engine TOYOTA CAMRY 1996 Owners Manual

Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value-conscious people who drive Toyotas. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we
build.
This Owner 's Manual explains the features of your new Toyota. Please read it and
follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide quality mainte-
nance and any other assistance you may require.
Please leave this Owner's Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of
printing. However, because of Toyota's policy of continual product improve-
ment, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment
not installed on your vehicle.
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

1996 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.
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Publication No. OM33447U
Part No. 01999-33447
Printed in Japan 29- 9810- 04
Quick index

If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 65. . . . .

If your vehicle will not start 149. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If your engine stalls while driving 152. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If your vehicle overheats 152,153. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you have a flat tire 153. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If your vehicle needs to be towed 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tips for driving during break- in period 129. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to start the engine 139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

General maintenance 172. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Complete index 221. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
5S- FE engine: UNLEADED gasoline, Research Octane Number 91 (Octane
Rating 87) or higher.
1MZ- FE engine: UNLEADED gasoline, Research Octane Number 91 (Octane
Rating 87) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium
unleaded gasoline with a Research Octane Number of 96 (Octane Rating
91) or higher is recommended.
See page 129 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity: 70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.)
Engine oil:
API SH, 'Energy- Conserving II'' multigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade
engine oil is recommended.
See page 186 for detailed information.
Automatic transmission fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
[- II.
Tire information: See pages 189 through 193.
Tire pressure: See pages 214 and 215.
A
7
I
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1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the
lever up.
CAUTION!

Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames when refueling.
The fumes are flammable.

When opening the cap, do not re-
move the cap quickly. In hot
weather, fuel under pressure
could cause injury by spraying out
of the filler neck if the cap is sud-
denly removed.
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn
the cap slowly counterclockwise, then
pause slightly before removing it. Af-
ter removing the cap, hang it on the
cap hanger.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh
when the cap is opened. When installing,
turn the cap clockwise till you hear a click.
5S-FE engined vehicles with automatic
transmissionÐ
If the cap is not tightened securely, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on.
Make sure the cap is tightened securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving
several times. If the indicator lamp does
not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Fuel tank cap
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Adjust the mirror so you can see the
side of your vehicle in the mirror.
Be careful when judging the size or dis-
tance of any object seen in the outside
rear view mirror on the passenger's side.
It is a convex
mirror with a curved surface.
Any object seen in a convex mirror will
look smaller and farther away than when
seen in a flat mirror.
To adjust the rear view mirror, simply
operate the control lever.
NOTICE
If ice should jam the mirror, do not
operate the control or scrape the
mirror face. Use a spray de-icer to
free the mirror.
To adjust a power rear view mirror, first
place the master switch at Lº (left) or
Rº (right) depending on which mirror
needs adjusting, then push the con-
trol switch in the desired direction.
If the engine is not running, the key must
be in the ACCº position.
NOTICE
If ice should jam the mirror, do not
operate the control or scrape the
mirror face. Use a spray de-icer to
free the mirror.
Outside rear view mirrorsÐÐRear view mirror remote
controlÐPower rear view mirror
control
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Part 1Headlights and turn signals
55
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLSÐ
Chapter 1-4
Lights, Wipers and Defogger

Headlights and turn signals

Emergency flashers

Instrument panel light control

Interior light

Ignition switch light

Personal light

Luggage compartment light

Windshield wipers and washer

Rear window wipers and washer

Rear window defogger
To turn on the lights on, twist the knob
on end of the lever.
Daytime running light system (Canada
only)ÐThe headlights turn on when the
parking brake is released with the engine
started, even with the light switch in the
OFFº position. They will not go off until
the ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and in-
strument panel lights, twist the knob to the
first clickstop.
Under the daytime running light system,
the headlights turn on at reduced intensi-
ty. Twist the knob to the second clickstop
to turn to full intensity for driving at night.FIRST CLICKSTOP: Only the parking,
tail, license plate, side marker and instru-
ment panel lights turn on.
SECOND CLICKSTOP: The headlights
also turn on.
The lights automatically turn off when the
driver's door is opened with the ignition
turned off. To turn them on again, turn the
key to the ONº position or actuate the
headlight switch. If you are going to park
for over one week, make sure the head-
light switch is off.NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the lights
on for a long period when the
engine is not running.
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For high beam, push the lever away
from you. Pull it toward you for low
beam. For the headlight flasher, pull it
further back.
A blue light in the instrument panel indi-
cates high beam is on.
The headlight flasher works even when
the headlight switch is off.For signaling turns, move the lever up
or down in the conventional manner.
The key must be in the ONº position.
The turn signal is self-cancelling after a
turn, but after a lane change, you may
have to cancel it by hand. You can signal
a lane change by moving the turn signal
lever partway and holding it there. If the
green light in the instrument panel flashes
faster than normal, it indicates that the
front or rear turn signal bulb has burned
out.To turn on the emergency flashers,
push the switch.
All the turn signal lights will flash.
Turn on the emergency flashers to warn
other drivers if your vehicle must be
stopped where it might be a traffic hazard.
Always pull as far off the road as possible.
The turn signal light switch will not work
when the emergency flashers are operat-
ing.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the switch
on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Emergency flashers
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Part 1Fuel gauge
63
OPERATION OF
INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLSÐ
Chapter 1-5
Gauges, Meters
and Service reminder
indicators

