How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a Japanese car that's been on the market since 1966 and keeping your Corolla looking new is easier when you have a clean windshield. Using your windshield washer fluid helps you do this. When you run out of fluid, you need to refill the reservoir. However, if you've done this and still don't have any fluid, check for a leak, and fix or replace it.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Windshield washer reservoir
• Seals
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Screwdriver
• Wrench

1. • 1

     Find the part number for your windshield washer reservoir, which depends on the year of your Toyota Corolla. For example, the part number you need for a 1998-2002 Corolla is T370504. See Resources section below for places to buy a replacement reservoir; you can also get the part by ordering directly from a dealer or save money by looking at salvage yards.

   • 2

     Put the car in park and turn your Corolla off. Don't forget to remove the keys. While still in the driver seat, reach under the instrument panel--on your left side--and pull the hood release.

   • 3

     Go to the front of your Toyota Corolla and locate the auxiliary release, which is in the center of the hood. Pull it or twist it to open the hood fully. Locate the prop rod--usually on the engine compartment edge--and use it to securely prop the hood open before you begin working on your Corolla.

   • 4

     Locate the windshield washer reservoir. In the Toyota Corolla, it's on the left side of the engine compartment under the power steering fluid reservoir.

   • 5

     Jack up the car and take off the right front tire. Support the right front of your Corolla using jack stands. Then, remove the inner fender liner by undoing the screws and fasteners using a screwdriver. This will give you complete access to the windshield washer reservoir.

   • 6

     Disconnect the negative cable on the battery and the electrical connector. Undo all the leads to the reservoir, including the hose and mounting bolt. After that, simply list out the windshield washer reservoir. Throw away the seals--you'll need to replace these when you install the new reservoir.

   • 7

     Reassemble your Toyota Corolla. Put the new windshield washer reservoir in your car by screwing it into place, replacing the mounting bolt and attaching the hose and any other leads. After that, reconnect the battery and electrical connector.

   • 8

     Put the inner fender liner back together, replace your tire and lower your Corolla to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• If the crack in your Corolla's windshield washer reservoir is small, try patching it rather than replacing the whole reservoir. To increase your chances of finding the leak, pour some washer fluid into the tank.

• If there's any windshield washer fluid left in the tank, drain it before removing the reservoir.

• Make sure you put the bolts and hoses back exactly as you found them in your Toyota Corolla.

• Never run your windshield washer pump when it's out of fluid. This causes the pump to go bad and require replacement, which can be a more difficult task than replacing the reservoir.

• If your car comes with air bags, you need to wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the negative battery cable before starting.

How to Replace the Taillights in a Toyota Tundra

When one of the taillights burns out in your Toyota Tundra, replace it as soon as possible. Leaving a broken light in place increases the risk of getting a ticket or having an accident. Fortunately, with the right replacement bulb and a screwdriver, changing out your truck's old light is easy.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• #7443 replacement bulb
• Socket wrench

1. • 1

     Remove the keys from the ignition and engage the emergency brake for safety. Also, make sure the headlamp control is in the "OFF" position.

   • 2

     Walk around to the back of your Tundra and open the tailgate.

   • 3

     Undo the two security bolts holding the taillight assembly to the truck.

   • 4

     Pull the assembly rearward from the truck until it's free from its socket.

   • 5

     Locate the bulb socket holding the broken bulb. Turn it counterclockwise to detach it from the taillight assembly.

   • 6

     Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and replace it with the new bulb. Then, push the bulb socket into the taillight assembly and turn it clockwise to secure its position.

   • 7

     Test the new bulb to make sure it works before bolting the assembly back into place and closing the tailgate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're unsure of exactly which bulb to replace, check the taillight diagram Section 7-3 of your Tundra Owner's Manual.

• Don't handle the bulb socket unless the truck's electrical systems are off.

How to Repair a Toyota Previa Starter

The starter in your Toyota Previa is a key part of the engine's electrical system and is commonly the culprit when your vehicle does not start or hesitates when starting. You can remove the starter motor and have it tested at most auto parts stores to determine if it needs to be replaced. You can replace the starter yourself using a few simple tools. A new starter can be purchased from an auto parts store or Toyota dealer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench set
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Socket and ratchet set
• Socket extension
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal using a wrench. Place the battery cable in a safe location where it cannot come into contact with the battery terminal while you are working.

   • 2

     Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground using a jack. Secure your Previa on a set of jack stands and remove the jack.

   • 3

     Disconnect the wiring connector on the starter and remove the plastic cover over the nut behind the connector. Use a socket, ratchet and extension to remove the nut from the starter wire. Remove the bolt securing the stiffener plate to the starter stay.

