Get CorrosionPrevention -> Cleaning the interior Guide for Toyota 4 Runner SUV Third Generation (1996-2002)

’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Cleaning the interior

NOTICE

CAUTION

Do not use organic substances (gaso-

line, kerosene, benzine or strong sol-

vents), which may be toxic or cause

damage.

To prevent damage to the antenna,

make sure it is retracted before driv-

ing your Toyota through an automatic

car wash. On models with detachable

antenna, remove the antenna before

using an automatic car wash.

Do not wash the vehicle floor with

water, or allow water to get onto the

floor when cleaning the vehicle interi-

or or exterior. Water may get into

audio components or other electrical

components above or under the floor

carpet (or mat) and cause a malfunc-

tion; and it may cause body corro-

sion.

3. Rinse

thoroughly—dried

soap

can

cause streaking. In hot weather you

may need to rinse each section right

after you wash it.

Waxing your Toyota

Polishing and waxing is recommended

to maintain the original beauty of your

Toyota’s finish.

4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle

using a clean soft cotton towel. Do not

rub or press hard—you might scratch

the paint.

Vinyl interior

Once a month or if the vehicle surface

does not repel water well, apply wax.

The vinyl upholstery may be easily

cleaned with a mild soap or detergent

and water.

Automatic car wash

1. Always wash and dry the vehicle be-

fore you begin waxing, even if you are

using a combined cleaner and wax.

Your vehicle may be washed in an auto-

matic car wash, but remember that the

paint can be scratched by some type of

brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the

washing process itself. Scratching reduces

paint durability and gloss, especially on

darker colors. The manager of the car

wash should be able to advise you wheth-

er the process is safe for the paint on

your vehicle.

First vacuum over the upholstery to re-

move loose dirt. Then, using a sponge or

soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the

vinyl. After allowing it to soak in for a few

minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt

and wipe off the soap with a clean damp

cloth. If all the dirt does not come off,

repeat the procedure. Commercial foam-

ing−type vinyl cleaners are also available

which work well. Follow the manufacturer’s

instructions.

2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If

the finish has become extremely weath-

ered, use

car−cleaning polish, fol-

lowed by a separate wax. Carefully fol-

low the manufacturer’s instructions and

precautions. Be sure to polish and wax

the chrome trim as well as the paint.

3. Wax the vehicle again when water

does not bead but remains on the sur-

face in large patches.

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

242

’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

NOTICE

z Do not use organic substances (sol-

vents, kerosene, alcohol, gasoline,

etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions.

These chemicals can cause discol-

oring, staining or peeling of the

surface.

Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline

or window cleaner on the interior.

z Do not use dye or bleach on the

belts—it may weaken them.

z Do not use the belts until they be-

come dry.

Carpets

Use

clean the carpets.

good foam−type shampoo to

Windows

z If you use cleaners or polishing

agents, make sure their ingredients

do not include the substances men-

tioned above.

Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove

as much dirt as possible. Several types of

foam cleaners are available; some are in

aerosol cans and others are powders or

liquids which you mix with water to pro-

duce a foam. To shampoo the carpets,

use a sponge or brush to apply the foam.

Rub in overlapping circles.

The windows may be cleaned with any

household window cleaner.

NOTICE

z If you use a liquid car freshener, do

not apill the liquid onto the ve-

hicle’s interior surfaces. It may con-

When cleaning the inside of the rear

window, be careful not to scratch or

damage the heater wires or connec-

tors.

tain

the

ingredients mentioned

above. Immediately clean any spill

using the method mentioned above.

Do not apply water—the best results are

obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as

possible. Read the shampoo instructions

and follow them closely.

Air conditioning control panel, car au-

dio, instrument panel, console panel,

and switches

Leather Interior

The leather upholstery may be cleaned

with neutral detergent for wool.

Seat belts

Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning.

The seat belts may be cleaned with

mild soap and water or with lukewarm

water.

Remove dirt using a soft cloth dampened

with 5% solution of neutral detergent for

wool. Then thoroughly wipe off all traces

of detergent with a clean damp cloth.

Soak a clean soft cloth in water or luke-

warm water then lightly wipe off dirt.

Use a cloth or sponge. As you are clean-

ing, check the belts for excessive wear,

fraying, or cuts.

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

243

’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

After cleaning or whenever any part of the

leather gets wet, dry with a soft clean

cloth. Allow the leather to dry in a venti-

lated shaded area.

z The interior of your vehicle is apt

to heat up on hot summer days, so

avoid placing on the upholstery

items made of vinyl or plastic or

containing wax as these tend to

stick to leather when warm.

NOTICE

z If a stain should fail to come out

cleaner that does not contain an

organic solvent.

z Improper cleaning of the leather up-

holstery could result in discolor-

ation or staining.

with

neutral detergent, apply

z Never use organic substances such

as benzine, alcohol or gasoline, or

alkaline or acid solutions for clean-

ing the leather as these could

cause discoloring.

If you have any questions about the

cleaning of your Toyota, your local

Toyota dealer will be pleased to answer

them.

z Use of a nylon brush or synthetic

fiber cloth, etc. may scratch the

fine grained surface of the leather.

z Mildew may develop on soiled leath-

er upholstery. Be especially careful

to avoid oil spots. Try to keep your

upholstery always clean.

z Long exposure to direct sunlight

may cause the leather surface to

harden and shrink. Keep your ve-

hicle in a shaded area, especially in

the summer.

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

244

CorrosionPrevention -> Cleaning the interior for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Third Generation (1996-2002)

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