2004 TOYOTA SOLARA steering

’04 Solara_U (L/O 0402)
299
2004 SOLARA from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM33640U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level302 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser303 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid304 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid304 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure305 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires308 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains311 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

’04 Solara_U (L/O 0402)
304
2004 SOLARA from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM33640U)
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough reservoir. The level
should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear. So
be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
lem.If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir.
Remove and replace the reservoir cap by
hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cap back on.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If
you still feel uncomfortable with your
eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
If hot O.K.
If hot
addCloseOpenIf cold O.K.
If cold
add
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (60C—80C or 140F—175F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
10C—30C or 50F—85F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.
Checking brake fluid Checking power steering fluid

’04 Solara_U (L/O 0402)
305
2004 SOLARA from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM33640U)
Clean all dirt from the outside of the res-
ervoir tank and look at the fluid level. If
the fluid is cold, the level should be in the
“COLD” range. Similarly, if it is hot, the
fluid level should be in the “HOT” range.
If the level is at the low side of either
range, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRONII or III to bring the level within
the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it coun-
terclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it,
turn it clockwise. After replacing the reser-
voir cap, visually check the steering box
case, vane pump and hose connections
for leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
Keep your tire inflation pressures
at the proper level.
The recommended cold tire inflation
pressures, tire sizes and the com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
(vehicle capacity weight) are de-
scribed on pages 326 and 330. They
are also on the tire and loading infor-
mation label.
You should check the tire inflation
pressure every two weeks, or at least
once a month. And do not forget the
spare!
Checking tire inflation
pressure

’04 Solara_U (L/O 0402)
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2004 SOLARA from Feb. ’04 Prod. (OM33640U)
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and refill), L (qt.,
Imp. qt.):
3.5 (3.7, 3.1)
Fluid type:
Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV
Change automatic transmission fluid only
as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if your
vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner ’s Manual Supplement”. When
changing the automatic transmission fluid,
use only “Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV”
(ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in
assuring optimum transaxle performance.
Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF
Type TIV” may cause deterioration in
shift quality, locking up of your trans-
mission accompanied by vibration, and
ultimately damage the automatic trans-
mission of your vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):
With vehicle stability control system
78 (3.1)
Without vehicle stability control system
68.5 (2.7)
Pedal free play, mm (in.):
1—6 (0.04—0.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf):
6—9 clicks
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel free play:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII
or III