Your Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a spare tire so that a flat tire can be removed and replaced when necessary. Before beginning the replacement procedure, make sure the vehicle is positioned securely and the required jack and tools are available.
WARNING
If you have a flat tire
Do not continue driving the Toyota Tacoma when one of its tires is flat.
Even traveling a short distance on a flat tire can severely damage both the tire and the wheel, potentially making them impossible to repair. Continued driving under these conditions can also affect vehicle control and may result in an accident.
Before repairing the tire
- Move the vehicle to a safe location and stop on a firm, level surface that can properly support the jack.
- Apply the parking brake securely before beginning any tire replacement work.
- Move the shift lever to P on vehicles with an automatic transmission, or to R on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
- Stop the engine completely.
- Switch on the emergency flashers to make the stopped vehicle more visible to surrounding traffic.
Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Spare tire
Jack and tools
Vehicles without rear seats
- Jack used to raise the vehicle during tire replacement
- Tool bag containing the equipment required for the tire-changing procedure
- Wheel lock key, if the vehicle is equipped with wheel lock nuts
Vehicles with rear seats
- Jack for lifting the vehicle during replacement of a flat tire
- Tool bag containing the tire-changing tools
- Wheel lock key, if equipped
WARNING
Using the tire jack
Follow all of the precautions below whenever the tire jack is used.
Incorrect placement or improper operation of the jack can cause the vehicle to slip or fall unexpectedly. Such an event can cause severe injury or death to anyone near or beneath the vehicle.
- Do not use the supplied tire jack for purposes other than replacing a tire or installing and removing tire chains.
- Use only the tire jack supplied with this vehicle when replacing a flat tire.
Do not use the Toyota Tacoma jack to lift another vehicle, and do not substitute a jack from another vehicle when changing a tire on this one.
- Position the jack correctly at the designated jack point before attempting to raise the vehicle.
- Never place your hands, arms, legs, or any other part of your body underneath the vehicle while it is supported only by the tire jack.
- Do not start the engine or attempt to move the vehicle while any part of it is raised and supported by the jack.
- Do not raise the vehicle while a driver or passenger remains inside.
- When lifting the vehicle, never place blocks, spacers, or other objects either on top of or underneath the jack.
- Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove the flat tire and install the replacement tire. Lifting it higher than necessary can reduce stability.
- If work underneath the vehicle is necessary, support the vehicle with an appropriate jack stand rather than relying on the tire jack alone.
- Before lowering the vehicle, confirm that no one is standing close to it. If other people are nearby, warn them clearly before beginning to lower the vehicle.
Using the jack handle
Insert the square head of the jack handle securely into position until a click is heard. Proper engagement helps prevent the extension sections from separating unexpectedly while the jack is being operated.
Wheel lock nut (if equipped)
If the vehicle is equipped with wheel lock nuts, use the procedures below whenever a wheel must be removed or installed. The wheel lock key is required to engage the unique pattern of the lock nut correctly.
The wheel lock key is kept in the glove box. After each use, return it to its original storage position so that it remains available when a tire must be removed in the future and is less likely to be misplaced.
Removal
For easier wheel removal, loosen the wheel lock nut before loosening the remaining wheel nuts.
1. Position the wheel lock key directly over the wheel lock nut. Turn the key as necessary until the matching patterns of the key and lock nut fully engage with each other.
2. Fit the wheel nut wrench onto the wheel lock key. While maintaining firm pressure on the wheel lock key so it stays properly engaged, turn the wrench to loosen the wheel lock nut.
Installation
During wheel installation, tighten the wheel lock nut after the other wheel nuts so that it is the last nut secured.
1. Start the wheel lock nut by hand and thread it onto the wheel carefully to avoid incorrect engagement.
2. Place the wheel lock key over the wheel lock nut and rotate it until the patterns on the key and nut engage completely, preparing the wheel lock nut for final tightening.
3. Fit the wheel nut wrench onto the wheel lock key. While pressing firmly on the key to keep it fully engaged with the wheel lock nut, tighten the wheel lock nut to the recommended torque.
NOTICE
When using a wheel lock key (if equipped)
Do not use an impact wrench when loosening or tightening a wheel lock nut.
An impact wrench can permanently damage both the wheel lock nut and the matching wheel lock key, potentially preventing proper removal or installation later. If you are uncertain about the correct use of the wheel lock system on your Toyota Tacoma, contact your Toyota dealer for assistance.
Taking out the jack and tool bag
Vehicles without rear seats
1. Turn the retaining knob counterclockwise until the storage compartment can be opened.
2. Open the storage compartment lid to gain access to the jack and tools.
3. Release the tightening strap that secures the tool bag, then remove the tool bag from its storage position.
4. Unhook the separate tightening strap holding the jack in place, and carefully remove the jack from the compartment.
After the jack has been used, return it to its original storage location by following the removal procedure in reverse order. Make sure the jack and tool bag are secured so they cannot move while the vehicle is being driven.
Vehicles with rear seats
1. Fold the head restraint as required, pull the indicated strap, and then fold the seatback down to reach the jack and tool storage area.
2. Loosen the jack from its secured position and remove it carefully from the storage area.
- Turn in the indicated direction to loosen and remove the jack.
- Turn in the opposite direction to tighten and secure the jack during storage.
After using the jack, reinstall it by reversing the removal procedure and tighten it securely in its original storage position.
3. Release the tightening strap securing the tool bag, then remove the bag from its compartment.
Taking out the spare tire
1. Assemble the jack handle extension in the arrangement shown, making sure the connected sections are properly engaged before using it.
2. Insert the end of the assembled jack handle extension into the spare tire lowering screw, then rotate the handle counterclockwise to lower the tire.
