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Cleaning the interior
CAUTION
Vehicles with side airbags:
Be careful not to splash water or
spill liquid on the floor. This may
prevent the side airbags from acti-
vating correctly, resulting in serious
injury.
Do not wash the vehicle floor with
water, or allow water to get onto
the floor when cleaning the vehicle
interior or exterior. Water may get
into audio components or other
electrical components above or un-
der the floor carpet (or mat) and
cause a malfunction; and it may
cause body corrosion.
Vinyl interior
The vinyl upholstery may be easily
cleaned with a mild soap or detergent
and water. First vacuum over the upholstery to re-
move loose dirt. Then, using a sponge or
soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the
vinyl. After allowing it to soak in for a few
minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt
and wipe off the soap with a clean damp
cloth. If all the dirt does not come off,
repeat the procedure. Commercial foam-
ing
−type vinyl cleaners are also available
which work well. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline
or window cleaner on the interior.
Carpets
Use a good foam −type shampoo to
clean the carpets.
Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove
as much dirt as possible. Several types of
foam cleaners are available; some are in
aerosol cans and others are powders or
liquids which you mix with water to pro-
duce a foam. To shampoo the carpets,
use a sponge or brush to apply the foam.
Rub in overlapping circles. Do not apply water—the best results are
obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as
possible. Read the shampoo instructions
and follow them closely.
Seat belts
The seat belts may be cleaned with
mild soap and water or with lukewarm
water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are clean-
ing, check the belts for excessive wear,
fraying, or cuts.
NOTICE
Do not use dye or bleach on the belt-
s—it may weaken them.
Windows
The windows may be cleaned with any
household window cleaner.
NOTICE
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, be careful not to scratch or
damage the heater wires on the rear
window.
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Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the ”FULL” and ”LOW” lines on the see −
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See Chapter 7 −2 for additional information.
Battery electrolyte level
Make sure the electrolyte level of all bat-
tery cells is between upper and lower lev-
el lines on the case. Add only distilled
water when replenishing. See Chapter 7 −3
for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Chapter 7 −2 for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See Chapter 7 −2 for addi-
tional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the ”HOT” or ”COLD”
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See Chapter 7 −2 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See engine exhaust cautions in
Part 2.) Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip
−offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flat −looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal If you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?
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Instrument panel
30. GAUGE 7.5 A: Gauge and meter,
buck −up lights, interior lights, charging
system, electronically controlled auto-
matic transmission system, cruise con-
trol system, power door lock system,
service reminder indicators and warning
buzzer, automatic light control system,
daytime running light system
31. TAIL 15 A: Parking lights, license plate
lights, tail lights, front side marker
lights
Passenger’s side kick panel
32. STOP 15 A: Stop lights, cruise control
system, high m ounted stoplight, anti/
lock brake system, shift lock system,
multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system
33. PANEL 5 A: Gauge and meter, car
audio system, cigarette lighter, glove-
box light, clock, electronically controlled
automatic transmission system, air
conditioning system, service reminder
indicators, turn signal lights, emergency
flasher, headlight cleaner, seat heater
34. MIRROR HEATER 10 A: Mirror heaters35. CIG/RADIO 15 A:
Cigarette lighter, in-
terior lights, clock, SRS airbag system,
seat belt pretensioners, shift lock sys-
tem, electronically controlled automatic
transmission system, air conditioning
system, ignition system, theft deterrent
system, outside rear view mirror control
system, car audio system, service re-
minder indicators
36. HEATER 10 A: Air conditioning system,
rear window defogger, starter system
37. STARTER 5 A: Starter system
38. A.C 10 A: Air conditioning system
Fuses (type B)
39. MAIN 40 A: ”HEAD (LH)”, ”HEAD HI
(LH)”, ”HEAD (RH)” and ”HEAD HI
(RH)” fuses
40. RDI 30 A: Electric cooling fans
41. CDS 30 A: Electric cooling fans
42. DOOR 30 A: Power door lock system,
power seat
43. RR DEF 40 A: Rear window defogger
44. POWER 30A: Power window, electric
moon roof
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