Page 10 of 298
’03 SOLARA_U (L/O 0207)
62003 MY SOLARA (OM33573U)
Brake system warning light∗
1
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
or
Anti lock brake system warning light∗1
Open door warning light∗1
Rear light failure warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
Low windshield washer fluid level warning
light∗1
Traction control system off indicator/warning
light∗1
Front passenger ’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Overdrive off indicator light
Headlight high beam indicator light Turn signal indicator lights
or
Automatic transmission indicator lights
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel 
     
        
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’03 SOLARA_U (L/O 0207)
1012003 MY SOLARA (OM33573U)
To turn on the windshield wipers, move
the lever to the desired setting.
The key must be in the “ON” position.
Lever position
Speed setting
Position 1Intermittent
Position 2Slow
Position 3Fast
With interval adjuster: The “INT TIME”
band lets you adjust the wiping time inter-
val when the wiper lever is in the intermit-
tent position (position 1). Twist the band
upward to increase the time between
sweeps, and downward to decrease it. To squirt washer fluid, pull the lever
toward you.
If the windshield wipers are off, they will
operate a couple of times after the washer
squirts.
For instructions on adding washer fluid,
see “Adding washer fluid” in Section 7 3.
In freezing weather, warm the windshield
with the defroster before using the washer.
This will help prevent the washer fluid
from freezing on your windshield, which
can block your vision.
NOTICE
Do not operate the wipers if the wind-
shield is dry. It may scratch the
glass.
Ty p e A
Ty p e B
Windshield wipers and washer
Rear window and outside rear
view mirror defoggers 
     
        
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If the indicator or buzzer comes on...Do this.
(h)orTake vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(i)Close all doors.
(j)Replace bulb.
(k)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer immediately.
(l)Add washer fluid.
(m)Take vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(n)Key reminder buzzerRemove key. 
     
        
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’03 SOLARA_U (L/O 0207)
11 22003 MY SOLARA (OM33573U)
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 “ACC” or
“ON” 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 “Adding washer fluid” in Section 7 3.) (m) “TRAC OFF” Indicator/Warning Light
This light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to “ON”, 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 does not come on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The light remains on after the ignition
key is turned to “ON”.
The light comes on with the normal
driving mode while driving.
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 “ACC” or “LOCK”
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 “ACC”. The SRS warning light should come on.
It goes off after about 6 seconds.
5. Turn the ignition key to “ON”, 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
“ABS”, “TRAC OFF” 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.  
     
        
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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.
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 “Toyota
Genuine Long Life Coolant” or equivalent.
See Section 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 pro-
vide protection down to about  50 C
( 58 F). Do not use more than 70% solution
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. Section 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. 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 Toyota deal-
er—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.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
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.
Winter driving tips 
     
        
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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 “Park” 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 “P” 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 “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the see 
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See Section 7 2 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt, or insects. See Section 7 2
for additional information.
Battery condition
Check the battery condition by the indica-
tor color. 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. 
     
        
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’03 SOLARA_U (L/O 0207)
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1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler  cap
4. Engine oil level dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Fuse blocks
7. Battery
8. Condenser
9. Electric cooling fans
10. Radiator
11. Windshield washer fluid tank
Engine compartment overview
 2AZ FE engine 
     
        
        Page 247 of 298
’03 SOLARA_U (L/O 0207)
2432003 MY SOLARA (OM33573U)
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil level dipstick
4. Engine oil filler  cap
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Fuse blocks
7. Battery
8. Condenser
9. Electric cooling fans
10. Radiator
11. Windshield washer fluid tank
1MZ FE engine