Toyota Land Cruiser

 Owners Manual

Maintenance and care » Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment

1. Power steering fluid reservoir  
2. Engine oil level dipstick  
3. Engine coolant reservoir  
4. Cooling fans
5. Engine oil filler cap  
6. Brake fluid reservoir  
7. Fuse box
8. Washer fluid tank  
9. Battery
10. Condenser
11. Radiator

Engine compartment cover

• Removing the engine compartment cover

• Installing the clips

1. Push up center portion
2. Insert
3. Press

NOTICE After installing an engine compartment cover Make sure that the cover is securely installed in its original position.

Engine oil

With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil level on the dipstick.

•  Checking the engine oil

STEP 1

Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine and turning it off, wait more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine.

Hold a rag under the end and pull the dipstick out.

STEP 3

Wipe the dipstick clean.

STEP 4

Reinsert the dipstick fully.

Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the oil level.

1. Low
2. Normal
3. Excessive

The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or engine.

STEP 6

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

• Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near the low level mark, add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before adding oil.

Engine oil selection
Oil quantity (Low → Full)	1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items	Clean funnel

STEP 1

Remove the oil filler cap.

STEP 2

Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.

STEP 3

Install the filler cap, turning it clockwise.

• Engine oil consumption

A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.

• When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or after replacing the engine
• If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
• When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
• When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently through heavy traffic

CAUTION Used engine oil Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information concerning recycling or disposal. Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.

 

NOTICE To prevent serious engine damage Check the oil level on regular basis. When replacing the engine oil Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components. Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged. Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle. Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly retightened.

Engine coolant

The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.

1. Reservoir cap
2. “F”
3. “L”

If the level is on or below the “L” line, add coolant up to the “F” line.

• If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing

Visually check the radiator, hoses, reservoir cap, radiator cap, drain cock and water pump.

If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer pressure test the cap and check for leaks in the cooling system.

• Coolant selection

Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31°F [-35°C]) For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION When the engine is hot Do not remove the radiator cap. The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.

 

NOTICE When adding the engine coolant Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label. If you spill coolant Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it damage to parts or paint.

Radiator and condenser

Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.

If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their condition, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION When the engine is hot Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause serious injuries, such as burns.

Brake fluid

• Checking fluid level

The brake fluid level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the tank.

1. MAX
2. MIN

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.

•  Adding fluid

Fluid type	FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items	Clean funnel

• Refilling brake fluid

STEP 1

Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.

STEP 2

Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.

STEP 3

Remove the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake fluid up to the “MAX” line.

If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may overflow.

• Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air

Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.

Use only newly opened brake fluid.

CAUTION When filling the reservoir Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately. If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.

 

NOTICE If the fluid level is low or high It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high. If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

Power steering fluid

• Fluid level

The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.

1. Full (when hot)
2. Add fluid (when hot)
3. Full (when cold)
4. Add fluid (when cold)

Hot: Vehicle has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 minutes, or slightly longer in frigid temperatures. (Fluid temperature, 140°F - 175°F [60°C - 80°C]).

Cold: Engine has not been run for about five hours. (Room temperature, 50°F - 85°F [10°C - 30°C]).

• Checking the fluid level

Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.

Fluid type	Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
Items	Rag or paper, Clean funnel (only for adding fluid)

STEP 1

Clean all dirt off the reservoir.

STEP 2

Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.

STEP 3

Wipe the dipstick clean.

STEP 4

Reinstall and remove the reservoir cap again.

STEP 5

Check the fluid level.

CAUTION When checking the reservoir Take care, as the reservoir may be hot.

 

NOTICE When adding fluid Avoid overfilling, or the power steering may be damaged. After replacing the reservoir cap Check the steering box case, vane pump and hose connections for leaks or damage.

Battery

Check the battery as follows:

•  Exterior

Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.

1. Terminals
2. Hold-down clamp

• Before recharging

When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:

• If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the ground cable.
• Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.

• After recharging the battery

The engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to initialize the system.

STEP 1

Depress the brake pedal with the shift lever in “N”.

STEP 2

Open and close any of the doors.

STEP 3

Restart the engine.

CAUTION Chemicals in the battery A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near battery: Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools. Do not smoke or light a match near the battery. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes. Never inhale or swallow electrolyte. Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery. Keep children away from the battery.

 

CAUTION Where to safely charge the battery Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation. How to recharge the battery Only perform a slow charge (5A or less). The battery may explode if charged at a quicker rate. Emergency measures regarding electrolyte If electrolyte gets in your eyes Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility. If electrolyte gets on your skin Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or a burning sensation, seek medical attention immediately. If electrolyte gets on your clothes It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the clothing and follow the procedure above if necessary. If you accidentally swallow electrolyte Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention immediately.

 

NOTICE When recharging the battery Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

Washer fluid

If any washer does not work or the warning message appears on the multi-information display, the washer tank may be empty.

Add washer fluid.

CAUTION When refilling the washer fluid Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.

 

NOTICE Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid. Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces. Diluting washer fluid Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary. Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bottle.

Do-it-yourself service precautions

Hood

Engine compartment

Tires

Tire inflation pressure

Wheels

Air conditioning filter

Electronic key battery

Checking and replacing fuses

Headlight aim

Light bulbs