Toyota 4Runner (2020 year). Instruction - part 25

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6-1. Maintenance and care

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NOTICE

■

To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)

●

Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the

paint surface

• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,

iron powder or chemical substances

• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface

●

If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.

●

To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.

■

Cleaning the exterior lights

●

Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush. 
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.

●

Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.

■

High pressure car washes

●

Vehicles with rear view monitor system: When washing the vehicle, do not
apply  intensive bursts  of water to  the camera or camera area. Doing  so
may result in the camera malfunctioning.

●

Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured
cover),  connectors  or  the  following  parts. The  parts  may  be  damaged  if
they come into contact with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts

●

Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 11.9 in. (30 cm) away from the vehicle
body.  Otherwise  resin  section,  such  as  moldings  and  bumpers,  may  be
deformed and damaged. Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle in the
same place.

●

Do not spray the lower part of the windshield continuously. If water enters
the air conditioning system intake located near the lower part of the wind-
shield, the air conditioning system may not operate correctly.

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●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces
with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.

●

If dirt cannot be removed, wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with
neutral detergent diluted to approximately 1%. 
Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and water.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with
diluted detergent.

Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
all remaining traces of detergent.

●

Wipe  the  surface  with  a  dry,  soft  cloth  to  remove  any  remaining
moisture. Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent diluted
to approximately 1%.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and water.

Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior

The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior
and keep it in top condition:

Protecting the vehicle interior

Cleaning the leather areas

Cleaning the synthetic leather areas

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■

Caring for leather areas

Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.

■

Shampooing the carpets

There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge
or  brush  to  apply  the  foam.  Rub  in  overlapping  circles.  Do  not  use  water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.

■

Seat belts

Clean  with  mild  soap  and  lukewarm  water  using  a  cloth  or  sponge.  Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.

WARNING

■

Water in the vehicle

●

Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle.
Doing  so  may  cause  electrical  components  etc.  to  malfunction  or  catch
fire.

●

Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet. 
(



P. 36)

An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect
off the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.

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NOTICE

■

Cleaning detergents

●

Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat  portions:  Organic  substances  such  as  benzene  or  gasoline,

alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach

• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco-

hol

●

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.

■

Preventing damage to leather surfaces

Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:

●

Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.

●

Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.

●

Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.

■

Water on the floor

Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.

■

When cleaning the inside of the windshield

Do not allow glass cleaner to contact the lens. Also, do not touch the lens.
(



P. 248)

■

Cleaning the inside of the rear quarter windows and back window

●

Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear quarter windows and back win-
dow, as this may cause damage to the rear window defogger heater wires
or antenna. Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water to gently wipe the
window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running parallel to the heater
wires or antenna.

●

Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

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6-2. Maintenance

General maintenance should be performed on a daily basis. This can
be done by yourself or by a Toyota dealer.

Scheduled  maintenance  should  be  performed  at  specified  intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.

For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Instruction Supplement”.

You can perform some maintenance procedures by yourself. 
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect warranty
coverage.

The use of Toyota Repair Instructions is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, refer to the separate “Owner’s War-
ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Instruction Supplement”.

■

Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repairs to ensure
performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or if
a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war-
ranty coverage.

Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg-
ular maintenance are essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to
perform regular checks. Toyota recommends the following main-
tenance:

General maintenance

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

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■

Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required (U.S.A. only)

After  the  required  maintenance  is  performed  according  to  the  maintenance
schedule, please reset the message. 
To reset the message, follow the procedures described below:

Turn the engine switch off with the trip meter A reading shown. (



P. 89)

Vehicles without a smart key system:
While pressing the display change button (



P. 89), turn the engine switch

to  the  “ON”  position  (do  not  start  the  engine  because  reset  mode  will  be
canceled).
Vehicles with a smart key system:
While pressing the display change button (



P. 89), turn the engine switch

to the IGNITION ON mode (do not start the engine because otherwise the
reset mode will be canceled).
Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.

■

Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer

●

Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with
the latest service information. They are well informed about the operations
of all systems on your vehicle.

●

Keep  a  copy  of  the  repair  order.  It  proves  that  the  maintenance  that  has
been  performed  is  under  warranty  coverage.  If  any  problem  should  arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take
care of it.

WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly maintained

Improper  maintenance  could  result  in  serious  damage  to  the  vehicle  and
possible death or serious injury.

■

Handling of the battery

●

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause  cancer  and  birth  defects  and  other  reproductive  harm.  Work  in  a
well ventilated area.

●

Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia  to  cause  cancer  and  birth  defects  or  other  reproductive  harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.

●

Battery  posts,  terminals  and  related  accessories  contain  lead  and  lead
compounds which  are known  to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. (



P. 415)

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General maintenance

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed  at  the  intervals  specified  in  the  “Owner’s  Warranty
Information  Booklet”  or  “Owner’s  Instruction  Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you  notice  should  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  your  Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Battery

Check the connections.

