Maintenance - Toyota LAND CRUISER PRADO Owner's Manual

Do-it-yourself maintenance
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little
mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple instructions for
how to perform them are presented in this section.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools and
skills. These are best performed by qualified technicians. Even if you are
an experienced do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend that repairs and
maintenance be conducted by your Toyota dealer who will keep a record of
maintenance on your vehicle. This record could be helpful should you ever
require Warranty Service.
Does your vehicle need repairs?
■
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
●
● Appreciable loss of power
● Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air condi-
●
tioning system after use is normal.)
● Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked
immediately.)
● Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
● Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
●
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal or clutch pedal,
pedal almost touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
●
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
LC150_OM_OM60R93E_(GE)
621

7-2. Maintenance

7