DIYEngineandChassis -> Checking brake fluid for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Third Generation (1996-2002)

’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)  
Checking brake fluid  
We recommend to use 50% solution for  
CAUTION  
your Toyota, to provide protection down to  
about −35_C (−31_F). When it is extreme-  
ly cold, to provide protection down to  
about −50_C (−58_F), 60% solution is rec-  
ommended. Do not use more than 70%  
solution for better coolant performance.  
To prevent burning yourself, do not  
remove the radiator cap when the en-  
gine is hot.  
Coolant type selection  
NOTICE  
Use of improper coolants may damage  
your engine cooling system. Your coolant  
must contain ethylene−glycol type coolant  
for a proper corrosion protection of your  
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or  
plain water alone.  
engine  
that  
contains  
aluminum  
components. Use “TOYOTA Long Life  
Coolant” or equivalent.  
To check the fluid level, simply look at  
the see−through reservoir. The level  
should be between the “MAX” and  
“MIN” lines on the reservoir.  
In addition to preventing freezing and  
subsequent damage to the engine, this  
type of coolant will also prevent corrosion.  
Further supplemental inhibitors or additives  
are neither needed nor recommended.  
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go  
down slightly as the brake pads wear or  
when the fluid level in the accumulator is  
high.  
Read the coolant container for information  
on freeze protection. Follow the manufac-  
turer’s directions for how much to mix  
with plain water (preferably demineralized  
water or distilled water). The total capacity  
of the cooling system is given in Section  
8.  
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it  
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-  
lem.  
If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or  
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the  
brake reservoir.  
2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)  
4
’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)  
Checking power steering fluid  
Refilling brake fluid:  
NOTICE  
If cold add  
If cold O.K.  
1. Turn the ignition switch off.  
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash  
it off with water to prevent it from  
damaging the parts or paint.  
2. Depress the brake pedal more than 40  
times.  
3. Remove the reservoir cover by hand.  
Add brake fluid up to the “MAX” line.  
If you do not follow the procedure above,  
the reservoir may overflow.  
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once  
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from  
the air, and excess moisture can cause a  
dangerous loss of braking.  
If hot add  
If hot O.K.  
Check the fluid level on the dipstick. If  
necessary, add automatic transmission  
fluid DEXRONrII or III.  
CAUTION  
Take care when filling the reservoir  
because brake fluid can harm your  
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If  
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your  
eyes with clean water immediately. If  
you still feel uncomfortable with your  
eyes, go to the doctor.  
If the vehicle has been driven around 80  
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little  
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is  
hot (60_C—80_C or 140_F—175_F). You  
may also check the level when the fluid  
is  
10_C—30_C or 50_F—85_F) if the engine  
cold  
(about  
room  
temperature,  
has not been run for about five hours.  
a. Clean all dirt from outside of the reser-  
voir tank.  
b. Remove the reservoir cap by turning it  
counterclockwise and wipe the dipstick  
clean.  
2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)  
5