brake fluid TOYOTA CAMRY 2000 Service Owner's Manual

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Checking brake fluid
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the see±through reservoir. The level
should be between the ºMAXº and
ºMINº 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 cover
by hand.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.
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.
Checking power steering fluid
CloseOpen
If hot
O.K.If cold
O.K.
If hot
addIf 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 (60CÐ80C or 140FÐ175F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
10CÐ30C or 50FÐ85F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours.

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Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See Chapter 7±2 for recommended viscos-
ity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your
vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about
which oil to use, call your Toyota deal-
erÐhe will be pleased to help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de±icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer 's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
ºPº (automatic) or into first or reverse
(manual) and block the rear wheels. Do
not use the parking brake, or snow or
water accumulated in and around the
parking brake mechanism may freeze,
making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a
passenger±carrying vehicle. Towing a
trailer will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, braking, durability
and driving economy (fuel consumption,
etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend
on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your
safety and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota
warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for
commercial purposes. Ask your local
Toyota dealer for further details before
towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to con-
sult your Toyota dealer for further in-
formation on additional requirements
such as a towing kit, etc.

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If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...
1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve-
hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in ºPº
(automatic) or neutral (manual) and ap-
ply 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 operating. If it is not,
turn the ignition off.
CAUTION
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.
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.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
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 en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine and radiator are
hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperature
has cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You should have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats

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Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See Chapter 7±2 for
additional information. When checking the
tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check the nuts for looseness. Tighten
them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Chapter 7±2 for additional in-
formation.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors including trunk lid
operate smoothly and all latches lock se-
curely. Make sure the engine hood sec-
ondary latch secures the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. op-
erate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in any position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down
smoothly and that the locks hold securely
in any latched position. For folding±down
rear seatbacks, check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure that the
belt webbings not cut, frayed, worn or
damaged.Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission ºParkº mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in ºPº position and all brakes re-
leased.

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IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Chapter 7±3 for additional in-
formation.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the ºFULLº and ºLOWº lines on the see±
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See Chapter 7±2 for additional information.
Battery electrolyte level
Make sure the electrolyte level of all bat-
tery cells is between upper and lower lev-
el lines on the case. Add only distilled
water when replenishing. See Chapter 7±3
for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Chapter 7±2 for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See Chapter 7±2 for addi-
tional information.Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the ºHOTº or ºCOLDº
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See Chapter 7±2 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See engine exhaust cautions in
Part 2.)Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip±offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)

Flat±looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road

Strange noises related to suspension
movement

Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal;pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking

Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

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5S±FE engine
Automatic transmission
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Up to 2.5 (2.6, 2.2)
Fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid D±ll or
DEXRONIIl (DEXRONII)
Differential
Fluid capacity L (qt., Imp. qt.):
1.6 (1.7, 1.4)
Fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid D±II or
DEXRONIII (DEXRONII)
BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):
70 (2.8)
Pedal freeplay, mm (in.):
1Ð6 (0.04Ð0.24)
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):
5Ð8 clicksFluid type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
STEERING
Wheel freeplay:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII
or III

NF
NEW FEATURES Ð A140E AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE AND BRAKES
A140E AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
DESCRIPTION
As in the 5S-FE engine model, the A140E automatic transaxle is used on the 5S-FNE engine model.
The gear ratio of the differential has been lowered to accommodate the performance of the 5S-FNE engine
and to ensure fuel economy.

Specifications 
Item
5S-FNE Engine5S-FE Engine
1st2.810
2nd1.549
Gear Ratio3rd1.000
Overdrive0.706
Reverse2.296
Counter Gear Ratio0.945
Differential Gear Ratio4.1763.944
Fluid Capacity litersTransmission5.6 (5.9, 4.9)Fluid Capacity liters
(US qts, Imp. qts)Differential1.6 (1.7, 1.4)
Fluid TypeATF D-II or
DEXRONIII (DEXRONII)
BRAKES
DESCRIPTION
The front brake size has been changed.

Specifications 
Item
5S-FNE Engine Model5S-FE Engine Model
TypeVentilated Disc
Caliper TypePE60PE57
Front BrakeWheel Cylinder Diameter
mm (in.)60.33 (2.38)57.22 (2.25)
Rotor Size (D
T)*
mm (in.)275
28
(10.83
1.10)255
28
(10.04
1.10)
*: D : Outer Diameter, T : Thickness

Genuine Toyota Chemicals
Toyota offers a complete line of products to help you keep
your Toyota looking and running like new. To safeguard your
vehicle’s appearance, you’ ll find everything from fabric spot
remover and glass cleaner to liquid car wash and touch- up paint.
When it’s time to get under the hood (or under the car), products
such as fuel injector cleaner, brake fluid and silicone spray will
help you get the job done. All of these products are formulated
specifically for use with Toyota vehicles, so you can be confident
you’re giving your vehicle the best care possible, inside and out.
Genuine Toyota Antifreeze Coolant
Genuine Toyota Long Life Antifreeze Coolant is the same
high quality, factory- fill product found in all new Toyotas. You’ ll
know it by its distinctive red color. It provides maximum protec-
tion and durability without the use of harmful silicates. And
because it’s compatible with non- metallic materials, it helps
extend the life of water- pump seals. Don’ t trust your engine
to anything less than the best: Genuine Toyota Long Life
Antifreeze Coolant.
Genuine Toyota Motor Oil
Your Toyota’s engine features highly advanced technology
to ensure superior performance, reliability and fuel economy.
Genuine Toyota Motor Oil is formulated with a special combi-
nation of lube- base stocks and an additive blend to maximize
the benefits of this technology. Make sure you’re getting the
most out of your engine by always putting the best into it:
Genuine Toyota Motor Oil.
Do-It-Yourself Products
TOYOTA MAINTENANCE & REPAIR SUPPORT13

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE LOGS19 Towing a Trailer or Using a Camper
or Car-Top Carrier
•Inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
•Inspect nuts and bolts on chassis and body
•Replace differential oil
•Replace transmission fluid or oil
•Replace transfer oil *
•Lubricate propeller shaft and re- torque bolts*
Off-Road Maintenance
If you own a Land Cruiser or a four- wheel drive RAV4,
Tacoma or 4Runner, you should check the following items
daily whenever you drive off- road through deep sand, mud
or water:
•Brake lines and hoses
•Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
•Engine air filter
•Differential oil
•Steering linkage
•Transfer oil
•Transmission fluid or oil
•Wheel bearings
For all four- wheel drive vehicles except RAV4, you should
also lubricate the propeller shafts daily.
Determining Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE LOGS20
The following descriptions are provided to give you a better
understanding of the maintenance items that should be per-
formed on your vehicle. The Scheduled Maintenance Log
indicates at which mileage/time intervals each item should be
performed. Please note that many maintenance items should be
performed only by a qualified technician.
For further information on maintenance items you can per-
form yourself, see the “General Maintenance and Care” and
“Do- It-Yourself Maintenance” sections of your
Owner’s Manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
or Manual Transmission Oil
Inspect each component for signs of leakage. If you discover any
leakage, have it repaired by a qualified technician immediately.
Ball Joints and Dust Covers
Check the suspension and steering linkage ball joints for loose-
ness and damage. Check all dust covers for deterioration and
damage. A qualified technician should perform these inspections.
Brake Lines and Hoses
Visually inspect for proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration and evidence of leaking. Replace any deteri-
orated or damaged parts immediately. A qualified technician
should perform these operations.
Explanation of Maintenance Items