Toyota TACOMA 1996 Owner Manual

Part 1

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1-1 Overview of instruments and controls

 Instrument panel overview  Instrument cluster overview  Indicator symbols on the

instrument panel

Instrument panel overview

1. Side vent

2. Instrument cluster

3. Automatic transmission selector lever (column shift)

4. Center vents

5. Personal lights or interior light

6. Glovebox

7. Power door lock switch

8. Power window switches

9. Manual transmission gear shift lever or automatic transmission selector lever (floor shift)

10. Front drive control lever

11. Tilt steering lock release lever

12. Power rear view mirror control switch

1. Headlight and turn signal switch

2. Wiper and washer switches

3. Driving pattern selector button

4. Emergency flasher switch

5. Clock

6. Cup holder

7. Air conditioning controls

8. Car audio

9. Ashtray

10. Cigarette lighter

11. Parking brake lever

12. Ignition switch

13. Cruise control switch

14. Hook lock release lever

15. Rear differential lock button

16. Instrument panel light control knob

17. Clutch start cancel switch

Instrument cluster overview

With tachometer

1. Engine coolant temperature gauge

2. Tachometer

3. Service reminder indicators or indicator lights

4. Odometer

5. Speedometer

6. Fuel gauge

7. Trip meter reset knob

8. Trip meter

Without tachometer

1. Engine coolant temperature gauge

2. Service reminder indicators or indicator lights

3. Odometer

4. Speedometer

5. Fuel gauge

Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

Brake system warning light*

Seat belt reminder light*

Discharge warning light*

Low oil pressure warning light*

Malfunction indicator light*

Low fuel level warning light*

Anti-lock brake system warning light*

SRS airbag warning light*

Unengaged “Park” warning light* Automatic transmission fluid

temperature warning light* Low windshield washer fluid level

light*

Turn signal indicator lights

Headlight high beam indicator light

Over-drive indicator light

Driving pattern (“POWER” mode) indicator light

Automatic transmission indicator

lights

Four-wheel drive indicator light

Rear differential lock indicator light

Cruise control indicator light *

*1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warn-

ing buzzers” in Chapter 1-5.

*2: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” in Chapter 1-6.

Part 1

Keys

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1-2 Keys and Doors

 Keys  Side doors  Power windows  Quarter windows  Rear window  Tailgate  Hood  Fuel tank cap  Detachable moon roof  Detachable sun shade

KEY PLATE This key works in every lock.

Since the doors can be locked without a key, you should always carry a spare key in case you accidentally lock your key inside the vehicle.

KEY NUMBER PLATE Your key number is shown on the

plate. Keep the plate in a safe place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle.

If you should lose your keys or if you need additional keys, duplicates can be made by a Toyota dealer using the key number.

You should also put a copy of the key number with your important papers.

Side doors

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH KEY

Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it.

To lock: Turn the key forward. To unlock: Turn the key backward. Vehicles with power door lock sys-

tem—Both doors lock and unlock simultaneously with either door. In the driver’s door lock, turning the key once will unlock the driver’s door and twice in succession will unlock the driver’s door and passenger’s door simultaneously.

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH INSIDE LOCK BUTTON

Move the lock button.

To lock: Push the button downward. To unlock: Pull the button upward. Closing the door with the lock button

pushed in will also lock the door. Be careful not to lock your keys in the vehicle.

Vehicles with power door lock system— The door cannot be locked if you leave the key in the ignition switch.

Driver’s side

Passenger’s side

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

Push the switch.

To lock: Push the switch on the front side. To unlock: Push the switch on the rear

side. Both doors lock or unlock simultaneously.

CAUTION

Before driving, be sure that the doors are closed and locked, especially when small children are in the vehicle. Along with the proper use of seat belts, locking the doors helps prevent the driver and passengers from being thrown out from the vehicle during an accident. It also helps prevent the doors from being opened unintentionally.

Power windows

The windows can be operated with the switch on each door.

The power windows work when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. However, if both doors are closed, they work for 60 seconds even after the ignition switch is turned off. They stop working when either door is opened.

OPERATING THE DRIVER’S WINDOW Use the switch on the driver’s door.

Normal operation: The window moves

as long as you hold the switch. To open: Lightly push down the switch. To close: Pull up the switch.

