2001 TOYOTA SOLARA suspension

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
512001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
The front seat belt pretensioner system
mainly consists of the following compo-
nents and their locations are shown in the
illustration.1. Front airbag sensors
2. SRS warning light
3. Front seat belt pretensioner assemblies
4. Airbag sensor assembly
The front seat belt pretensioners are con-
trolled by the airbag sensor assembly. The
airbag sensor assembly consists of a saf-
ing sensor and airbag sensor. When the front seat belt pretensioners are
activated, an operating noise may be
heard and a small amount of smoke±like
gas may be released. This gas is harm-
less and does not indicate that a fire is
occurring.
Once the front seat belt pretensioners
have been activated, the seat belt retrac-
tors remain locked.
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open
the front seat belt pretensioner as-
semblies, airbag sensor or surround-
ing area or wiring. Doing any of
these may cause sudden operation of
the front seat belt pretensioners or
disable the system, which could re-
sult in death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious inju-
ries.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting yourToyota dealer. Such changes caninterfere with proper operation of the
front seat belt pretensioners in somecases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile two±way radio,cassette tape player or compact
disc player
Repairs on or near the front seatbelt retractor assemblies
Modification of the suspension sys-tem
Modification of the front end struc-ture
Attachment of a grille guard (bullbar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment tothe front end
Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure or con-sole

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
592001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the followingchanges without consulting yourToyota dealer. Such changes caninterfere with proper operation of the
SRS front airbag system in somecases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile two±way radio,cassette tape player or compactdisc player
Modification of the suspension sys-tem
Modification of the front end struc-ture
Attachment of a grille guard (bullbar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,winches or any other equipment to
the front end
Repairs made on or near the frontfenders front end structure, con-sole, steering column, steeringwheel or dashboard near the front
passenger 's airbag
This SRS front airbag system has a
service reminder indicator to inform the
driver of operating problems. If either of
the following conditions occurs, this
indicates a malfunction of the airbags.
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 the light remains on.

The light comes on while driving.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible:

The SRS front airbags have been in-
flated.

The front part of the vehicle (shaded
in the illustration) was involved in an
accident that was not severe enough to
cause the SRS front airbags to inflate.

The pad section of the steering wheel
or front passenger airbag cover
(shaded in the illustration) is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
642001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)

Do not use accessories for the
seats which cover the parts where
the side airbags inflate. Such acces-
sories may prevent the side airbags
from activating correctly, causing
death or serious injury.

Do not modify or replace the seats
or upholstery of the front seats
with the side airbags. Such changes
may disable the system or cause
the side airbags to inflate acciden-
tally, resulting in death or serious
injury. Consult your Toyota dealer if
you consider modifications of this
kind.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without consulting yourToyota dealer. Such changes caninterfere with proper operation of the
SRS side airbag system in somecases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile two±way radio,cassette tape player or compactdisc player
Modification of the suspension sys-tem
Modification of the side structure ofthe passenger compartment
Repairs made on or near the con-sole or front seat
This SRS side airbag system has a
service reminder indicator to inform the
driver of operating problems. If either of
the following conditions occurs, this
indicates a malfunction of the airbags.
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 the light remains on.

The light comes on or flashes while
driving.

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
1612001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Break±in period162
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Fuel 162
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Operation in foreign countries 164
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Three±way catalytic converters 164
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Engine exhaust cautions 166
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Facts about engine oil consumption 166
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Twin ground electrode platinum±tipped spark plugs 167
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Brake system 168
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 171
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Luggage stowage precautions 171
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Your Toyota's identification 172
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Theft prevention labels 173
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Suspension and chassis 173
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Types of tires 174
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SECTION 2

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
1732001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
The engine number is stamped on the
engine block as shown.Your new vehicle carries theft preven-
tion labels which are approximately 56
mm (2.20 in.) by 16 mm (0.63 in.).
The purpose of these labels is to reduce
the incidence of vehicle thefts by fac
ilitat-
ing the tracing and recovery of parts from
stolen vehicles. The label is designed so
that once it is applied to a surface, any
attempt to remove it will result in destroy-
ing the integrity of the label. Transferring
these labels intact from one part to anoth-
er, will be impossible.
NOTICE
You should not attempt to remove the
theft prevention labels as it may vio-late certain state or federal laws.
Suspension and chassis
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis
with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It
can cause dangerous vehicle handling
characteristics, resulting in loss of
control.
Theft prevention labels
(except for Canada)

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
1832001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)

A safety chain must always be used
between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should
cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes dam-
aged or separated. For correct safety
chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer 's recommenda-
tions.
CAUTION

If the total trailer weight exceeds
453 kg (1000 lb.), trailer brakes are
required.

Never tap into your vehicle's hy-
draulic system as it would lower its
braking effectiveness.

Never tow a trailer without using a
safety chain securely attached to
both the trailer and the vehicle. If
damage occurs to the coupling unit
or hitch ball, there is danger of the
trailer wandering over into another
lane.
TIRES

Ensure that your vehicle's tires are
properly inflated. See Section 7±2 for
instructions.

The trailer tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended by the trail-
er manufacturer in respect to the total
trailer weight.
TRAILER LIGHTS

Trailer lights must comply with federal,
state/provincial and local regulations.
See your local recreational vehicle
dealer or rental agency for the correct
type of wiring and relays for your trail-
er. Check for correct operation of the
turn signals and stop lights each time
you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam-
age your vehicle's electrical system
and cause a malfunction of your lights.
BREAK±IN SCHEDULE

Toyota recommends that you do not
tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a
vehicle with any new power train com-
ponent (engine, transmission, differen-
tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first
800 km (500 miles) of driving. MAINTENANCE

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. For this informa-
tion, please refer to the scheduled
maintenance information in the ªSched-
uled Maintenance Guideº or ªOwner 's
Manual Supplementº.

Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately
1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
PRE±TOWING SAFETY CHECK

Check that your vehicle remains level
when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has
an abnormal nose±up or nose±down
condition, and check for improper
tongue load, overload,worn suspension
or other possible causes.

Make sure the trailer cargo is securely
loaded so that it can not shift.

Check that your rear view mirrors con-
form to any applicable federal, state/
provincial or local regulations. If not,
install the rear view mirrors required
for towing purpose.

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2212001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the ªHOTº or ªCOLDº
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See Section 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
Section 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 normalIf 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?