2004 TOYOTA SOLARA warning light

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(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds
when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position even after the parking brake
is released.
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 cases:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied when the igni-
tion key is in the “ON” position.
The light does not come on even if the
ignition key is turned on with the park-
ing brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If either of the following conditions
occurs, immediately stop your vehicle
at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
The light does not turn off even
after the parking brake is released
while the engine is running.
In this case, the brakes may not
work properly and your stopping
distance will become longer. De-
press the brake pedal firmly and
bring the vehicle to an immediate
stop.
The brake system warning light re-
mains on together with the “ABS”
warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely un-
stable during braking.
(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 “ON”,
the reminder light flashes and buzzer
sounds if the driver ’s seat belt is not fas-
tened. Unless the driver fastens the belt,
the light keeps flashing and the buzzer
stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(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 “ON”,
the reminder light flashes if a passenger
sits in the front passenger seat and does
not fasten the seat belt.
If luggage or other load is placed on the
front passenger seat, depending on its
weight, the reminder light may 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.

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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 when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position and
goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is
operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp
comes on while driving, first check the
following.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immedi-
ately.
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely
tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips.If the lamp does not go off even after
several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel
tank cap is not loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the
engine, emission control system, elec-
tronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warn-
ing light system itself.
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
If the engine speed does not increase with
the accelerator pedal depressed down,
there may be a problem somewhere in
your electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. Howev-
er, if you depress the accelerator pedal
more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the ignition key is turned to “ACC” or
“LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
Emissions inspection and maintenance
(I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state
emission inspection if the malfunction
indicator lamp remains on. Contact your
Toyota dealer to check your vehicle’s
emission control system and OBD
(On−Board Diagnostics) system before
taking your vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs” on page 290
in Section 6.
(f) Low Engine 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.

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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 on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(g) 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.(h) “ABS” Warning Light
Vehicles without vehicle stability control
system—
The light comes on with the ignition key
turned to the “ON” 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 “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake system does not operate,
but the brake system still operates con-
ventionally.
When the “ABS” 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 oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components 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 “ON” 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.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.

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Vehicles with vehicle stability control
system—
The light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti−
lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if either
of the systems malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake system, the brake assist
system, traction control system and the
vehicle stability control system do not op-
erate, but the brake system still operates
conventionally.
When the “ABS” 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 brake or braking on slippery
road surfaces.If either of the following conditions oc-
curs, this indicates a malfunction some-
where in the components 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 “ON” 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.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
(i) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors
are completely closed.
(j) SRS Warning Light
This light will come on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
After about 6 seconds, the light will go
off. This means the systems of the air-
bag and front seat belt pretensioner are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side airbag sensors, side and curtain
shield airbag sensors, curtain shield air-
bag sensors, driver ’s seat position sensor,
driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front pas-
senger occupant classification system and
indicator light, front passenger ’s seat belt
buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner as-
semblies, inflators, warning light, intercon-
necting wiring and power sources.

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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.
When the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position, the light does not come
on or remains on for more than 6 sec-
onds.
The light comes on while driving.
(k) Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the tire inflation pres-
sure of any one of the tires is critically
low. The light comes on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position. It goes
off after a few seconds. This indicates
that the low tire pressure warning system
is functioning properly.
If the light comes on while driving, adjust
tire inflation pressure to the specified lev-
el. (See “Tires” on page 330 in Section 8.)
After the tire inflation pressure is adjusted,
the light should go off after driving at
least 30 km/h (19 mph) for some time. If
the light still remains or blinks slowly
(every 0.5 seconds), have the low tire
pressure warning system checked at your
Toyota dealer.If the light blinks rapidly (every 0.25 sec-
onds), the low tire pressure warning sys-
tem needs to be initialized.
For details, see “Tire pressure warning
system” on page 151 in Section 1−7.
(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” on page 319 in
Section 7−3.)
(m) “VSC” Warning Light
The light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON”, and will go off after
about a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come
on when the “VSC” warning light comes
on even if the “TR
AC OFF” switch is not
pushed.
(n) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder
Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light reminds you when to replace
the engine oil.
This light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON” and will go off after
about a few seconds.

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When you drive for about 7200 km (4500
miles) after the engine oil replacement,
this light illuminates for about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 12 seconds
with the ignition key turned to the “ON”
position. If you continue driving without
replacing the engine oil, and if the dis-
tance driven exceeds 8000 km (5000
miles), the light will come on after the
ignition key is turned to “ON” position.
The light will remain on thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that
you replace the engine oil at an early
opportunity depending on the driving and
road conditions. If the light comes on,
replace it as soon as possible.
The system must be reset after the en-
gine oil replacement. Reset the system by
the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” posi-
tion with the odometer reading shown.
(For details, see “Odometer and two
trip meters” on page 127 in this Sec-
tion.)
2. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” posi-
tion while holding down the trip meter
reset knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 sec-
onds. The odometer indicates “000000”
and the light goes off.If the system fails to reset, the light will
continue flashing.
(o) 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 “ON”, but do
not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on. The “ABS”, “VSC” and low
tire pressure warning lights, engine oil
replacement reminder light, “TRAC
OFF” and slip indicator lights go off
after a few seconds. The SRS warning
light goes off after about 6 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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Shift range positions
“5” (Fifth range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and overdrive
(fifth) gears according to the vehicle
speed or driving conditions.
“4” (Fourth range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and fourth
gears according to the vehicle speed
or driving conditions. Slight engine
braking will be obtained on a downhill
road. Smooth running with less shifting
will be obtained on an uphill road.
“3” (Third range):
The most suitable gear is selected au-
tomatically between first and third
gears according to the vehicle speed
or driving conditions. This range is to
be used when stronger engine braking
is necessary.
“2” (Second range):
First or second gear will be selected
automatically according to the vehicle
speed or driving conditions. This range
is to be used when engine braking
stronger than that of the “3” range
position is necessary.
“1” (First range):
The gear is fixed in first regardless of
vehicle speed or driving conditions.
This range is to be used when maxi-
mum engine braking is necessary.
If you attempt to downshift the transmis-
sion when it is not possible to downshift
due to high vehicle speed, a warning tone
sounds twice.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
range:
range km/h (mph)
1 47 (29)
2 86 (53)
3 133 (83)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower range.
When the “S” mode indicator light does
not come on even with the selector lever
moved to the “S” position, there may be a
problem somewhere in the system. Have
your vehicle checked/repaired by your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible. In this
case, you can drive in the same condition
as in the “D” position.
(d) Using engine braking
To use engine braking, you can downshift
the transmission as follows:
When driving in the “D” position—
Shift the selector lever to “S” posi-
tion.
When driving in the “5” range within
the “S” position—
Move the selector lever down to the
“−” side to select the “4” range.
The transmission will downshift to
fourth range and engine braking will be
enabled.
When the cruise control is being used,
engine braking can not be enabled be-
cause the cruise control is not can-
celled.
For decreasing the vehicle speed, see
“Cruise control” on page 155 in this
Section.

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TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
When getting the vehicle out of mud or
newly fallen snow, etc., turn off the
traction control system. This system
that controls engine performance inter-
feres with the process of freeing front
wheels.
To turn off: Push “TRAC OFF” switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come
on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off.
To turn on: Push “TRAC OFF” switch
once again.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will go off.“TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on for
a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to “ON”. It will come on again
when you push the “TRAC OFF” switch to
turn off the system.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned “ON”.
The indicator light remains on after the
ignition is turned on.
The indicator light comes on with the
normal driving mode while driving.
“VSC” warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON” and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.