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

’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
’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)  
Checking tire pressure  
c. Reinstall the reservoir cap.  
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire  
life and make your vehicle less safe to  
drive.  
d. Remove the reservoir cap again and  
look at the fluid level. If the fluid is cold,  
the level should be in the “COLD” range  
on the dipstick. Similarly, if it is hot, the  
fluid level should be in the “HOT” range.  
If the level is at the low side of either  
range, add automatic transmission fluid  
DEXRONrII or III to bring the level within  
the range.  
Low tire pressure results in excessive  
wear, poor handling, reduced fuel econo-  
my, and the possibility of blowouts from  
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure  
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead.  
If the tire pressure is excessively low,  
there is the possibility of wheel deforma-  
tion and/or tire separation.  
e. After replacing the reservoir cap, visu-  
ally check the steering box case, vane  
pump and hose connections for leaks or  
damage.  
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride,  
handling problems, excessive wear at the  
center of the tire tread, and a greater  
possibility of tire damage from road haz-  
ards.  
Keep your tire pressures at the proper  
level.  
CAUTION  
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire  
size and the vehicle capacity weight are  
given in Section 8. The recommended tire  
pressures and tire size are also on the  
tire pressure label as shown.  
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it  
checked by your Toyota dealer.  
The reservoir tank may be hot so be  
careful not to burn yourself.  
NOTICE  
You should check the tire pressures every  
two weeks, or at least once a month. And  
do not forget the spare!  
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-  
ing could be damaged.  
2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)  
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