Get DIYMaintenance-EngineandChassis Guide for Toyota 4 Runner SUV Third Generation (1996-2002)

’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

SECTION 7− 2

DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE

Engine and Chassis

Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Checking the engine coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Checking brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Checking power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Checking tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Checking and replacing tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Rotating tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Installing snow tires and chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Replacing wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Aluminum wheel precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Checking the engine oil level

If the oil level is below or only slightly

above the low level, add engine oil of

the same type as already in the engine.

ENGINE OIL SELECTION

Use API grade SJ, “Energy−Conserving”

or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.

Low level

Full level

Remove the oil filler cap and add engine

oil in small quantities at a time, checking

the dipstick.

Recommended viscosity (SAE):

The approximate quantity of oil needed to

fill between the low level and the full level

on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-

erence.

5W-30 Preferred

Add oil

O.K.

Too full

When the level reaches within the correct

range, install the filler cap hand−tight.

Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.):

1.2 (1.3, 1.1)

With the engine at operating tempera-

ture and turned off, check the oil level

on the dipstick.

Temperature range anticipated before

next oil change

NOTICE

1. To get

a

true reading, the vehicle

z Avoid overfilling, or the engine

could be damaged.

should be on a level spot. After turning

off the engine, wait a few minutes for

the oil to drain back into the bottom of

the engine.

SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for your

vehicle, for good fuel economy and

good starting in cold weather.

z Check the oil level on the dipstick

once again after adding the oil.

If you use SAE 10W−30 engine oil in

extremely low temperatures, the engine

may become difficult to start, so SAE

5W−30 engine oil is recommended.

2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean

with a rag.

3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far

as it will go, or the reading will not be

correct.

4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil

level on the end.

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Checking the engine coolant

level

Oil identification marks

Look at the see−through coolant reser-

voir when the engine is cold. The cool-

ant level is satisfactory if it is between

the “F” and “L” lines on the reservoir.

If the level is low, add ethylene−glycol

Either or both API registered marks are

added to some oil containers to help

you select the oil you should use.

The API Service Symbol is located any-

where on the outside of the container.

type coolant for

protection of aluminum components.

a

proper corrosion

The top portion of the label shows the oil

quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-

tute) designations such as SJ. The center

portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-

ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. “Energy−

Conserving” shown in the lower portion,

indicates that the oil has fuel−saving ca-

pabilities.

The coolant level in the reservoir will vary

with engine temperature. However, if the

level is on or below the “L” line, add

coolant. Bring the level up to the “F” line.

Always use ethylene−glycol type coolant

for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-

num components. See information in the

next column.

API service symbol

The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-

dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-

fication Mark is displayed on the front of

the container.

If the coolant level drops within a short

time after replenishing, there may be a

leak in the system. Visually check the

radiator, hoses, radiator cap and drain

cock and water pump.

If you can find no leak, have your Toyota

dealer test the cap pressure and check

for leaks in the cooling system.

ILSAC certification mark

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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’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)

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’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)

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’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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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Checking and replacing tires

The following instructions for checking

tire pressure should be observed:

Check the tires regularly for damage

such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any

damage is found, consult with a techni-

cian and have the tire repaired or re-

placed.

Tread wear indicator

D The pressure should be checked only

when the tires are cold. If your ve-

hicle has been packed for at least 3

hours and has not been driven for

more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you

will get an accurate cold tire pressure

reading.

Even if the damage does not appear seri-

ous, a qualified technician should examine

the damage. Objects which have pene-

trated the tire may have caused internal

damage.

D Always use

a

tire pressure gauge.

The appearance of a tire can be mis-

leading. Besides, tire pressures that

are even just a few pounds off can

degrade ride and handling.

Any tires which are over 6 years old

must be checked by a qualified techni-

cian even if damage is not obvious.

Tires deteriorate with age even if they

have never or seldom been used.

CHECKING YOUR TIRES

D Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure

after driving. It is normal for the tire

pressure to be higher after driving.

Check the tire tread for the tread wear

indicators. If the indicators show, re-

place the tires.

This also applies to the spare tire and

tires stored for future use.

D Never exceed the vehicle capacity

weight. The passenger and luggage

weight should be located so that the

vehicle is balanced.

REPLACING YOUR TIRES

The tires on your Toyota have built−in

tread wear indicators to help you know

when the tires need replacement. When

the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06

in.) or less, the indicators will appear. If

you can see the indicators in two or more

adjacent grooves, the tire should be re-

placed. The lower the tread, the higher

the risk of skidding.

When replacing

a

tire, use only the

same size and construction as original-

ly installed and with the same or great-

er load capacity.

D Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation

valve caps. Without the valve caps,

dirt or moisture could get into the valve

core and cause air leakage. If the caps

have been lost, have new ones put on

as soon as possible.

Using any other size or type of tire may

seriously affect handling, ride, speedome-

ter/odometer calibration, ground clearance,

and clearance between the body and tires

or snow chains.

