1996 TOYOTA CAMRY heating

71 Your automatic transmission has a shift
lock system to minimize the possibility of
incorrect operation. This means you can
only shift out of Pº position when the
brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition
switch in ONº position and the lock re-
lease button depressed).
(a) Normal driving
1. Start the engine as instructed in How
to start the engineº in Part 3. The trans-
mission must be in Pº or Nº.
2. With your foot holding down the brake
pedal, shift the selector lever to Dº.
In Dº position, the automatic transmis-
sion system will select the most suitable
gear for the running conditions such as
normal cruising, hill climbing, hard towing,
etc.
Always turn the overdrive switch on for
better fuel economy and quieter driving. If
the engine coolant temperature is low, the
transmission will not shift into overdrive
gear even with the overdrive switch on.
Never put your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting.CAUTION
!
3. Release the parking brake and brake
pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly for smooth starting.
(b) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:

Turn off the overdrive switch. The O/D
OFFº indicator light will come on and
the transmission will downshift to the
third gear.

Shift into the 2º position. The trans-
mission will downshift to the second
gear when the vehicle speed drops
down to or lower than the maximum al-
lowable speed for second gear, and
more powerful engine braking will be
obtained.

Shift into the Lº position. The trans-
mission will downshift to the first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the maximum allowable
speed for Lº position and maximum
engine braking will be applied.MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SPEEDS
km/h (mph)
2º Lº
5S-FE engine 120 (75) 66 (41)
1MZ-FE engine 128 (80) 70 (44)
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.CAUTION
!
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to
keep engine rpm from going into
the red zone. The maximum allow-
able speed (approximate) for each
position is given above for your
reference.
Do not continue hill climbing for a
long time in the 2º or Lº posi-
tion. This may cause severe auto-
matic transmission damage from
overheating. To prevent such
damage, use Dº position for hill
climbing or hard towing.
ProCarManuals.com

109 (a) Controls and functions
The temperature control knob is used to
adjust the temperature of the delivered
air.
Turn the knob toward the HIGH position
for higher temperature and toward the
LOW position for lower temperature.
The air intake control lever is used to se-
lect intake air, either outside air or recircu-
lated air.
With the lever in the OUTSIDE AIR posi-
tion, the system will take fresh outside air
into the unit. For recirculated air, move the
lever to the RECIRCULATED AIR posi-
tion.
The air flow control knob is used to select
the air flow outlets air is delivered from.
See (f) Air flow selectionº for detailed in-
formation.
The fan speed control knob is used to turn
on and off the fan and select the fan
speed.
The higher the fan speed setting is, the
more air is delivered. Turning the knob to
the OFFº position turns off the fan.
The air conditioning on-off button is used
to turn on and off the air conditioning.
With the button pressed in, the air condi-
tioning turns on. Pressing the button once
again will turn the air conditioning off.If the indicator light flashes, contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible. There
may be slippage of the drive belt or trouble
in the compressor. If this happens, the air
conditioning is automatically turned off to
avoid damage to the drive belt.
(b) Heating
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere except the LOW position.
When dehumidified heating is desired,
turn the knob between the HIGH and
middle positions.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob around the
middle.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
If quick circulation of heated air is desired,
move the lever to the RECIRCULATED
AIR position.
For normal use, it is best to keep the lever
in the OUTSIDE AIR position. Otherwise
the windows will fog up more easily.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
FLOOR position.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob to the BI-
LEVEL position.
If the windshield fogs up easily, turn the
knob to the FLOOR/WINDSHIELD posi-
tion.For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
If dehumidified heating is desired, press in
the air conditioning on-off button.
(c) Cooling
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere between the middle and LOW
positions.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob around the
middle.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
If quick circulation of cooled air is desired,
move the lever to the RECIRCULATED
AIR position.
For normal use, it is best to keep the lever
in the OUTSIDE AIR position.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
FACE position.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob to the BI-
LEVEL position.ProCarManuals.com