3. Continue lowering the spare tire until it rests completely on the ground. Once there is sufficient slack, remove the holding bracket from the wheel so the spare tire can be pulled out.
Replacing a flat tire
1. Chock the tires securely before raising the Toyota Tacoma. Position the wheel chocks so the vehicle is restrained against unintended movement during the tire replacement procedure.
2. Before lifting the vehicle, loosen each wheel nut slightly, approximately one turn. Do not remove the nuts completely while the tire is still supporting the vehicle.
Vehicles equipped with wheel locks: Fit the wheel lock key correctly onto the locking nut and use it with the wheel nut wrench to loosen the wheel lock.
3. Assemble the jack handle extension as illustrated, confirming that the extension pieces are connected securely before applying force.
4. Place the jack at the designated jack point shown for the front or rear of the vehicle. Correct positioning is essential before any part of the vehicle is raised.
- Front jack point
- Rear jack point
Confirm that the jack is standing upright on a firm, level surface and that it is correctly aligned with the specified jack point before lifting the vehicle.
5. Operate the jack and raise the vehicle only until the flat tire is slightly clear of the ground, providing enough space for removal and replacement.
When the jack is positioned beneath the rear axle housing, make certain that the groove at the top of the jack seats correctly against the rear axle housing. Proper engagement helps keep the lifting point stable while the vehicle is raised.
6. Remove all of the loosened wheel nuts, then carefully pull the flat tire straight away from the wheel mounting surface.
If the removed tire must be placed on the ground, set it down with the wheel's decorative surface facing upward. This position helps protect the visible wheel surface from scratches or other damage while the spare tire is being installed.
WARNING
Replacing a flat tire
- Follow all of the precautions below while replacing a flat tire.
Failure to observe these instructions can create a hazardous condition and may result in serious injury:
- Lower the spare tire completely until it rests on the ground before attempting to remove it from beneath the Toyota Tacoma.
- Do not attempt to remove the wheel ornament directly by hand. Handle the ornament carefully and use appropriate caution during removal to reduce the possibility of unexpected personal injury.
- Do not touch the disc wheels or any components around the brakes immediately after the vehicle has been driven.
Disc wheels and the surrounding brake components can become extremely hot during driving and may remain hot afterward. Contact with these areas using your hands, feet, or other parts of the body while replacing a tire can cause burns.
- Failure to observe the following wheel installation precautions can allow the wheel nuts to loosen and may cause the tire to separate from the vehicle while driving, creating a risk of death or serious injury.
- Never apply oil or grease to the wheel bolts or wheel nuts before installation.
Oil or grease on these components can cause the wheel nuts to be tightened excessively, which may damage the bolts or disc wheel. If oil, grease, or similar material is present on the mounting hardware, remove it before installing and tightening the wheel nuts.
- After a tire has been replaced, verify the wheel nut tightening torque as soon as possible to confirm that each nut is secured correctly.
Steel wheel: 154 ft-lbf (209 N-m, 21.3 kgf-m)
Aluminum wheel: 97 ft-lbf (131 N-m, 13.4 kgf-m) - When fitting a tire, use only wheel nuts specifically designed for the type of wheel being installed. Using unsuitable wheel nuts may prevent the wheel from being secured correctly.
- Retighten and check the wheel nuts within 100 miles (160 km) of driving after the tire has been installed.
- If cracks, deformation, or other damage is found on the bolt threads, wheel nut threads, or wheel bolt holes, have the Toyota Tacoma inspected by your Toyota dealer before continuing normal use.
- Do not reinstall a wheel ornament that is heavily damaged, as it could detach from the wheel while the vehicle is moving.
- When installing the wheel nuts, make certain that their tapered ends face inward toward the wheel as required for proper seating.
- Never apply oil or grease to the wheel bolts or wheel nuts before installation.
Installing the spare tire
1. Thoroughly remove dirt, rust particles, or other foreign material from the wheel contact surface before positioning the spare tire.
Foreign matter trapped between the wheel and its contact surface can prevent the wheel from seating correctly. If this occurs, the wheel nuts may gradually loosen while the Toyota Tacoma is moving, creating a risk that the tire could separate from the vehicle.
2. Position the spare tire correctly on the wheel mounting surface, then install each wheel nut by hand. Tighten the nuts loosely and by approximately the same amount so the wheel remains evenly seated before final tightening.
When replacing a steel wheel with another steel wheel, including a compact spare tire, turn the wheel nuts until tapered portion A comes into light contact with disc wheel seat B. Do not fully tighten the nuts at this stage.
When replacing an aluminum wheel with a steel wheel, including a compact spare tire, tighten each wheel nut only until tapered portion A makes light contact with disc wheel seat B, keeping the wheel correctly centered on the mounting surface.
When an aluminum wheel is being replaced with a spare aluminum wheel, turn each nut until washer A comes into loose contact with disc wheel B. Final tightening is performed only after the vehicle has been lowered.
3. Carefully lower the Toyota Tacoma until the tire is fully supporting the vehicle and the jack is no longer carrying the vehicle's weight.
4. Using the wheel nut wrench, securely tighten the wheel nuts in the sequence indicated in the illustration. Repeat the tightening sequence two or three times so that the wheel is seated evenly and all nuts reach the specified torque.
Tightening torque:
Steel wheel: 154 ft-lbf (209 N-m, 21.3 kgf-m)
Aluminum wheel: 97 ft-lbf (131 N-m, 13.4 kgf-m)
WARNING
Stowing the flat tire
Follow the specified tire-stowing procedure carefully. Failure to complete the required steps correctly can damage the spare tire carrier or allow the stored tire to become loose or fall from the vehicle, which could create a serious hazard and result in severe injury or death.