The effectiveness of snow tires is lost

if the tread wears down below 4 mm

(0.16 in.).

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Rotating tires

When replacing a tubeless tire, the air

valve should also be replaced with a

new one.

CAUTION

D Do not mix radial, bias belted, or

bias−ply tires on your vehicle. It

can cause dangerous handling char-

acteristics, resulting in loss of con-

trol.

D Do not use tires or wheels other

recom-

than

mended size.

the

manufacture’s

D Do not use tires of different brands,

sizes and constructions. This may

damage the drive system and pre-

vent the vehicle skid control system

from functioning correctly.

To equalize the wear and help extend

tire life, Toyota recommends that you

rotate your tires according to the main-

tenance schedule. (For scheduled main-

tenance information, please refer to the

“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or

“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.) Howev-

er, the most appropriate timing for tire

rotation may vary according to your

driving habits and road surface condi-

tions.

Toyota recommends all four tires, or at

least both front or rear tires be re-

placed as a set.

See “If you have a flat tire” in Section 4

for tire change procedure.

When

should always be balanced.

a

tire is replaced, the wheel

See “If you have a flat tire” in Section 4

for tire change procedure.

An unbalanced wheel may affect vehicle

handling and tire life. Wheels can get out

of balance with regular use and should

therefore be balanced occasionally.

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Installing snow tires and

chains

When rotating tires, check for uneven

wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usu-

ally caused by incorrect tire pressure, im-

proper wheel alignment, out−of−balance

wheels, or severe braking.

WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR

CHAINS

CAUTION

Snow tires or chains are recommended

when driving on snow or ice.

D Do not drive with the snow tires

incorrectly inflated.

On wet or dry roads, conventional tires

provide better traction than snow tires.

D Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)

with any type of snow tires.

SNOW TIRE SELECTION

If you need snow tires, select the same

size, construction and load capacity as

the original tires on your Toyota.

TIRE CHAIN SELECTION

Use the tire chains of correct size.

Regulations regarding the use of tire

chains vary according to location or

type of road, so always check them

before installing chains.

Do not use tires other than those men-

tioned above. Do not install studded tires

without first checking local regulations for

possible restrictions.

CHAIN INSTALLATION

SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION

Install the chains on the rear tires as

tightly as possible. Do not use tire

chains on the front tires. Retighten

Snow tires should be installed on all

wheels.

Installing snow tires on the front wheels

only can lead to an excessive difference

in road grip capability between the front

and rear tires which could cause loss of

vehicle control.

chains after

(1/4—1/2 mile).

driving

0.5—1.0

km

When installing chains on your tires, care-

fully follow the instructions of the chain

manufacturer.

When storing removed tires, you should

store them in a cool dry place.

If wheel covers are used, they will be

scratched by the chain band, so remove

the covers before putting on the chains.

Mark the direction of rotation and be sure

to install them in the same direction when

replacing.

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Replacing wheels

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS

Replacement with used wheels is not rec-

ommended as they may have been sub-

jected to rough treatment or high mileage

and could fail without warning. Also, bent

wheels which have been straightened may

have structural damage and therefore

should not be used. Never use an inner

tube in a leaking wheel which is designed

for a tubeless tire.

CAUTION

If you have wheel damage such as

bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the

wheel should be replaced.

D Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or

the chain manufacturer’s recom-

mended speed limit, whichever is

lower.

If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the

tire may slip off the wheel or cause loss

of handling control.

D Drive carefully avoiding bumps,

holes, and sharp turns, which may

cause the vehicle to bounce.

WHEEL SELECTION

When replacing wheels, care should be

taken to ensure that the wheels are re-

placed by ones with the same load ca-

pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.

D Avoid sharp turns or locked−wheel

braking, as use of chains may ad-

versely affect vehicle handling.

Correct replacement wheels are available

at your Toyota dealer.

D When driving with chains installed,

be sure to drive carefully. Slow

down before entering the curves to

avoid losing control of the vehicle.

Otherwise an accident may occur.

A wheel of a different size or type may

adversely affect handling, wheel and bear-

ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odom-

eter calibration, stopping ability, headlight

aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clear-

ance, and tire or snow chain clearance to

the body and chassis.

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

Aluminum wheel precautions

D When installing aluminum wheels,

check that the wheel nuts are tight

after driving your vehicle the first 1600

km (1000 miles).

D If you have rotated, repaired or

changed your tires, check that the

wheel nuts are still tight after driving

1600 km (1000 miles).

D When using tire chains, be careful not

to damage the aluminum wheels.

D Use only the Toyota wheel nuts and

wrench designed for your aluminum

wheels.

D When balancing your wheels, use only

Toyota balance weights or equivalent

and a plastic or rubber hammer.

D As with any wheel, periodically check

your aluminum wheels for damage. If

damaged, replace immediately.

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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’01 4Runner_U (L/O 0008)

2001 4RUNNER (OM35768U)

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DIYMaintenance-EngineandChassis for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Third Generation (1996-2002)

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