Automatic operation (to open only):

Push the switch completely down and then release it. The window will fully open. To stop the window partway, lightly pull the switch up and then release it.

OPERATING THE PASSENGERS’ WINDOW

Use the switch on the passenger’s door or the switch on the driver’s door that controls the passenger’s window.

The window moves as long as you hold the switch.

To open: Push down the switch. To close: Pull up the switch. If you push in the “WINDOW LOCK” but-

ton on the driver’s door, the passenger’s windows cannot be operated.

CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following.

 Always make sure the head, hands

and other parts of the b ody of all o ccupants are kept completely inside the vehicle before you close the power windows. If someone’s neck, head or h a nds g e ts c a ught i n a closing window, it could result in a serious injury. When anyone closes the power windows, be sure that they operate the windows safely.

 When small children are in the ve-

hicle, never let them use the power window switches without supervision. Use the “WINDOW LOCK” button to prevent them from making unexpected use of the switches.

 Never leave small children alone in

the vehicle, especially with the ignition key still inserted. They could use the power window switches and get trapped in a window. Unattended children can become involved in serious accidents.

Quarter windows (Xtra-cab models)

Rear windows

Tailgate

To open the quarter window, pull the latch handle toward you and swing it fully out.

When closing the window, make sure it is completely closed.

To unlock the rear window , pull the left end of the latch handle toward you and disengage the right end from the catch.

When closing the window, make sure it is completely closed.

To open the tailgate, pull the handle up.

The support cables will hold the tailgate horizontal.

See “Luggage stowage precautions” in Part 2 for precautions to observe in loading luggage.

After closing the tailgate, try pulling it toward you to make sure it is securely locked.

NOTICE

Avoid driving with the tailgate open.

Hood

To lower the tailgate fully, release the support brackets from the lugs as shown.

NOTICE

Make sure the tailgate is securely caught by the support brackets before closing the tailgate.

To open the hood, do the following:

1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will spring up slightly.

2. In front of the vehicle, press up on the auxiliary catch lever and lift the hood .

3. Hold the hood open by inserting the

support rod into the slot.

Before closing the hood, check to see that you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc. and return the support rod to its clip-this prevents rattles. Then lower the hood and make sure it locks into place. If necessary, press down gently on the front edge to lock it.

Fuel tank cap

1. To open the fuel filler door, insert the key and turn it counterclockwise.

CAUTION

 Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-

low open flames when refuelling. The fumes are flammable.

 When opening the cap, do not re-

move the cap quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the cap is suddenly removed.

 Do not fill a fuel container on a

plastic truck bed liner, a rubber truck bed mat, or any other insulating material. A static electricity charge could cause a spark and fire hazard. The proper procedure is to place an approved fuel container on the ground away from the truck for filling.

CAUTION

After inserting the support rod into the slot, make sure the rod supports the hood securely.

2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly counterclockwise, then pause slightly before removing it. After removing the cap, hang it on the cap hanger.

It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is opened. When installing, turn the cap clockwise till you hear a click.

Four-wheel drive modelsIf the cap is not tightened securely, the

malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened securely.

The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

CAUTION

 Make sure the cap is tightened se-

curely to prevent fuel spillage in case of an accident.

 Use only a genuine Toyota fuel

tank cap for replacement. It has a built in check valve to reduce fuel tank vacuum.

Detachable moon roof—Moon roof precautions —Tilting up and closing

CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following.

 While the vehicle is moving, al-

ways keep the head, hands and other parts of the body of all occupants away from the roof opening. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured if the vehicle stops suddenly or if the vehicle is involved in anaccident.

 Never sit on top of the vehicle

around the roof opening.

 Never attempt to remove the moon

roof panel while driving. Otherwise, the panel may become a hazard by falling into or flying off the vehicle.

 After installing the moon roof pan-

el, make sure they are firmly secured by pushing up on the underside of the panel.

 Never put your hands between the

moon roof panel and the surrounding roof.

To tilt up the moon roof, first pull down on the handle while pushing in one of the lock buttons. Then push up the moon roof until it locks.

After tilting up the moon roof, make sure the handle is securely in place.

When closing the moon roof, slowly pull down the handle while supporting the roof with your hand. Close and lock the moon roof by pushing the handle. Be sure to use your palm to push the handle. After closing the moon roof, make sure it is securely locked.

