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Toyota 4Runner 1996-2002 factory workshop and repair manual download

- Safety and setup
- Park on level ground, engine off, keys out of ignition, parking brake set. Let engine cool if recently run.
- Wear safety glasses and disposable gloves to keep hands and eyes clean from dust and debris.

- Tools (detailed descriptions and how to use each)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Description: Single flat blade tip. Useful for prying plastic clips and gently levering cover tabs.
- How to use: Put the blade under the clip or tab, apply steady leverage away from the attachment point. Don’t force; use even pressure to avoid breaking plastic.
- Phillips screwdriver
- Description: Cross-shaped tip for Phillips-head screws.
- How to use: Center the tip in the screw head, press lightly while turning clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen. Keep the screwdriver aligned with the screw to avoid stripping.
- 10 mm socket and ratchet (or 10 mm wrench)
- Description: Standard 10 mm socket fits many 4Runner fasteners; the ratchet provides leverage, a wrench is an alternative if space is tight.
- How to use: Put the socket over the bolt head, hold the ratchet handle and turn counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten. Use short strokes in tight spaces; keep the socket fully seated to avoid rounding the bolt.
- Needle-nose pliers
- Description: Long thin jaws for gripping small clips, hose clamps, or pulling out retaining pins.
- How to use: Grip the clip or pin firmly and pull straight out or pinch to release. Use steady pressure and avoid twisting if the clip is fragile.
- Clean shop rag or paper towels
- Description: For wiping dust and debris from the throttle-body area and sealing surfaces.
- How to use: Wipe surfaces clean before installing the new filter to prevent dirt entering the intake.
- Shop vacuum (optional but recommended)
- Description: Small vacuum to remove loose leaves, dirt and debris from airbox and intake snorkel.
- How to use: Use brush attachment if available; vacuum the airbox and ducting before inserting the new filter.
- Replacement air filter(s)
- Description: Vehicle-specific engine air filter (rectangular pleated paper) and/or cabin air filter (flat, often rectangular with pleats; may be activated charcoal).
- How to use: Install the new filter in the airbox with the correct orientation (see arrows or fitment); do not compress or fold the pleats.
- Disposable gloves
- Description: Thin nitrile or latex gloves to keep hands clean and reduce contamination of filter.
- How to use: Put on before working; dispose after use.
- Flashlight (optional)
- Description: For better visibility inside airbox or behind glove box.
- How to use: Hold or mount to illuminate work area as needed.

- Why extra tools might be required
- Some model years have plastic push-clips or Torx screws instead of Phillips; a Torx bit set or clip pliers may be required if your fasteners differ.
- A small socket set (8–12 mm) is useful because different bolts sometimes vary; the 10 mm is most common but other sizes can appear.
- A shop vacuum is optional but speeds cleaning and prevents debris from entering the intake or HVAC ducts.

- Parts that might need replacement and why
- Engine air filter
- When required: If filter is visibly dirty, clogged, torn, or after the manufacturer’s recommended interval (commonly 15,000–30,000 miles depending on conditions). Heavy dust, off-road use, or poor fuel economy/power loss are signs.
- What to buy: Vehicle-specific replacement (OEM or equivalent aftermarket). Example description: rectangular pleated paper filter sized to fit your 4Runner’s airbox. Confirm fit by checking your VIN, year, or the old filter’s part number.
- Cabin air filter
- When required: If you notice reduced HVAC airflow, bad odors, or visible dirt in the old filter. Typical interval 15,000–25,000 miles or sooner in dusty areas.
- What to buy: Pleated cabin filter sized for your model; charcoal-activated type if you want odor reduction.
- Airbox clips/seals
- When required: If clips or rubber seals are broken or missing, replace them to ensure a good seal and prevent unfiltered air entry.
- What to buy: Replacement plastic clips or a new foam gasket — available from dealers or parts stores.

- Engine air filter change procedure (generic 4Runner passenger-side airbox)
- Locate the airbox on the passenger side of the engine bay: a rectangular plastic housing with a snorkel leading to the front.
- Remove fasteners: Undo the metal clips or remove screws/bolts holding the top of the airbox using the flathead/Phillips screwdriver or 10 mm socket. Keep fasteners in a safe place.
- Open the airbox lid: Lift the lid straight up. If it’s tight, check for remaining clips or hoses; use the flathead to gently pry tabs if necessary.
- Inspect and clean: Remove old filter and inspect for dirt, oil, or holes. Vacuum out leaves and dust from the bottom of the airbox and the intake snorkel with the shop vacuum or wipe with a rag.
- Compare filters: Make sure the new filter matches shape and size of the old unit and that the pleats and frame are intact.
- Install new filter: Place the new filter into the airbox with the sealed edge sitting fully in the housing and the pleats vertical (or as the old filter sat). Do not compress the filter; it should fit snugly.
- Reinstall the lid and fasteners: Seat the lid properly, reattach clips or screws, and tighten bolts by hand or with the socket until snug. Do not overtighten plastic clips or bolts — just secure them.
- Final check: Ensure all clamps and any sensors/hoses disconnected are reconnected and no tools are left in the engine bay.

- Cabin air filter change procedure (common glove-box access 4Runner)
- Open glove box and remove contents.
- Drop or unhook the glove box stops: Press in the sides of the glove box inward to clear the stops or remove the damper arm with a flathead/needle-nose pliers if present. Let the glove box hang down or remove it as needed to access the filter access cover.
- Remove the cabin filter cover: Unclip or unscrew the filter housing cover behind the glove box.
- Pull out old filter: Note the airflow arrow orientation (often pointing down or toward the blower motor). Remove old filter straight out.
- Clean housing: Vacuum or wipe any debris from the filter slot.
- Install new filter: Insert the new cabin filter in the same orientation as the arrow on the old filter or housing. Ensure pleats aren’t crushed and the seal sits flush.
- Reassemble glove box and reattach damper/stop: Return glove box to normal position and make sure it opens/closes smoothly.

- How to know a filter needs replacement (inspection cues)
- Engine air filter: Deep black or packed with dirt, visible holes, or pleats crushed. Noticeable drop in acceleration, rough idling, or increased fuel consumption can indicate restriction.
- Cabin filter: Dark, dusty, has leaves/insects, musty smell from vents, or weak airflow from vents.

- Disposal and final checks
- Dispose of old filters in household trash (check local recycling rules). Place used filters in a plastic bag to contain dust.
- Start the engine after installation and listen for any unusual intake noises. Check that HVAC blower works normally for cabin filter replacement.
- If you find broken clips, torn seals, or a damaged airbox, replace those parts to ensure the new filter functions properly.

- Quick parts-buy checklist to bring to the store or order online
- Vehicle year, make, model (Toyota 4Runner), engine size (if replacing engine filter) or confirm cabin filter fitment for your year.
- Quantity: 1 engine air filter and/or 1 cabin air filter.
- Optional: replacement airbox clips or foam gasket if originals are broken.

- Final practical tips
- Work slowly and keep parts organized so reassembly is easy.
- If a fastener feels stuck, apply penetrating spray and let it sit briefly rather than forcing it and breaking plastic.
- Record the date and mileage of the filter change for future maintenance.

No further questions.
rteeqp73

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