Toyota TACOMA 2012 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

Before driving

2

When driving

Interior and

3

exterior features

Maintenance

4

and care

When trouble

5

arises

Vehicle

6

specifications

Adjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.

Driving, stopping and safe-driving information.

Air conditioning and audio systems, as well as other in­terior features for a comfortable driving experience.

Cleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it­yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.

What to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.

Detailed vehicle information.

7

For owners

Index

Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners, seat belt and
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners and
camper information.

Alphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

1

Before driving

1-6. Theft deterrent system

Engine immobilizer system... 84

1-1. Key information

Keys..................................... 34

1-2. Opening,

the doors

Wireless remote control ....... 36

Side doors............................ 39

Access doors (Access Cab

models only)....................... 43

Tailgate ................................ 44

1-3. Adjustable components

(seats, mirrors, steering
wheel)

Front seats........................... 49

Rear seats (Access Cab and

Double Cab models) .......... 54

Head restraints..................... 58

Seat belts............................. 63

Steering wheel ..................... 69

Anti-glare inside rear view

mirror.................................. 70

Outside rear view mirrors..... 75

1-4. Opening and clos

the windows

Pow
Back window (vehicles with

sliding type)........................ 80

1-5. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank cap.... 81

closing and locking

ing

er windows .................... 78

1-7. Safety information

Correct driving posture......... 87

SRS airbags ......................... 89

Front passenger occupant

classification system......... 103

Child restraint systems ....... 108

Installing child restraints ..... 112

2

When driving

2-1. Driving procedures

Driving the vehicle.............. 132

Engine (ignition) switch....... 143

Automatic transmission ...... 146

Manual transmission........... 150

Turn signal lever................. 153

Parking brake ..................... 154

Horn.................................... 156

2-2. Gauges and meters

Gauges and meters............ 157

Indicators and warning

lights................................. 160

2-3. Operating the lights and

wipers

Headlight switch

Fog light switch................... 167

Windshield wipers and

washer.............................. 168

................. 164

2

2-4. Using other driving systems

Cruise control...................... 174

Rear view monitor system

(vehicles with auto
anti-glare inside rear

view mirror)....................... 178

Four-wheel drive system..... 186

Active traction control

system .............................. 190

AUTO LSD system.............. 192

Rear differential lock

system .............................. 194

Downhill Assist Control

system .............................. 197

Clutch start cancel switch ... 199

Driving assist systems ........ 200

2-5. Driving information

Off-road precautions

(4WD models and

PreRunner)....................... 207

Cargo and luggage ............. 212

Vehicle load limits............... 217

Winter driving tips ............... 219

Trailer towing ...................... 223

Dinghy towing ..................... 244

Interior and exterior

3

features

3-1. Using the air conditioning

system and defogger

Air conditioning system ...... 248

3-2. Using the audio system

Audio system types............ 255

Using the radio................... 260

Using the CD player........... 267

Playing MP3 and WMA

discs................................. 273

Operating an iPod .............. 280

Operating a USB

memory............................ 288

Optimal use of the audio

system.............................. 295

Operating the sub woofer

(on some Access Cab

models) ............................ 300

Using the AUX port............. 301

Using the steering wheel

audio switches.................. 303

Detachable pole antenna ... 306

3-3. Using the Bluetooth

®

audio

system

Bluetooth
Using the Bluetooth

®

audio system.... 309

®

audio system.................... 312

Operating a Bluetooth

®

enabled portable player.... 318

Setting up a Bluetooth

®

enabled portable player.... 320

®

Bluetooth

audio system

setup ................................ 325

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

3-4. Using the hands-free phone

system (for cellula

Hands-free phone system

features............................ 326

Using the hands-free

phone system................... 330

Making a phone call........... 339

Setting a cellular phone...... 344

Security and system

setup ................................ 350

Using the phone book........ 355

3-5. Using the interior lights

Interior lights list ................. 363

• Interior light ...................... 364

• Personal lights ................. 364

3-6. Using the storage features

List of storage features....... 365

• Glove box.......................... 366

• Front console box ............ 366

• Cup holders...................... 367

• Bottle holders................... 369

• Auxiliary boxes................. 370

• Overhead console............ 372

r phone)

