If the Toyota Tacoma battery has become discharged and the engine cannot be started normally, the procedures below may be used to restore enough electrical power for starting.
You may also contact your Toyota dealer or a qualified repair facility if suitable jumper cables, another vehicle, or the required assistance are not available.
Restarting the engine
If you have a suitable set of jumper or booster cables and access to a second vehicle with a battery, the Toyota Tacoma can be jump-started by carefully following the procedure below.
1. Make sure the electronic key is with you before beginning the jump-start procedure.
When the jumper or booster cables are connected, the alarm may activate and the doors may lock depending on the vehicle's condition. Keeping the electronic key with you helps ensure that you retain access to the vehicle.
2. Open the hood to access the battery and the designated connection points.
3. Open the cover over the positive (+) battery terminal before attaching the jumper cable.
4. Connect the positive jumper cable clamp to point A on your vehicle, then connect the clamp at the opposite end of the positive cable to point B on the second vehicle. Next, attach the negative cable clamp to point C on the second vehicle, and connect the opposite end of the negative cable to metallic point D on your vehicle.
Use jumper cables long enough to reach all of the specified terminals and the designated metallic connection point without stretching or disturbing the clamps.
- Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle
- Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle
- Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle
- Metallic connection point indicated in the illustration
5. Start the engine of the second vehicle. Raise its engine speed slightly and keep it at that level for approximately 5 minutes so electrical energy can be supplied to the discharged battery.
6. With the engine switch of your vehicle OFF, open and then close any one of the vehicle doors.
7. Keep the engine of the second vehicle running at the slightly increased speed, then attempt to start the Toyota Tacoma by turning the engine switch to ON.
8. After the engine has started successfully, disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of connection. Remove each clamp carefully and make sure the cables do not contact unintended components during removal.
Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting the vehicle, so use the specified electrical starting procedure instead.
To prevent battery discharge
- Switch off the headlights and audio system whenever the engine is stopped to reduce unnecessary electrical consumption from the battery.
- Turn off electrical equipment that is not needed when the vehicle is operated at low speed for an extended period, such as during prolonged heavy traffic, to reduce the electrical load.
- When ACC customization is set to off, electrical power can still be supplied to the multimedia system even while the engine switch is off.
To shut down the multimedia system completely, use its dedicated power switch. Refer to the "MULTIMEDIA OWNER'S MANUAL" for the applicable operating details.
When the battery is removed or discharged
- Stored information in the ECU may be cleared when the battery is removed or completely discharged. If the Toyota Tacoma battery has been depleted, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer as necessary.
- Certain vehicle systems may require initialization after battery power has been interrupted or restored.
When removing the battery terminals
Disconnecting the battery terminals clears certain information stored in the vehicle's ECU. Before removing either battery terminal from the Toyota Tacoma, contact your Toyota dealer so any necessary precautions can be confirmed before electrical power is interrupted.
Charging the battery
Electrical energy stored in the battery gradually decreases even while the vehicle is not being used. This occurs through normal battery self-discharge as well as the small amount of power consumed by certain electrical equipment that remains connected while the vehicle is parked.
If the Toyota Tacoma remains unused for an extended period, the battery can eventually become discharged enough that the engine will no longer start. Under normal operating conditions, the battery is automatically recharged while the vehicle is being driven.
When recharging or replacing the battery
- When the battery is discharged, the smart key system may not always be able to unlock the doors. If this occurs, use the wireless remote control if it is still operational, or use the mechanical key to lock or unlock the vehicle manually.
- After the battery has been recharged, the engine may fail to start on the first attempt but then start normally on the second attempt. This behavior does not indicate a malfunction.
- The Toyota Tacoma memorizes the current engine switch mode. After the battery is reconnected, the system returns to the mode that was selected before the battery became discharged or was disconnected.
Before disconnecting the battery, make sure the engine switch has been turned off.
If you do not know which engine switch mode was active before the battery discharged, use particular care when reconnecting the battery and restoring electrical power to the vehicle.
