'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
832001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Lights, Wipers and Defogger
Headlights and turn signals84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flashers 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 86
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog lights 86
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Interior light 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch light 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Personal lights 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wipers and washer 89
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers 89
. . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1± 4
'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
842001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Headlights and turn signals
HEADLIGHTS
To turn on the following lights: Twist
the headlight/turn signal lever knob.
Position 1ÐParking, tail, license plate,
side marker and instrument panel lights
Position 2ÐHeadlights and all of the
above
The lights automatically turn off when the
driver 's door is opened with the ignition
turned off. To turn them on again, turn the
key to the ªONº position or actuate the
headlight switch. If you are going to park
for over one week, make sure the head-
light switch is off.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being dis-charged, do not leave the lights onfor a long period when the engine isnot running.
Daytime running light system
The headlights turn on at reduced intensi-
ty when the parking brake is released with
the engine started, even with the light
switch in the ªOFFº position. They will not
go off until the ignition switch is turned
off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and
instrument panel lights, twist the knob to
the position 1.
Twist the knob to the position 2 to turn
the headlights to full intensity for driving
at night.
The headlights automatically turn to full
intensity in the twilight even with the light
switch in the ªOFFº position.
The daytime running light control sensor
is on the top of the passenger 's side
instrument panel.
Do not place anything on the instrument
panel, and/or do not affix anything on the
windshield to block this sensor.
'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
872001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Interior light
To turn on the interior light, slide the
switch.
The interior light switch has the following
positions:
ªONºÐKeeps the light on all the time.
ªOFFºÐTurns the light off.
ªDOORºÐTurns the light on when either
door is opened. The light goes off when
both doors are closed.ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
With the switch in the ªDOORº position,
the light comes on when either door is
opened. After both doors are closed, the
light remains on for about 15 seconds and
then goes out.
However, in the following cases, the light
goes out immediately:
Both doors are closed when the igni-
tion key is in ªACCº or ªONº
Both doors are closed and locked
When either door is unlocked with the
wireless remote control transmitter, the
light comes on for 15 seconds, even if the
door is not opened.
Ignition switch light
For easy access to the ignition switch,
the ignition switch light comes on when
either doors are opened.
The light remains on for a certain time
after both doors are closed.
When either door is unlocked with the
wireless remote control transmitter, the
light comes on for 15 seconds, even if the
door is not opened.
When both doors are locked or the igni-
tion switch is turned to ªACCº, ªONº after
both doors are closed, the light fades out.
'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
922001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
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 fullÐNeedle at ªFº
Nearly emptyÐNeedle at ªEº
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.
If the fuel level approaches ªEº or the low
fuel level warning light comes on, fill the
fuel tank as soon as possible.On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the fuel gauge
needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Fill
the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving
several times. If the indicator lamp does
not go off, contact your Toyota dealer 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
'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
952001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
(l)Add washer fluid.
(m) Take vehicle to
Toyota dealer.
(n) Remove key.
Key reminder
buzzer
(k) Take vehicle to
Toyota dealer
immediately.
If the indicator or
buzzer comes on... Do this.
(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is in the ªONº posi-
tion.
When the parking brake is applied...
When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level is
low.
Have your vehicle checked at your
Toyota dealer in the following case:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the igni-
tion key is in the ªONº position.
CAUTION
If the light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running, immedi-
ately stop your vehicle at a safe
place and contact your Toyota dealer.
In this case, the brakes may not work
properly and your stopping distance
will become longer. Depress the brake
pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to
an immediate stop.
(b) Driver's Seat Belt Reminder Light
and Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to
buckle up the driver's seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ªONº or
ªSTARTº, 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.
'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
962001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
(c) Front Passenger 's Seat Belt Re-minder Light
This light reminds you to buckle up the
front passenger 's seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ªONº or
ªSTARTº, the reminder light comes on if
a passenger sits in the front passenger
seat and does not fasten the seat belt.
Unless the front passenger fastens the
belt, the light stays on. This light reminds
you to buckle up, the front passenger 's
seat belt.
If luggage load is placed on the front
passenger seat, depending on its weight
and how it is placed on the seat, built±in
sensors in the seat cushion may detect
the pressure, causing the reminder light to
come on.
(d) 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 Toyota dealer or repair shop.NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken or loose.
(e) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following
cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See ªFuel gaugeº in this section for
instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened se- curely. (See ªFuel tank capº in Section
1±2 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your engine or automatic transmission elec-
trical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in
case c, have your vehicle checked/re-
paired by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
(f) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual. (g) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light onÐeven for one block.It may ruin the engine.
'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
972001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
(h) ªABSº Warning Light
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the ªONº position. If the anti±
lock brake system works properly, the
light turns off after a few seconds. There-
after, if the system malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti±lock brake system and the traction
control system do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti±lock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If either of the following conditions
occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the parts monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ªONº posi-
tion, or remains on.
The light comes on while you are driv-
ing.A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until both doors are
completely closed.
(j) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight
switch is turned on (at the first or second
clickstop), it indicates that one or more of
the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is
depressed, one or more stop lights are
burned out.
Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as
possible.
(k) SRS Warning Light
This light will come on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the ªACCº or
ªONº position. After about 6 seconds,
the light will go off. This means the
systems of the airbag and front seat
belt pretensioner are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side airbag sensors, front seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning
light, interconnecting wiring and power
sources. If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ªACCº or
ªONº position or remains on.
The light comes on or flashes while
driving.
(l) Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light
The light warns that the windshield washer
fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at
your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,
see ªAdding washer fluidº in Section 7±3.)
(m) ªTRAC OFFº Indicator/Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to ªONº, and will go off after a
few seconds. This means that the system
is operating properly.
If one of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light remains on more than a few
seconds after the ignition switch is
turned on.
'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
982001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
The light comes on while driving even
if the ªTRAC OFFº switch is not
pushed.
The light flashes.
(n) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver 's door with
the ignition key in the ªACCº or ªLOCKº
position. CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light and low windshield
washer fluid level warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the doors. The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the ignition key to ªACCº. The SRS warning light should come on.
It goes off after about 6 seconds.
5. Turn the ignition key to ªONº, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light and
SRS warning light should come on. The
ªABSº, ªTRAC OFFº and slip indicator
lights go off after a few seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, have it checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.