Use only unleaded gasoline in the Toyota Tacoma.
Choose fuel with an octane rating of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87 can cause engine knocking, particularly when the engine is operating under load.
If heavy or persistent knocking continues, internal engine damage may eventually occur.
At a minimum, the gasoline used in the Toyota Tacoma should comply with ASTM D4814 specifications applicable in the U.S.A.
Gasoline quality
In rare situations, poor driveability may be related to the particular brand or formulation of gasoline being used rather than to a vehicle malfunction. If hesitation, rough operation, or other driveability concerns continue, try refueling with a different brand of gasoline that meets the required specifications. If changing fuel brands does not correct the condition, consult your Toyota dealer.
Recommendation of the use of gasoline containing detergent additives
- Toyota recommends using gasoline formulated with detergent additives because these additives help reduce the accumulation of deposits inside the engine and fuel-related intake components.
- Gasoline sold in the U.S.A. contains at least the minimum detergent additive concentration required under the EPA program for cleaning and/or helping maintain cleanliness of intake systems.
- Toyota strongly recommends choosing Top Tier Detergent Gasoline when it is available.
For additional information about Top Tier Detergent Gasoline and participating fuel marketers, refer to the official Top Tier website at www.toptiergas.com.
Recommendation of the use of low emissions gasoline
In some areas, gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethanol or ethers is available, along with reformulated gasoline designed to reduce certain emissions. These fuels are generally suitable for the Toyota Tacoma as long as they also satisfy all other applicable fuel requirements.
Toyota recommends the use of these qualifying fuel formulations because their composition can help reduce vehicle emissions while maintaining the required fuel characteristics.
Non-recommendation of the use of blended gasoline
- Use gasoline containing no more than 15% ethanol.
DO NOT use flex-fuel or any gasoline blend that may contain more than 15% ethanol. This includes fuel dispensed from pumps labeled E30 (30% ethanol A), E50 (50% ethanol B), or E85 (85% ethanol C), as well as other blends exceeding the permitted ethanol concentration.
- If gasohol is used in the vehicle, make certain that its octane rating is at least 87 and that the ethanol concentration remains within the permitted limit.
- Toyota does not recommend gasoline containing methanol because it may not be compatible with the vehicle's fuel requirements.
Non-recommendation of the use of gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline formulations contain an octane-enhancing additive known as MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Toyota does not recommend using gasoline containing MMT. Fuel formulated with this additive may adversely affect operation of the vehicle's emission control system.
If MMT-containing fuel affects the emission system, the malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may illuminate.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on under these circumstances, contact your Toyota dealer and have the vehicle inspected or serviced as necessary.
If your engine knocks
- If engine knocking is persistent or unusually strong, consult your Toyota dealer so the cause can be checked.
- A light knocking sound may occasionally be heard for a brief period during acceleration or while driving uphill. This short-term condition can be normal and generally does not indicate a problem.
NOTICE
Notice on fuel quality
- Do not use fuel that fails to meet the specified requirements. Incorrect fuel can adversely affect combustion and may cause engine damage.
- Never use leaded gasoline in the Toyota Tacoma.
Lead contained in the fuel can damage the three-way catalytic converters and interfere with proper operation of the emission control system.
- Do not use gasohol other than the type and ethanol concentration previously specified.
Using an unsuitable gasohol blend may damage fuel system components or result in poor engine and vehicle performance.
- Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below the minimum value specified above can produce persistent, heavy engine knocking.
If this condition continues, serious engine damage can result and the vehicle warranty may be affected.
Fuel-related poor driveability
If noticeable driveability problems such as difficult hot starting, excessive fuel vaporization, engine knocking, hesitation, or similar symptoms begin after changing to a different fuel type, stop using that fuel. Return to a gasoline that meets the specified Toyota requirements and observe whether normal operation is restored.
When refueling with gasohol
Take care not to spill gasohol onto painted body surfaces while refueling. Gasohol can damage the vehicle's paint if it remains in contact with the finish.