—Removing

1. Pull the handle down while pushing

in one of the lock buttons.

2. Push in the retaining spring arms as shown and push up the moon roof.

3. Push back the auxiliary catch to release it from the hook. Then lift the moon roof panel and pull it out.

—Installing Detachable sun shade

1. Insert the flat hinges of the moon

roof panel into the cutouts on the body. Then slowly lower it while holding the roof with your hands.

Make sure both flat hinges are inserted into the cutouts.

2. Press in the retaining spring arms and insert them into the holes. Then push the handle up with the palm of your hand and lock the roof.

To remove: Support the sun shade panel with your hand while you unlock the sun shade by turning the knob counterclockwise

To install: Hang the two hinges of the sun shade panel onto the hooks provided. Then push up the sun shade panel while turning the knob counterclockwise.

CAUTION

For safety, do not remove the sun shade while driving.

Part 1

Seats

Front seats— —Seat adjustment precautions

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1-3 Seats, Seat belts, Steering wheel and Mirrors

 Seats  Front seats  Rear seats  Head restraints  Armrest  Seat belts  SRS airbag  Child restraint  Tilt steering wheel  Outside rear view mirrors  Anti-glare inside rear view

mirror

While the vehicle is being driven, all vehicle occupants should have the seatback upright, sit wel l back in the seat and properly wear the seat belts provided.

CAUTION

 Do not drive with the vehicle occu-

pants not properly seated, such as sitting on top of a folded-down seatback, or in the luggage compartment. Persons not properly seated and restrained by seat belts can be severely injured in the event of emergency braking or a collision.

 During driving, do not let passen-

gers stand up or move around between seats. Balance can be unsteady and severe injuries can occur in the event of emergency braking or a collision.

Adjust the driver’s seat so that the foot pedals, steering wheel and instrument panel controls are within easy reach of the driver.

CAUTION

 Adjustments should not be made

while the vehicle is moving, as the seat may unexpectedly move and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

 When adjusting the seat, be careful

not to hit the seat against a passenger or luggage.

 After adjusting the seat position,

try sliding it forward and backward to make sure it is locked in position.

 After adjusting the seatback, exert

body pressure to make sure it is locked in position.

 Do not put objects under the seats

as they may interfere with the seatlock mechanism or unexpectedly push up the seat position adjusting lever; the seat may suddenly move, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

 While adjusting the seat, do not put

your hands under the seat or near the moving parts. You may jam your hands or fingers.

—Adjusting front seats

1. SEAT POSITION A DJUSTING L EVER Pull the lever up. Then slide the seat to the desired position with slight body pressure and release the lever.

2. SEA TBACK ANGLE ADJUSTING LEVER (except bench seat )

Lean forward and pull the lever up. Then lean back to the desired angle and release the lever.

CAUTION

T o reduc e the r isk of s liding under the lap belt during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provid e maximum protection in a frontal or rear collision when the driver and the passenger are sitting up straight and well back in the seats. If you are reclined , the lap belt may slide past you r hips and app ly restraint forces di rectly to the abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the risk of personal injury may increase with increasing recline of the seatback.

3. DRIVER’S SEAT CUSHION ANGLE ADJUSTING KNOB (on some models)

Turn the knob either way.

4. DRIVER’S SEAT LUMBAR SUPPORT ADJUSTING LEVER (on some models)

Pull the lever forward or backward.

—Moving passenger ’s seat for rear seat entry (Xtra- cab models)

For easy access to the rear seat, do this.

1. Lift the seatback angle adjusting lever or press the pedal behind the seatback.

The seat will slide forward slightly.

2. Move the seat to the front-most position.

After passengers are in, lift up the seatback and return the seat until it locks.

CAUTION

 After putting back the seat, try

pushing the seat forward and rearward to make sure it is secured in place.

 Never allow anyone to rest their

foot on the press pedal while the vehicle is moving.

—Folding seatback (bench seat) Rear seats (jump seats) Head restraints

Pull the seatback lock release lever and fold down the seatback.

Hold the lever until you have swung the seatback forward slightly.

CAUTION

When returning the seatback to the upright position:

 Make sure the seat belts are not

twisted or caught in the seatback and are arranged in their proper position for ready use.

