cooling TOYOTA CAMRY 1996 Owners Manual

64
The gauge indicates the engine cool-
ant temperature when the ignition
switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in
weather and engine load.
If the needle points to the red zone or high-
er, stop your vehicle and allow the engine
to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe
operating conditions, such as:

Driving up a long hill on a hot day.

Reducing speed or stopping after high
speed driving.

Idling for a long period with the air con-
ditioning on in stop-and-go traffic.

Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in
the engine cooling system as this
may cause the engine to overheat.
The thermostat is designed to
control the flow of coolant to keep
the temperature of the engine
within the specified operating
range.
Do not continue driving with an
overheated engine. See If your
vehicle overheatsº in Part 4.
The tachometer indicates engine
speed in thousands of rpm (revolu-
tions per minute). Use it while driving
to select correct shift points and to
prevent engine lugging and overrev-
ving.
Driving with the engine running too fast
causes excessive engine wear and poor
fuel economy. Remember, in most cases
the slower the engine speed, the greater
the fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get
into the red zone. This may cause
severe engine damage.
Tachometer Engine coolant temperature
gauge
ProCarManuals.com

109 (a) Controls and functions
The temperature control knob is used to
adjust the temperature of the delivered
air.
Turn the knob toward the HIGH position
for higher temperature and toward the
LOW position for lower temperature.
The air intake control lever is used to se-
lect intake air, either outside air or recircu-
lated air.
With the lever in the OUTSIDE AIR posi-
tion, the system will take fresh outside air
into the unit. For recirculated air, move the
lever to the RECIRCULATED AIR posi-
tion.
The air flow control knob is used to select
the air flow outlets air is delivered from.
See (f) Air flow selectionº for detailed in-
formation.
The fan speed control knob is used to turn
on and off the fan and select the fan
speed.
The higher the fan speed setting is, the
more air is delivered. Turning the knob to
the OFFº position turns off the fan.
The air conditioning on-off button is used
to turn on and off the air conditioning.
With the button pressed in, the air condi-
tioning turns on. Pressing the button once
again will turn the air conditioning off.If the indicator light flashes, contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible. There
may be slippage of the drive belt or trouble
in the compressor. If this happens, the air
conditioning is automatically turned off to
avoid damage to the drive belt.
(b) Heating
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere except the LOW position.
When dehumidified heating is desired,
turn the knob between the HIGH and
middle positions.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob around the
middle.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
If quick circulation of heated air is desired,
move the lever to the RECIRCULATED
AIR position.
For normal use, it is best to keep the lever
in the OUTSIDE AIR position. Otherwise
the windows will fog up more easily.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
FLOOR position.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob to the BI-
LEVEL position.
If the windshield fogs up easily, turn the
knob to the FLOOR/WINDSHIELD posi-
tion.For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
If dehumidified heating is desired, press in
the air conditioning on-off button.
(c) Cooling
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere between the middle and LOW
positions.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob around the
middle.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
If quick circulation of cooled air is desired,
move the lever to the RECIRCULATED
AIR position.
For normal use, it is best to keep the lever
in the OUTSIDE AIR position.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
FACE position.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob to the BI-
LEVEL position.ProCarManuals.com

11 0For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Press in the air conditioning on-off but-
ton.
(d) Ventilation
1. Turn the temperature control knob at
the LOW position.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
FACE position.
For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
(e) Windshield defogging and defrost-
ing
To remove interior fog on the windshield:
1. Turn the temperature control knob to
any position.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
WINDSHIELD position.
For detailed information on air flow con-
trol, see (f) Air flow selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Press in the air conditioning on-off but-
ton.
To remove frost or exterior fog on the
windshield:
1. Turn the temperature control knob to
the HIGH position.
2. Move the air intake control lever to the
OUTSIDE AIR position.
3. Turn the air flow control knob to the
WINDSHIELD position.
For detailed information on air flow con-
trol, see (f) Air flow selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob to the
HIº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
(f) Air flow selection
FACE positionÐThis position directs the
air flow to face level.BI-LEVEL positionÐThis position directs
the air flow to face level and the floor. Ex-
cept in ventilation, the air to the floor is
slightly warmer than that to face level.
FLOOR positionÐThis position directs air
flow mostly to the floor.
FLOOR/WINDSHIELD position Ð This
position directs the air flow to the wind-
shield as well as the floor.
WINDSHIELD positionÐThis position di-
rects air flow mostly to the windshield and
front side windows.
Do not use the WINDSHIELD position
during cooling operation in extremely hu-
mid weather. The difference between the
temperature of the outside air and that of
the windshield could cause the outer sur-
face of the windshield to fog up, blocking
your vision.
(g) Operating tips