   • 4

     Support the starter motor so that it cannot fall and remove the three bolts securing the starter to the motor. Remove the nut positioned on the top of the starter motor. Remove the starter from the vehicle by pulling it straight downward out of the engine compartment.

   • 5

     Position the new starter in the same orientation as the one you just removed. Secure it with the upper nut as well as the three mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Replace the bolt securing the stiffener plate and torque it to 43 inch-pounds.

   • 6

     Install the starter connector. The wiring harness should simply snap into place. Reattach the starter wire with the nut and torque the retaining nut to 78 inch-pounds.

   • 7

     Raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands from beneath it. Return the minivan to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the terminal using your wrench. Start the engine to test the new starter.

How to Improve the MPG of a Toyota Camry Hybrid

Get More Miles Per Gallon from a Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Gasoline electric hybrid engines like the one found in the Toyota Camry hybrid promise drivers better gas mileage, but actual MPG reflects driver usage. Proper driving techniques and maintenance help drivers improve the actual MPG of the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tire pressure gauge

1. • 1

     Allow a proper break-in period. When Toyota Camry Hybrid owners complain to the dealership that they aren't seeing the advertised MPG, a common response is to wait until after the first 10,000 miles for the engine and hybrid components to reach peak efficiency.

   • 2

     Avoid rapid acceleration. A lead foot is an expensive habit as rapid acceleration wastes fuel. Transition gradually from a stop to top speed.

   • 3

     Minimize stops during the first 5 to 10 minutes after a cold start. Gasoline engine fuel economy is lower during the warm-up and according to HybridCars.com the Toyota Camry Hybrid's auto-stop mechanism does not trigger when the gasoline engine is still cold. Stop at the last espresso stand on the way to work rather than the first to improve miles per gallon.

   • 4
     Cruise Control Improves the MPG of a Toyota Camry Hybrid.

     Use the Toyota Camry Hybrid's cruise control feature whenever possible, as cruise control increases fuel economy.

   • 5

     Coast whenever possible to maximize electric battery charge regeneration.

   • 6

     Plan routes to maximize hybrid efficiency. Unlike a standard gasoline engine, hybrid electric cars get the best MPG in stop and go traffic and the worst on highways. Take the scenic route with rolling hills rather than the expressway.

   • 7

     Keep tires properly inflated. Whether a driver is in a Toyota Camry Hybrid or traditional gasoline motor car, tires maintained at the proper pressure reduce drag and are essential for achieving optimal MPG.

   • 8
     Turn Off Accessories to Improve Toyota Camry Hybrid's MPG.

     Use energy hungry accessories like air conditioning as little as possible.

   • 9

     During a tune-up, ask the Toyota dealer to maximize gas mileage rather than horsepower. Unfortunately, a lot of the extra energy achieved by a hybrid engine is diverted to increasing power in U.S. models.

   • 10

     In Toyota Camry Hybrid models offering electric-only mode, use this setting for most in-town travel. Most drivers can make their complete daily commute and run errands without needing gasoline power. Reserve gasoline usage for longer trips.

   • 11

     Pay close intention to the instantaneous miles per gallon indicated on the Toyota Camry Hybrid's display. Notice how driving behavior and various routes to common destinations affect MPG. Adjust your driving to maximize this value.

   • 12

     Don't leave the Toyota Camry Hybrid idling while getting ready to go or sitting in a drive-through. Although the Toyota Camry Hybrid's auto-stop will turn off the gasoline engine, valuable electric battery charge is still wasted. Maximize use of the Toyota Camry Hybrid's electric capabilities for improving gas mileage while driving, not powering the car at a standstill.

Tips & Warnings

• Put pressure on Toyota's Research and Development to offer a plug-in electric model. Call 800-331-4331. Plug-in electric models would allow owners to run their hybrid vehicles solely on electricity while preserving the option of gasoline for cross-country trips. If an owner installs a solar panel system to charge a plug-in electric hybrid's battery, driving costs and environmental impacts are reduced to the lowest levels. HybridCars.com says that low octane fuel is best. The additives in high-octane fuel actually decrease fuel economy despite reductions in emissions.

• Tracking the instantaneous miles per gallon can be addictive. Watch the road while driving.

How to Replace Toyota Brakes

Taking the time to replace the brake pads on your Toyota will save you hundreds of dollars. Aside from the savings, you will also get the satisfaction of repairing your own vehicle. When replacing the brake pads, replace the rotors as well so that the new pads have an even surface to push against during braking. Replacing the brake pads and rotors will increase the performance and longevity of the brakes on the Toyota.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Lug nut wrench
• Ratchet
• Sockets
• Bungee cord
• Hammer
• New rotors
• Brake cleaner
• New brake pads
• C-clamp

1. • 1

     Lift the Toyota with the jack and place the vehicle on jack stands.

