’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
142000 CAMRY CNG (OM33519U)
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up the
auxiliary catch lever and lift the
hood.
Before closing the hood, check to see that
you have not forgotten any tools, rags,
etc. Then lower the hood and make sure
it locks into place. If necessary, press
down gently on the front edge to lock it.When refueling, you must use a special
nozzle that meets ANSI/AGA
NGV−1−1994 standards.
There are three types of nozzles. Use
a P36 type nozzle for this vehicle. If a
P36 nozzle is not available at a nearby
CNG station, you may use another type
of nozzle, but you cannot expect to get
a completely full tank with it.
For your safety, ask and follow the in-
structions at the refueling station when
refueling.
Before starting to refuel, wipe off mud
or dirt that may be deposited around
the fuel receptacle.
You will hear a chattering noise from the
tank when it is being filled, but this is
quite normal.
If you hear fuel leaking from the fuel re-
ceptacle, stop refueling immediately and
have your authorized Toyota CNG dealer
check the fuel receptacle.
For information on CNG stations, refer to
the station “Refueling station information”
on page iii in the beginning of this manu-
al.
CAUTION
In order to safety refuel and avoid
serious personal injury, ask the
CNG station staff to refuel the ve-
hicle with CNG for you.
Do not start the engine while refuel-
ing. As the natural gas is flam-
mable, an explosion or a fire could
occur. Also, do not smoke or allow
open flames when refueling.
If you smell or hear fuel leaking
while refueling, immediately stop re-
fueling. Do not refuel it until after
the leak has been repaired.
Refueling—
—Refueling precaution
’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
162000 CAMRY CNG (OM33519U)
3. Fit the filling nozzle securely on the
fuel receptacle.
There are various types of filling nozzles
so follow the instructions at each CNG
station.4. Turn the valve lever to fasten the
nozzle to the fuel receptacle and to
start filling the tank.5. Refueling will stop automatically
when the tank is full. When discon-
necting the filling nozzle, follow the
instructions of the refueling station.
Reverse the procedure to disconnect the
nozzle after filling the tank.
When disconnecting the filling nozzle, you
may hear a brief hissing sound as a small
amount of fuel escapes, but this is nor-
mal.
’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
642000 CAMRY CNG (OM33519U)
Fuel gauge
Low fuel level
warning light
The gauge works when the ignition
switch is on and indicates the approxi-
mate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
Nearly full—Needle at “F”
Nearly empty—Needle at around 1/5 posi-
tion
It is a good idea to keep the tank over
1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non−return type
needle which remains at the last indicated
position when the ignition switch is turned
off.This gauge indicates the amount of fuel
remaining in the tank is calculated from
the pressure of the natural gas and the
temperature inside the tank. The actual
amount may be slightly above or below
that indicated, depending on the outside
temperature and environment.
If the low fuel level warning light comes
on, fill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
If you continue to drive the vehicle after
the low fuel level warning light comes on,
the light will begin to blink, and at the
same time you will not be able to drive
at speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph).
CAUTION
If the engine does not start and the
low fuel level warning light is blink-
ing, fuel may be leaking. Contact your
authorized Toyota CNG dealer immedi-
ately.
NOTICE
If the low fuel warning light begins to
blink, the fuel tank will soon be
empty. Move to a safe place as soon
as possible.
The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature when the ignition switch is
on. The engine operating temperature
will vary with changes in weather and
engine load.
If the needle moves into the red zone,
your engine is too hot. If your vehicle
overheats, stop your vehicle and allow the
engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe
operating conditions, such as:
Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
Reducing speed or stopping after high
speed driving.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
672000 CAMRY CNG (OM33519U)
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is turned on.
When the parking brake is applied...
When the brake fluid level is low...
Have your vehicle checked at your
authorized Toyota CNG dealer in the
following case:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied with the igni-
tion “ON”.
CAUTION
If the light does not go out even after
the parking brake is released during
the engine running, immediately stop
your vehicle at a safe place and con-
tact your authorized Toyota CNG deal-
er. In this case, the brakes may not
work properly and your stopping dis-
tance will be longer. Depress the
brake pedal firmly.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzz-
er
This light and buzzer remind you to
buckle up the driver’s seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or
“START”, the reminder light and buzzer
come on if the driver’s seat belt is not
fastened. Unless the driver fastens the
belt, the light stays on and the buzzer
stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being
discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, there
is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to oper-
ate, however, until the battery is dis-
charged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio, etc., and drive directly to
the nearest authorized Toyota CNG dealer
or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine
drive belt is broken or loose.
(d) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp warns that there is a problem
somewhere in your engine or automatic
transmission electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving, have
your vehicle checked/repaired by your au-
thorized Toyota CNG dealer as soon as
possible.
(e) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the amount of
natural gas remaining in the tank drops to
about 1/5.
If you continue to drive the vehicle after
the low fuel level warning light comes on,
the light will begin to blink, and at the
same time you will not be able to drive
at speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph).
When the outside temperature is below
−30°C (−22°F), the fuel gauge may indi-
cate an amount less than actual amount
and the indicator may come on.
CAUTION
If the engine does not start and the
low fuel level warning light is blink-
ing, fuel may be leaking. Contact your
authorized Toyota CNG dealer immedi-
ately.
