Generation Hub

Toyota 4Runner 1996-2002

1996–2002
Overview

The Toyota 4Runner, produced from 1996 to 2002, was a rugged and dependable midsize SUV that appealed to those seeking off-road capability and durability. It featured a body-on-frame construction, providing the 4Runner with excellent off-road prowess while maintaining a comfortable ride on pavement. This generation of 4Runner retained its iconic two- and four-door configurations, offering seating for five or, with the optional third-row seat, up to seven passengers. The interior was functional and practical, with durable materials for urban and off-road adventures.

Safety features included standard driver and passenger airbags, and while advanced technology was limited compared to modern vehicles, this 4Runner did offer optional features like a CD player and a sunroof. Underneath the hood, it was equipped with various engine options, including V6 powerplants, providing respectable performance and towing capacity for its class. Overall, the Toyota 4Runner from 1996 to 2002 was a rugged and reliable SUV that catered to outdoor enthusiasts and those needing a capable off-road vehicle, combining utility, durability, and off-road prowess.

Specifications

Toyota 4Runner specification, engine oil capacity, spark plug gap, safety rating, fuel consumption, transmission, and light bulb sizes.

Chassis

  • Type: N180

Engine 2.0L 4-Cylinder DOHC

  • Recommended Oil viscosity: 5W-30
  • Recommended Engine Oil: API
  • Drain Plug Torque: 27FT-LBS
  • Oil capacity: 5.5 qt

Spark Plug Gap

  • 2.0L 4-Cylinder: 0.044”

Fuel

  • Capacity:  gal. 70L (18.5 gal, 15.4 Imp. gal.)

Engine coolant

  • Type: “TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equivalent With ethylene−glycol type coolant for proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.
  • Capacity: 
    • With rear heater: 9.0 qt. (9.5 L, 7.9 Imp. qt.)
    • Without rear heater: 8.0 qt. (8.5 L, 7.0 Imp. qt.)

Automatic Transmission

  • Type: Automatic transmission fluid D−II or DEXRONIII (DEXRONII
  • Capacity: 
    • Two−wheel drive models: 1.6 qt. (1.7 L, 1.4 Imp. qt.)
    • Four−wheel drive models: 2.0 qt. (2.1 L, 1.8 Imp. qt.)

Transfer

  • Type: Gear oil API GL−4 or GL−5
  • Capacity: 1.2 qt. (1.3 L, 1.1 Imp. qt.)

Differential

  • Type: Hypoid gear oil API GL−5
  • Capacity: 
    • Two−wheel drive models: 2.75 qt. (2.9L, 2.4 Imp. qt.)
    • Four−wheel drive models, Front: 1.15 qt. (1.2L, 1.0 Imp. qt.)
    • Four−wheel drive models, Rear With center differential lock system: 2.75 qt. (2.9L, 2.4 Imp. qt.)
    • Four−wheel drive models, Rear Without center differential lock system: 2.45 qt. (2.6L, 2.2 Imp. qt.)

Chassis Lubrication

  • Type: 
  • Propeller shafts, Spiders: Lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2
  • Slide yoke and double Cardan joint: Molybdenum−disulfide lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2

Brakes

  • Type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3

Powertrain

Engine

  • Gasoline:
    • 2.7 L 3RZ-FE I4 (RZN180/185; Japan from 1995–2002, North America from 1995–2000)
    • 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6 (VZN180/185; 1995–2002)
  • Diesel:
    • 3.0 L 1KZ-TE turbo I4 (KZN185; Japan, 1995–2000)
    • 3.0 L 1KD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (KDN185; Japan, 2000–2002

Transmission

  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic

Fuel Consumption

TOYOTA 4 RUNNER FUEL CONSUMPTION

Safety Ratings

TOYOTA 4RUNNER SAFETY RATINGS

Warning Lights & Bulb Sizes

Front Lights

  • Front Fog Light Bulb: H3-55W
  • Front Sidemarker Light Bulb: 2825
  • Front Turn Signal Light Bulb: 7440
  • High Beam and Low Beam Headlight Bulb: 9003

Rear Lights

  • Back Up Light Bulb: 921
  • Brake Light Bulb:
    • 7443-SCK,
    • 7443
  • Center High Mount Stop Light Bulb: 921
  • License Plate Light Bulb: 2825
  • Parking Light Bulb: 2825
  • Rear Turn Signal Light Bulb: 7440NA
  • Tail Light Bulb:
    • 7443-SCK
    • 7443
  • Tailgate Light Bars: vbf-tailgate-light

Interior Lights

  • Dome Light Bulb: DE3175
  • Glove Box Light Bulb: 74
  • Instrument Panel Light Bulb:
    • 158
    • 94
    • 74
  • Luggage Compartment Light Bulb: DE3175
  • Map Light Bulb:
    • DE3175
    • 6253

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Recalls NHTSA
Make
Toyota
Model
4Runner

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