Skip to content

Part 6: Vehicle Maintenance and Care

Page 129

Part 6 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE

  • Maintenance requirements
  • General maintenance
  • Does your vehicle need repairing?
  • Scheduled maintenance

cruisercult.com

129

Manual Page 129


Page 130

Maintenance requirements

Your Toyota vehicle has been designed to give less maintenance requirements with long service interval to save both your time and money. However, each regular maintenance as well as day-to-day care is more important than ever before to ensure smooth and trouble-free, safe, and economical drivings.

It is owner's responsibility to make sure that the specified maintenance including general maintenance services is performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission control system warranties specify that proper maintenance and care must be performed. See Owner's Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.

General maintenance

General maintenance items are those day-to-day care practices that are important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner's responsibility to insure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly.

These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or a qualified technician, or if you prefer, your Toyota dealer will be pleased to do them at a nominal cost.

Scheduled maintenance

The scheduled maintenance items listed in this part are those required to be serviced at regular intervals.

However, under severe driving conditions, a separate maintenance schedule that requires more frequent maintenance service should be practiced.

It is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or for the repair of the emission control system be Toyota supplied.

The owner may elect to use non-Toyota supplied parts for replacement purposes without invalidating the emission control system warranty. However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effectiveness of the emission control systems.

You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual without invalidating this warranty. See Owner's Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.

Where to go for service?

Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs. They learn to work on Toyotas before they work on your vehicle, rather than while they are working on it.

You can be confident that your Toyota dealer's service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements on your vehicle—reliably and economically.

Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. And if any problems should arise with your vehicle while under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service performed on your Toyota.

What about do-it-yourself maintenance?

Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are presented in Part 7.

If you are a skilled do-it-yourself mechanic, the Toyota service manuals are recommended. Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance can affect your warranty coverage. See your separate warranty statement for the details.

130

cruisercult.com

Manual Page 130


Page 131

General maintenance

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at the frequencies as specified. In addition to the items listed if you notice any unusual noise, smell or vibration, you should investigate the cause or take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a qualified service shop immediately. It is recommended that any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your dealer or the qualified service shop for their advice.

CAUTION: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can be obtained if you run the engine.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAINTENANCE ITEMS DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE AND INTERVALS
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE Items listed below should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.
Tires Check the pressure with a gauge and adjust as shown in Part 8. Check carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.
Wheel nuts When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check the nuts for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire rotation Rotate the tires every 7500 miles (12000 km). See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.
  • Windshield wiper blades
    Check for wear or cracks whenever they do not wipe clean.

  • Fluid leaks
    Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately.

  • Doors and engine hood
    Check that all doors including tailgate operate smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

  • Lights
    Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working. Check headlight aim.

  • Warning lights and buzzers
    Check that all warning lights and buzzers function properly.

131

cruisercult.com

Manual Page 131


Page 132

INSIDE THE VEHICLE (cont.)

Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

  • Horn
    Make sure it works.

  • Windshield glass
    Check that it is free from scratches, pits or abrasions.

  • Windshield wipers and washer
    Check operation of the wipers and washer. Make sure that the wipers do not streak.

  • Windshield defroster
    Check that the air comes out from the defroster outlet when operating the heater or air conditioner.

  • Rear view mirror
    Make sure that it is mounted securely.

  • Sun visors
    Make sure that they move freely and are mounted securely.

  • Steering wheel
    Check that it has the specified freeplay. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive freeplay or strange noise.

  • Seats
    Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in any position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched position. For folding-down rear seatbacks and swing-up rear seat cushions, check that the latches lock securely.

  • Seat belts
    Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure that the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

  • Accelerator pedal
    Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.

132

cruisercult.com

Manual Page 132


Page 133

  • Brake pedal
    Check the pedal for smooth operation and that the pedal has the proper clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.

  • Brakes
    At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.

  • Parking brake
    Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.

  • Automatic transmission "Park" mechanism
    Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in "P" position and all brakes released.

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each time when refueling.

  • Windshield washer fluid
    Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See Chapter 7-3 for additional information.

  • Engine coolant level
    Make sure that the coolant level is between the "FULL" and "LOW" lines on the see-through reservoir. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.

  • Radiator and hoses
    Make sure that the front of the radiator is clean — not blocked with leaves, dirt or bugs. Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, rot and loose connections.

  • Battery electrolyte level
    Make sure that the electrolyte level of all battery cells is between upper and lower level lines on the case. Add only distilled water when replenishing. See Chapter 7-3 for additional information.

  • Brake fluid level
    Make sure that the brake fluid level is correct. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.

  • Engine drive belts
    Check all belts for fraying, cracks, wear or oiliness.

cruisercult.com

133

Manual Page 133


Page 134

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (cont.) Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each time when refueling.
Engine oil level Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.
Power steering fluid level Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD" range depending on the fluid temperature. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.
Automatic transmission fluid level Check the level on the dipstick with the engine idling and the selector lever in "P". The level should be in the "HOT" or "COOL" range depending on the fluid temperature. See Chapter 7-2 for additional information.
Exhaust system Look for cracks, holes and loose supports. If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected immediately. (See engine exhaust cautions in Part 2.)

