How to Flush the Radiator in a Toyota Camry

In order to keep a Toyota Camry in top working condition, there are certain types of routine maintenance you must perform. One such type is the flushing of the radiator. Every other year an owner should perform this task to keep the coolant system functioning correctly. This flushing is relatively easy and almost anyone can do it, no matter his mechanical skill level.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Sealable container
• Bucket
• Coolant
• Distilled water

1. • 1

     Move the Toyota Camry to a flat area and set the parking brake. Then, open the hood, securely prop it up and touch the radiator. If the radiator is cool to the touch, proceed to the next step. If not, wait for it cool before you continue.

   • 2

     Twist the radiator cap one full turn, pause for a few seconds, and then completely remove the radiator cap. You want to pause because even though the radiator is cool, there can still be internal pressure. The one full twist of the radiator helps relieve that pressure.

   • 3

     Place a bucket with a minimum 2-gallon capacity, underneath the radiator and below the drain plug. The drain plug on a Toyota Camry is usually on the back passenger side of the radiator.

   • 4

     Open the drain plug and allow the coolant to drain completely from the radiator. You may need a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. Once done, pour the old coolant into a sealable container for proper disposal later.

   • 5

     Close the drain plug and fill the radiator completely with distilled water. Then, open the drain plug to let the water flow into the bucket. The flushing requires about 3 gallons of distilled water. Repeat this process until there isn't any debris in the flush.

   • 6

     Make sure to close the drain plug again and refill the radiator with fresh coolant. In the Toyota Camry, you want to use Toyota Super Long Life Pink premixed coolant. Refill the radiator until it's within an inch of overflowing.

   • 7

     Start the engine and turn the heater to the high setting. Allow the Toyota Camry to run until the cooling fan turns on twice. Then, shut off the engine and check the coolant level. If it is lower, add more coolant. If not, screw the radiator cap securely back into position and close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use tap water from a hose in place of the distilled water for flushing, but ordinary water can leave sediments behind that can damage the car's coolant system.

• Be very careful with radiator coolant as it is very toxic to both people and animals.

How to Turn Off the Maintenance Required Light in Your Toyota

If your Toyota needs an oil change, you may see the maintenance required (Maint Reqd) light come on. This can be annoying, but is a good reminder that your oil needs to be changed. However, the light does not automatically reset after your oil is changed. If the person changing your oil does not reset it, there is an easy way turn off the light yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Put the key in the ignition and turn it up one notch. The dashboard lights will not turn on.

   • 2

     Hold down your trip meter button next to the odometer.

   • 3

     When you are holding the trip meter button down, turn your key to the next notch. So, the dashboard lights will be on, but the car will not be started. Do not start the car.

   • 4

     Continue holding the trip meter button until the light turns off. You have now reset your Maintenance Required, or Maint Reqd, light.

How to Troubleshoot Toyota Camry Brakes

While the brake system on a Toyota Camry is an important safety system, it's also simple in terms of automotive engineering. Though it is ultra-reliable, over time, the brake system will begin to show signs of aging at some point. Some parts, like brake pads, inevitably fail eventually, as they work by creating friction. Other parts, like brake boosters, have a longer life before failing. Overall, troubleshooting Toyota Camry brakes is not very difficult.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Brake fluid

1. • 1

     Check the brake fluid level. This is the most common cause of weak or low brake pressure. Open the master cylinder reservoir under the hood of the car. This is located near the firewall on the driver's side. Check to see that the fluid level is between the lower and upper marks on the outside of the reservoir. If the fluid level is too low, add more fluid until the fluid level is between the lower and upper marks.

   • 2

     Check for steering wheel feedback in your Camry. If the steering wheel vibrates when pressing on the brake pedal, then the pad or rotor surface is uneven, causing feedback in the steering wheel. When you press on the brake pedal, the pad is not making good contact with the surface of the rotor. Normally, this means you'll need to take it to a mechanic or brake shop and have the rotors either replaced or resurfaced.

   • 3

     Listen for a metallic scraping sound when pressing the brake pedal. If you notice this sound occurring regularly, it it likely the Camry's brake pad wear indicator. The brake pad wear indicator is a small metal tab that scrapes against the brake rotor surface when the brake pad material reaches a certain thickness, to alert you to the fact that the pads need to be changed, and to prevent damage to the brake caliper and piston.

   • 4

     Check for brake booster vacuum leaks in your Camry. If you are not leaking brake fluid, your fluid levels are not low, and you have good brake pad thickness, you may have a problem with the vacuum lines on the brake booster. These lines create pressure in your brake system. If your booster or the vacuum lines connected to the booster have failed, you will notice that your brake pedal will sink to the floor or your pedal will go almost all the way to the floor when braking.

   • 5

     Check brake pedal stiffness. If your brake pedal is too hard to push, or if you push your brake pedal and your Camry does not slow down (or deceleration is disproportionate to the force you are applying to the pedal), you may have a pinched (bent) brake line, or an obstruction in the line. Take your Camry to a mechanic specializing in brake repair in order to correct this problem.

