2nd Gen DIY Maintenance Quick Reference Guide

If you are like me, you sometimes forget the right tool or the torque spec for a certain maintenance item on your truck because it's either been too long, or you've consumed a few too many beers since the last time. So I thought I'd compile a list of the most common maintenance items for DIYers doing maintenance on their 2nd Gen Tacomas.

More in-depth walk through's are provided in the form of links at the bottom of each sub-section.

The list below is based off of the 2010 Tacoma 4.0L V6 Automatic 4x4, as this is what I drive and what I am familiar with. Other motors and vehicles may be similar, but also may not match the info listed here. Use your own discretion.

**I make every effort to relay correct information, but please double check your efforts and search these forums or the internet if you run into an issue. I am not an expert mechanic, just a tinkerer who likes to learn about our trucks.

Also, double check my work and recommend fixes or suggestions for new content. I will make updates to the list as necessary.

References:

For a full list of torque and disassembly diagrams for the 2nd Gen Tacoma, go here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/

Owner's Manual:

Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen Owner's Manual

Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen Owner's Manual Maintenance Data

Downloadable PDF's of this list with better formatting:

Preview of the Quick Maintenance Guide - Online version PDF:


Online version with links to guides and how-to's:

2nd Gen Tacoma Quick Ref Guide PDF

Print version to place in glove box (no links):

2nd Gen Tacoma Quick Ref Guide PDF - Print

Skid Plates

Front Skid - Engine

Tools:
12mm Socket - 4 bolts - 2 front, 2 rear

Mid Skid - IFS/Transfer Case

Tools:
12mm Socket - 4 bolts - 2 front, 2 rear


Fluids -- Engine


Oil Change (Motor)

Recommended Interval:
Synthetic - 5,000 - 8,000 miles or 6 months
Dino - 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3 months
It's recommended to use a new plug gasket EVERY CHANGE

Tools:
14mm socket wrench
Oil filter wrench - 73mm/Medium Size/Adjustable

Torque Spec:
Drain Plug - 30 lb-ft
Oil Filter - Hand tight, then add 1/4 turn

Parts:
Oil filter -

$54 Toyota Genuine Parts 90915-YZZD3 Oil Filter 1 Case (QTY 10)

P/N 90915-YZZD3
Oil plug gasket - P/N 90430-12031
5.5 quarts of oil - 0w20, 5w30, 10w30 - Choose your flavor
Air filter -

$28 Genuine Toyota Air Filter Tacoma 2005-2008 4.0L V6 Genuine Toyota OEM New

P/N 17801-0P010

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4-0l-1gr-2nd-gen-oil-change-guide.11201/#post-124480


Coolant

Recommended Interval:
100k miles or 10 years

then every 50k or 5 years
​

Tools:
10mm socket
Needle Nose pliers

Parts:
2 gallons Toyota 50/50 Long Life Coolant - P/N 00272SLLC2

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/coolant-drain-and-fill.219755/


Brakes

Recommended Interval:
30-60k miles or 3-5 years

Tools:
10mm socket or box wrench
1/4" clear tubing
Bottle

Parts:
1 liter DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

More Info:
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/diy-brake-fluid-replacement-flush.418170/


Power Steering

Recommended Interval:
30-50k miles or 3-5 years

Tools:
Needle nose pliers

Parts:
2 quarts Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/power-steering-fluid-flush.396536/

Drivetrain

Transmission - Automatic

Recommended Interval:
50-100k miles

Tools:
24mm socket
14mm socket
5mm Allen Wrench
Hand Pump

Torque Spec:
Drain Plug 21 ft./lb DO NOT OVER-TORQUE (YOU'LL STRIP THE PAN/ BOLT)
Overflow Plug - 15 ft./lb
Refill Plug - 29 ft./lb

Parts:
Drain and Fill - 3 quarts

$58 Toyota 00289-ATFWS Lexus & Automatic Transmission Fluid WS ATF World Standard, Pack of 4

Toyota WS ATF fluid 00289-ATFWS
Full Flush - **13+ quarts
Fill Plug Crush Gasket - P/N 35178-30010
Drain Plug Crush Gasket - P/N 35178-30010

More Info:
Drain and Refill - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

Full Flush - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/

Rear Differential

Recommended Interval:
30k miles

Tools:
24mm socket
Hand Pump

Torque Spec:
Fill Plug - 36 Ft-Lb
Drain Plug - 36 Ft-Lb

Parts:
3 quarts gear oil - 75w90, 80w90, 75w140
Fill Plug Gasket - P/N 12157-10010
Drain Plug Gasket - P/N 12157-10010

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

Front Differential

Recommended Interval:
30k miles

Tools:
10mm Allen Wrench
Hand Pump

Torque Specs:
Fill Plug - 29 lb-ft
Drain Plug - 48 lb-ft

Parts:
1.6 quarts gear oil - 75w90, 80w90
Drain Plug Gasket - P/N 90430-24003
Fill Plug Gasket - P/N 12157-10010

