Toyota Tacoma 2012 User Manual

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.

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Installation of a mobile two-way radio system

As the installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system, cruise control system, anti-lock brake system, SRS airbag system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding installation.

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.

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CAUTION

■General precautions while driving

Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehicle. Alcohol and certain drugs delay reaction time, impair judgment and reduce coordination, which could lead to an accident that could result in death or serious injury.

Defensive driving: Always drive defensively. Anticipate mistakes that other drivers or pedestrians might make and be ready to avoid accidents.

Driver distraction: Always give your full attention to driving. Anything that distracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serious injury to you, your occupants or others.

■General precaution regarding children’s safety

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow children to have or use the key.

Children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the vehicle into neutral. There is also a danger that children may injure themselves by playing with the cigarette lighter, the windows, or other features of the vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to children.

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Symbols used throughout this manual

Cautions & Notices

CAUTION

This is a warning against anything which may cause injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.

NOTICE

This is a warning against anything which may cause damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your Toyota and its equipment.

Symbols used in illustrations

The symbol of a circle with a slash through it means “Do not”, “Do not do this”, or “Do not let this happen”.

Arrows indicating operations

Indicates the action (pushing, turning, etc.) used to operate switches and other devices.

Indicates the outcome of an operation (e.g. a lid opens).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Before driving

When driving

Interior and exterior features

Maintenance and care

When trouble arises

Vehicle specifications

For owners

Index

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-it- yourself 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.

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

Alphabetical listing of information contained in this manual.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

1 Before driving

1-1. Key information
Keys .....................................	30

1-2. Opening, closing and locking

the doors
Wireless remote control .......	32
Side doors ............................	35
Access doors (Access Cab
models only).......................	39
Tailgate ................................	40

1-3.	Adjustable components
	(seats, mirrors, steering
	wheel)
	Front seats ...........................	45
	Rear seats (Access Cab and
	Double Cab models) ..........	50
	Head restraints.....................	54
	Seat belts .............................	58
	Steering wheel .....................	64
	Anti-glare inside rear view
	mirror..................................	65
	Outside rear view mirrors .....	68
1-4. Opening and closing
	the windows
	Power windows ....................	71
	Back window (vehicles with
	sliding type)........................	73
1-5.	Refueling
	Opening the fuel tank cap ....	74

2

1-6. Theft deterrent system
		Engine immobilizer system...	78
1-7.		Safety information
		Correct driving posture .........	80
		SRS airbags .........................	82
		Front passenger occupant
		classification system...........	99
		Child restraint systems .......	106
		Installing child restraints .....	111
2		When driving
2-1.		Driving procedures
		Driving the vehicle ..............	134
		Engine (ignition) switch.......	144
		Automatic transmission........	147
		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
		Accessory meter.................	163

2-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Headlight switch .................	164
Fog light switch...................	166
Windshield wipers and
washer..............................	167

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2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control......................	170
Rear view monitor system
(vehicles with auto
anti-glare inside rear view
mirror) ...............................	173
Four-wheel drive system.....	177
Active traction control
system ..............................	181
AUTO LSD system..............	183
Rear differential lock
system ..............................	185
Downhill Assist Control
system ..............................	188
Clutch start cancel switch ...	190
Driving assist systems ........	191
2-5. Driving information
Off-road precautions
(4WD models and
PreRunner) .......................	197
Cargo and luggage .............	202
Vehicle load limits ...............	207
Winter driving tips ...............	209
Trailer towing ......................	213
Dinghy towing .....................	233

Interior and exterior 3 features

3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Air conditioning system ......	236
3-2. Using the audio system
Audio system types ............	244
Using the radio ...................	247
Using the CD player ...........	253
Playing back MP3 and
WMA discs .......................	259
Optimal use of the audio
system..............................	267
Operating the sub woofer
(on some Access Cab
models) ............................	270
Using the AUX port.............	271
Using the steering wheel
audio switches..................	273

3-3. Using the hands-free phone system (for cellular phone)

Hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone) ...........	276
Using the hands-free
phone system...................	280
Making a phone call ...........	288
Setting a cellular phone......	293
Security and system
setup ................................	298
Using the phone book ........	301

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Index

3-4. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list .................	308
• Interior light .......................	309
• Personal lights .................	309
3-5. Using the storage features
List of storage features.......	310
• Glove box ........................	311
• Console boxes .................	311
• Cup holders......................	312
• Bottle holders ...................	314
• Auxiliary boxes.................	316
• Overhead console............	318
3-6. Other interior features
Sun visors ..........................	319
Vanity mirrors .....................	320
Clock ..................................	321
Outside temperature display
(vehicles with accessory
meter)...............................	322
Cigarette lighter..................	323
Power outlet (12V DC) .......	324
Power outlet (115V AC) .....	325
Seatback table ...................	331
Floor mat ............................	332
Luggage compartment
features ............................	334
Garage door opener box ....	343
Compass (vehicles with
accessory meter)..............	347