How to Respond To The Toyota Recall 2010

How To Respond To The Toyota Recall 2010

Toyota Motor Company, repeatedly recognized as manufacturing some of the most reliable cars in the world, recently announced the recall of approximately 2.3 million vehicles. The massive recall was brought on by the discovery of a sticking accelerator pedal problem that can potentially affect several different vehicle models manufactured between 2005 and 2010.

Toyota states that the defect can cause the gas pedal to exhibit one of the following behaviors: becomes hard to depress; becomes stuck in the depressed position; or returns slowly to the idle position when you take your foot off of it. The vehicles affected are not only being recalled, but Toyota has also suspended sales of new models of these cars until the manufacturing problem is corrected.

A recall of this magnitude obviously affects many Toyota owners who are driving these cars daily. What do you do if you are the owner of one of these vehicles? Who do you contact and where do you go for repairs or replacement of the faulty accelerator pedal? To find out, here is How To Respond To The Toyota Recall 2010.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Toyota Vehicle

1. • 1
     Many Toyota Models Are Covered In The Recall

     First, determine if your car is one of those that are being recalled.
     The vehicles on the Toyota Sticking Accelerator Recall list are:

     Certain 2009-2010 RAV4 and Corolla (vehicles with VIN numbers beginning with "J" are not affected)
     Certain 2007-2010 Camry (VIN numbers beginning with "J" are not affected)
     Certain 2010 Highlander (VIN numbers beginning with "J" are not affected)
     All 2005-2010 Avalon
     All 2007-2010 Tundra
     All 2008-2010 Sequoia
     All 2009-2010 Matrix

     Toyota has also stated that no models of the following cars are affected:
     All Lexus Division, All Scion Division, Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander Hybrids, and Camry Hybrids. These models all currently remain for sale.

     In addition, 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles are also being recalled. The Vibe is sold by General Motors' soon-to-be-defunct Pontiac Division, but is actually a joint effort between GM and Toyota. The Vibe is essentially the same vehicle as the Toyota Matrix, and therefore suffers from the same manufacturing defect.

     You can also check the Toyota Recall website listed in the Resources section below for a listing of affected vehicles.

     If you are the owner of any of the vehicles listed in the recall, you may have a car with a defective accelerator pedal assembly!

   • 2
     The Problem Develops Gradually

     If your Toyota or Pontiac Vibe is on the list of recalled vehicles, and you have noticed it exhibiting some of the problematic behaviors mentioned above, you should park it in a safe place and then do not drive it anymore. Contact your Toyota Dealership immediately, as they have been instructed to offer you assistance.

     Toyota says that the problem will develop gradually, so if you are not currently experiencing any symptoms, they say that your vehicle should be safe to drive. But, this is up to the individual owner/driver whether they feel safe continuing to operate the vehicle.

   • 3
     A Steel Reinforcement Bar Will Fix The Problem

     Toyota has worked out a solution for the problem. Their solution involves installing a precision-cut steel reinforcement bar into the accelerator pedal assembly. The steel reinforcement bar eliminates the excess friction that has caused some pedals to stick.

     Toyota will individually contact the owners of the affected Toyota vehicles by mail to schedule an appointment with a dealer to bring their vehicles in to be fixed. The repair of the accelerator will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, and will be done at no cost to the owner.

     Toyota dealerships have committed to working extra hours so that owners can get their vehicles fixed as quickly as possible.

   • 4
     What Do You Do If Your Accelerator Sticks

     What do you do if you are driving your Toyota or Pontiac Vibe and you experience a stuck accelerator?

     In an emergency situation, the first thing to do is to step on the brake pedal as hard as you can, keeping it pressed down without pumping the brakes. Modern brakes can normally overpower the acceleration of the average car and will slow you down.

     Shift your car into Neutral to stop power going to the drive wheels, pull over, and turn the engine off.

     If you can't shift into Neutral for some reason, turn the engine off (turn to the "ACC", or Accessories position), without removing the keys from the ignition, and then steer your vehicle to safety. With the engine turned off, you will lose your power steering and brake assist, but with extra effort you will still be able to steer and stop the vehicle.

   • 5

     If your vehicle is part of any other current Toyota recall, such as the Floor Mat Entrapment Recall, or the Prius 2010 Prius Anti-Lock Brake System Recall, Toyota will contact you about scheduling your vehicle for repairs.

     If you aren't sure if you have a recalled vehicle, contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331, contact your local Toyota dealership, or check the Toyota Recall website listed below. They are prepared to answer any questions you might have about the status of the recall.

Tips & Warnings

• Toyota states that actual occurrences of the sticking accelerator are rare, and have usually shown up in vehicles where the pedal mechanism has become worn.

• The Toyota Customer Experience Center can be contacted at 800-331-4331 during these hours: Mon-Fri, 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST, and Sat, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM PST

• A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character sequence of numbers and letters that is used by the automobile industry to uniquely identify motor vehicles. It can be viewed through the windshield on the driver's side at the front of the dashboard. In addition, the VIN number is also located on a sticker located the driver's side pillar, with the tire inflation information and on the vehicle's registration.

