2001 TOYOTA SOLARA maintenance

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2192001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
If you are a skilled do±it±yourself mechan-
ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-
mended. Please be aware that do±it±your-
self maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See ªOwner 's Warranty Informa-
tion Bookletº or ªOwner 's Manual Supple-
mentº for the details.
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing the items listed, if you notice any
unusual noise, smell or vibration, you
should investigate the cause or take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-
fied service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
the qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where ade-
quate ventilation can be obtained if
you run the engine.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month. See
Section 7±2 for additional information.Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See Section 7±2 for
additional information. When checking the
tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check the nuts for looseness. Tighten
them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the mainte-
nance schedule. (For scheduled mainte-
nance information, please refer to the sep-
arate ªScheduled Maintenance Guideº or
ªOwner 's Manual Supplementº.) See Sec-
tion 7±2 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors including trunk lid
operate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2202001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-
erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down
smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position. For folding±down
rear seatbacks, check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure that the
belt webbings not cut, frayed, worn or
damaged.Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ªParkº mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in ªPº position and all brakes re-
leased.
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 Section 7±3 for additional in-
formation.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the ªFULLº and ªLOWº lines on the see±
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See Section 7±2 for additional information.
Battery electrolyte level
Your Toyota has a maintenance free bat-
tery. You do not have to add distilled wa-
ter. For longer life of the battery, however,
see Section 7±3 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Section 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 Section 7±2 for addi-
tional information.

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2232001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
DO±IT±YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Introduction
Engine compartment overview224
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Fuse locations 226
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Do±it±yourself service precautions 227
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Parts and tools 229
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Position the jack 230
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SECTION 7± 1

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2272001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
If you perform maintenance by yourself,
be sure to follow the correct procedure
given in this section.
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operating
problems.
Performing do±it±yourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect your
warranty coverage. Read the separate
Toyota Warranty statement for details and
suggestions.
This part gives instructions only for those
items that are relatively easy for an owner
to perform. As explained in Section 6,
there are still a number of items that must
be done by a qualified technician with
special tools.
For information on tools and parts for do±
it±yourself maintenance, see ªParts and
toolsº.
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
injury. Here are a few precautions that
you should be especially careful to ob-
serve:CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine
compartmentÐthe engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold and spark plug
boots, etc.Ðwill be hot. So be care-
ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids
and spark plugs may also be hot.
If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the drain
plugs to prevent burning yourself.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Do±it±yourself service
precautions

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2312001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
DO±IT±YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level232
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Checking the engine coolant level 233
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Checking brake fluid 234
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Checking power steering fluid 235
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Checking tire pressure 236
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Checking and replacing tires 237
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Rotating tires 238
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Installing snow tires and chains 238
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Replacing wheels 240
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Aluminum wheel precautions 240
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SECTION 7± 2

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2382001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Rotating tires
To equalize the wear and help extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that you
rotate your tires according to the main-
tenance schedule. (For scheduled main-
tenance information, please refer to the
ªScheduled Maintenance Guideº or
ªOwner 's Manual Supplementº.) Howev-
er, the most appropriate timing for tire
rotation may vary according to your
driving habits and road surface condi-
tions.
See ªIf you have a flat tireº in Section 4
for tire change procedure.When rotating tires, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usu-
ally caused by incorrect tire pressure, im-
proper wheel alignment, out±of±balance
wheels, or severe braking.
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires
provide better traction than snow tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select the same
size, construction and load capacity as
the original tires on your Toyota.
Do not use tires other than those men-
tioned above. Do not install studded tires
without first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.
Installing snow tires on the front w
heels
only can lead to an excessive difference
in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of
vehicle control.
When storing removed tires you should
store them in a cool dry place. Mark the
direction of rotation and be sure to install
them in the same direction when replac-
ing.
Installing snow tires and
chains

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2412001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
DO±IT±YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Electrical components
Checking battery condition242
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Battery recharging precautions 243
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Checking and replacing fuses 244
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Adding washer fluid 245
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Replacing light bulbs 245
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SECTION 7± 3

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Publication No. OM33527U
Part No. 01999-33527
Printed in Japan 01±0009±00
C
(U)
Quick index

If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 94 . . . . . . . . . .

If your vehicle will not start 190 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .

If your engine stalls while driving 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If your vehicle overheats 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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If you have a flat tire 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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If your vehicle needs to be towed 201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tips for driving during break±in period 162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to start the engine 176 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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General maintenance 219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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Complete index NO TAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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Gas station information
Fuel type:
5S±FE engine: UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
1MZ±FE engine: UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher.
For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded
gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96)
or higher is recommended.
See page 162 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp.gal.)
Engine oil:
API grade SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº or ILSAC multigrade engine oil
is recommended.
See page 232 for detailed information.
Automatic transmission fluid: Automatic transmission fluid D±II or DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
Tire information: See pages 236 through 240.
Tire pressure: See page 259.
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