’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
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Vehicles with cruise control—When the
cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift the transmission by pushing and
releasing the overdrive switch, engine
braking is not applied because the cruise
control is not cancelled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see “Cruise control” in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
(e) Using “2” and “L” positions
The “2” and “L” positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in “2” or “L”, you
can start the vehicle in motion as with the
lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “2”, the vehicle
will start in the first gear and automatical-
ly shift to second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the en-
gine. Watch the tachometer to keep
engine rpm from going into the red
zone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
“2” 119 km/h (74 mph). . . . . . . . . .
“ L” 66 km/ h ( 41 mph). . . . . . . . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the
“2” or “L” position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission dam-
age from overheating. To prevent
such damage, “D” position should
be used in hill climbing or hard
towing.
(f) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with
your foot, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-
hicle is moving.
(g) Parking
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up fully to
securely apply the parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down,
shift the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into “P” position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
(h) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between the third gear and
overdrive when climbing a gentle slope,
the overdrive should be turned off. Be
sure to turn the switch on immediately
afterward.
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use overdrive.
’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
11 22000 CAMRY CNG (OM33519U)
Break−in period
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break−in. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
Run the engine at moderate speed be-
tween 2000 and 4000 rpm.
Avoid full−throttle starts.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive slowly with the manual
transmission in a high gear.
Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800
km (500 miles).
Fuel
Fuel used for your vehicle is compressed
natural gas (CNG). The main ingredient of
the natural gas is flammable, colorless
methane, which generates lower emissions
compared with a gasoline−engine vehicle.
The natural gas you use for refueling
must meet NFPA−52 and SAE−J1616 stan-
dards.
If you smell natural gas or hear the sound
of leaking fuel while refueling, stop refuel-
ing immediately. If you smell or hear fuel
leaking other than when refueling, shut off
the fuel system. (See “If you suspect the
fuel is leaking” in Section 4.)
CAUTION
Natural gas is flammable and explo-
sive. Take due care to keep away
from fire and sparks at all times.
If you suspect the fuel is leaking
while refueling, stop refueling im-
mediately. If leaking fuel is ignited,
an explosion or fire could occur,
causing death or serious injury.
If you smell or hear natural gas
leaking, shut off the fuel system
immediately. If leaking fuel is ig-
nited, an explosion or fire could oc-
cur, causing death or serious injury.
NOTICE
Do not use improper fuel that does
not meet the required standards.
Using improper fuel may affect the
engine performance or cause dam-
age to the emission control system.
If you suspect any abnormality in
the fuel system, have your vehicle
inspected by your authorized Toyota
CNG dealer as soon as possible.
’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
11 92000 CAMRY CNG (OM33519U)
Effective way to press the ABS brake
pedal:
When the anti−lock brake system func-
tion is in action, just hold the brake
pedal down more firmly. Especially, in a
panic stop, you need to keep it de-
pressed more firmly, and do not pump
the brake. Pumping the brake pedal
makes the stopping distance longer.
The anti−lock brake system becomes op-
erative after the vehicle has accelerated
to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery
road surfaces such as on the manhole
cover, the steel plate under the construc-
tion, joints in the bridge, etc. on a rainy
day tends to activate the anti−lock brake
system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in
the engine compartment for a few seconds
when the engine is started or just after
the vehicle is started. This means that the
anti−lock brake system is in the self−
check mode, and does not indicate a mal-
function.When the anti−lock brake system is ac-
tivated, the following conditions may
occur, however, do not indicate a mal-
function of the system:
You may hear the anti−lock brake sys-
tem operating and feel the brake pedal
pulsating and the vibrations of the ve-
hicle body and steering wheel. You
may also hear the motor sound in the
engine compartment even after the ve-
hicle is stopped.
At the end of the anti−lock brake sys-
tem activation, the brake pedal may
move a little to the forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti−lock
brake system: Although the anti−lock
brake system assists in providing ve-
hicle control, it is still important to
drive with all due care and maintain
a moderate speed and safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you, be-
cause there are limits to the vehicle
stability and effectiveness of steering
wheel operation even with the anti−
lock brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its
capability, or if hydroplaning occurs
during high speed driving in the rain,
the anti−lock brake system does not
provide vehicle control.
’00CAMRY CNG (L/O9908)
1292000 CAMRY CNG (OM33519U)
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 start-
ing. Section 7−3 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your authorized Toyota
CNG 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 Section 7−2 for recommended viscos-
ity. 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 authorized
Toyota CNG dealer—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 look, try heating the key before
inserting it.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your autho-
rized Toyota CNG dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer ’s
directions for how much to mix with water.NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” and block the rear wheels. Do not use
the parking brake, or snow or water accu-
mulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze, making it hard to
release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a
passenger−carrying vehicle. Towing a
trailer will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, braking, durability
and driving economy (fuel consumption,
etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend
on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your
safety and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota
warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for
commercial purposes. Ask your authorized
Toyota CNG dealer for further details
before towing.
WEIGHT LIMITS
Before towing, make sure the total trailer
weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all with-
in the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load
can be measured with platform scales
found at a highway weighing station, build-
ing supply company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.