- Vehicles equipped with the Stop & Start system: After battery power has been restored, the Stop & Start function may not automatically stop the engine for up to approximately one hour while normal system operation is being re-established.
When replacing the battery
- Vehicles equipped with the Stop & Start system: Use a genuine battery specifically intended for the Stop & Start system, or another battery with specifications equivalent to the genuine battery. Installing an unsupported battery may cause the Stop & Start functions to be restricted in order to protect the battery. Battery performance may also deteriorate, and under some conditions the engine may be unable to restart. Contact your Toyota dealer if you need confirmation of the correct replacement battery for your Toyota Tacoma.
- Install only a battery that conforms to the applicable European regulations.
- Type A:
Use a replacement battery with the same case size as the original battery (LN3), a 20-hour rate capacity (20HR) of at least 70Ah, and a cold cranking performance rating (CCA) of at least 603A.
Type B: Use a battery with the same case dimensions as the previous battery (LN4), a 20-hour rate capacity (20HR) of 80Ah or greater, and a cold cranking performance rating (CCA) of 689A or greater.
Type C: Use a battery matching the original LN4 case size, with a 20-hour rate capacity (20HR) of at least 75Ah and a cold cranking performance rating (CCA) of 776A or greater.
- If the replacement battery differs in physical size, it may not fit the mounting location correctly and cannot be secured as intended.
- If the replacement battery has a lower 20-hour rate capacity than specified, it may discharge even after the vehicle has been parked for a relatively short period, potentially leaving insufficient electrical power to start the engine.
For additional information or confirmation of the correct battery specifications and replacement procedure for your Toyota Tacoma, consult your Toyota dealer.
WARNING
When removing the battery terminals
Always disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before removing the positive (+) terminal. If the positive terminal is removed first and accidentally contacts nearby metal, a spark can be produced. Such arcing may ignite flammable gas around the battery and can also create a risk of electrical shock, fire, death, or serious injury.
Avoiding battery fires or explosions
A vehicle battery can release flammable gas, so careful handling is essential whenever jumper cables are connected or battery work is performed. Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidental ignition, fire, or explosion:
- Confirm that every jumper cable clamp is attached to the specified terminal or connection point. Do not allow a clamp to make accidental contact with any component other than the intended connection.
- Keep the free end of the jumper cable connected to the "+" terminal away from surrounding brackets, body components, unpainted metal, or any other conductive surface that could create an unintended electrical path.
- Never allow the positive (+) and negative (-) jumper cable clamps to touch each other while either cable is connected to a battery.
Battery precautions
The Toyota Tacoma battery contains acidic electrolyte that is both poisonous and corrosive, while battery-related components contain lead and lead compounds. Handle the battery carefully and observe the following precautions whenever inspection, connection, or maintenance work is performed:
- Wear suitable safety glasses whenever working near the battery. Prevent battery electrolyte from contacting your skin, clothing, painted body surfaces, or other parts of the vehicle.
- Do not lean directly over the battery, particularly while making electrical connections or jump-starting the vehicle.
- If battery fluid contacts your skin or eyes, immediately flush the affected area thoroughly with clean water and seek medical attention. Until medical assistance is available, keep a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area to continue diluting and removing the acid.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the battery support, terminals, cables, or any other battery-related components, even if no visible electrolyte is present.
- Keep children away from the battery and from the area where battery service or jump-starting is being performed.
When replacing the battery
- If the vent plug and battery indicator are positioned too close to the hold-down clamp, battery fluid containing sulfuric acid may leak. Make sure the replacement battery is installed correctly and that these components are not improperly contacted or obstructed.
- For guidance on selecting and installing the correct replacement battery for the Toyota Tacoma, contact your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
When handling jumper cables
While connecting or disconnecting jumper cables, route and hold them carefully so they cannot become caught in the engine cooling fan or other nearby moving components.
When connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables only to the specified battery terminals and designated connection point shown for the Toyota Tacoma. Attaching them elsewhere may interfere with vehicle electronics, damage electrical components, or prevent the jump-start procedure from being performed correctly.
