How to Check/Refill the Battery Electrolyte in a Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a durable pickup truck equipped with either a maintenance-free, sealed or traditional cell battery. The maintenance-free battery doesn't need additional fluid, whereas the low-maintenance or traditional battery may require additional water if electrolyte levels are low. No matter what type of battery your Tacoma is equipped with it's important to check the battery electrolyte levels on a regular basis.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Park your Toyota Tacoma on level ground and turn the engine off. Pull the hood release handle located inside the vehicle under the instrument panel. Push the hood latch located under the hood to open the hood.
-
2
Locate the battery on the driver's side in front of the fuse block.
-
-
3
Determine whether you have a maintenance-free battery or a low-maintenance or traditional battery. A maintenance-free battery is sealed, while the other types contain six separate cells with removable caps. Most newer Toyota Tacoma trucks have a maintenance-free battery.
-
4
Use the hydrometer on the maintenance-free battery to check your battery's electrolyte levels. There's a built-in indicator eye that changes color to reflect your battery's electrolyte and charge. Typically, a green eye means that the battery is properly charged with plenty of fluid. A black eye means that the battery is low in charge and low in electrolyte fluid. A yellow eye means that the electrolyte and charge is low and you'll need to replace your battery.
-
5
Remove the six vent caps with a screwdriver if you have a low-maintenance or traditional battery. Check the battery electrolyte level in each cell by comparing it to the indicator line. If the fluid isn't up to the indicator line, add distilled water to that cell.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Hydrometer readings may vary by manufacturer, so check your battery manufacturer's information if you don't see the typical green, black or yellow reading.
If you have to add distilled water to your low-maintenance or traditional battery often, have a mechanic check the battery charging system.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which can burn your skin. Use precaution while checking the battery electrolyte levels. If you spill sulfuric acid on your skin, wash it off immediately with cold water.