134

cruisercult.com

Manual Page 134


Page 135

Does your vehicle need repairing?

Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are as follows:

  • Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
  • Appreciable loss of power
  • Strange engine noises
  • A leak under the vehicle (however, water dripping from the air conditioner after use is normal.)
  • Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
  • Flat-looking tire; excessive tire squeal when cornering; uneven tire wear
  • Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
  • Strange noises related to suspension movement
  • Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy feeling brake pedal; pedal almost touches floor; vehicles pull to one side when braking
  • Engine temperature continually higher than normal
  • Engine continually runs hot; oil pressure gauge stays low

If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.

CAUTION: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scheduled maintenance —

Driving conditions under which you mainly operate your vehicle determine which maintenance schedule you follow.

In order to ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and economical driving, Toyota provides two kinds of maintenance schedules to be selected according to your driving conditions: schedules A and B. The instructions on which schedule to follow are given on the next page.

An odometer reading or time interval determines when service is necessary.

For most people, the odometer reading will indicate when service is needed. If, however, you drive very little, your vehicle should be serviced at regular time intervals as shown in the schedule.

The maintenance services beyond the last period should be performed at the same intervals.

The service interval of each item can be obtained from the maintenance schedule.

cruisercult.com

135

Manual Page 135


Page 136

Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud or water, check the following items daily and perform maintenance or repair as required.

  • Brake pads and discs
  • Brake linings and drums
  • Brake lines and hoses
  • Transmission, transfer and differential oil
  • Wheel bearings
  • Air filter

Grease the propeller shafts daily when you drive off-road through sand, mud or water.


WHICH SCHEDULE TO FOLLOW?

If you mainly operate your vehicle under one or more of the severe conditions below:

  • Towing a trailer, using a camper or car top carrier
  • Operating on dusty, rough, muddy or salt-spread roads
  • Repeated short trips less than 5 miles (8 km) and outside temperatures remain below freezing
  • Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use

Follow
SCHEDULE A

If you mainly operate your vehicle under:

CONDITIONS OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED ABOVE

Follow
SCHEDULE B

136
cruisercult.com
50040-01U

Manual Page 136


Page 137

SCHEDULE A

Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.

SERVICE INTERVAL:

x 1000 miles 5 7.5 10 15 20 22.5 25 30 35 37.5 40 45 50 52.5 55 60
(Use odometer reading or months,
x 1000 km 8 12 16 24 32 36 40 48 56 60 64 72 80 84 88 96
whichever comes first.) or Months 6 9 12 18 24 27 30 36 42 45 48 54 60 63 66 72

ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS

  1. Valve clearance*
  2. Drive belts «See note 1.»
  3. Engine oil and oil filter*
  4. Engine coolant «See note 2.»
  5. Exhaust pipes and mountings
  6. Air filter* «See note 3.»
  7. Fuel lines and connections
  8. Fuel tank cap gasket
  9. Spark plugs**
  10. Charcoal canister (Calif. only)
  11. Oxygen sensor * (except Calif.) — Replace at initial 80000 miles (128000 km).

Maintenance services indicated by * or ** condition the Emission Control Systems Warranty. See Owner’s Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.

: For vehicles sold in California
*: For vehicles sold outside California

NOTE: 1. After 60000 miles (96000 km) or 72 months, inspect every 10000 miles (16000 km) or 12 months.
2. After 60000 miles (96000 km) or 72 months, change every 30000 miles (48000 km) or 36 months.
3. Applicable when you mainly operate your vehicle on dusty roads. If not, apply the schedule B.

cruisercult.com

137

Manual Page 137


Page 138

SCHEDULE A

Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.

SERVICE INTERVAL:

  • x 1000 miles: 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 50, 52.5, 55, 60
  • (Use odometer reading or months, x 1000 km: 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 36, 40, 48, 56, 60, 64, 72, 80, 84, 88, 96)
  • or Months: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 27, 30, 36, 42, 45, 48, 54, 60, 63, 66, 72
    (whichever comes first.)

CHASSIS AND BODY

  1. Brake linings and drums
  2. Brake pads and discs
  3. Brake lines and hoses
  4. Steering linkage
  5. Steering gear box
  6. Automatic transmission
  7. Transfer and differential
  8. Wheel bearing grease
  9. Steering knuckle and chassis grease
  10. Propeller shaft grease
  11. Bolts and nuts on chassis and body
    «See note 4.»

NOTE:
4. Applicable when you mainly operate your vehicle on rough and/or muddy roads. If not, apply the schedule B.

138

cruisercult.com

Manual Page 138


Page 139

SCHEDULE B

Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.

SERVICE INTERVAL:

x 1000 miles 10 15 20 30 40 45 50 60
x 1000 km 16 24 32 48 64 72 80 96
or Months 12 18 24 36 48 54 60 72

(Use odometer reading or months, whichever comes first.)

ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS

  1. Valve clearance*
  2. Drive belts «See note 1.»
  3. Engine oil and oil filter*
  4. Engine coolant «See note 2.»
  5. Exhaust pipes and mountings
  6. Air filter*
  7. Fuel lines and connections
  8. Fuel tank cap gasket
  9. Spark plugs**
  10. Charcoal canister (Calif. only)
  11. Oxygen sensor * (except Calif.)

