Your Toyota Sienna should come installed with a factory navigation system that shows points of interest, turn-by-turn directions and downloaded maps. It might also include features such as hands-free calling and Bluetooth wireless technology. If you encounter problems with your Toyota navigation system, you should reset it. Resetting erases all of the memory on your navigation system, including any personal information.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
1
Turn on the navigation system. Press the "Setup" button on the right side of the unit.
2
Select "General" from the top right side of the touch-screen menu.
3
Press the "Down" button. Choose "Delete Personal Data."
4
Select "Delete Personal Data" again when prompted. Touch "Yes" to confirm your choice. Your navigation system will restore itself to its factory settings.
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma may feature either manual or automatic locking hubs. While manual locking hubs need to be engaged (locked) prior to switching into four-wheel drive, automatic locking hubs allow the user to transfer into four-wheel drive by simply pressing the button located on the dashboard. Manual locking hubs made today allow you to drive with the hubs locked, but in a two-wheel drive mode. While less gas mileage and more front end wear and tear will occur, the benefit is you would not have to exit the vehicle to transfer the truck into four-wheel drive.
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
Manual Locking Hubs
1
Approach the driver's side tire and locate the manual locking hub at the center of the tire.
2
Turn the hub from the "free" position to the "lock" position following the arrow indicator stamped on the housing of the hub.
3
Approach the passenger side tire and repeat Step 2 to the manual locking hub.
4
Place your foot on the brake and place the Tacoma in neutral or park (for automatic transmissions).
5
Get into the driver's seat of the passenger cab of the Tacoma and then locate the transaxle shifter, located to the left of the gear shift on the center floorboard.
6
Pull the transaxle shifter down to the 4-Hi position. This will place you in four-wheel drive, recommended for poor traveling conditions, such as bad weather, or regular four-wheeling activities. 4-Lo should be used only if the vehicle is stuck (in mud or snow) or if plowing with the truck.
7
Place the Tacoma back into 2-Hi by pushing the transaxle shifter upward to the 2-Hi position before placing the manual locking hubs back into the free position. While you can drive with the hubs locked in 2-Hi, you will notice your gas mileage efficiency will decrease and you will also cause more premature wear and tear on front tires and front end components. This is due to the splines of the drive shaft being engaged with the hubs in the locked position.
Tips & Warnings
For automatic locking hubs--featured in some higher end models of the Tacoma--simply press the 4-Hi button located on the dashboard. There is no need to lock the hubs prior, since this feature will automatically engage the hubs into a locked position before the transaxle engages four-wheel drive. While this feature allows you to engage four-wheel drive on the fly (when driving), for less duress on the transmission and transaxle only perform this at lower speeds (35 mph or less) or stop the Tacoma altogether.
"Burping" the cooling system in your Toyota refers to bleeding the cooling system and is necessary if air has entered the system. Air in the cooling system causes hot spots and subsequently overheating and serious engine damage. To prevent serious engine damage, take a few minutes to bleed the cooling system of air. Bleeding the cooling system in your Toyota is very simple and best of all doesn't require any tools.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Instructions
things you'll need:
Safety glasses
Gloves
1
Allow the engine to cool down to ambient temperature.
2
Open the radiator cap.
3
Turn the engine on and turn the heat to max. Turning the heat to max allows the radiator fluid to circulate through the cooling system to ensure that all air pockets are eliminated from the system.
4
Rev the engine to 2,000 RPMs and hold for approximately 10 to 15 seconds and repeat two to three times. This will allow the radiator fluid to circulate throughout the whole system and ensure that all air pockets exit the radiator.
5
Gently squeeze the upper radiator hose approximately 6 to 12 inches from the radiator cap. Squeeze about five times. This will bring more air pockets up and out of the radiator and will ensure that the engine does not overheat.
Tips & Warnings
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and gloves to avoid serious skin burns.
The Toyota Camry is a four-door economical sedan. There are limited manufacturer accessories that can be purchased for the 2000 Camry; however, a variety of aftermarket options are available to make your Camry stand out. Customizing the Camry can cost anywhere from under $100 to over $1,000 depending on the budget. For example, tinting the taillights will be cheaper than putting on a set of rims. While there are many things that can be done to customize the Camry, this article will feature exterior customization that can be done from home.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Instructions
things you'll need:
Lug nut wrench
Hydraulic jack
Toyota valve stem caps
16-inch rims
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Cardboard box
Spray tint
2 Chrome license plate frames
Colored windshield wipers
Chrome exhaust pipe tip
Adding Chrome Rims
1
Loosen the five lug nuts holding the stock wheels in place using the lug-nut wrench. Insert the lug-nut wrench firmly on each lug nut and apply counterclockwise pressure until the each nut is loose. Do not remove the lug nuts at this point.
