Toyota TACOMA 1998 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

’98 Tacoma (U)

Instrument panel overview

’98 Tacoma (U)

1. Instrument cluster

2. Automatic transmission selector lever (column shift)

3. Center vents

4. Personal lights or interior light

5. Side vents

6. Glovebox

7. Power door lock switches

8. Power window switches

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

10. Cup holder

11. Front drive control lever

12. Tilt steering lock release lever

13. Hood lock release lever

14. Power rear view mirror control switch

’98 Tacoma (U)

1. Headlight and turn signal switch

2. Wiper and washer switches

3. Emergency flasher switch

4. Passenger airbag cutoff switch

5. Air conditioning controls

6. Car audio

7. Ashtray

8. Cigarette lighter

9. Power outlets

10. Clock

11. Parking brake lever

12. Ignition switch

13. Cruise control switch

14. Rear differential lock button

15. Instrument panel light control knob

16. Clutch start cancel switch (manual transmission) or driving pattern selector button (automatic transmission)

Instrument cluster overview

With tachometer

’98 Tacoma (U)

1. Engine coolant temperature gauge

2. Tachometer

3. Service reminder indicators and indicator lights

4. Speedometer

5. Fuel gauge

6. Trip meter reset knob

7. Odometer and two trip meters

Without tachometer

’98 Tacoma (U)

1. Engine coolant temperature gauge

2. Service reminder indicators and indicator lights

3. Speedometer

4. Odometer

5. Fuel gauge

Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

∗

Brake system warning light

’98 Tacoma (U)

Unengaged ”Park” warning light

∗

(type A)

(type B)

∗

Seat belt reminder light

Discharge warning light

Low oil pressure warning light

Malfunction indicator lamp

Low fuel level warning light

∗

Anti-lock brake system warning light

∗

SRS airbag warning light

Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning

∗

light

∗

Low windshield washer fluid level warning light

Turn signal indicator lights

Headlight high beam indicator light

Overdrive-off indicator light

Driving pattern (POWER mode) indicator light

∗

Automatic transmi s sion indicator lights

Four-wheel drive indicator light

Rear differential lock indicator light

∗

Cruise control indicator light

∗

: For details, see ”Service reminder indicators and warning buzz-

ers” in Chapter 1- 5.

∗

: If this li ght f lashes, see ”Cr uise contr ol ” i n Chapter 1- 6.

’98 Tacoma (U)

Part 1 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

Keys

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

’98 Tacoma (U)

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 system— 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 doors 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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

OPERATING THE PASSENGER’S 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” button 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 body of all occupants are kept completely inside the vehicle before you close the power windows. If someone’s neck, head or hands gets caught in 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 window

’98 Tacoma (U)

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

’98 Tacoma (U)

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.

CAUTION

Before driving, be sure that the hood is securely closed and locked. Otherwise, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving and an accident may occur.

2. In front of the vehicle, pull 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.

CAUTION

’98 Tacoma (U)

Fuel tank cap

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

When refueling, turn off the engine.

CAUTION

 Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-

low open flames when refueling. 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.

After inserting the support rod into the slot, make sure the rod supports the hood securely from falling down on to your head or body.

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.

If 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 builtin check valve to reduce fuel tank vacuum.

Detachable moon roof— —Moon roof precautions

CAUTION

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

 While the vehicle is moving, always

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 an accident.

 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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

—Tilting up and closing

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

’98 Tacoma (U)

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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

—Installing

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.

Detachable sun shade

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 OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Seats

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

CAUTION

’98 Tacoma (U)

Front seats— —Seat adjustment precautions

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

CAUTION

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

 Seats  Front seats  Rear seats  Head restraints  Armrest  Seat belts  SRS driver and front passenger

airbags

 Passenger airbag cutoff system  Child restraint  Tilt steering wheel  Outside rear view mirrors  Anti- glare inside rear view mirror

 Do not drive the vehicle unless the

occupants are properly seated. Do not allow sitting on top of a foldeddown seatback, or in the luggage compartment. Persons not properly seated and not properly restrained by seat belts can be severely injured in the event of emergency braking or a collision.

 During driving, do not allow pas-

sengers to stand up or move around between seats. Severe injuries can occur in the event of emergency braking or a collision.

 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.

The objects may interfere with the seat-lock 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 catch and injure your hands or fingers.

’98 Tacoma (U)

—Adjusting front seats

1. SEAT POSITION ADJUSTING LEVER Pull the lever up. Then slide the seat

to the desired position with slight body pressure and release the lever.

2. SEATBACK 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

To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide 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 your hips and apply restraint forces directly 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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

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

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.

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.

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

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

’98 Tacoma (U)

—Folding seatback (bench seat)

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 of the seatback.

Rear seats (jump seats)

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.

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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

Head restraints

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.

Armrest

CAUTION

 Adjust the center of the head re-

straint 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 precautions

Toyota strongly urges 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.

Child. Use a child restraint system appropriate for the child until the child becomes large enough to properly wear the vehicle’s seat belts. See ”Child restraint—” for details.

NORMAL-CAB MODELS— 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.

XTRA-CAB MODELS— If a child is too large for a child restraint system, 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. If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be worn properly.

If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be worn properly. If an accident occurs and the seat belts are not worn properly, the force of the rapid inflation of the airbag may cause death or serious injury to the child.

Do not allow the child to stand up or kneel on either rear or front seats. An unrestrained child could suffer serious injury during emergency braking or a collision. Also, do not let the child sit on your lap. It does not provide sufficient restraint.

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, first check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

’98 Tacoma (U)

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 or death in the event of sudden braking or a collision.

When using the seat belts, observe the following:

 Use the belt for only one person at

a time. Do not use a single belt for two or more people—even children.

 Avoid reclining the seatbacks too

much. The seat belts provide maximum protection when the seatbacks are in the upright position. (Refer to 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 periodically.

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. (See “Cleaning the interior” in Part 5.)

 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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

—Front outside seat belts and rear seat belts

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. (For details, see ”Child restraint” in this chapter.) To free the belt again, fully retract the belt and then pull the belt out once more.

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.

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. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

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 cause severe injuries in a collision.

’98 Tacoma (U)

Take up slack

To o h i g h

Keep as low on hips as possible

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.

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.

’98 Tacoma (U)

—Front center seat belt

CAUTION

 High-positioned lap belts and loose-

fitting belts both could cause serious injuries due to sliding under the lap belt during a collision or other unintended result. Keep the lap belt positioned as low on hips as possible.

 For your safety, do not place the

shoulder belt under your arm.

To release the belt, press the buckle-release 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.

Lengthen

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

’98 Tacoma (U)

 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. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

To o h i g h

Adjust to a snug fit

Keep as low on hips as possible

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 could cause serious injuries due to sliding under the lap belt during a collision or other unintended result. Keep the lap belt positioned as low on hips as possible.

To release the belt, press the buckle-release button.

’98 Tacoma (U)

—Stowing the rear seat buckles

The buckles can be fixed when not in use.

When taking out the buckle from the holder, pull on the belt webbing to remove the buckle from the lower portion.

—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.

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. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

’98 Tacoma (U)

SRS driver and front passenger airbags

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags are designed to provide further protection for the driver and front passenger when added to the primary protection provided by the seat belts.

In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS airbags work together with the seat belts to help prevent or reduce injury by inflating, in order to decrease the likelihood of the driver’s or front passenger’s head or chest directly hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. When the passenger airbag switch is in the “ON” position, the passenger airbag is activated even with no passenger in the front seat.

Be sure to wear your seat belt.

+ 212 hidden pages