Toyota Tacoma 2004, Operating Manual

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’04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309)
279
2004 TACOMA from Sep. ’03 Prod. (OM35814U)
What about do- it- yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy
to do yourself if you have a little mechani-
cal ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to per-
form them are presented in Section 7.
If you are a skilled do- it- yourself mechan-
ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-
mended. Please be aware that do- it- your-
self maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See “Owner’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the details.
Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing 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 quali-
fied service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended 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 with ade-
quate ventilation if you run the en-
gine.
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Section 7- 3 for additional in-
formation.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the “F” and “L” lines on the see- through
reservoir when the engine is cold. See
Section 7- 2 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt, or insects. See in Section
7- 2 for additional information.
Battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indica-
tor color. See Section 7- 3 for additional
information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Section 7- 2 for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See Section 7- 2 for addi-
tional 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
Section 7- 2 for additional information.
General maintenance