4

4		Maintenance and care
4-1. Maintenance and care
		Cleaning and protecting
		the vehicle exterior ...........	354
		Cleaning and protecting
		the vehicle interior ............	357
4-2.		Maintenance
		Maintenance
		requirements ....................	360
		General maintenance .........	362
		Emission inspection and
		maintenance (I/M)
		programs ..........................	365
4-3.		Do-it-yourself maintenance
		Do-it-yourself service
		precautions.......................	366
		Hood ...................................	370
		Engine compartment ..........	372
		Tires....................................	388
		Tire inflation pressure .........	396
		Wheels................................	401
		Air conditioning filter ...........	403
		Wireless remote control
		battery ..............................	406
		Checking and replacing
		fuses.................................	408
		Light bulbs ..........................	418

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5		When trouble arises
5-1.		Essential information
		Emergency flashers ............	430
		If your vehicle needs to
		be towed ...........................	431
		If you think something
		is wrong ............................	437
		Fuel pump shut off
		system ..............................	438
		Event data recorder ............	439

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If a warning light turns on
or a warning buzzer
sounds... ...........................	441
If you have a flat tire............	450
If the engine will not start ....	468
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P....................	469
If you lose your keys ...........	470
If the vehicle battery is
discharged ........................	471
If your vehicle overheats .....	475
If the vehicle becomes
stuck .................................	478
If your vehicle has to
be stopped in
an emergency ...................	480

	6		Vehicle specifications
	6-1.		Specifications
						1
			Maintenance data
			(fuel, oil level, etc.) ...........	484
			..................Fuel information	504
			..................Tire information	507
	6-2.		Customization			2
			Customizable features	518
			Items to initialize	519
						3
	7		For owners
			Reporting safety defects
						4
			for U.S. owners ................	522
			Seat belt instructions
			for Canadian owners
			(in French)	523
			Camper information............	525		5
			Index
						6
	Abbreviation list			532
	Alphabetical index			534
						7
	What to do if... ...........................			544

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P. 164

Pictorial index Exterior

Regular Cab models

Windshield wipers P. 167

Outside rear view mirrors P. 68

Hood P. 370

Parking and front side marker lights

Headlights P. 164

Front turn signal lights and daytime running lights P. 153, 165

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Back window			P. 73
			Rear turn signal lights	P. 153
Fuel filler door		P. 74
			Stop/tail lights	P. 164
Side doors	P. 35
			Tailgate	P. 40

lights

Tires

License plate

P. 164

●Rotation

P. 388

●Replacement

P. 450

Rear side marker lights

P. 164

●Inflation pressure

P. 396

●Information

P. 507

: If equipped

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P. 153, 165

P. 164

Pictorial index Exterior

Access Cab models

Windshield wipers P. 167

Outside rear view mirrors P. 68

Hood P. 370

Parking and front side marker lights

Headlights P. 164

Fog lights P. 166

Front turn signal lights and daytime running lights

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Back window

Rear turn signal

P. 73

lights

Fuel filler door

P. 153

P. 74

Stop/tail lights

Access doors

P. 164

P. 39

Side doors

P. 35

Tailgate

P. 40

Tires
●Rotation		P. 388
●Replacement
		P. 450
●Inflation pressure
		P. 396
●Information
		P. 507

License plate lights	P. 164
Rear side marker lights P. 164

: If equipped

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P. 153, 165

P. 164

Pictorial index Exterior

Double Cab models

Windshield wipers P. 167

Outside rear view mirrors P. 68

Hood P. 370

Parking and front side marker lights

Headlights P. 164

Fog lights P. 166

Front turn signal lights and daytime running lights

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Back window

P. 73

Rear turn signal

Fuel filler door

P. 74

lights

P. 153

Side doors

Stop/tail lights

P. 35

P. 164

Tailgate P. 40

Tires
●Rotation		P. 388
●Replacement
		P. 450
●Inflation pressure
		P. 396
●Information
		P. 507

License plate lights	P. 164
Rear side marker lights P. 164

: If equipped

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Pictorial index			Interior
Seat belts	P. 58		Bottle holders 1		P. 314
			Front console box 1 P. 311
Head restraints	P. 54			Horn	P. 156
				SRS driver airbag		P. 82
					SRS front
					passenger
					airbag		P. 82
Rear seats 2		P. 50			Glove box		P. 311
Seatback table 1 P. 331					Floor mats		P. 332
					Front seats	P. 45
			SRS side airbags	P. 82
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		Accessory meter 1
						P. 163
		Outside temperature display 1
						P. 322
		Compass 1
						P. 347
		Garage door opener box 1
						P. 343