3-7. Other interior features

Sun visors........................... 373

Vanity mirrors ..................... 374

Clock................................... 375

Outside temperature

display (vehicles with
auto anti-glare inside rear

view mirror)....................... 376

Power outlets (12V DC)...... 381

Power outlet (120V AC)...... 382

Seatback table.................... 388

Floor mat ............................ 389

Luggage compartment

features ............................ 391

Garage door opener........... 400

Compass (vehicles with

auto anti-glare inside rear

view mirror)....................... 409

4

Maintenance and care

4-1. Maintenance and care

Cleaning and protecting

the vehicle exterior ........... 418

Cleaning and protecting

the vehicle interior ............ 421

4-2. Maintenance

Maintenance

requirements .................... 424

General maintenance......... 426

Emission inspection and

maintenance (I/M)

programs .......................... 429

4

4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service

precautions....................... 430

Hood ................................... 434

Engine compartment........... 436

Tires.................................... 452

Tire inflation pressure ......... 461

Wheels................................ 466

Air conditioning filter............ 469

Wireless remote control

battery............................... 472

Checking and replacing

fuses................................. 474

Light bulbs........................... 484

5

When trouble arises

5-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers............ 496

If your vehicle needs to

be towed........................... 497

If you think something is

wrong................................ 503

Fuel pump shut off

system .............................. 504

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If a warning light turns on

or a warning buzzer

sounds... .......................... 505

If you have a flat tire........... 515

If the engine will not start.... 532

If the shift lever cannot be

shifted from P (vehicles

with an automatic

transmission).................... 533

If you lose your keys........... 534

If the vehicle battery is

discharged........................ 535

If your vehicle overheats .... 539

If the vehicle becomes

stuck................................. 542

If your vehicle has to

be stopped in

an emergency .................. 544

6

Vehicle specifications

6-1. Specifications

Maintenance data

(fuel, oil level, etc.)........... 548

Fuel information.................. 569

Tire information .................. 572

1

2

3

4

5

6

6-2. Customization

Customizable features........ 583

Items to initialize................. 587

7

5

TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

7

For owners

Reporting safety defects

for U.S. owners ................ 590

Seat belt instructions

for Canadian owners

(in French)........................ 591

SRS airbag instructions

for Canadian owners

(in French)........................ 593

Camper information............ 604

Index

Abbreviation list........................ 612

Alphabetical index.................... 614

What to do if............................... 624

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

7

P. 164

Pictorial index

P. 434

P. 168

P. 164

P. 75

P. 153, 164, 166

P. 306

Regular Cab models

Windshield wipers

Hood
Detachable pole
antenna

Exterior

Outside rear view mirrors

8

Front side marker lights

Headlights

Front turn signal lights/parking lights/
daytime running lights



P. 452

P. 515

P. 461

P. 572

P. 81

Rear turn signal lights

P. 153

P. 164

P. 39

P. 164

P. 44

P. 164

Fuel filler door

Side doors

Stop/tail lights

Tailgate

Tires

●Rotation

●Replacement

●Inflation pressure

●Information

License plate lights

Rear side marker lights

: If equipped

9

Pictorial index

P. 164

P. 434

P. 168

P. 164

P. 75

P. 153, 164, 166

P. 167

P. 75

P. 153

P. 306

Access Cab models

Windshield wipers

Hood
Detachable pole
antenna

Exterior