Be sure the air inlet grilles in front of the
windshield are not blocked by leaves
or other obstructions.

If air flow control is not satisfactory,
check the dashboard vents. (See
Side ventsº or Lower ventº after
Heater controlsº.)ProCarManuals.com

11 4(a) Controls and functions
The temperature control knob is used to
adjust the temperature of the delivered
air.
Turn the knob toward the HIGH position
for higher temperature and toward the
LOW position for lower temperature.
The air intake control button is used to se-
lect intake air, either outside air or recircu-
lated air.
With the button in the OUTSIDE AIR
mode, the system will take fresh outside
air into the unit. For recirculated air, set
the button to the RECIRCULATED AIR
mode. Pressing the button once again will
let the button out in the OUTSIDE AIR
mode.
The air flow control buttons are used to
select the air flow outlets air is delivered
from.
See (f) Air flow selectionº for detailed in-
formation.
The fan speed control knob is used to turn
on and off the fan and select the fan
speed.
The higher the fan speed setting is, the
more air is delivered. Turning the knob to
the OFFº position turns off the fan.
The air conditioning on-off button is used
to turn on and off the air conditioning.With the button pressed in, the air condi-
tioning turns on. Pressing the button once
again will turn the air conditioning off.
If the indicator light flashes, contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible. There
may be slippage of the drive belt or trouble
in the compressor. If this happens, the air
conditioning is automatically turned off to
avoid damage to the drive belt.
(b) Heating
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere except the LOW position.
When dehumidified heating is desired,
turn the knob between the HIGH and
middle positions.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, place the knob around the
middle.
2. If quick circulation of heated air is de-
sired, set to the RECIRCULATED AIR
mode of the air intake control button.
For normal use, it is best to set to the
OUTSIDE AIR mode. Otherwise the win-
dows will fog up more easily.
3. Press in the FLOOR button of the air
flow control buttons.
If cooler air is desired at face level for bi-
level operation, press in the BI-LEVEL
button.If the windshield fogs up easily, press in
the FLOOR/WINDSHIELD button.
For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
If dehumidified heating is desired, press in
the air conditioning on-off button.
(c) Cooling
1. Turn the temperature control knob
anywhere between the middle and LOW
positions.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, turn the knob around the
middle.
2. If quick circulation of cooled air is de-
sired, set to the RECIRCULATED AIR
mode of the air intake control button.
For normal use, it is best to set to the
OUTSIDE AIR mode.
3. Press in the FACE button of the air flow
control buttons.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-
level operation, press in the BI-LEVEL
button.ProCarManuals.com