11 4(a) Controls and functions
The temperature control knob is used to
adjust the temperature of the delivered
air.
Turn the knob toward the HIGH position
for higher temperature and toward the
LOW position for lower temperature.
The air intake control button is used to se-
lect intake air, either outside air or recircu-
lated air.
With the button in the OUTSIDE AIR
mode, the system will take fresh outside
air into the unit. For recirculated air, set
the button to the RECIRCULATED AIR
mode. Pressing the button once again will
let the button out in the OUTSIDE AIR
mode.
The air flow control buttons are used to
select the air flow outlets air is delivered
from.
See (f) Air flow selectionº for detailed in-
formation.
The fan speed control knob is used to turn
on and off the fan and select the fan
speed.
The higher the fan speed setting is, the
more air is delivered. Turning the knob to
the OFFº position turns off the fan.
The air conditioning on-off button is used
to turn on and off the air conditioning.With the button pressed in, the air condi-
tioning turns on. Pressing the button once
again will turn the air conditioning off.
If the indicator light flashes, contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible. There
may be slippage of the drive belt or trouble
in the compressor. If this happens, the air
conditioning is automatically turned off to
avoid damage to the drive belt.
(b) Heating
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere except the LOW position.
When dehumidified heating is desired,
turn the knob between the HIGH and
middle positions.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, place the knob around the
middle.
2. If quick circulation of heated air is de-
sired, set to the RECIRCULATED AIR
mode of the air intake control button.
For normal use, it is best to set to the
OUTSIDE AIR mode. Otherwise the win-
dows will fog up more easily.
3. Press in the FLOOR button of the air
flow control buttons.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, press in the BI-LEVEL
button.If the windshield fogs up easily, press in
the FLOOR/WINDSHIELD button.
For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
If dehumidified heating is desired, press in
the air conditioning on-off button.
(c) Cooling
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere between the middle and LOW
positions.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob around the
middle.
2. If quick circulation of cooled air is de-
sired, set to the RECIRCULATED AIR
mode of the air intake control button.
For normal use, it is best to set to the
OUTSIDE AIR mode.
3. Press in the FACE button of the air flow
control buttons.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, press in the BI-LEVEL
button.ProCarManuals.com

11 9 (a) Controls and functions
The temperature control knob is used to
turn on and off the heater and adjust the
temperature of the heated air.
Turn the knob toward the FULL HEATING
position for higher temperature. Turning
the knob to the NO HEAT position turns off
the heater.
The air intake control lever is used to se-
lect intake air, either outside air or recircu-
lated air.
With the lever in the OUTSIDE AIR posi-
tion, the system will take fresh outside air
into the unit. For recirculated air, move the
lever to the RECIRCULATED AIR position.
The air flow control knob is used to select
the air flow outlets air is delivered from.
See (e) Air flow selectionº for detailed in-
formation.
The fan speed control knob is used to turn
on and off the fan and select the fan
speed.
The higher the fan speed setting is, the
more air is delivered. Turning the knob to
the OFFº position turns off the fan.(b) Heating
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere except the NO HEAT position.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob around the
middle.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
If quick circulation of heated air is desired,
move the lever to the RECIRCULATED
AIR position.
For normal use, it is best to keep the lever
in the OUTSIDE AIR position. Otherwise
the windows will fog up more easily.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
FLOOR position.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob to the BI-
LEVEL position.
If the windshield fogs up easily, turn knob
to the FLOOR/WINDSHIELD position.
For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (e) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.(c) Ventilation
1. Turn the temperature control knob to
the NO HEAT position.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
3. Move the air flow control knob to the
FACE position.
For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (e) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
(d) Windshield defogging and defrost-
ing
1. Turn the temperature control knob at
the FULL HEATING position.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
WINDSHIELD position.
For detailed information on air flow con-
trol, see (e) Air flow selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob to the
HIº position.
(e) Air flow selection
FACE positionÐThis position directs the
air flow to face level.ProCarManuals.com

132
CAUTION!

Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.
It contains carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconscious-
ness or even death.

Make sure the exhaust system has
no holes or loose connections.
The system should be checked
from time to time. If you hit some-
thing, or notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust, have the
system checked immediately.

Do not run the engine in a garage
or enclosed area except for the
time needed to drive the vehicle in
or out. The exhaust gases cannot
escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.

Do not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine
running. If it is unavoidable, how-
ever, do so only in an unconfined
area and adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air
into the vehicle.

Keep the trunk lid or back door
closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid or back door
may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle. If you must
drive with the trunk lid or back
door open to accommodate a
large object, close the windows,
open all the instrument panel
vents and have the heating or
cooling system deliver fresh air
into the vehicle by turning the fan
to high speed with the air intake
control set at the OUTSIDE AIR
position.

To allow proper operation of your
vehicle's ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the wind-
shield clear of snow, leaves, or
other obstructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes in the
vehicle, drive with the windows
open and the trunk lid or back
door closed. Have the cause im-
mediately located and corrected.FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of lu-
bricating and cooling the inside of the en-
gine, and plays a major role in maintaining
the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are
as follows.

Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil is
left on the cylinder wall when a piston
moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated
when the vehicle is decelerating sucks
some of this oil into the combustion
chamber. This oil as well as some part
of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is
burned by the high temperature com-
bustion gases during the combustion
process.

