Toyota 4Runner (2020 year). Manual — part 25

392

6-1. Maintenance and care

4RUNNER (U)

NOTICE

■

To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels etc.)

●

Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the

paint surface

• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,

iron powder or chemical substances

• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface

●

If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.

●

To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the wheels.

■

Cleaning the exterior lights

●

Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.

●

Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.

■

High pressure car washes

●

Vehicles with rear view monitor system: When washing the vehicle, do not
apply intensive bursts of water to the camera or camera area. Doing so
may result in the camera malfunctioning.

●

Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured
cover), connectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if
they come into contact with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts

●

Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 11.9 in. (30 cm) away from the vehicle
body. Otherwise resin section, such as moldings and bumpers, may be
deformed and damaged. Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle in the
same place.

●

Do not spray the lower part of the windshield continuously. If water enters
the air conditioning system intake located near the lower part of the wind-
shield, the air conditioning system may not operate correctly.

393

6-1. Maintenance and care

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe dirty surfaces
with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water.

●

If dirt cannot be removed, wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with
neutral detergent diluted to approximately 1%.
Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and water.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe off any excess dirt and dust with a soft cloth dampened with
diluted detergent.

Use a diluted water solution of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
all remaining traces of detergent.

●

Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining
moisture. Allow the leather to dry in a shaded and ventilated area.

●

Remove dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner.

●

Wipe it off with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent diluted
to approximately 1%.

●

Wring out any excess water from the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and water.

Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior

The following procedures will help protect your vehicle’s interior
and keep it in top condition:

Protecting the vehicle interior

Cleaning the leather areas

Cleaning the synthetic leather areas

394

6-1. Maintenance and care

4RUNNER (U)

■

Caring for leather areas

Toyota recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to
maintain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.

■

Shampooing the carpets

There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge
or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
Wipe dirty surfaces and let them dry. Excellent results are obtained by keep-
ing the carpet as dry as possible.

■

Seat belts

Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also
check the belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.

WARNING

■

Water in the vehicle

●

Do not splash or spill liquid in the vehicle.
Doing so may cause electrical components etc. to malfunction or catch
fire.

●

Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(



P. 36)

An electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function
properly, resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel may reflect
off the windshield, obstructing the driver’s view and leading to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.

395

6-1. Maintenance and care

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

NOTICE

■

Cleaning detergents

●

Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,

alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach

• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and alco-

hol

●

Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.

■

Preventing damage to leather surfaces

Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:

●

Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.

●

Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.

●

Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.

■

Water on the floor

Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.

■

When cleaning the inside of the windshield

Do not allow glass cleaner to contact the lens. Also, do not touch the lens.
(



P. 248)

■

Cleaning the inside of the rear quarter windows and back window

●

Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear quarter windows and back win-
dow, as this may cause damage to the rear window defogger heater wires
or antenna. Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water to gently wipe the
window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running parallel to the heater
wires or antenna.

●

Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.

396

4RUNNER (U)

6-2. Maintenance

General maintenance should be performed on a daily basis. This can
be done by yourself or by a Toyota dealer.

Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance schedule.

For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

You can perform some maintenance procedures by yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect warranty
coverage.

The use of Toyota Repair Manuals is recommended.
For details about warranty coverage, refer to the separate “Owner’s War-
ranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

■

Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine Toyota parts be used for repairs to ensure
performance of each system. If non-Toyota parts are used in replacement or if
a repair shop other than a Toyota dealer performs repairs, confirm the war-
ranty coverage.

Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and reg-
ular maintenance are essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to
perform regular checks. Toyota recommends the following main-
tenance:

General maintenance

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

397

6-2. Maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

■

Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required (U.S.A. only)

After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures described below:

Turn the engine switch off with the trip meter A reading shown. (



P. 89)

Vehicles without a smart key system:
While pressing the display change button (



P. 89), turn the engine switch

to the “ON” position (do not start the engine because reset mode will be
canceled).
Vehicles with a smart key system:
While pressing the display change button (



P. 89), turn the engine switch

to the IGNITION ON mode (do not start the engine because otherwise the
reset mode will be canceled).
Continue to press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.

■

Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Toyota dealer

●

Toyota technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with
the latest service information. They are well informed about the operations
of all systems on your vehicle.

●

Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take
care of it.

WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly maintained

Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible death or serious injury.

