Toyota Tacoma Owners Manual: Do-it-yourself service precautions

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

CAUTION

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 or rags, in the engine compartment.

●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery.

Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

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

●Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or 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.

■When working near the cooling fan or radiator grille

Be sure the engine switch is off.

With the engine switch on, the cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.

■Safety glasses

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

NOTICE

■If you remove the air cleaner

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

■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 or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.

If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.