1998 Model Year History

The following changes are made for the 1998 model year:

1. Interior Equipment
The steering wheel has been changed from the 2-spoke type to the 4-spoke type which is color-keyed on Limited models and black on all other grades. On models with the normal separate seats and sports seats, a pocket has been provided on the inner side of the front passenger seat. A power outlet is provided in the right deck side trim. A lighted vanity mirror has been provided on the front passenger side sun visor. Coat hooks have been added to the rear seat assist grips.

2. 5VZ-FE Engine
The power steering idle-up control has been changed to a method which uses a pressure switch and the IAC valve.

3. Clutch
A clutch disc which provides damper springs at 3 locations has been adopted on the 3RZ-FE engine model.

4. Brakes
A compact ABS ECU is used. The EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable ROM) is adopted on the ABS ECU and discontinued the battery (BAT) terminal. The IC (Integrated circuit) has been integrated and the heat sink and the battery (BAT) terminal have been discontinued to realize the compact size of ABS ECU.

5. Suspension
The suspension has been optimally tuned to realize excellent riding comfort.

The items of the suspension listed below have been changed to realize excellent riding comfort.

The low friction oil seal is used on the front and rear shock absorbers to reduce sliding resistance of piston rod.
A plastic inter ring has been inserted into the rear shock absorber lower bushing to optimize the bushing’s spring rate.
The shape of the lower control arm bushing of the rear suspension has been changed to optimize the bushing’s spring rate.

6. Steering
A check valve has been provided to the pump side of the control valve of the power steering gear. Ordinarily, the reverse pressure input from the wheels creates a pressure in the cylinder causing the fluid to flow back to the pump. The check valve prevents the backflow, thus ensuring excellent steering feeling. The same contract mechanism used on the ’98 Tacoma is used in the intermediate shaft.

7. Combination Meter
A transmission shift indicator has been provided on the model with automatic transmission. The indication method of the seat belt warning light has been changed from the illuminating type to the flashing type. The faceplate provides a “FUEL DOOR” display to enable the driver to easily verify that the fuel lid is located on the left side of the vehicle.

8. Air Conditioning
In place of the previous lever type heater control panel, a dial-and-lever type heater control panel has been adopted.

9. Audio
The design of the audio unit has been changed and the switch layout has been revised. AM/FM multiplex ETR (Electronic Tuning Radio) with 4-speaker system has been discontinued. A control system for the CD auto changer has been provided. A larger LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) has been adopted to improve visibility.