2
Place the hydraulic jack under the chassis by the wheel well of the first wheel being removed. Put the jack on a hard, even surface to prevent the jack from sliding out or sinking. Jack the Camry up enough to remove the wheel. Unscrew the lug nuts by hand and place them to the side. Take off the stock wheel and store them in a weatherproof shed or garage with the rim facing upward. The wheels may be stacked on top of each other as long as a towel is in between each protecting the rim from damage.
3
Put the aftermarket rims on the Camry. Aftermarket rims should be 16 inches. Larger rims may throw the balance off of the vehicle and cause poorer fuel economy. Screw the lug nuts clockwise by hand for each wheel. Lower the Camry down by releasing the pressure in the jack. Tighten each lug nut using the wrench.
4
Adorn the rims with custom Toyota valve-stem caps. Custom valve-stem caps with the Toyota logo on them in different colors and as of 2010, can be purchased online for as low as $5.
Tinting the Taillights
1
Pop the trunk on the Camry. Remove the clips and unscrew the screws holding the two taillights in place with the flat-head and Phillips head screwdrivers. Pull out the electrical plug from the taillights.
2
Place the taillights on a flat cardboard box. Shake the spray window tint can and apply a single coat of tint on each taillight from 6 inches away. Only one coat is necessary to give the taillights a darker appearance. Spraying on a second coat might cause the taillights to be too dark to see at night.
3
Let the taillights dry for 24 hours in a low-humidity setting. Plug in the wiring back into taillights. Turn on the Camry and check to make sure the lights work before proceeding. Place the taillights back on the Camry. Tighten the screws that hold the lights in place. Place back the clips and trunk lining that cover up the light components.
Other Exterior Accessories
1
Unscrew the front and rear license plates from the Camry. Place the screws to the side to be used again. Discard the black plastic frame adorning the plates.
2
Place the chrome license plate frame on top of the license plate. Hold the plate and frame together against the Camry's bumper. Screw in the plate and frame with the same screws taken out before. Do the same procedure for the rear plate.
3
Remove the stock windshield wipers. Take off the clips holding the wipers in place or push down and then pull up to remove the wipers. Keep the wipers if they are in good condition as spare parts.
4
Install the new wiper blades into the wiper arm. The wipers should have the same color as the Camry's body giving a unified appearance to the car. As of 2010, color matching license plates can be purchased at automotive retail store or online for under $20. Clip the wipers back in place. Test the wipers to make sure they are secure.
5
Place the exhaust pipe tip over the exhaust pipe until the tip is fully inserted. Screw the two screws that came with the tip clockwise with the Phillips head screwdriver until the exhaust tip is snug. As of 2010, exhaust tips can be purchased in automotive retail stores or online ranging in price from $10 to $50 each.
You discover that the 2.4L or 3.3L engine in your 2003 to 2006 Toyota Highlander won't start. According to the battery test, there are no problems there. You just replaced the alternator last year. Therefore, chances are your starter is the problem. While you could have a mechanic replace the starter for you, that can be rather expensive. Instead, follow the steps below to replace the starter yourself.
Park your Toyota Highlander on a level surface, activate the emergency brake and place blocks behind the back tires for safety. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a terminal puller.
2
Remove the battery and battery tray. Raise the front end of the car with a jack for easier access to the starter.
3
Label the starter electrical connections by wrapping a small piece of tape around the wire and indicating where it connects to the starter with a permanent marker. Disconnect the starter wiring.
4
Unscrew and remove the starter mounting bolts. Place all nuts and bolts in the jar to prevent loss. Remove the malfunctioning starter from the engine.
5
Take your malfunctioning starter to the parts store with you. Aftermarket distributors remanufacture most of the starters they sell, so you can likely obtain a partial credit toward your new starter by exchanging your old one. Be sure that you take care not to damage the starter in transit, because the better condition it is in, the more you can get for it.
6
Purchase a replacement starter that has the same or higher cranking capacity (power rating) as the original starter. Also, match the bolt patterns, drive gears and electrical connections. Your owner's manual may list specifications or the auto parts technician will help you determine them.
7
Reverse the removal process to install the new starter. Torque the starter mounting bolts to 27 foot pounds (37 Nm).
8
Lower your Highlander back to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the key in the ignition to see if your new starter motor functions correctly.
Tips & Warnings
Always inspect the battery, solenoid and alternator to be certain they are working properly before replacing a starter. When an engine fails to start, many do-it-yourselfers misdiagnose the problem as the starter and replace it unnecessarily, only to find that the vehicle still won't start.
If you believe your starter is in the problem, use a bench test to see if the starter motor spins and how well the starter is performing. A bench test will check the amp load, voltage and RPMs. If the starter is good, it will draw 60 to 150 amps with no load and up to 250 amps under load.
If your Toyota Highlander is an older model and/or has high mileage, you should also replace the solenoid.
