Toyota 4Runner (2020 year). Instruction - part 26

408

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.

■

Checking the engine oil

Park  the  vehicle  on  level  ground. After  warming  up  the  engine
and  turning  it  off,  wait  more  than  5  minutes  for  the  oil  to  drain
back into the bottom of the engine.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull  the  dipstick  out  and
check the oil level.

Low
Normal
Excessive

The  shape  of  the  dipstick  may
differ  depending  on  the  type  of
vehicle or engine.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Engine oil

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■

Adding engine oil

If  the  oil  level  is  below  or  near
the low level mark, add engine
oil  of  the  same  type  as  that
already in the engine.

Make  sure  to  check  the  oil  type  and  prepare  the  items  needed
before adding oil.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

■

Engine oil consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations,  oil  consumption  may  increase,  and  engine  oil  may  need  to  be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.

●

When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine

●

If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used

●

When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or
when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently

●

When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic

Engine oil selection



P. 525

Oil quantity
(Low 



 Full)

1.8 qt. (1.7 L, 1.5 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

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410

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.

Reservoir cap
“F” line
“L” line

If  the  level  is  on  or  below  the  “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(



P. 517)

WARNING

■

Used engine oil

●

Used  engine  oil  contains  potentially  harmful  contaminants  which  may
cause  skin  disorders  such  as  inflammation  and  skin  cancer,  so  care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

●

Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. 
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.

●

Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

NOTICE

■

To prevent serious engine damage

Check the oil level on a regular basis.

■

When replacing the engine oil

●

Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.

●

Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.

●

Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.

●

Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

Engine coolant

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■

Coolant selection

Only use “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.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -31



F [-35



C])

Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deion-
ized water. (Minimum temperature: -44



F [-42



C])

For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

■

If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir caps, drain cock
and water pump. 
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.

WARNING

■

When the engine is hot

Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the radiator cap. 
(



P. 518) 

The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

NOTICE

■

When adding coolant

Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.

■

If you spill coolant

Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects. 
If  either of  the  above parts  is  extremely  dirty  or you  are not  sure of
their condition, have your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

■

Checking fluid level

The brake fluid level should be
between  the  “MAX”  and  “MIN”
lines on the tank.

“MAX” line
“MIN” line

■

Adding fluid

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary item.

■

Refilling brake fluid

Turn the engine switch off.
Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.
Remove  the  reservoir  cap  by  hand. Add  brake  fluid  up  to  the
“MAX” line.
If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may over-
flow.

Radiator and condenser

WARNING

■

When the engine is hot

Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

Brake fluid

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Fluid type

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid

Items

Clean funnel

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■

Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air

Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.

WARNING

■

When filling the reservoir

Take  care  as  brake  fluid  can  harm  your  hands  and  eyes  and  damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

NOTICE

■

If the fluid level is low or high

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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4RUNNER (U)

■

Fluid level

The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.

Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)

Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 min-

utes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid tempera-
ture, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C]).

Cold: Engine has not been run for about 5 hours. (Room tempera-

ture, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C]).

■

Checking the fluid level

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.

Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.

Power steering fluid

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Fluid type

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON

®

 II or III

Items

Rag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)

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Check the battery as follows.

■

Battery exterior

Make  sure  that  the  battery  terminals  are  not  corroded  and  that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

Terminals
Hold-down clamp

■

Before recharging

When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following before recharging:

●

If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.

●

Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and dis-
connecting the charger cables to the battery.

WARNING

■

When checking the reservoir

Take care as the reservoir may be hot.

NOTICE

■

When adding fluid

Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged.

■

After replacing the reservoir cap

Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or
damage.

Battery

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416

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

■

After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with a smart key sys-
tem)

The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.

Shift the shift lever to P.
Open and close any of the doors.
Restart the engine.

●

Unlocking the doors using the smart key system may not be possible imme-
diately  after  reconnecting  the  battery.  If  this  happens,  use  the  wireless
remote control or the mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.

●

Start the engine with the engine switch in ACCESSORY mode. The engine
may not start when the engine switch turned from off. However, the engine
will operate normally from the second attempt.

●

The engine switch mode is recorded by the vehicle. If the battery is recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the engine switch mode to the status it was in
before  the  battery  was  disconnected.  Make  sure  to  turn  off  the  engine
before disconnect the battery. Take extra care when connecting the battery
if the engine switch mode prior to discharge is unknown.