 Make sure the seatback is securely

locked by pushing forward and rearward on the top on the seatback.

To raise the bottom cushion, pull it up. To lower the bottom cushion, push it down.

See “Luggage stowage precautions” in Part 2 for precautions to observe in loading luggage.

CAUTION

When returning the bottom cushion to its original position:

 Make sure the seat belts are not

twisted or caught under the bottom cushion and are arranged in their proper position for ready use.

 Make sure the bottom cushion is

securely locked by trying to pull up the edge of the bottom cushion.

For your safety, adjust the head restraint before driving.

To raise: Pull it up. To lower: Push it down while pressing the

lock release button. On some models, you can also move the

head restraint forward or backward. If such adjustment is desired, pull or push the head restraint.

The head restraint is most effective when it is close to your head. Therefore, using a cushion on the seatback is not recommended.

CAUTION

 Adjust the top of t h e head restraint

so that it is closest to the top of your ears.

 After adjusting the head restraint,

make sure it is locked in position.

 Do not drive with the head re-

straints removed.

To use the armrest, pull it out as shown above.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the armrest, avoid putting heavy loads on it.

Seat belts— —Seat belt precautionsArmrest

Toyota recommends that the driver and passengers in the vehicle be properly restrained at all times with the seat belts provided. Failure to do so could increase the chance of injury and/or the severity of injury in accidents.

Baby or small child. Use a child restraint system which fits your vehicle. See “Child restraint” for details.

Child. If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the seat and must be restrained using the vehicle’s seat belt. Do not allow the child to stand up or kneel on either rear or front seats.

On models with rear seat belts, the child should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using the vehicle’s seat belt. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat.

On models without rear seat belts, the child must be restrained with the lap/ shoulder belt. If the shoulder belt falls across the child’s neck or face, move the seat fully backward so that the belt lays across the child’s shoulder. In vehicles equipped with bench seats, if the shoulder belt cannot be positioned correctly, move the child to the center position and use the center lap belt.

CAUTION

 Adjust the top of the head restraint

so that it is closest to the top of your ears.

 After adjusting the head restraint,

make sure it is locked in position.

 Do not drive with the head re-

straints removed.

To use the armrest, pull it out as shown above.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the armrest, avoid putting heavy loads on it.

Seat belts— —Seat belt precautionsArmrest

Baby or small child. Use a child restraint system which fits your vehicle. See “Child restraint” for details.

Small-framed person or youth in a 3-point type seat belt. On models with

a bench seat, have a small-framed person or youth sit slightly closer to the center of the vehicle (so the shoulder belt does not cross over the neck). On models with separate seats, move the seat fully backward.

Pregnant woman. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Ask your doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips and not on the waist.

Injured person. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Depending on the injury , however, first check with your doctor.

CAUTION

Persons should ride in their seats properly wearing their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer serious bodily injury in the event of sudden braking or a collision.

 Avoid reclining the seatbacks too

much. The seat belts provide maximum protection when the seatbacks are in the upright position. (See the seat adjustment instructions.)

 Be careful not to damage the belt

webbing or hardware. Take care that they do not get caught or pinched in the seat or side doors.

 Inspect the belt system periodical-

ly. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose parts. Damaged parts should be replaced. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

 Keep the belts clean and dry. If

they need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach, dye, or abrasive cleaners—they may severely weaken the belts.

 Replace the belt assembly (includ-

ing bolts) If it has been used in a severe impact. The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.

 Right passenger’s seat (normal

cab models) or right-front passenger’s seat (Xtra-cab models) only—Replace the belt if the warning label under the sleeve can be seen. The warning label, “REPLACE BELT”, will appear if the belt receives a severe impact or other force.

When using the seat belts, observe the following:

 Use the belt for only on e p ers on at

a time. Do not use a singl e bel t for two or m ore people—even children.

—Front outside seat belts and rear seat belts

Adjust the seat as needed (front seats only) and sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out of the retractor and insert the tab into the buckle.

You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle.

The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size and the seat position.

The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on impact. It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly. A slow, easy motion will allow the belt to extend, and you can move around freely.

If the seat belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, firmly pull the belt and release it. You will then be able to smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.

