If you choose to perform maintenance yourself, follow the procedures described in the applicable sections carefully and use the correct methods for each task. Work should only be carried out when you can do so safely and without damaging vehicle components.
Maintenance
WARNING
The engine compartment contains numerous mechanical components and fluids that can move unexpectedly, become extremely hot, or carry electrical energy. Conditions inside the compartment can remain hazardous even shortly after the vehicle has been driven.
To reduce the risk of death or serious injury while performing inspections or maintenance, observe all of the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
- Keep your hands, loose clothing, tools, and other objects away from the moving cooling fan and engine drive belt. Contact with rotating components can cause serious injury.
- Do not touch the engine, inverter, radiator, exhaust manifold, or other components immediately after driving, as these parts can remain extremely hot.
Engine oil, coolant, and other vehicle fluids may also retain high temperatures and can cause burns if handled before they have cooled sufficiently.
- Never leave paper, cloth, rags, or other easily combustible materials inside the engine compartment. Heat from engine or exhaust components may ignite flammable objects.
- Do not smoke, create sparks, or bring an open flame near gasoline or the battery. Fuel vapors and gases produced by the battery are flammable and may ignite under the wrong conditions.
- Use extreme care whenever working around the battery. The battery contains sulfuric acid, which is poisonous and highly corrosive and can cause serious injury if it contacts the skin or eyes.
When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Make certain that the engine switch is off before beginning work near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille.
When the engine switch is in ON, the electric cooling fan may start automatically without warning if the air conditioning system is operating and/or the engine coolant temperature becomes sufficiently high. Keep hands, tools, and clothing clear of the fan area whenever automatic fan operation is possible.
Safety glasses
Wear suitable safety glasses whenever performing maintenance that could expose your eyes to falling particles, flying debris, pressurized fluid, or splashes. Proper eye protection helps reduce the possibility of injury from materials released during service work.
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Do not drive the Toyota Tacoma with the air cleaner filter removed. Without the filter in place, airborne dirt and other contaminants can enter the engine and may cause accelerated or excessive internal engine wear.