11 5 For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Press in any fan speed control button
except the OFFº button.
5. Press in the air conditioning on-off but-
ton.
(d) Ventilation
1. Turn the temperature control knob at
the LOW position.
2. Set to the OUTSIDE AIR mode of the
air intake control buttons.
3. Press in the FACE button of the air flow
control buttons.
For detailed information on air flow control
including other settings, see (f) Air flow
selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
(e) Windshield defogging and defrost-
ing
To remove interior fog on the windshield:
1. Turn the temperature control knob to
any position.
2. Set to the OUTSIDE AIR mode of the
air intake control buttons.3. Press in the WINDSHIELD button of
the air flow control buttons.
For detailed information on air flow con-
trol, see (f) Air flow selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob any-
where except the OFFº position.
5. Press in the air conditioning on-off but-
ton.
To remove frost or exterior fog on the
windshield:
1. Turn the temperature control knob to
the HIGH position.
2. Set to the OUTSIDE AIR mode of the
air intake control buttons.
3. Press in the WINDSHIELD button of
the air flow control buttons.
For detailed information on air flow con-
trol, see (f) Air flow selectionº.
4. Turn the fan speed control knob to the
HIº position.
5. Leave the air conditioning on-off but-
ton in the OFF position.
(f) Air flow selection
FACE buttonÐThis button directs the air
flow to face level.
BI-LEVEL buttonÐThis button directs
the air flow to face level and the floor. Ex-
cept in ventilation, the air to the floor is
slightly warmer than that to face level.FLOOR buttonÐThis button directs air
flow mostly to the floor.
FLOOR/WINDSHIELD buttonÐThis but-
ton directs air flow to the windshield as well
as the floor.
WINDSHIELD buttonÐThis button di-
rects air flow mostly to the windshield and
front side windows.
Do not use the WINDSHIELD button dur-
ing cooling operation in extremely humid
weather. The difference between the tem-
perature of the outside air and that of the
windshield could cause the outer surface
of the windshield to fog up, blocking your
vision.
(g) Operating tips

Be sure the air inlet grilles in front of the
windshield are not blocked by leaves
or other obstructions.

If air flow control is not satisfactory,
check the dashboard vents. (See
Side ventsº or Lower ventº after
Heater controlsº.)

To help cool down the interior after
parking in the hot sun, drive for the first
few minutes with the windows open.
After the excess heat has blown away,
close the windows.ProCarManuals.com

132
CAUTION!

Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.
It contains carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconscious-
ness or even death.

Make sure the exhaust system has
no holes or loose connections.
The system should be checked
from time to time. If you hit some-
thing, or notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust, have the
system checked immediately.

Do not run the engine in a garage
or enclosed area except for the
time needed to drive the vehicle in
or out. The exhaust gases cannot
escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.

Do not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine
running. If it is unavoidable, how-
ever, do so only in an unconfined
area and adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air
into the vehicle.

Keep the trunk lid or back door
closed while driving. An open or
unsealed trunk lid or back door
may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle. If you must
drive with the trunk lid or back
door open to accommodate a
large object, close the windows,
open all the instrument panel
vents and have the heating or
cooling system deliver fresh air
into the vehicle by turning the fan
to high speed with the air intake
control set at the OUTSIDE AIR
position.

To allow proper operation of your
vehicle's ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the wind-
shield clear of snow, leaves, or
other obstructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes in the
vehicle, drive with the windows
open and the trunk lid or back
door closed. Have the cause im-
mediately located and corrected.FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of lu-
bricating and cooling the inside of the en-
gine, and plays a major role in maintaining
the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are
as follows.

Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil is
left on the cylinder wall when a piston
moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated
when the vehicle is decelerating sucks
some of this oil into the combustion
chamber. This oil as well as some part
of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is
burned by the high temperature com-
bustion gases during the combustion
process.

Oil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil is
sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.
Facts about engine oil
consumption Engine exhaust cautions
ProCarManuals.com

152If your engine stalls while driving0
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping
a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see If your ve-
hicle will not startº.
If the engine is not running, the
power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering
and braking will be much harder
than usual.CAUTION
!
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you
experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise,
the engine has probably overheated.
You should follow this procedure0
1. Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle
and turn on your emergency flashers. Put
the transmission in Pº (automatic) or neu-
tral (manual) and apply the parking brake.
Turn off the air conditioning if it is being
used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the
radiator or reservoir, stop the engine. Wait
until the steam subsides before opening
the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over
or steam, leave the engine running and
make sure the electric cooling fan is oper-
ating. If it is not, turn the ignition off.
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant
is a sign of very high pressure.CAUTION
!
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from
the radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has been
used.
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.CAUTION
!
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-
gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer for
assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the
coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to
the reservoir while the engine is running.
Fill it about half full.
Do not attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap when the engine and radia-
tor are hot. Serious injury could re-
sult from scalding hot fluid and
steam blown out under pressure.CAUTION
!
6. After the engine coolant temperature
has cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary,
bring it up to half full again. Serious cool-
ant loss indicates a leak in the system.
You should have it checked as soon as
possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats
(5S-FE engine) If your engine stalls while
driving
ProCarManuals.com