Outside rear view mirrors

Outside rear view mirrors

10

Side turn signal lights

Front side marker lights

Headlights

Fog lights

Front turn signal lights/parking lights/
daytime running lights



P. 452

P. 515

P. 461

P. 572

Fuel filler door

P. 81

P. 153

P. 164

P. 39

P. 164

P. 44

P. 164

P. 43

Rear turn signal
lights

Access doors

Side doors

Stop/tail lights

Tailgate

License plate lights

Tires

●Rotation

●Replacement

●Inflation pressure

●Information

Rear side marker lights

: If equipped

11

Pictorial index

P. 164

P. 434

P. 168

P. 164

P. 75

P. 153, 164, 166

P. 167

P. 153

P. 306

Double Cab models

Windshield wipers

Hood

Detachable pole
antenna

Exterior

Outside rear view mirrors

12

Side turn signal lights

Front side marker lights

Headlights

Fog lights

Front turn signal lights/parking lights/
daytime running lights

P. 452

P. 515

P. 461

P. 572

Fuel filler door

P. 81

P. 153

P. 164

P. 39

P. 164

P. 44

P. 164

Rear turn signal
lights

Side doors

Tires

●Rotation

●Replacement

●Inflation pressure

●Information

Stop/tail lights

Tailgate

License plate lights

Rear side marker lights

: If equipped

13

Pictorial index

P. 63

P. 58

P. 369

P. 388

P. 89

P. 389

P. 89

P. 54

P. 49

P. 366

P. 366

P. 156

P. 89

Interior

Seat belts

Head restraints

Bottle holders1

Front console box1

Horn
SRS driver airbag

SRS front
passenger
airbag

Rear seats2

Seatback table1

14

Glove box

Floor mats

Front seats

SRS side airbags

P. 70

P. 89

Vanity mirrors

P. 374

P. 364

P. 178

P. 372

P. 400

P. 409

P. 364

P. 376

P. 313, 332

P. 373

Overhead consoles2

Microphone

Interior light

SRS curtain shield
airbags

Anti-glare inside rear view mirror

Outside temperature display3

1,

*

Sun visors

Personal lights2

Rear view monitor system3

1



2



Garage door opener3

: If equipped
: Access Cab and Double Cab models

Compass3

3



: Vehicles with auto anti-glare inside rear view mirror

*

:

For vehicles with a Display Audio system, refer to
the “Display Audio System Owner’s Manual”.

15

Pictorial index

P. 78

P. 78

P. 40

P. 40

Window lock switch1

Inside door lock button

Interior

Power window switches1

Door lock switch1

16

Bench type front seat

P. 146, 150

P. 367

P. 146

P. 367

P. 533

P. 367

P. 533

Shift lever

Cup holders

Shift lock override button2

Separated type front seats with an automatic transmission

Shift lever

Cup holders

Cup holders

Shift lock override button

1



: If equipped

2



: Vehicles with an au to ma ti c tran sm ission

17

P. 150

P. 367

Pictorial index

Separated type front seats with a manual transmission

Interior

Shift lever

Cup holders

18

P. 370

Access Cab models

P. 80

P. 300

Sub woofer

Back window
lock release lever



Auxiliary boxes

: If equipped

19

P. 399

P. 369

Pictorial index

P. 398

P. 80

P. 397

P. 396

Double Cab models

Interior

Grocery bag hooks

Bottle holders

Back window lock
release lever1

Flashlight holder

Storage boxes

20

Cargo net hooks2

1



: If equipped

2



: Vehicles with sub woofer

Pictorial index

P. 370

P. 157

P. 434

P. 69

P. 369

P. 154

P. 453

Gauges and meters

Instrument panel

Tilt and telescopic steering
lock release lever

Tire pressure warning
reset switch

Hood lock release lever

Parking brake pedal

Auxiliary box

Bottle holders

: Vehicles with an automatic transmission

21

P. 496

P. 255

P. 248

P. 190

P. 301

P. 381

P. 186

Pictorial index

P. 280, 288

Instrument panel

Audio system
Display Audio system2,*

Front-wheel drive
control switch

A-TRAC switch2

1



1

Air conditioning system

Emergency flasher switch

AUX port
USB port2

22

Power outlets

P. 143

P. 303

Windshield wipers and

P. 168

P. 154

P. 331

P. 331

P. 174

washer switch

Engine (ignition) switch

Parking brake lever3

Audio remote control switches2

Talk switch2,*2

Cruise control switch2

1



: 4WD models only

2



: If equipped

3



: Vehicles with a manual transmission

Telephone switches2,*2

1

*

: Refer to “Display Audio System Owner’s

Manual”.

