1988 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Owners Manual

The 1988 Toyota 4Runner SR5 is a versatile 4WD sport utility vehicle featuring a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, removable fiberglass top, rear swing-out gate, and comprehensive off-road capabilities. This manual covers operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting for your 4Runner SR5 model.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Instrument Panel 3. Operating Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Features 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. 4WD Operation 8. Towing and Loading 9. Emergency Procedures 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Overview

Key components: 2.4L 22R-E engine, 5-speed manual transmission, part-time 4WD system, removable fiberglass top, rear cargo area with swing-out gate.

Feature	Description
Engine	2.4L 4-cylinder 22R-E with electronic fuel injection
Transmission	5-speed manual with overdrive
4WD System	Part-time with manual locking hubs
Top	Removable fiberglass with rear sliding window
Seating	5-passenger capacity with cloth SR5 trim
Cargo Area	Rear swing-out gate with spare tire mount
Instrumentation	Full gauge cluster with tachometer
Suspension	Independent front with solid rear axle
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with power assist
Fuel Capacity	17.2 gallons

Instrument Panel

Familiarize yourself with all controls and indicators.

Speedometer and odometer: Center display with trip meter reset.
Tachometer: Engine RPM gauge (redline at 5500 RPM).
Fuel gauge: Monitor fuel level regularly.
Temperature gauge: Watch for overheating conditions.
Warning lights: Oil pressure, brake, battery, 4WD indicator.

WARNING! Never operate vehicle if warning lights remain illuminated while driving.

Operating Instructions

Proper starting and driving procedures.

Starting: Depress clutch, turn key to start position.
Shifting: Use clutch fully; avoid riding clutch.
4WD engagement: Stop vehicle, shift transfer case lever.
Manual hubs: Turn to "LOCK" position for 4WD.
Top removal: Follow specific procedure for safe removal.

CAUTION! Always use parking brake on inclines. Do not exceed rated load capacity.

Specifications

Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder 22R-E, 116 hp @ 4800 RPM
Transmission: 5-speed manual W56
Transfer Case: Part-time 4WD with 2.28:1 low range
Axle Ratio: 4.10:1
Wheelbase: 103.0 inches
Length: 174.0 inches
Width: 66.5 inches
Height: 66.5 inches
Curb Weight: 3,350 lbs
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (with proper equipment)
Payload Capacity: 1,100 lbs

Controls and Features

Steering column: Ignition, turn signals, wiper controls. Center console: HVAC, radio, 4WD shifter. Dash: Headlight switch, hazard lights, rear window defogger.

SR5 Features: AM/FM cassette stereo, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, power windows (optional), cloth upholstery, center console storage.

Exterior: Manual locking hubs, tow hooks, roof rack, mud flaps, chrome bumpers.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Oil change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Filter replacement: Air filter every 15,000 miles
Tire rotation: Every 6,000 miles
Fluid checks: Weekly inspection of oil, coolant, brake fluid
Tune-up: Spark plugs every 30,000 miles
Timing chain: Inspection at 60,000 miles

Tip: Keep records of all maintenance for warranty and resale value.

4WD Operation

Proper use of 4WD system for various conditions.

2WD: Normal driving on dry pavement.
4WD High: Slippery roads, snow, gravel (under 50 mph).
4WD Low: Steep grades, deep mud, slow-speed off-road.
Hub engagement: Turn manual hubs to LOCK before shifting.
Disengagement: Shift to 2WD, drive in reverse to unlock hubs.

WARNING! Do not use 4WD on dry pavement as it may damage drivetrain.

Towing and Loading

Maximum capacities and proper procedures.

Towing: 3,500 lbs maximum with weight-distributing hitch. Payload: 1,100 lbs including passengers and cargo. Roof rack: 150 lbs maximum distributed weight.

Emergency Procedures

Flat tire: Use jack points specified in owner's manual. Overheating: Turn off A/C, turn on heater, pull over safely. Stuck in mud/snow: Use 4WD Low, gentle throttle inputs.

CAUTION! Always carry emergency kit: flashlight, flares, first aid, tools.

Warranty Information

Basic warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles. Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 miles. Corrosion perforation: 60 months/unlimited miles. Contact Toyota Customer Service for warranty claims: 1-800-331-4331.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Fuel filter, spark plugs	Replace fuel filter; check spark plugs and wires.
4WD not engaging	Hubs not locked	Ensure manual hubs turned to LOCK position.
Clutch slippage	Worn clutch	Have clutch system inspected; adjust or replace.
Overheating	Coolant level, thermostat	Check coolant level; replace thermostat if stuck.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Have brake rotors resurfaced or replaced.

Service: Contact authorized Toyota dealer for professional service.

Customer Assistance: 1-800-331-4331; www.toyota.com