Oil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil is
sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.
Facts about engine oil
consumption Engine exhaust cautions
ProCarManuals.com

141
CAUTION!

Before driving off, make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the parking brake reminder
light is off.

Do not leave your vehicle unat-
tended while the engine is run-
ning.

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. It can cause
dangerous overheating, needless
wear, and poor fuel economy.

To drive down a long or steep hill,
reduce your speed and downshift.
Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat
and not work properly.

Be careful when accelerating, up-
shifting, downshifting or braking
on a slippery surface. Sudden ac-
celeration or engine braking could
cause the vehicle to spin or skid.

Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit
permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle
has high-speed capability tires.
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph)
may result in tire failure, loss of
control and possible injury. Be
sure to consult a tire dealer to de-
termine whether the tires on your
vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such
speeds.

Do not continue normal driving
when the brakes are wet. If they are
wet, your vehicle will require a lon-
ger stopping distance, and it may
pull to one side when the brakes
are applied. Also, the parking
brake will not hold the vehicle se-
curely.Make sure you have ethylene-glycol
antifreeze in the radiator.
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze.
NOTICE
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape to
provide enough power for winter starting.
Chapter 7-3 tells you how to visually in-
spect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and
most service stations will be pleased to
check the level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See Chapter 7-2 for recommended vis-
cosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota dealerÐ
he will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de-icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing. To open
a frozen lock, try heating the key before in-
serting it.
Winter driving tips
ProCarManuals.com

146
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns.
The trailer could hit your vehicle in a
tight turn. Slow down before making a
turn to avoid the necessity of sudden
braking.

Remember that when making a turn,
the trailer wheels will be closer than
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Therefore, compensate for this
by making a larger than normal turning
radius with your vehicle.

Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect handling of your vehicle
and trailer, causing sway. Pay atten-
tion to the rear from time to time to pre-
pare yourself for being passed by large
trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying
happens, firmly grip the steering wheel
and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed.
Steer straight ahead. If you make no
extreme correction with the steering or
brakes, the vehicle and trailer will sta-
bilize.

Be careful when passing other ve-
hicles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer and
be sure you have plenty of room be-
fore changing lanes.
In order to maintain engine braking ef-
ficiency, do not use fifth gear (manual
transmission) or overdrive (automatic
transmission).

Because of the added load of the trail-
er, your vehicle's engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over
305C [855F]) when going up a long or
steep grade with a trailer. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the
air conditioning (if in use), pull off the
road and stop in a safe spot. Refer to
If your vehicle overheatsº in Part 4 of
this manual.

Always place wheel blocks under both
the vehicle and trailer wheels when
parking. Apply the parking brake firm-
ly. Put the transmission in Pº (auto-
matic) or in first or reverse (manual).
Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer,
but if it cannot be avoided, do so only
after performing the following:1. Apply the brakes and hold.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks un-
der both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place,
release your brakes slowly until the blocks
absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into first or reverse (manual) or
Pº (automatic) and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a
slope:
1. With the transmission in Pº position
(automatic) or the clutch pedal depressed
(manual), start the engine. (With an auto-
matic transmission, be sure to keep the
brake pedal depressed.)
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake (also foot
brake on automatic transmission ve-
hicles) and slowly pull or back away from
the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your
brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.ProCarManuals.com

147
CAUTION!

Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or
the posted towing speed limit,
whichever is lower. Because insta-
bility (swaying) of a towing ve-
hicle-trailer combination usual-
ly increases as the speed in-
creases, exceeding 72 km/h (45
mph) may cause loss of control.

Slow down and downshift before
descending steep or long down-
hill grades. Do not make sudden
downshifts.

Avoid holding the pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could
cause the brakes to overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.Getting more kilometers/mileage from a li-
ter/gallon of fuel is easyÐjust take it easy.
It will help make your vehicle last longer,
too. Here are some specific tips on how to
save money on both fuel and repairs:

Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See Chapter
7-2 for instructions.

Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.

Avoid lengthy warm-up idling.
Once the engine is running smoothly,
begin drivingÐbut gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this
may take a little longer.

Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high
gear as quickly as possible.

Avoid long engine idling. If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic, it
is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.

Avoid engine lug or overrevving.
Use a gear position suitable for the
road on which you are travelling.
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop-and-go driving
wastes fuel.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or take
advantage of through streets to avoid
traffic lights. Keep a proper distance
from other vehicles to avoid sudden
braking. This will also reduce wear on
your brakes.

Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.

Do not rest your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal. This causes needless
wear, overheating and poor fuel econ-
omy.

Maintain a moderate speed on
highways. The faster you drive, the
greater the fuel consumption. By re-
ducing your speed, you will cut down
on fuel consumption.

Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on the
engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too
ProCarManuals.com