(



P. 415)

Brake fluid

Is the brake fluid at the correct level? 

(



P. 412)

Engine coolant

Is the engine coolant at the correct level? (



P. 410)

Engine oil

Is the engine oil at the correct level? 

(



P. 408)

Exhaust system

There should not be any fumes or strange sounds.

Power steering fluid

Is the power steering fluid at the correct level?

 (



P. 414)

Radiator/condenser

The radiator and condenser should be free from 
foreign objects. 

(



P. 412)

Washer fluid

Is there sufficient washer fluid?

(



P. 418)

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Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

• The  accelerator  pedal  should  move  smoothly

(without uneven pedal effort or catching).

Automatic  transmis-
sion  “Park”  mecha-
nism

• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,

is the vehicle securely stopped?

Brake pedal

• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance

from the floor? 

(



P. 529)

• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of

free play? 

(



P. 529)

Brakes

• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the

brakes are applied.

• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The  brake  pedal  should  not  get  too  close  to  the

floor when the brakes are applied.

Head restraints

• Do  the  head  restraints  move  smoothly  and  lock

securely?

Indicators/buzzers

• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?

Lights

• Do all the lights come on?

Parking brake

• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is

on, is the vehicle securely stopped?

Seat belts

• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.

Seats

• Do the seat controls operate properly?

Steering wheel

• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount

of free play?

• There should not be any strange sounds coming

from the steering wheel.

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Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Doors

• Do the doors operate smoothly?

Engine hood

• Does the engine hood lock system work properly?

Fluid leaks

• There  should  not  be  any  signs  of  fluid  leakage

after the vehicle has been parked.

Tires

• Is the tire inflation pressure correct?
• The tires should not be damaged or excessively

worn.

• Have  the  tires  been  rotated  according  to  the

maintenance schedule?

• The wheel nuts should not be loose.

Windshield  wipers/
rear window wiper

• The  wiper  blades  should  not  show  any  signs  of

cracking,  splitting,  wear,  contamination  or  defor-
mation.

• The wiper blades should clear the windshield/rear

window without streaking or skipping.

WARNING

■

If the engine is running

Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

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The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and
may need  to  be  repaired. Contact  your Toyota  dealer to  service  the
vehicle.

●

When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also,  depending  on  your  driving  habits,  the  readiness  codes  may
not be completely set.

●

When the fuel tank cap is loose
The  malfunction  indicator  lamp  comes  on  indicating  a  temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.

Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) 

programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of the emission control system.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:

When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

If  you  perform  maintenance  by  yourself,  be  sure  to  follow  the
correct procedure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition

(



P. 415)

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level

(



P. 412)

• FMVSS  No.116  DOT  3  or  SAE  J1703  brake

fluid

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

Engine coolant level

(



P. 410)

• “Toyota  Super  Long  Life  Coolant”  or  a  similar

high quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate,
non-amine,  non-nitrite  and  non-borate  coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)

Engine oil level

(



P. 408)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

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Fuses

(



P. 445)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Light bulbs (



P. 448)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as

original

• Phillips-head screwdriver

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench

Power  steering  fluid
level 

(



P. 414)

• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON

® 

II or III

• Rag or paper towel

• Clean funnel

Radiator 

and 

con-

denser

(



P. 412)



Tire inflation pressure

(



P. 434)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid

(



P. 418)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for

winter use)

• Funnel  (used  only  for  adding  water  or  washer

fluid)

Items

Parts and tools

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WARNING

The  engine  compartment  contains  many  mechanisms  and  fluids  that  may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.

■

When working on the engine compartment

●

Keep  hands,  clothing  and  tools  away  from  the  moving  fan  and  engine
drive belt.

●

Be  careful  not  to  touch  the  engine,  radiator,  exhaust  manifold,  etc.  right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.

●

Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

●

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.

■

Safety glasses

Wear  safety  glasses  to  prevent  flying  or  falling  material,  fluid  spray,  etc.
from getting in your eyes.

NOTICE

■

If you remove the air cleaner filter

Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.

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Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Push the auxiliary catch lever to
the left and lift the hood.

Hood

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

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WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the hood is fully closed and locked. 
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

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Engine compartment

Washer fluid tank  (



P. 418)

Power steering fluid reservoir

(



P. 414)

Engine oil level dipstick 

(



P. 408)

Engine coolant reservoir 

(



P. 410)

Engine oil filler cap (



P. 409)

Brake fluid reservoir 

(



P. 412)

Fuse box 

(



P. 445)

Battery 

(



P. 415)

Condenser 

(



P. 412)

Radiator 

(



P. 412)

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■

Removing the engine compartment cover

■

Installing the clips

Push up center portion
Insert
Press

Engine compartment cover

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NOTICE

■

After installing an engine compartment cover

Make sure that the cover is securely installed in its original position.