How to Pulse and Glide in a Toyota Prius

While the Toyota Prius is an exceptionally fuel-efficient car, there are a number of driving methods you can use to maximize the gallons you get on a single tank. One of the most popular is the Pulse and Glide, which you can master with a little focus, practice and some careful pedaling.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Familiarize yourself with the Energy Monitor screen in the Multi Function Display. Knowing what the color and direction of the arrows mean and indicate is necessary in order to get the best mileage out of the Prius.

   • 2

     Accelerate moderately to about 40 miles per hour. This is the "pulse" phase.

   • 3

     Take your foot off of the accelerator and let the Prius coast. Notice that the only active arrow should show energy being sent from the wheels to the hybrid battery.

   • 4

     Put your foot back on the accelerator and gently press down until no arrows appear in the energy monitor. Since the engine and regeneration are effectively turned off, you should be able to coast for a good distance without needing to accelerate.

   • 5

     Coast until your speed drops to around 30 miles per hour. This is the "glide" phase.

   • 6

     Repeat the Pulse and Glide cycle until you've reached your destination or have to stop because of traffic.

Tips & Warnings

• The Pulse and Glide technique only works well at speeds below 40 miles per hour. Going faster than this forces the Prius to start using your momentum for regenerating the hybrid battery.

How to Handle the Toyota Recall

Handle the Toyota Recall

The media is buzzing with the news that Toyota has launched a massive recall to fix gas pedals on more than 2 million cars. In addition, the automaker has shut down production on 8 different car models until they can find a fix for the problem. The Toyota recall is an odd one because there is no actual fix for the problem to date. Here's what Toyota and consumer experts recommend car owners do in response to the Toyota recall.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1

     Get in touch with the dealer who sold you the car or the Toyota dealer in your area and ask them what the deal is. They will be in communication with Toyota on a regular basis and will know what is going on.

   • 2

     Verify with a Toyota dealer that your car is or isn't subject to the recall. The recall does NOT include the Lexus or Scion, but does involve the RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Avalon, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia and Camry. For some models, the recall extends back to 2005 and goes through 2010. In the case of the Toyota Camry, the recall only applies to Camrys with parts from a particular supplier and asking the dealer is the only way to determine if your Camry is affected by the recall or not.

   • 3

     Keep an eye on the gas pedal of your Toyota. According to the automaker, the problem develops gradually and drivers should look for 'stickiness' in the gas pedal. Note that, according to Toyota, it is safe to drive recalled vehicles so long as they are not showing signs of a problem.

   • 4

     Learn how to stop a runaway car (see Resources section for more information).

   • 5

     Report any problems with the gas pedal to your local dealer, but read on to find out why you shouldn't expect much help.

   • 6

     Recognize this recall is a problem because there is no solution as of yet. Ideally, dealers will offer a free loaner vehicle, but with so many cars affected loaners may become scarce. Still, it doesn't hurt to press the dealer for a free loaner or even contact Toyota directly and request compensation for rental car expenses.

How to Install Fog Lights in a Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla with yellow fog lights

Installing aftermarket fog lights onto a vehicle is a simple improvement that could potentially save lives. By installing them on your Toyota Corolla, you'll find that driving on foggy nights will be a more pleasurable experience.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Fog lights
• (1) 12-volt switch
• 15 feet of 14-gauge insulated copper wire
• Medium sized self-tapping screws
• Screwdriver
• Drill

1. Installing Fog Lights

   • 1

     Locate a suitable position for the fog lights on the front of the car. A good mounting point is the underside of the bumper or into the recess of the lower air dam. Hold the light in different positions to know where it fits and looks best.

   • 2
     Fog light and hardware

     Drill a hole smaller than the self-tapping screw into the mount point. It is not necessary to drill deeply; it is only to be a starter hole for the screw.

   • 3

     Screw in the light bracket. You might have to remove the light from the bracket during installation. The bracket will have adjustable grooves to properly align the beam. Once the brackets are installed, the lights can be quickly removed or adjusted.

   • 4

     Connect wires to the black, negative leads on the fog lights and locate a suitable place to ground them to the vehicle. Usually there are ample screws to ground to along the inside of the engine compartment. If there is no black lead, the mounting bracket will serve as the ground.

   • 5

     Connect the red, or positive, wire of the fog light on the passenger side of the car to the red wire on the driver's side. Then splice a long segment of wire (7+ feet) from the driver's side light to the interior of the car. The positive leads from both lights should be connected to the wire leading inside.

   • 6

     Install the switch. Locate a source of power, usually one of the fuse connections in the car's fuse panel. The long wire coming from the lights goes to the hot output of the switch, usually the lower of two or three contacts. If the switch has three contacts, then the top is normally the hot current input, the middle is the ground, and the bottom is the output. This extra ground is for the switch's illumination. Mount the switch in an out-of-the-way, but accessible, location.

Tips & Warnings

• If one or none of the lights illuminate, then check the ground wires for each light. The ground for the switch is not required if a suitable connection cannot be found.

• Disconnect the battery when working on a vehicle's electrical system