Replace at initial 80000 miles (128000 km).

Maintenance services indicated by * or ** condition the Emission Control Systems Warranty. See Owner’s Guide or Warranty Booklet for complete warranty information.

  • : For vehicles sold in California
    ** : For vehicles sold outside California

NOTE: 1. After 60000 miles (96000 km) or 72 months, inspect every 10000 miles (16000 km) or 12 months.
2. After 60000 miles (96000 km) or 72 months, change every 30000 miles (48000 km) or 36 months.

cruisercult.com

139

Manual Page 139


Page 140

SCHEDULE B

Maintenance operations:
A = Check and adjust as necessary; I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary; R = Replace, change or lubricate.

SERVICE INTERVAL:

(Use odometer reading or months, whichever comes first.)

x 1000 miles 10 15 20 30 40 45 50 60
x 1000 km 16 24 32 48 64 72 80 96
or Months 12 18 24 36 48 54 60 72

CHASSIS AND BODY

  1. Brake linings and drums
  2. Brake pads and discs
  3. Brake lines and hoses
  4. Steering linkage
  5. Steering gear box
  6. Automatic transmission
  7. Transfer and differential
  8. Wheel bearing grease
  9. Steering knuckle and chassis grease
  10. Propeller shaft grease
  11. Bolts and nuts on chassis and body

Manual Page 140


Page 141

— Explanation of scheduled maintenance items

ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS

Valve clearances
Adjust the valve clearances to factory specifications. A qualified technician should make this operation.

Drive belts
Inspect the drive belts for cracks, excessive wear or oiliness. Replace any damaged belt. Check the belt tension and adjust if necessary.

Engine oil and oil filter
Change the engine oil and oil filter when scheduled. Do-it-yourself instructions are given in Chapter 7-2. Use API grade SF or SF/CC engine oil only. Multigrade and fuelefficient oil is recommended. Determine the viscosity considering your climate.

Engine coolant
Drain and flush the cooling system when scheduled. Refill only with an ethylene-glycol type coolant. Do-it-yourself instructions are given in Chapter 7-2.

Exhaust pipes and mountings
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler, and hangers for cracks, deterioration, or damage. Start the engine and listen carefully for any exhaust gas leakage. Tighten connections or replace parts as necessary.

Air filter
Replace the air filter when scheduled. Do-it-yourself instructions are given in Chapter 7-2. If you mainly operate your vehicle on dusty road, inspect and clean the air filter when scheduled. Visually check for dirt or damage. It may be cleaned with compressed air.

Fuel lines and connections
Visually inspect the lines, connections and tank band for corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or leaking connections. Tighten connections or replace parts as necessary.

Fuel tank cap gasket
Make sure the new gasket is correctly installed.

Spark plugs
Make sure to install new plugs of the same type as originally equipped. Do-it-yourself instructions are given in Chapter 7-2.

Charcoal canister
Inspect for internal damage or clogging. Clean with compressed air or replace if necessary. A qualified technician should make this operation.

Oxygen sensor
Replace the oxygen sensor when scheduled. Your Toyota dealer will make this replacement (parts and labor) at no cost to you.

CHASSIS AND BODY

Brake linings and drums
Check for scoring, burning, leaking fluid, broken parts, and excessive wear. A qualified technician should make this operation.

Brake pads and discs
Check the pads for excessive wear and discs for runout and wear, and leaking fluid. A qualified technician should make this operation.

Brake lines and hoses
Visually check for proper installation. Check for chafing, cracks, deterioration, and any evidence of leaking. Replace any deteriorated or damaged parts immediately. A qualified technician should make these operations.

Steering linkage
With the vehicle stopped, check for excessive freeplay in the steering wheel. Check the linkage for bend or damage. Replace any damaged parts.

Steering gear box
Inspect the steering gear box for signs of leakage. Should you discover any leakage, have the cause found and corrected/repaired by a qualified technician immediately.

cruisercult.com

141

Manual Page 141


Page 142

Automatic transmission

Check the transmission for correct fluid level. If necessary, replenish. Do-it-yourself instructions for these operations are given in Chapter 7-2. Under severe driving conditions, change the fluid when scheduled.

Transfer and differential

Check each component for correct oil level. If necessary, replenish. Do-it-yourself instructions for these operations are given in Chapter 7-2. Under severe driving conditions, change the oil when scheduled.

Wheel bearing grease

Repack the wheel bearings with wheel bearing grease.

Steering knuckle and chassis grease

Repack the steering knuckles and lubricate the steering linkage with molybdenum-disulfide lithium base chassis grease. Do-it-yourself instructions for these operations are given in Chapter 7-2.

Propeller shaft grease

Lube the propeller shaft spiders and slide yokes with lithium base wheel bearing grease. Do-it-yourself instructions for these operations are given in Chapter 7-2.

Bolts and nuts on chassis and body

Where necessary, retighten to specified torque.

142

cruisercult.com

Manual Page 142