When a passenger’s shoulder belt is completely extended and is then retracted even slightly, the belt is locked in that position and cannot be extended. This feature is used to hold the child restraint system securely . (F o r d e t a i l s , see “Child restraint” in this chapter.) To free the belt again, fully retract the belt and then pull the belt out once more.

CAUTION

 After inserting the tab, make sure

the tab and buckle are locked and that the belt is not twisted.

 Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in

the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

 If the seat belt does not function

normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer.

Seat belts with an adjustable shoulder anchor—

Adjust the shoulder anchor position to your size.

To raise: Slide the anchor up. To lower: Push in the lock release button

and slide the anchor down. After adjustment, make sure the anchor is

locked in position.

CAUTION

Always make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of your shoulder. The belt should be kept away from your neck, but not falling off your shoulder. Failure to do so could reduce the amount of protection in an accident and increase the chance of injury.

Adjust the position of the lap and shoulder belts.

Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist, then adjust it to a snug fit by pulling the shoulder portion upward through the latch plate.

CAUTION

 High-positioned lap belts and

loose-fitting belts both could increase the chance of injury due to sliding under the lap belt during an accident. Keep the lap belt as low on your hip bone as possible.

 For your safety, do not place the

shoulder belt under your arm.

To release the belt, press the bucklerelease button and allow the belt to retract.

If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull it out and check for kinks or twists. Then make sure it remains untwisted as it retracts.

—Front center seat belt

Sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, insert the tab into the buckle.

You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle.

If the belt is not long enough for you, hold the tab at a right angle to the belt and pull on the tab.

CAUTION

 After inserting the tab, make sure

the tab and buckle are locked and that the belt is not twisted.

 Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in

the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

 If the seat belt does not function

normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer.

Remove excess length of the belt and adjust the belt position.

To shorten the belt, pull the free end of the belt.

Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist. then adjust it to a snug fit.

CAUTION

High-positioned and loose- fitting lap belts cou ld increase the chance of injury due to sliding u nder the lap belt during an acc ident. Keep the l ap belt as l ow on your hip bone as possible.

—Stowing the rear seat bu ckles —Seat belt extender

If your seat belt cannot be fastened securely because it is not long enough, a personalized seat belt extender is available from your Toyota dealer free of charge.

Please contact your local Toyota dealer so that the dealer can order the proper required length for the extender. Bring the heaviest coat you expect to wear for proper measurement and selection of length. Additional ordering information is available at your Toyota dealer.

To release the belt, press the bucklerelease button.

The buckles can be fixed when not in use.

CAUTION

When using the seat belt extender, observe the following. Failure to follow these instructions could result in less effectiveness of the seat belt restraint system in case of vehicle accident, increasing the chance of personal injury.

 Never use the seat belt extender if

you can fasten the seat belt without it.

 Remember that the extender pro-

vided for you may not be safe when used on a different vehicle, or for another person or at a different seating position than the one originally intended for.

To connect the extender to the seat belt, insert the tab into the seat belt buckle so that the “PRESS” signs on the buckle-release buttons of the extender and the seat belt are both facing outward as shown.

You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle.

When releasing the seat belt, press on the buckle-release button on the extender, not on the seat belt. This helps prevent damage to the vehicle interior and extender itself.

When not in use, remove the extender and store in the vehicle for future use.

CAUTION

 After inserting the tab, make sure

the tab and buckle are locked and that the seat belt extender is not twisted.

 Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in

the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

 If the seat belt does not function

normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer.

SRS airbag

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag is designed to provide further protection to the driver when added to the primary protection provided by the seat belt.

In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS airbag works together with the seat belt to prevent or reduce injury by inflating, in order to decrease the likelihood of the driver’s head or chest directly hitting the steering wheel.

However, this threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign pole, which can move or deform on impact, or if i t i s involved in an underride collision (a collision in which the nose of the vehicle “underrides”, or goes under, the bed of a truck).

For your safety, be sure to always wear your seat belt.

This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “ACC” or “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS airbag is operating properly.

The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, inflator, warning light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.

The SRS airbag system is designed to activate in response to a severe frontal impact within the shaded area between the arrows in the illustration.

The SRS airbags will deploy if the severity of the impact is above the designed threshold level, comparable to an approximate 20 km/h (14 mph) collision when impacting straight into a fixed barrier that does not move or deform.

If the severity of the impact is below the above threshold level, the SRS airbag may not deploy.

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