Using our Toyota FJ Cruiser for off road adventures requires a little more attention to maintenance and gear performance issues. In the early spring is a great time to perform these checks to be sure you are ready for the spring an summer wheeling season.

Failing Solenoid

• Clean the under carriage and engine. This will help reduce rust and makes inspections easier
•  Battery – If you battery has not been replaced in the last few years you might want to get it tested at the local auto parts house. Be sure that your battery tie down is in good condition and tight. A 50 or 60 pound battery moving around under the hood can do a lot of damage.
• Suspension – check that both the front and rear shocks are not leaking any oil which would indicate a failure of a seal. The other test is somewhat subjective. When each corner of the FJ is bounced it should settle back down with jut a few cycles. Another indication that the shock might be going bad is if the FJ seems to bounce or cycle lots after you go over a bump.
• Boots – There are rubber boots on both the front drive shafts and the steering tie rod ends. Be sure the boots are not damaged or starting to show signs of cracking. If a Drive shaft boot is damaged the joint will need to be checked and a new boot installed. If the boot is starting to show signs of cracking get it replaced. The same goes for the boots that cover the tie rod ends.
• Propeller Shafts – Check that U-Joints are in good condition and lubricated. Lubricate the slip joints on both the front and rear propeller shafts.
• Check and if needed change the differential fluid, if you run a manual tranny make the same check.
• Check and service the air filter, replace or clean if dirty.
• Check your tire tread and condition of your tires. Get a rotation done (I recommend that you do it your self so you can inspect the brakes pads and also practice mounting the tires)
• Check the belts and hoses for cracks – if any are found replace. You do not want this failure in the middle on no where or in place that does not have the parts.
• Check all bulbs
• Lubricate all the hinges
• Check all the bolts and connections for after market bumpers.
• If you have installed radios check the antenna feed line terminations
• Perform any required maintenance prior to a trip if it will come due during the adventure
• General Inspection – Look all around the engine compartment to see if there are any wires that are getting fried or coming loose. Look for other hardware under the hood that might be loose.  I always get on the creeper and look under the whole FJ from front to back. You are looking for loose or missing bolts in the skids as well as any other problems that might show. During this inspection pay special attention to ALL aftermarket installed gear, both electrical and others.
• Fuel Cans – We tend not to think of having to maintain our spare fuel. However to keep the extra fuel in top condition the cans should be emptied into the FJ once a year then refilled. I add a fuel stabilizer when I refill the cans. This is also a good exercise to be sure you know how to use the fuel fillers supplied with your cans.
• Service Recovery Gear – All recovery rear should be inspected for wear. For straps look for cuts or excessive wear. If the strap had a single thread of a different color running down the center, this is a wear indicator. If the thread is broken at any point along the strap it indicates the strap has been over stretched and should be retired. Retire any other straps that show excessive wear. The same inspection should be done on your tree strap and which extension line.
• Check the condition of  all your recovery hardware for rust and other problems. Clean, and store dry. Inspect any other hardware you might have to ensure safe condition and function
• Run The winch – We should all run our winch once a month to keep it in good running condition. Like many I am guilty of not performing this maintenance. In the spring be sure to un spool your winch and inspect the winch rope for any problem spots. During this operation run the winch in both directions to be sure both the winch and solenoid are functioning. Once the rope has been inspected re spool under some load dressing the winds as you go. During this inspection I found that my solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced to allow for winch function.
• Perform a visual inspection of the whole vehicle from front to back and top to bottom looking for things that are just not right.

Performing these checks and maintenance items will not prevent failures during and adventure but will reduce the chance of failures.