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections. (P. 417)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( P. 414)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level? ( P. 412)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 410)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Power steering fluidIs the power steering fluid at the correct level?
(P. 416)
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. ( P. 414)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 420)

4106-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to dra in
back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
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.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
6

4116-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
4RUNNER (U)■
Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.
Remove the oil fille r cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may ne ed to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
● When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing t he 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 t owing, or
when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selection P. 523
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.8 qt. (1.7 L, 1.5 Imp. qt.)
Items
Clean funnel
1
2
3

4126-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4RUNNER (U)
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line
If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(P. 514)
WARNING
■ Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so c are
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 sewe rs or onto the
ground.
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store fo r information
concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the v ehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
Engine coolant
1
2
3