VEHICLEMAINTENANCEANDCARE -> General maintenance for Your Toyota 4 Runner SUV Fourth Generation (2003-2009)

07 12.25  
General maintenance  
If you are  
a
skilled doityourself  
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.  
Engine coolant level  
mechanic, the Toyota service manuals are  
recommended. Please be aware that  
doityourself maintenance can affect your  
warranty coverage. See “Owner’s Warranty  
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual  
Supplement” for the details.  
Make sure the coolant level is between  
the “F” and “L” lines on the seethrough  
reservoir when the engine is cold. See  
page 438 in Section 72 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 page 439 in  
Section 72 for additional information.  
CAUTION  
Battery condition  
Check the battery condition by the indica-  
tor color. See page 450 in Section 73 for  
additional information.  
Make these checks only with ade-  
quate ventilation if you run the en-  
gine.  
Brake fluid level  
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.  
See page 439 in Section 72 for addition-  
al information.  
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT  
Items listed below should be checked  
from time to time, e.g. each time when  
refueling.  
Engine oil level  
Check the level on the dipstick with the  
engine turned off and the vehicle parked  
on a level spot. See page 436 in Section  
72 for additional information.  
Washer fluid  
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the  
tank. See page 453 in Section 73 for  
additional information.  
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Power steering fluid level  
Seats  
Brakes  
Check the level through the reservoir. The  
level should be in the “HOT” or “COLD”  
range depending on the fluid temperature.  
See page 440 in Section 72 for addition-  
al information.  
Check that all front seat controls such as  
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-  
erate smoothly and that all latches lock  
securely in any position. Check that the  
head restraint move up and down smooth-  
ly and that the locks hold securely in any  
latched position. For foldingdown rear  
seatbacks and swingup rear seat cush-  
ions (vehicles without third seats), tum-  
bling second seats (vehicles with third  
seats), foldingup third seats and detach-  
able third seats, check that the latches  
lock securely.  
In a safe place, check that the brakes do  
not pull to one side when applied.  
Parking brake  
Check that the pedal has the proper travel  
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle  
is held securely with only the parking  
brake applied.  
Exhaust system  
If you notice any change in the sound of  
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have  
the cause located and corrected immedi-  
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on  
page 343 in Section 2.)  
Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-  
nism  
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle  
is held securely with the selector lever in  
“P” position and all brakes released.  
INSIDE THE VEHICLE  
Items listed below should be checked  
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic  
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.  
Seat belts  
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE  
Check that the seat belt system such as  
buckles, retractors and anchors operate  
properly and smoothly. Make sure that the  
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or  
damaged.  
Items listed below should be performed  
from time to time, unless otherwise  
specified.  
Lights  
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail  
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights  
are all working. Check headlight aim.  
Fluid leaks  
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-  
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has  
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel  
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause  
found and corrected immediately.  
Accelerator pedal  
Service reminder indicators and warning  
buzzers  
Check the pedal for smooth operation and  
uneven pedal effort or catching.  
Brake pedal  
Check that all service reminder indicators  
and warning buzzers function properly.  
Check the pedal for smooth operation and  
that the pedal has the proper clearance.  
Check the brake booster function.  
Steering wheel  
Check that it has the specified free play.  
Be alert for changes in steering condition,  
such as hard steering or strange noise.  
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