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/

Transfer Case

Recommended Interval:
30k miles

Tools:
24mm socket
Hand Pump

Torque Spec:
Fill Plug - 27 lb-ft
Drain Plug - 27 lb-ft

Parts:
1.1 quarts gear oil- 75w90, 80w90
Fill Plug Gasket - P/N 90430-18008
Drain Plug Gasket - P/N 90430-18008

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/

Grease Driveshaft

Recommended Interval:
5-10k miles

Tools:
Grease gun with zerk fitting

2 zerks on front driveshaft (can rotate the shaft by hand to access zerks)
3 zerks on rear driveshaft

Parts:
Lucas Red n' Tacky #2 Grease

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/drive-shaft-lube-points-2nd-gen-4wd.225161/

Engine

Disconnect Battery/Remove/Replace Battery

Tools:
10mm socket

Parts:
New Battery - Sears Die Hard Platinum (aka Odyssey), Optima Yellow Top, Optima Red Top
Terminal Protector Goo

Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor

Recommended Interval:
5-30k miles

Tools:
Philips Screwdriver

Parts:
Only use CRC Mass Airflow Sensor Cleaner to do this

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2009-2nd-gen-maf-cleaning.530945/

Clean Throttle Body

Recommended Interval:
20-30k miles

Tools:
10mm socket
12mm socket
Brush

Torque Spec:
Throttle Body Bolts - 9 ft-lb

Parts:
CRC Throttle Body Cleaner
Throttle Body Gasket - P/N 22271-0P010

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-throttle-body-cleaning-2005-v6.94203/

Spark Plugs

Recommended Interval:
30k miles

Tools:
12mm socket
10mm socket
Extensions
5/8" Spark Plug Socket
Electrical Tape
Spark Plug Gapper
Needle Nose Pliers

Torque Spec:
Spark Plugs - 15 ft-lb
Spark Plug Gap Range - .039" to .044"

Parts:
6x Denso Spark Plugs - #K20HR-U11 (Toyota P/N 90919-01235)
Anti-Seize

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-spark-plug-change-1-gr-fe.30479/

Replace PCV

Recommended Interval:
30-50k miles

Tools:
19mm Deep Socket

Torque Spec:
PCV - 20 ft-lb

Parts:
PCV Valve - P/N 12204-31030

More Info:
http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/...Engine-PCV-Valve-Replacement-Guide/index.html

Misc

Cabin Air Filter

Recommended Interval:
5-15k miles

Tools:
Hands

Parts:
TYC cabin air filter P/N

$17 TYC 800038P Toyota/Pontiac Replacement Cabin Air Filter

87139-YZZ09

More Info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/keep-it-fresh-change-your-cabin-air-filter.187547/

 

sweet thanks! Saving this post for good!

 

This is pretty cool
Thank you

 

Awesome post, thanks!

 

New here ,Thanks for this post!

 

What brake fluid? I do not see anything mentioned and I didn't drive my truck today so I can't look in the manual.

 

Hmm, I can update it with some info later today.

 

Thanks.

 

Great post. I've got a 4.0L PreRunner but assuming, most is all the same as 4x4. I just hit 100K Miles on my 2010 DBL Cab Taco TRD Sport PreRunner. What's really the smartest Spark Plugs to run? Any changes I should do with my Oil choice also? Royal Purple 10-30, thoughts on that choice? Thanks fella's. I'm currently living in Western Belgium. No toyota dealerships anywhere close to me either.

 

Good thread! I'm sure this will help out many

 

Awesome post. Do you think you could include maintenance intervals for each item?

 

Updated with intervals and part links.

 

sub'd

 

Beat me to it.

I have my Tacoma Maintenance Survival doc with this info and the how to threads. I was planning on posting it but now there’s no need!


This needs to be a sticky.

@BlackBeerd , you are now obligated to maintain the first post with updated information for the rest of your natural life!!

Thanks for taking this on!!

 

Great post

 

Suggestion- move the drivetrain zerk info up under Drivetrain Fluids section. Remove Fluids from this section and just keep Drivetrain. Add the possible removal of the little plate by the third (maybe second) u-joint - 2 10 mm bolts.

 

That's what I have you guys for. To help me do all the legwork.

Updated and moved. Do you have more info on the small plate by the driveshaft?

 

I never replied to this, but I'll answer for future taco maintainees that may come here seeking help:

From the reading I've done, everyone seems to recommend the Denso spark plugs listed in the first post. You can also get NGK. These are the plugs that come in our trucks. It seems you can buy these at auto parts stores, though I believe I bought mine from Amazon. Everyone also recommends staying away from platinum/ iridium plugs.

As far as oil, I've heard good things about Royal Purple, but never personally used it. The favorite around here, including what I use in my truck, is Mobil 1. I usually find 5 qt jugs on Amazon for the lowest price, though lately I've been having luck finding them locally at Walmart for the same price - sometimes cheaper.

Fyi right now online at Walmart, currently has Mobil 1 5w-30 5 qt for just under $23 which is lower than you'll find anywhere. This is a great price. For reference, current price at Amazon is about $33, Autozone $38, Advance Auto $29.

 

Great info. Thanks.

 

Great post! Does anyone know if the Lucas grease is good for all zerks under the truck or do different parts require different greases?