Fuel gauge

Engine coolant temperature
gauge

Tachometer

Odometer and trip meter

Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers
The gauge works when the ignition
switch is on and indicates the approxi-
mate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
It is a good idea to keep the tank over 1/4
full.
This fuel gauge has a non-return type
needle which remains at the last indicated
position when the ignition switch is turned
off.
If the level approaches Eº or the low fuel
level warning light comes on, fill the fuel
tank as soon as possible.If the fuel tank is completely empty, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Fill
the fuel tank immediately.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving
several times. If the indicator lamp does
not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
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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
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66(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light has the following functions:
Parking brake reminder
If this light is on, make sure the parking
brake is fully released. The light should go
off.
Low brake fluid level warning
If this light comes on and stays on while
you are driving, slow down and pull off the
road. Then stop the vehicle carefully.
There may be a problem somewhere in
the brake system. Check the fluid level of
the see-through reservoir.
To make sure the parking brake has not
caused the warning light to come on,
check to see that the parking brake is fully
released.
If the brake fluid level is low...
At a safe place, test your brakes by start-
ing and stopping.

If you judge that the brakes still work
adequately, drive cautiously to your
nearest dealer or shop for repairs.

If the brakes are not working, have the
vehicle towed in for repairs. (For tow-
ing information, see Part 4.)
It is dangerous to continue driving
normally when the brake fluid level
is low.CAUTION
!
If the brake fluid level is correct...
Have the warning system checked by
your Toyota dealer.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and Buzzer
Once the ignition key is turned to ONº or
STARTº, the reminder light and buzzer
come on if the driver's seat belt is not fas-
tened. Unless the driver fastens the belt,
the light stays on and the buzzer stops af-
ter about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) 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.
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.
(d) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following
cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty.
(See Fuel gaugeº in Chapter 1-5 for in-
structions.)b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened se-
curely. (See Fuel tank capº in Chapter
1-2 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your
engine or automatic transmission electri-
cal system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case
c, have your vehicle checked/repaired by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
(e) 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.
(f) Low 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 driv-
ing, pull off the road to a safe place and
stop the engine immediately. Call a Toyota
dealer or qualified repair shop for assis-
tance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on brief-
ly after a hard stop. There is no cause for
concern if it then goes out when the en-
gine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to indi-
cate low oil level, and the oil level must be
checked using the level dipstick.
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67
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light onÐeven for one
block. It may ruin the engine.
(g) ABSº Warning Light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in your anti-lock brake sys-
tem.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
have your vehicle checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to the ONº position. After
about 3 seconds, the light will go off.
When the ABSº warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
brake system operates conventionally but
without anti-lock function.
(h) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors
and back door are completely closed.
(i) Rear Light Failure Warning Light
If this light comes on when the headlight
switch is turned on (at the first or second
clickstop), it indicates that one or more of
the tail lights are burned out.
If it comes on when the brake pedal is de-
pressed, one or more stop lights are
burned out.Have defective bulbs replaced as soon as
possible.
(j) SRS Airbag Warning Light
This light will come on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the ACCº or ONº
position. After about 6 seconds, the
light will go off. This means the airbag
system is operating properly.
The warning light system monitors the
front airbag sensors, center airbag sensor
assembly, inflators, warning light, inter-
connecting wiring and power sources.
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 ACCº or
ONº position or remains on.

The light comes on while driving.
(k) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver's door with
the ignition key in the ACCº or LOCKº
position.CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER INDI-
CATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2 . Open one of the side doors or back door.
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 ACCº.
The SRS airbag warning light should
come on. It goes off after about 6 sec-
onds.
5. Turn the ignition key to ONº, but do not
start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators except
the open door warning light and SRS air-
bag warning light should come on. The
ABSº warning light goes off after about 3
seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, either the bulb is burned out or the
circuit is in need of repair. Have it checked
by your Toyota dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
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