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.

24

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.

25

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.

26

Symbols used throughout this manual

CAUTION

NOTICE

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).

Cautions & Notices

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.

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”.

27

28

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 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... 78

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

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

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

transmission

........ 147

2

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

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

3

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

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

4

5

When trouble arises

6

Vehicle specifications

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

6-1. Specifications

Maintenance data 

(fuel, oil level, etc.)........... 484

Fuel information.................. 504

Tire information .................. 507

6-2. Customization

Customizable features........ 518

Items to initialize................. 519

7

For owners

Reporting safety defects 

for U.S. owners ................ 522

Seat belt instructions 

for Canadian owners 

(in French)........................ 523

Camper information............ 525

Index

Abbreviation list........................ 532

Alphabetical index.................... 534

1

2

3

4

5

6

What to do if.............................. 544

7

5

P. 164

Pictorial index

P. 370

P. 167

P. 164

P. 68

P. 153, 165

Regular Cab models

Windshield wipers

Hood

Exterior

Outside rear view mirrors

6

Parking and front side marker
lights

Headlights

Front turn signal lights and daytime
running lights



P. 388

P. 450

P. 396

P. 507

P. 74

P. 153

P. 164

P. 35

P. 164

P. 40

P. 164

Back window

P. 73

Fuel filler door

Side doors

Rear turn signal lights

Stop/tail lights

Tailgate

Tires

●Rotation

●Replacement

●Inflation pressure

●Information

License plate lights

Rear side marker lights

: If equipped

7

Pictorial index

P. 164

P. 370

P. 167

P. 164

P. 68

P. 153, 165

P. 166

Access Cab models

Windshield wipers

Hood

Exterior

Outside rear view mirrors

8

Parking and front side marker
lights

Headlights

Fog lights

Front turn signal lights and daytime
running lights



P. 388

P. 450

P. 396

P. 507

P. 74

P. 153

P. 164

P. 35

P. 164

P. 40

P. 164

P. 39

Back window

P. 73

Fuel filler door

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

9

Pictorial index

P. 164

P. 370

P. 167

P. 164

P. 68

P. 153, 165

P. 166

Double Cab models

Windshield wipers

Hood

Exterior

Outside rear view mirrors

10

Parking and front side marker
lights

Headlights

Fog lights

Front turn signal lights and daytime
running lights



P. 388

P. 450

P. 396

P. 507

P. 74

P. 153

P. 164

P. 35

P. 164

P. 40

P. 164

Back window

P. 73

Fuel filler door

Side doors

Rear turn signal 
lights

Stop/tail lights

Tailgate

Tires

●Rotation

●Replacement

●Inflation pressure

●Information

License plate lights

Rear side marker lights

: If equipped

11

Pictorial index

P. 58

P. 54

P. 314

P. 331

P. 82

P. 332

P. 82

P. 50

P. 45

P. 311

P. 311

P. 156

P. 82

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

12

Glove box

Floor mats

Front seats

SRS side airbags

P. 65

P. 319

P. 82

P. 320

P. 309

P. 173

P. 318

P. 343

P. 347

P. 309

Outside temperature display 1

P. 322

P. 163

Interior light

SRS curtain shield 
airbags

Accessory meter 1

Compass 1

Garage door opener box 1

Personal lights2

Overhead console2

1



: If equipped

2



: Access Cab and Double Cab models

Sun visors

Anti-glare inside rear view mirror

Rear view monitor system3

Vanity mirrors



3

: Vehicles with auto anti-glare inside

rear view mirror

13

Pictorial index

P. 36

P. 71

P. 71

P. 36

Door lock switch1

Inside door lock button

Interior

14

Power window switches1

Window lock switch1

Bench type front seat

P. 147, 150

P. 312

P. 147

P. 312

P. 469

P. 312

P. 469

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 automatic transmission

15

P. 150

P. 312

Pictorial index

Separated type front seats with a manual transmission

Interior

Shift lever

16

Cup holders

P. 311

P. 316

Access Cab models

P. 73

P. 270

Sub woofer

Back window 
lock release lever



Auxiliary boxes

Rear console box

: If equipped

17

P. 342

P. 314

Pictorial index

P. 341

P. 73

P. 340

P. 339

Double Cab models

Interior

Grocery bag hooks

Bottle holders

Back window lock 
release lever

1



Flashlight holder

18

Storage boxes

Cargo net hooks2

1



: If equipped

2



: Vehicles with sub woofer

Pictorial index

P. 316

P. 157

P. 370

P. 64

P. 314

P. 154

P. 388

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

19

P. 430

P. 244

P. 236

P. 181

P. 271

P. 324

P. 95

P. 177

P. 323

Pictorial index

Instrument panel

Audio system

Front-wheel drive 
control switch

A-TRAC switch3

2



Air conditioning system

Emergency flasher switch

AUX port

Passenger airbag 
off switch

1



Cigarette lighter

20

Power outlet

P. 144

P. 273

Windshield wipers and 

P. 167

P. 154

P. 281

P. 281

P. 170

washer switch

Engine (ignition) switch

Parking brake lever4

Audio remote control switches3

Talk switch3

Cruise control switch3

1



: Access Cab models only

2



: 4WD models only

Telephone switches3

3



: If equipped

4



: Vehicles with a manual transmission

21

P. 158

P. 68

P. 97

P. 166

P. 185

P. 325

P. 164

P. 153

P. 188

P. 183, 192

Pictorial index

P. 190

Instrument panel

Fog light switch1

RR DIFF LOCK switch1

Instrument panel light
control dial

Power outlet main
switch

1



Headlight 
switch

Turn signal lever

RSCA OFF switch2

CLUTCH START CANCEL

1



switch

DAC switch1

VSC OFF switch

22

Outside rear view mirror switches1

Pictorial index

P. 335

P. 202

P. 336

P. 337

P. 325

Tie-down cleats

Power outlet1

Luggage compartment

Deck rails

Auxiliary boxes

Deck hooks

1



: If equipped

2



: 4WD models only

23

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

532

ABBREVIATIONS MEANING

TPMS Tire Pressure Warning System

TRAC Traction Control

TWI Treadwear indicators

VIN Vehicle Identification Number

VSC Vehicle Stability Control

533