The disconnection of the negative battery cable may interfere with the on board computer function. Upon reconnection, the computer may need to go through a relearning process.
Never operate the starter for more than 30 seconds at a time. Allow the starter motor to cool for at least two minutes in between starting attempts to prevent permanent damage.
The starter replacement process is different for later models or those with a different sized engine than the 2003 to 2006 Toyota Highlander with a 2.4L or 3.3L engine listed in this guide. Consult your owner's manual or a mechanic for details.
How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a Toyota Corolla
When the air conditioner in your Toyota Corolla is blowing warm air, you may need to recharge your system with refrigerant. In most cases, you can do this using an automotive air conditioning recharge kit. You can do this if your Corolla is compatible with R134 refrigerant. Some models made before 1995 take R12 refrigerant instead of the newer R134 refrigerant.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Instructions
things you'll need:
Goggles
Gloves
Leak detection kit
Pressure gauge
R134 refill kit
Get Ready to Recharge
1
Look at the air conditioning system for damage or leaks. Leak detection kits that will help you to find leaks in the system and possibly seal small leaks should be available at your local auto parts store. If you see any visible damage, replace the components or repair the leaks before you recharge the air conditioning system with refrigerant.
2
Find the Low Pressure Side port. You can find this under the hood of the car. It is near the air conditioner compressor. The location will vary with engine size and year model. In most cases, the port is near the firewall. It has a black cap that is sometimes marked L. Remove this cap.
3
Figure out if your car uses R134 or R12 refrigerant. You will notice screw type connectors on the both the High Pressure Side and Low Pressure Side lines in models using R12 refrigerant. Models made in or before 1995 may use the old R12 refrigerant. If this is the case, you have to retrofit the Corolla air conditioning system to accept R134 refrigerant.
4
Check your air conditioning system pressure using an automotive air conditioning pressure gauge. Keep in mind that in order to get an accurate reading, the air conditioner has to be turned on the coldest setting with maximum blowing power.
Recharge the Air Conditioner
1
Read all of the directions on the refill kit. Some kits may have specific directions that you must follow to ensure safe use.
2
Hook the refill hose up to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system. The Low Pressure Side connector is smaller the High Pressure Side connector so, the refill kit hose should fit only on the Low Pressure Side port.
3
Hold the can of R134 refrigerant upright and allow the air conditioning system to suction the refrigerant out of the can. This may take as long as 10 minutes.
4
Use more than one can of refrigerant if the pressure is still low after the first can is empty.
5
Close the valve on the refill hose and release the hose from the connector when you have finished recharging the air conditioning system. Make sure that you put the cap back on the port.
6
Let the air conditioner run on the lowest temperature and highest speed for at least 20 minutes. The refrigerant will circulate throughout the entire air conditioning system during this time.
Tips & Warnings
Always protect your eyes and skin by wearing safety goggles and gloves when working with the air conditioning system.
Only work on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system. The air conditioner is under high pressure and trying to add refrigerant to the High Pressure Side can cause an explosion resulting in injury or death.
Don't try to recharge the air conditioning system if a license is required in your area to purchase R134 refrigerant. In this case, you have to allow a professional to recharge it.
Never try to mix R134 and R12 refrigerant. This causes damage to the air conditioning system and may cause bodily injury. It is possible to retrofit a car that uses R12 refrigerant to accept R134.
It is a federal crime to release refrigerant into the air. Take any excess refrigerant to a professional for disposal.
CD players that utilize multi-discs are referred to as "CD changers," because not only do they house up to six CDs, they can play these discs consecutively in addition to changing them over without manual intervention. Multi-disc CD changers are often found in cars, such as Toyotas. When the CD changer experiences problems, you can undergo the troubleshooting process to rectify the issue.
Remove all screws with the appropriate type of screwdriver. Place the screws in a safe place so you do not lose them, as you will need them in the future. Open the changer and inspect the inside of the unit. If there is dirt present, remove it by blowing it out with a can of compressed air. Make sure to get in all of the areas with the can's nozzle to remove the dirt.
2
Wipe down the changer's laser lens with a cotton swab soaked with isopropyl alcohol. Use very slight pressure, as the laser lens is very sensitive. This will remove any dirt or obstruction on the lens that may be causing problems with the CD play.
3
Check the status of the changer's fuse. If there is a white film covering the inside of the fuse in addition to the filament being severed, then the fuse is broken. Replace the fuse by purchasing a new, compatible fuse in a hardware store and inserting the new fuse in the changer.
4
Look at the gears. If they are sticking, they may need oil lubrication. Just spray the gears with WD40 so that they can operate normally again. In addition, reattach any gear belts that are off the gears.
5
Put the screws back into the changer and put the changer back together. Test the changer by inserting and playing several CDs. If they play uninterrupted and the changeover of discs goes smoothly, then the error is rectified.
