2000 TOYOTA CAMRY coolant

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Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing do±it±yourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Con-
servingº or ILSAC multigrade having
viscosity proper for your climate
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equiva-
lent
See Chapter 7±2 for details about cool-
ant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
brake fluid
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON)II or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)Checking and replacing fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Toyota fuse or equivalent with
same amperage rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for
winter use)
Tools:
Funnel
Replacing light bulbs
Parts:
Bulb with same number and wattage
rating as original (See charts in ºRe-
placing light bulbsº in Chapter 7±3.)
Tools:
Screwdriver
Flat±bladed screwdriver

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Part 7
DO±IT±YOURSELF
MAINTENANCEÐ
Chapter 7±2
Engine and Chassis

Checking the engine oil level

Checking the engine coolant
level

Checking brake fluid

Checking power steering fluid

Checking tire pressure

Checking and replacing tires

Rotating tires

Installing snow tires and chains

Replacing wheels

Aluminum wheel precautions
Checking the engine oil level
Low level Full level
Add oil O.K. Too fullTy p e A
Ty p e B
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle
should be on a level spot. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean
with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstickÐpush it in as far
as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil
level on the end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level line, add engine oil
of the same type as already in the en-
gine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-
erence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the filler cap hand±tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.):
5S±FE engine 0.7 (0.7, 0.6)
1MZ±FE engine 1.5 (1.6, 1.3)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.

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Look at the see±through coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the ºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethyl-
ene±glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum com-
ponents.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the ºLOWº line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the ºFULLº
line.
Always use ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. See information in the
next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap,
radiator cap and drain cock and water
pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system. Your coolant
must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of your
engine that contains aluminum
components. Use ºToyota Long Life
Coolantº or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and
subsequent damage to the engine, this
type of coolant will also prevent corrosion.
Further supplemental inhibitors or additives
are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information
on freeze protection. Follow the manufac-
turer's directions for how much to mix
with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity
of the cooling system is given in Part 8.We recommend to use 50% solution for
your Toyota, to provide protection down to
about ±35C (±31F). When it is extreme-
ly cold, to provide protection down to
about ±505C (±585F), 60% solution is rec-
ommended. Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
Checking the engine coolant
level

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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 running.

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 accelera-
tion 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 con-
sult a tire dealer to determine
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
longer stopping distance, and it
may pull to one side when the
brakes are applied. Also, the park-
ing brake will not hold the vehicle
securely.
Winter driving tips
Make sure you have a proper freeze
protection of engine coolant.
Your coolant must contain ethylene±glycol
type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components. Use
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent.
See Chapter 7±2 for details about coolant
type selection.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
When it is extremely cold, we recommend
to use 60% solution for your Toyota, to
provide protection down to about ±505C
(±585F). Do not use more than 70% solu-
tion for better coolant performance.
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. Chapter 7±3 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer
and most service stations will be pleased
to check the level of charge.

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In order to maintain engine braking effi-
ciency 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
30C [85F]) 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 ºIf
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 firmly.
Put the transmission in ºPº (automatic)
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
ºPº (automatic) and turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a
slope:
1. With the transmission in ºPº position
(automatic) or the clutch pedal de-
pressed (manual), start the engine.
(With an automatic transmission, be
sure to keep the brake pedal de-
pressed.)
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.
CAUTION

Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or
the posted towing speed lim-
it,whichever is lower. Because insta-
bility (swaying) of a towing vehicle±
trailer combination usually in-
creases as the speed increases,ex-
ceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may
cause loss of control.

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

Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or too frequently. This
could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking effi-
ciency.

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If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...
1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve-
hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in ºPº
(automatic) or neutral (manual) and ap-
ply the parking brake. Turn off the air
conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the
radiator or reservoir,stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running and make sure the electric
cooling fan is operating. If it is not,
turn the ignition off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the
radiator, hoses,and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-
gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer
for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check
the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine and radiator are
hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperature
has cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You should have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats

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IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Chapter 7±3 for additional in-
formation.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the ºFULLº and ºLOWº 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 ºHOTº or ºCOLDº
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
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

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ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and refill), L (qt., Imp.
qt.):
5S±FE engine
With filter 3.6 (3.8, 3.2)
Without filter 3.4 (3.6, 3.0)
1MZ±FE engine
With filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
Without filter 4.5 (4.8, 4.0)
Oil grade:
API grade SJ, ºEnergy±Conservingº or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
5S±FE engine 6.9 (7.3, 6.1)
1MZ±FE engine 9.1 (9.6, 8.4)
Coolant type:
ºToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
BATTERY
Open voltage
* at 20C (68F):
12.6Ð12.8V Fully charged
12.2Ð12.4V Half charged
11.8Ð12.0V Discharged
*: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after
the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates:
5 A max.CLUTCH
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.):
5Ð15 (0.2Ð0.6)
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
5S±FE engine 2.2 (2.3, 1.9)
1MZ±FE engine 4.2 (4.4, 3.7)
Oil type:
Gear oil API GL±4 or GL±5
Recommended oil viscosity:
SAE 75W±90
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
1MZ±FE engine
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Up to 4.75 (5.0, 4.2)
Fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid D±ll or
DEXRONIIl (DEXRONII)