Personal lights 2 P. 309

Overhead console 2 P. 318

Interior light P. 309

SRS curtain shield airbags P. 82

Sun visors P. 319

Anti-glare inside rear view mirror		P. 65
Rear view monitor system 3
		P. 173
Vanity mirrors
		P. 320

	1: If equipped	3: Vehicles with auto anti-glare inside
	2: Access Cab and Double Cab models	rear view mirror
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Pictorial index	Interior
Door lock switch 1		P. 36
Inside door lock button	P. 36
Power window switches 1		P. 71
Window lock switch 1		P. 71
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Bench type front seat
Shift lever	P. 147, 150			Cup holders	P. 312
Shift lock override button 2				P. 469
Separated type front seats with an automatic transmission
Shift lever		P. 147
				Cup holders
				P. 312
Cup holders
P. 312
Shift lock override button			P. 469
1: If equipped		2: Vehicles with an automatic transmission
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Pictorial index	Interior
Separated type front seats with a manual transmission
	Shift lever P. 150
	Cup holders	P. 312
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Access Cab models
Sub woofer P. 270
Back window
lock release lever			P. 73
Auxiliary boxes		P. 316
Rear console box	P. 311
		: If equipped
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Pictorial index Interior

Double Cab models

Grocery bag hooks P. 341

		Back window lock
Bottle holders	P. 314	release lever 1	P. 73
		Flashlight holder		P. 340

Storage boxes P. 339

Cargo net hooks 2 P. 342

1: If equipped

2: Vehicles with sub woofer

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P. 370

P. 64

Pictorial index	Instrument panel

Gauges and meters P. 157

Tilt and telescopic steering lock release lever

Tire pressure warning reset switch P. 388

Hood lock release lever

Parking brake pedal P. 154

Auxiliary box P. 316

Bottle holders P. 314

: Vehicles with an automatic transmission

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Pictorial index		Instrument panel
Audio system	P. 244		Passenger airbag
			off switch 1		P. 95
Front-wheel drive	Air conditioning system P. 236
	Emergency flasher switch			P. 430
control switch 2 P. 177
A-TRAC switch 3	P. 181		AUX port P. 271
Cigarette lighter		P. 323	Power outlet P. 324
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Windshield wipers and
washer switch	P. 167			Engine (ignition) switch		P. 144
		Parking brake lever 4			P. 154
Audio remote control switches 3		P. 273		Telephone switches 3		P. 281
	Talk switch 3		P. 281
Cruise control switch 3				P. 170
1: Access Cab models only				3: If equipped
2: 4WD models only				4: Vehicles with a manual transmission
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Pictorial index

Instrument panel

Fog light switch 1

P. 166

RR DIFF LOCK switch 1

P. 185

Instrument panel light

control dial

P. 158

Power outlet main

switch 1

P. 325

Headlight

switch

P. 164

Turn signal lever

P. 153

RSCA OFF switch 2

P. 97

CLUTCH START CANCEL

switch 1

P. 190

DAC switch 1

P. 188

VSC OFF switch

P. 183, 192

Outside rear view

mirror switches 1

P. 68

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Pictorial index	Luggage compartment

Deck rails P. 202

Tie-down cleats P. 337

Power outlet 1 P. 325
Auxiliary boxes		P. 335
Deck hooks	P. 336

1: If equipped

2: 4WD models only

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Abbreviation list

Abbreviation/Acronym list

ABBREVIATIONS	MEANING
2WD	Two Wheel Drive
4WD	Four Wheel Drive
ABS	Anti-Lock Brake System
ACC	Accessory
ALR	Automatic Locking Retractor
A-TRAC	Active Traction Control
AUTO LSD	Automatic Limited Slip Differential
CRS	Child Restraint System
DAC	Downhill assist control
ECU	Electronic Control Unit
EDR	Event Data Recorder
ELR	Emergency Locking Retractor
GAWR	Gross Axle Weight Rating
GVWR	Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
I/M	Emission inspection and maintenance
LATCH	Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
LED	Light Emitting Diode
LT	Light truck
M + S	Mud + Snow
MMT	Methylcy clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
MTBE	Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
OBD	On Board Diagnostics
RES	Resume
RR DIFF LOCK	Rear differential lock
RSCA	Roll sensing of curtain shield airbag
SRS	Supplemental Restraint System
TIN	Tire Identification Number

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	ABBREVIATIONS	MEANING
	TPMS	Tire Pressure Warning System
	TRAC	Traction Control
	TWI	Treadwear indicators
	VIN	Vehicle Identification Number
	VSC	Vehicle Stability Control

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