182If you perform maintenance by your-
self, be sure to follow the correct pro-
cedure given in this part.
You should be aware that improper or in-
complete servicing may result in operat-
ing problems.
Performing do-it-yourself maintenance
during the warranty period may affect
your warranty coverage. Read the sepa-
rate Toyota Warranty statement for details
and suggestions.
This part gives instructions only for those
items that are relatively easy for an owner
to perform. As explained in Part 6, there
are still a number of items that must be
done by a qualified technician with special
tools.
For information on tools and parts for do-
it-yourself maintenance, see Parts and
toolsº.
Utmost care should be taken when work-
ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental
injury. Here are a few precautions that you
should be especially careful to observe:

When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)

Right after driving, the engine
compartmentÐthe engine, radia-
tor, exhaust manifold and spark
plug boots, etc.Ðwill be hot. So
be careful not to touch them. Oil,
fluids and spark plugs may also be
hot.

If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the
drain plugs to prevent burning
yourself.

Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flam-
mable.

Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric
acid.

Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it.
Always use automotive jack
stands or other solid supports.CAUTION
!
Be sure that the ignition is off if
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling
fans will automatically start to run
if the engine coolant temperature
is high and/or the air conditioning
is on.

Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to fly-
ing or falling material, fluid spray,
etc.

Used engine oil contains poten-
tially harmful contaminants which
may cause skin disorders such as
inflammation or skin cancer, so
care should be taken to avoid pro-
longed and repeated contact with
it. To remove used engine oil from
your skin, wash thoroughly with
soap and water.

Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.

Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers
or onto the ground. Call your deal-
er or a service station for informa-
tion concerning recycling or dis-
posal.
Do-it-yourself service
precautions
ProCarManuals.com

187
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee)
Certification Mark is displayed on the front
of the container.Look at the see-through coolant res-
ervoir when the engine is cold. The
coolant level is satisfactory if it is be-
tween the FULLº and LOWº lines on
the reservoir. If the level is low, add
ethylene-glycol type coolant.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the LOWº line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the FULLº
line.
Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant.
See information in the next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the ra-
diator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, ra-
diator cap and drain cock and water
pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION!
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot.Coolant type selection
Your coolant must contain ethylene-gly-
col antifreeze. In addition to preventing
freezing and subsequent damage to the
engine, this will also prevent corrosion.
Further supplemental inhibitors or addi-
tives are neither needed nor recom-
mended.
Read the antifreeze container for informa-
tion on freeze protection. Follow the
manufacturer 's directions for how much
to mix with water. The total capacity of the
cooling system is given in Part 8. We rec-
ommend 50% solution be used for your
Toyota, or a sufficient quantity to provide
protection to about -35C (-31F).
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze
or plain water alone.
Checking the engine coolant
level
ProCarManuals.com

193 WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion,
the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the
tire may slip off the wheel or they may
cause loss of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should
be taken to ensure that the wheels are
replaced by ones with the same load
capacity, diameter, rim width, and off-
set.
This must be observed on compact spare
tires, too.
Correct replacement wheels are available
at your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may ad-
versely affect handling, wheel and bear-
ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/
odometer calibration, stopping ability,
headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or snow chain
clearance to the body and chassis.Replacement with used wheels is not rec-
ommended as they may have been sub-
jected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent
wheels which have been straightened
may have structural damage and there-
fore should not be used. Never use an in-
ner tube in a leaking wheel which is de-
signed for a tubeless tire.
After driving your vehicle the first 1600
km (1000 miles), check that the wheel
nuts are tight.

If you have rotated, repaired, or
changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving
1600 km (1000 miles).

When using tire chains, be careful not
to damage the aluminum wheels.

Use only the Toyota wheel nuts and
wrench designed for your aluminum
wheels.

When balancing your wheels, use only
Toyota balance weights or equivalent
and a plastic or rubber hammer.

As with any wheel, periodically check
your aluminum wheels for damage. If
damaged, replace immediately.
Aluminum wheel precautions Replacing wheels
ProCarManuals.com