   • 2

     Remove the wheels with a lug nut wrench and set them aside. You can find the lug nut wrench in the trunk of your Toyota.

   • 3

     Remove the caliper with a ratchet and use a bungee cord to hang the caliper. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose, as the hose might break and cause fluid to leak.

   • 4

     Remove the brake rotor from the hub. The rotor might require force to be removed; if it does, use a hammer to hit the rotor in the center, where the lug studs are located. Take care not to hit the studs.

   • 5

     Remove the new rotor from its packaging and use brake cleaner to remove the grease from the rotor. Grease is applied on the rotor in the factory to inhibit rust during storage.

   • 6

     Install the new rotor onto the hub.

   • 7

     Install the caliper bracket with new brake pads onto the rotor and fasten it to the steering knuckle. Use a ratchet to tighten the bolts.

   • 8

     Open the master cylinder reservoir so you don't break a seal while compressing the brake caliper.

   • 9

     Compress the brake caliper with a C-clamp so that the caliper can fit over the new brake pads. Install the caliper by securing it to the brake caliper bracket with a ratchet.

Tips & Warnings

• A brake caliper compressor might work better than a C-clamp.

• Wear safety glasses while working on your brakes.

How to Adjust the Clutch in a Toyota Tacoma

The clutch of the Toyota Tacoma will need to be adjusted on occasion, and you can do it yourself. It can be a matter of simply refilling the reservoir, adjusting the clutch pedal, or even bleeding the system.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench or pliers
• Measuring tape

1. • 1

     Check the pedal height of the Toyota Tacoma's clutch before adjusting it. The proper factory specs are 170 to 180mm (or 6.69 to 7.08 inches) from the floor to the top of the pedal (where you step). You can adjust this up or down as long as the pedal height remains within the specified guidelines. Look at the top of the clutch pedal for the adjuster knob.

   • 2

     Change the freeplay of the clutch pedal in your Toyota Tacoma by loosening the lock nut and turning the push rod until you are able to get it into the recommended range of 5 to 15mm. Tighten the nut, and readjust the pedal height if necessary.

   • 3

     Find out what the release point is of the Toyota Tacoma's clutch. If it is not within the necessary specs, you may have to adjust it. Begin by pulling on the lever of the parking brake and installing a "wheel stopper."

   • 4

     Start your Tacoma's engine, let it idle, and then slowly shift your truck into reverse. When you feel the gears begin to connect, press down on the clutch and check the distance between when the noise of the gear stops and the point where you've stepped on the pedal all the way. The release point, as it's called, should be at least 1 inch.

   • 5

     Double-check everything if the release point is not where it should be. Check the pedal height again, check the play in the push rod and the pedal, bleed the clutch lines to rid the system of any air bubbles, and also check the clutch cover and the disc as well. Make the necessary adjustments, replace any components that you can't adjust, and test the release point of the Tacoma's clutch again.

How to Replace a Toyota Distributor Cap

The distributor cap on a Toyota is the plastic cap on top of the distributor where the spark plug wires connect. A small plastic rotor spins inside the distributor cap, firing each spark plug as it rotates. A cracked or damaged distributor can cause poor engine performance, so you should replace it immediately. If you are replacing the distributor cap as part of an engine tuneup, you must replace the rotor as well.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench set
• Masking tape
• Marker
• Phillips screwdriver

1. Removal

   • 1

     Open the hood of your Toyota, and disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal by using a wrench to loosen the retaining bolt. Then pull the clamp off the terminal.

   • 2

     Label and remove the spark plug wires from the distributor cap, using masking tape and a marker.

   • 3

     Remove the distributor cap from the distributor. There will be two retaining pins on each side of the distributor cap. Using a Phillips screwdriver, depress each retain pin and rotate it one-half of a turn. Then lift the distributor cap off the distributor.

   • 4

     Remove the rotor from the distributor. Using the Phillips screwdriver pull out the two screws that connect the rotor to the distributor; then lift the rotor off the distributor shaft and remove it from the Toyota.

   Installation

   • 1

     Set the rotor into position on the distributor shaft. It will seat on the distributor shaft in only one direction. Reinstall the two screws that secure the rotor to the distributor shaft.

   • 2

     Set the distributor cap onto the distributor. Use a Phillips screwdriver to reconnect the retaining pins on the cap to the distributor body.

   • 3

     Follow the labels you made during disassembly to reconnect the spark plug wires to the distributor.

   • 4

     Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal. Slide the clamp over the terminal, and tighten the retaining bolt.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're replacing the distributor cap as part of a tuneup, you may want to replace the spark plug wires as well.

• Pay special attention to the spark plug wires when removing them, and clearly label them during reassembly. Connecting the spark plugs to the distributor in the wrong order can damage your engine.