■

Handling of the battery

●

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.

●

Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Califor-
nia to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid
exposure and wash any affected area immediately.

●

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands
after handling. (



P. 415)

1

2

3

398

6-2. Maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

General maintenance

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

Engine compartment

Items

Check points

Battery

Check the connections.

(



P. 415)

Brake fluid

Is the brake fluid at the correct level?

(



P. 412)

Engine coolant

Is the engine coolant at the correct level? (



P. 410)

Engine oil

Is the engine oil at the correct level?

(



P. 408)

Exhaust system

There should not be any fumes or strange sounds.

Power steering fluid

Is the power steering fluid at the correct level?

(



P. 414)

Radiator/condenser

The radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects.

(



P. 412)

Washer fluid

Is there sufficient washer fluid?

(



P. 418)

399

6-2. Maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly

(without uneven pedal effort or catching).

Automatic transmis-
sion “Park” mecha-
nism

• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P,

is the vehicle securely stopped?

Brake pedal

• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance

from the floor?

(



P. 529)

• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of

free play?

(



P. 529)

Brakes

• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the

brakes are applied.

• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the

floor when the brakes are applied.

Head restraints

• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock

securely?

Indicators/buzzers

• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?

Lights

• Do all the lights come on?

Parking brake

• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is

on, is the vehicle securely stopped?

Seat belts

• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.

Seats

• Do the seat controls operate properly?

Steering wheel

• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount

of free play?

• There should not be any strange sounds coming

from the steering wheel.

400

6-2. Maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Doors

• Do the doors operate smoothly?

Engine hood

• Does the engine hood lock system work properly?

Fluid leaks

• There should not be any signs of fluid leakage

after the vehicle has been parked.

Tires

• Is the tire inflation pressure correct?
• The tires should not be damaged or excessively

worn.

• Have the tires been rotated according to the

maintenance schedule?

• The wheel nuts should not be loose.

Windshield wipers/
rear window wiper

• The wiper blades should not show any signs of

cracking, splitting, wear, contamination or defor-
mation.

• The wiper blades should clear the windshield/rear

window without streaking or skipping.

WARNING

■

If the engine is running

Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

401

6-2. Maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the
emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and
may need to be repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to service the
vehicle.

●

When the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.

●

When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the vehi-
cle is driven 40 or more times.

Contact your Toyota dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)

programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system
monitors the operation of the emission control system.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:

When the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test

402

4RUNNER (U)

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

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

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition

(



P. 415)

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• Grease

• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)

Brake fluid level

(



P. 412)

• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake

fluid

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

Engine coolant level

(



P. 410)

• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar

high quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate,
non-amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed
with 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)

Engine oil level

(



P. 408)

• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent

• Rag or paper towel

• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)

403

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

Fuses

(



P. 445)

• Fuse with same amperage rating as original

Light bulbs (



P. 448)

• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as

original

• Phillips-head screwdriver

• Flathead screwdriver

• Wrench

Power steering fluid
level

(



P. 414)

• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON

®

II or III

• Rag or paper towel

• Clean funnel

Radiator

and

con-

denser

(



P. 412)



Tire inflation pressure

(



P. 434)

• Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid

(



P. 418)

• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for

winter use)

• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer

fluid)

Items

Parts and tools

404

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

WARNING

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 and rags, in the
engine compartment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

●

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

■

Safety glasses

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

NOTICE

■

If you remove the air cleaner filter

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

405

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

Push the auxiliary catch lever to
the left and lift the hood.

Hood

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.

1

2

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

406

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4RUNNER (U)

Engine compartment

Washer fluid tank (



P. 418)

Power steering fluid reservoir

(



P. 414)

Engine oil level dipstick

(



P. 408)

Engine coolant reservoir

(



P. 410)

Engine oil filler cap (



P. 409)

Brake fluid reservoir

(



P. 412)

Fuse box

(



P. 445)

Battery

(



P. 415)

Condenser

(



P. 412)

Radiator

(



P. 412)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

407

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

Mainten

ance an

d ca

re

4RUNNER (U)

■

Removing the engine compartment cover

■

Installing the clips

Push up center portion
Insert
Press

Engine compartment cover

1

2

3

NOTICE

■

After installing an engine compartment cover

Make sure that the cover is securely installed in its original position.