2

*

: For vehicles with a Dis play Audio system, refer

to “Display Audio System Owner’s Manual”.

23

P. 158

P. 75

P. 102

P. 167

P. 194

P. 382

P. 164

P. 153

P. 197

P. 192, 202, 203

Pictorial index

P. 199

Instrument panel

Fog light switch1

RR DIFF LOCK switch1

Instrument panel light
control dial

Power outlet main
switch1

24

Headlight switch
Turn signal lever

RSCA OFF switch2

CLUTCH START CANCEL switch1

DAC switch1
VSC OFF switch

Outside rear view mirror switches1

1



: If equipped

2



: 4WD models only

Pictorial index

P. 80

Luggage compartment

Back window

25

Pictorial index

P. 212

P. 394

P. 393

P. 392

P. 393

P. 393

P. 394

P. 212

P. 392

P. 393

P. 382

Luggage compartment

Deck rails

Deck hooks

Deck hooks

Tie-down cleats

Auxiliary boxes

Tie-down cleats

Deck hooks

Deck rails

26

Auxiliary boxes

Power outlet

Deck hooks

: If equipped

For your information

Main Owners Manual

Please note that this manual applies to all models explains and all equip­ment, including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for
equipment not installed on your vehicle.

All specifications provided in this manual are current at the time of printing.
However, because of the Toyota policy of continual product improvement, we
reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Depending on specifications, the vehicle shown in the illustrations may differ
from your vehicle in terms of equipment.

Noise from under vehicle after turning off the engine

Approximately five hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear sound
coming from under the vehicle for several minutes. This is the sound of a fuel
evaporation leakage check and, it does not indicate a malfunction.

Accessories, spare parts and modification of your Toyota

A wide variety of non-genuine spare parts and accessories for Toyota
vehicles are currently available in the market. You should know that Toyota
does not warrant these products and is not responsible for their
performance, repair, or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to,
or adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.

This vehicle should not be modified with non-genuine Toyota products.
Modification with non-genuine Toyota products could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In
addition, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification
may not be covered under warranty.

27

Installation of a mobile two-way radio system

The installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle could affect
electronic systems such as:

● Multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system

● Cruise control system

● Anti-lock brake system

● SRS airbag system

● Seat belt pretensioner system

Be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary measures or spe­cial instructions regarding installation of a mobile two-way radio system.

Scrapping your Toyota

The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your Toyota contain
explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags and seat belt
pretensioners left as they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner
removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Toyota
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

Perchlorate Material

Special handling may apply,
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Your vehicle has components that may contain perchlorate. These compo­nents may include airbag, seat belt pretensioners, and wireless remote con­trol batteries.

28

Vehicle control and operation data recording

Your Toyota is equipped with sophisticated computers that record certain
information about your vehicle’s operation, such as:

• Engine speed

• Accelerator status

• Brake status

• Vehicle speed

• Shift position (except manual transmission)
The data recorded varies according to the grade level and options the vehi-

cle is equipped with. The computers do not record conversations, sound or
pictures.

● Data usage
Toyota may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunc-

tions, conduct research and development, and improve quality.
Toyota will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:

• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if
the vehicle is leased

• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a govern­ment agency

• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or
vehicle owner

● Event data recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main pur­pose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations,
such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist
in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed
to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.

The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fas­tened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal; and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.

29

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in
which crashes and injuries occur.

NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situ­ation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving condi­tions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are
recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine
the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired
during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access
to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer,
other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can
read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

● Disclosure of the EDR data
Toyota will not disclose the data recorded in an EDR to a third party except

when:

• An agreement from the vehicle’s owner (or the lessee for a leased vehicle)
is obtained

• Officially requested by the police or other authorities

• For use by Toyota in a lawsuit

• Ordered by a court of law

However, if necessary, Toyota will:

• Use the data for research on vehicle safety performance

• Disclose the data to a third party for research purposes without disclosing
information about the specific vehicle or vehicle owner

30