Aircon refrigerant
Maintenace is a specialist task usually requiring attention every 3 to 6 years when the aircon becomes noticeably less effective. Originally the refrigerant was "R12". Basically, R12 gas is full of CFC's and has been outlawed. A replacement gas, R134 (or R134a) is produced as an alternative to R12, but it requires part of the system to be converted so refilling will cost £200 to £300. Other substitute refrigerant gases have been produced, and are commonly known as blended, or drop in gases. RS24 is such a compromise replacement, not requiring conversion of all the system. Be aware that other drop-in gases are NOT suitable.
Auto transmission fluid
Dexron II. Check the level and the appearance. Dipstick behind fuel pump. Fluid level is checked with the dipstick fully inserted and the engine running in "P". Remove sump to drain. Top up through dipstick tube.
Battery electrolyte
Most batteries now do not require topping up.
Brake fluid
Dashboard warning light when this is low. Open driver's door to find filler "on the end" of the dashboard. A section of panel is removable to make topping up easier - with ordinary DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid.
Cabin ventilation
This has complicated flow paths. Anti-bacterial treatment is advisable.
Engine air
It is normal for the inlet hose between the air filter and the turbo to get very oily with engine oil mist sucked from the rocker box. Diesel autos have exhaust gas recirculation (EGR, to meet Jap emission spec, see full explanation elsewhere) which should be disabled to reduce soot build up in the inlet manifold and also improve acceleration and fuel economy.
Air filter for 2CT (about £6): Toyota 17801 54050, or Fram CA4680, or Motorquip vfa544, or Blueprint ADT32210 (ADT32233 for 2Y 1.8 litre petrol).
(N.B. "Champion W227 Air Filter is exact replacement for my Townace CR30 2.0TD 1990. Same filter as a Maestro Diesel Van & a Rover 825TD.")
Engine coolant
There is a warning light on the dashboard for low level in the expansion tank. DON'T TRUST IT! Coolant loss is the most common source of trouble and it usually occurs because the radiator cap starts to leak so that coolant is not drawn back into the radiator from the expansion tank when the engine cools - so the expansion tank remains full and the dashboard light gives no warning that the engine has insufficient coolant. Nor does the temperature gauge indicate overheating before damage is done. You must visually check, say weekly, that the coolant in the cold engine is within 20mm of the bottom of the radiator cap.
Two other serious problems with coolant appear to be blocked waterways, either caused by scale build-up or airlocks if the system has been refilled too quickly after repair work.
An excellent precaution is to fit the Ace Answers temperature alarm and gauge expander which is purpose-designed to enable you to monitor properly coolant temperature variations.
Engine oil
Changing this regularly is one of the best things you can do for any engine. 2CT change every 5,000km, using anything from semi-synthetic 10/30 up to fully synthetic 5/40 (e.g. Comma Syner D) oil sold for turbo diesels. Drain when warm, collect the waste and dispose of it responsibly. Sump plug is 14mm. Tighten gently. The 2CT oil filter is quite large and expensive (about £14, Fram PH5124, Blueprint ADL ADT32110, earlier ones used ADT32103) and need only be changed every other oil change, every 10,000km, remove and empty at the other oil changes. Tighten by hand. You need 3.8 litres if you don't change the oil filter, 4.3 litres if you do. Fresh oil will go black straight away in the 2CT. Dashboard warning lights for low pressure and for low level.
Fuel
Townace TD holds 60 litres. Warning light comes on with about 10 left.
Liteace has a fuel tank of about 42.5 litres capacity. The reserve is less than 5 litres. Dashboard warning light for when water needs draining from the fuel filter. Occasionally use fuel additive to clean and lubricate the fuel pump and injectors. Fuel filter (about £12): Alco SP969, Fram P4922; Blueprint ADL ADT32313.
Power steering fluid
Dexron II, same as Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF). Should be red. System contains about 1 litre. To drain, you need a see-through plastic bottle e.g. a 2pt UK milk container but preferably something with a narrower neck. Remove the coolant expansion tank out of the way. Pull return hose off side of pas fluid reservoir and catch what overflows out of the pipe at the side of the reservoir. Then stuff the hose into the neck of the bottle and lie it roughly where the coolant tank was. Start the engine and fluid will spurt into the bottle. Turn the steering (jack the weight off the wheels) and more will come out. Watch your bottle doesn't get too full. Turn the steering from lock to lock to expel as much fluid as possible. Replace hose. Refill reservoir, the system sorts itself out and you top up as per the little dipstick in the reservoir lid.
Screenwash
Front and rear share the same reservoir which is large and in the rear wing driver's side. Lift the tailgate to see the filler cap and the sight tube to show the level.
Turbo pressure
Small hoses, similar to the vacuum ones, connect from the inlet manifold to the diaphragm assembly on top of the fuel pump, and to the two turbo pressure switches, normal pressure and overpressure.
Tyre pressures
37 psi to 42 psi, much more than the Japanese recommend. Don't forget the spare.
Vacuum
Vacuum operates the brake servo, EGR valve and 4WD selection. It is generated by a vacuum pump on or in the alternator.
Dave Mason, 8 Nov 2003.