steering TOYOTA SOLARA 2001 (in English) Owner's Manual

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2042001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing ve-
hicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic
driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency
towing eyelets and towing cable or
chain. The eyelets and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious
injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specificallyintended for use in towing vehicles.Securely fasten the cable or chain tothe towing eyelets provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the transmission in neutral (manu-
al) or ªNº (automatic). The key must be
in ªACCº (engine off) or ªONº (engine run-
ning).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the pow-
er assist for the brakes and steering
will not work so steering and braking
will be much harder than usual.
If you cannot shift the selector lever
out of ªPº position to other positions
even though the brake pedal is de-
pressed, use the shift lock override but-
ton as follows:
1. Turn the ignition key to ªLOCKº position. Make sure the parking
brake is on.
2. Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or equivalent.
If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever

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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 ªParkº 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 ªPº position and all brakes re-
leased.
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 Section 7±3 for additional in-
formation.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the ªFULLº and ªLOWº lines on the see±
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See Section 7±2 for additional information.
Battery electrolyte level
Your Toyota has a maintenance free bat-
tery. You do not have to add distilled wa-
ter. For longer life of the battery, however,
see Section 7±3 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Section 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 Section 7±2 for addi-
tional information.

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Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the ªHOTº or ªCOLDº
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See Section 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
Section 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 normalIf you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

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2242001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil level dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Fuse blocks
7. Battery
8. Electric cooling fans
9. Windshield washer fluid tank
Engine compartment overview

5S±FE engine

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2252001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil level dipstick
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Fuse blocks
7. Battery
8. Electric cooling fans
9. Windshield washer fluid tank


1MZ±FE engine

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2292001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing do±it±yourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ,
ªEnergy±Conservingº or ILSAC
multigrade having viscosity proper for
your climate
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº or equiva-
lent
See Section 7±2 for details about cool-
ant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant) Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
brake fluid
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON)II or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
Checking and replacing fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Toyota fuse or equivalent with
same amperage rating as original Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for
winter use)
Tools:
Funnel
Replacing light bulbs
Parts:
Bulb with same number and wattage
rating as original (See charts in
ªReplacing light bulbsº in Section 7±3.)
Tools:
Screwdriver
Flat±bladed screwdriver

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2312001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
DO±IT±YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 233
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Checking brake fluid 234
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. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 235
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 236
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. .
Checking and replacing tires 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 238
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. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 238
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 240
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Aluminum wheel precautions 240
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SECTION 7± 2

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2352001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
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 preventit from damaging the parts or paint.
Checking power steering fluid
If cold
addIf cold
O.K.
If hot
add If hot
O.K.
Open
Close
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRON II 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 (60 CÐ80 C or 140 FÐ175 F). You
may also check the level when the fluid
is cold (about room temperature,
10 CÐ30 C or 50 FÐ85 F) if the engine
has not been run for about five hours. Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ªCOLDº
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ªHOTº range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II
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.

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2572001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
Fuel
Fuel type:5S±FE engineUnleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or
higher
1MZ±FE engine Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. For improved vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of premium unleaded
gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91
(Research Octane Number 96) or
higher is recommended.
Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., Imp. gal.): 70 (18.5, 15.4)
Service specifications
ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):5S±FE engine
Intake 0.19Ð0.29 (0.007Ð0.011)
Exhaust 0.28Ð0.38 (0.011Ð0.015)
1MZ±FE engine Intake 0.15Ð0.25 (0.006Ð0.010)
Exhaust 0.25Ð0.35 (0.010Ð0.014)
Spark plug type: DENSO PK20TR11
NGK BKR6EKPB11
Spark plug gap, mm (in.): 1.1 (0.043)
Drive belt tension measured with Bor-
roughs drive belt tension gauge No.
BT±33±73F (used belt), Ibf: 5S±FE engineGenerator belt 13010
Power steering pump belt 80 20
1MZ±FE engine 11520 ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and ref
ill), L (qt., Imp.
qt.):
5S±FE engineWith filter 3.6 (3.8, 3.2)
Without filter 3.4 (3.6, 3.0)
1MZ±FE engine With filter 4.7 (5.0, 4.1)
Without filter 4.5 (4.8, 4.0)
Oil grade:
API grade SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
5W-30 Preferred
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change

'01 SOLARA_U (L/O 0009)
2582001 MY SOLARA (OM33527U)
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):5S±FE engine 6.9 (7.3, 6.1)
1MZ±FE engine 8.8 (9.3, 7.7)
Coolant type:
ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº or equiva-
lent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
BATTERY
Open voltage
* at 20
C (68
F):
12.6Ð12.8 V Fully charged
12.2Ð12.4 V Half charged
11.8Ð12.0 V Discharged
*: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af- ter the key is removed with all the
lights turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
CLUTCH
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 5Ð15 (0.2Ð0.6)
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
5S±FE engine 2.2 (2.3, 1.9)
1MZ±FE engine 4.2 (4.2, 3.7)
Oil type: Gear oil API GL±4 or GL±5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W±90
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Automatic transmission
Fluid capacity (drain and ref ill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
5S±FE engine Up to 2.5 (2.6, 2.2)
1MZ±FE engine Up to 4.75 (5.0, 4.2)
Fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid D±ll or
DEXRON III (DEXRON II)
Differential (5S±FE engine only)
Fluid capacity L (qt., Imp. qt.): 1.6 (1.7, 1.4)
Fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid D±II or
DEXRON III (DEXRON II) BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):
60 (2.4)
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 1Ð6 (0.04Ð0.23)
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 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 DEXRON II
or III