If the system will not start even after multiple attempts, contact your Toyota
dealer.

WARNING

■

Chemicals in the battery

Batteries  contain  poisonous  and  corrosive  sulfuric  acid  and  may  produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the
battery:

●

Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.

●

Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.

●

Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

●

Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.

●

Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.

●

Keep children away from the battery.

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WARNING

■

Where to safely charge the battery

Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is insufficient ventilation.

■

How to recharge the battery

Only  perform  a  slow  charge  (5  A  or  less).  The  battery  may  explode  if
charged at a quicker rate.

■

Emergency measures regarding electrolyte

●

If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.

●

If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.

●

If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.

●

If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.

NOTICE

■

When recharging the battery

Never  recharge  the  battery  while  the  engine  is  running. Also,  be  sure  all
accessories are turned off.

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4RUNNER (U)



Type A

If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information 

display, 

the

washer  tank  may  be  empty. Add
washer fluid.



Type B

If  the  washer  fluid  level  is  at
“LOW”, add washer fluid.

■

Using the gauge (Type B only)

Washer fluid

The washer fluid level can be checked by
observing the position of the level on the
liquid-covered holes in the gauge. 
If  the  level  falls  below  the  second  hole
from the bottom (the “LOW” position), refill
the washer fluid.

Current 
fluid 
level

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WARNING

■

When adding washer fluid

Do not add washer fluid when the engine is hot or running as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.

NOTICE

■

Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid 

Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle's painted surfaces, as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems of the washer fluid not spraying.

■

Diluting washer fluid

Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. 
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

420

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

Check if the treadwear indicators are showing on the tires. Also check
the tires for uneven wear, such as excessive wear on one side of the
tread.
Check the spare tire condition and pressure if not rotated.

New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator

The location of treadwear indicators is shown by a “TWI” or “



” mark,

etc., molded into the sidewall of each tire. 

Replace the tires if the treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

Tires

Replace or rotate tires in accordance with maintenance sched-
ules and treadwear.

Checking tires

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

Vehicles without P245/60R20 tires

Rotate  the  tires  in  the  order
shown.

To equalize tire wear and extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that
tire  rotation  is  carried  out  at  the
same interval as tire inspection.



Vehicles with P245/60R20 tires

Rotate  the  tires  in  the  order
shown.

To equalize tire wear and extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that
tire  rotation  is  carried  out  at  the
same interval as tire inspection.

Tire rotation

Front

Front

422

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

Your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that uses
tire pressure warning valve and transmitters to detect low tire inflation
pressure before serious problems arise.

●

The  tire  pressure  detected  by
the  tire  pressure  warning  sys-
tem  can  be  displayed  on  the
multi-information display.

*

:

If equipped

●

If the tire pressure drops below
a  predetermined  level,  the
driver  is  warned  by  a  screen
display  and  a  warning  light.
(



P. 481)

*

:

If equipped

Tire pressure warning system

*

*

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◆

Installing tire pressure warning valve and transmitters

When replacing the tires or wheels, the tire pressure warning valve
and  transmitters  must  be  installed  to  the  wheels  which  will  be
installed to the vehicle.
When  new  tire  pressure  warning  valve  and  transmitters  are
installed,  new  ID  codes  must  be  registered  in  the  tire  pressure
warning  computer  and  the  tire  pressure  warning  system  must  be
initialized. (



P. 424)

◆

Initializing the tire pressure warning system

■

The tire pressure warning system must be initialized in the fol-
lowing circumstances:

●

When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when chang-
ing traveling speed or load weight.

●

When the tire inflation pressure is changed such as when the tire
size is changed.

●

When rotating the tires.

●

After performing the transmitter  ID code registration procedure.
(



P. 424)

When the tire pressure warning system is initialized, the current tire
inflation pressure is set as the benchmark pressure.

■

How to initialize the tire pressure warning system

Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the engine switch off.

The  initialization  procedure  cannot  be  started  while  the  vehicle  is

moving.

Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. (



P. 530)

Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire infla-

tion  pressure  level.  The  tire  pressure  warning  system  will  operate

based on this pressure level.

Start the engine. (



P. 209, 212)

Select 

 on the multi-information display using the meter con-

trol switches on the steering wheel. (



P. 96)

Select “Vehicle Settings” and then press and hold 

.

Select “TPWS” and then press 

.

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