2021 TOYOTA TACOMA coolant level

942. Instrument cluster
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position(vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode (vehi cles
with a smart key system) to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. 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 com e on, or if
the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
for details.
*1, 3, 5PCS warning light
( P. 478)*4
(U.S.A.)
ABS warning light
(P. 485)
*2, 4, 5
(Yellow)
LDA indicator ( P. 478)
*4
(Canada)
ABS warning light
(P. 485)
*4
(U.S.A.)
Brake system warning
light ( P. 483)
*2, 4
Slip indicator ( P. 485)
*4
(Canada)
Brake system warning
light (P. 483)
*4, 5Tire pressure warning
light (P. 485)
*4Automatic transmission
fluid temperature warn-
ing light ( P. 484)*4Brake Override System/
Drive-Start Control warn-
ing light
(P. 486, 487, 497)
*4High engine coolant tem-
perature warning light
(P. 484)*4Low engine oil level
warning light ( P. 486)
*4Low engine oil pressure
warning light ( P. 484)*4
(Canada
only)
Low windshield washer
fluid warning light
(P. 487)
*4
Charging system warn-
ing light ( P. 484)

4056-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
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. 422)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( P. 419)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level? (P. 417)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level? (P. 415)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Power steering fluidIs the power steering fluid at correct level?
(P. 420)
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from for-
eign objects. ( P. 419)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (P. 424)

4096-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition
(  P. 422)• Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P. 419)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant
level ( P. 417)
• “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
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(  P. 415)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P. 448)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
( P. 451)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Power steering
fluid level

(
P. 420)
• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding power steering fluid)
Radiator and
condenser
(
P. 419)

Tire inflation
pressure
(  P. 436)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
( P. 424)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

4136-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
2TR-FE engine
Washer fluid tank (P. 424)
Radiator cap
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 417)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 416)
Power steering fluid reservoir ( P. 420) Engine oil level dipstick
( P. 415)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 419)
Fuse box ( P. 448)
Battery ( P. 422)
Condenser ( P. 419)
Radiator ( P. 419)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

4146-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
2GR-FKS engine
Washer fluid tank (P. 424)
Power steering fluid reservoir ( P. 420)
Radiator cap
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 415)
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 417) Engine oil filler cap (
P. 416)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 419)
Fuse box ( P. 448)
Battery ( P. 422)
Condenser ( P. 419)
Radiator ( P. 419)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

4176-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” a nd “LOW”
lines on the reservoir wh en 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. ( P. 528)
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 m anner. 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

4186-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■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-bora te coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir ca p, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
WARNING
■ When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap and engine coolant reservoir cap . (P. 528)
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 cor rect 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 p arts or paint.

4747-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you think something is wrong
●Fluid leaks un der the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning a fter use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points high er
than normal.
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine misses, stumbli ng or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one s ide when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touch es
the floor
If you notice any of the followi ng symptoms, your vehicle proba -
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms