checking oil TOYOTA SOLARA 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

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(k) Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the tire inflation pres-
sure of one or more of your tires (includ-
ing ground spare tire) is low. The light
comes on when the engine switch is
turned to the “ON” position. It goes off
after a few seconds. This indicates that
the tire pressure warning system is func-
tioning properly.
If the warning light comes on, stop your
vehicle in a safe place as soon as pos-
sible and check that the inflation pressure
of all tires (including ground spare tire) is
as specified on the tire and loading infor-
mation label. (See “Checking tire inflation
pressure” on page 349 in Section 7−2.)
The light should go off a few minutes after
the tire pressure is adjusted.
If the warning light comes on after blink-
ing for 1 minute, the tire pressure warning
system may be malfunctioning. Contact
your Toyota dealer.
For details, see “Tire pressure warning
system” on page 155 in Section 1 −7. (l) Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Warning Light
The light warns that the windshield washer
fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at
your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,
see “Adding washer fluid” on page 363 in
Section 7 −3.)
(m) “VSC” Warning Light
The light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or traction control system.
The light will come on when the engine
switch is turned to “ON”, and will go off
after about a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:
The warning light does not come on
after the engine switch is turned to
“ON”.
The warning light remains on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON”.
The warning light comes on while driv-
ing. The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come
on when the “VSC” warning light comes
on even if the “TRAC OFF” switch is not
pushed.
(n) Engine Oil Replacement Reminder
Light (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.)
This light acts as a reminder to replace
the engine oil.
This light will come on when the engine
switch is turned to “ON” and will go off
after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500
miles) after the engine oil replacement,
this light illuminates for about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 15 seconds
with the engine switch turned to the “ON”
position. If you continue driving without
replacing the engine oil, and if the dis-
tance driven exceeds 8000 km (5000
miles), the light will come on after the
engine switch is turned to “ON” position.
The light will remain on thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that
you replace the engine oil at an early
opportunity depending on the driving and
road conditions. If the light comes on,
replace it as soon as possible.

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The system must be reset after the en-
gine oil replacement. Reset the system by
the following procedure:1. Turn the engine switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position with the trip meter A
reading shown. (For details, see
“Odometer and two trip meters” on
page 131 in this Section.)
2. Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position while holding down the trip
meter reset knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 sec-
onds. The odometer indicates “000000”
and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
continue flashing.
(o) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer acts as a reminder to remove
the key when you open the driver’s door
with the engine switch in the “ACC” or
“LOCK” position. CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light and low windshield
washer fluid level warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the doors. The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the engine switch to “ON”, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on. The “ABS”, “VSC” and tire
pressure warning lights, engine oil re-
placement reminder light, “TRAC OFF”
and slip indicator lights go off after a
few seconds. The SRS warning light
goes off after about 6 seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, have it checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.

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FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of
lubricating and cooling the inside of the
engine, and plays a major role in main-
taining 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 pis-
ton 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 combustion
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.The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed by high
−speed driv-
ing and frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since
its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls
have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000
km (1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 Imp. qt./600
miles)
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to judge
the true level accurately.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an express way, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds. IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 344 in Section 7
−2.
Facts about engine oil
consumption

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When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
serious damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Driving on a flooded road may cause
the engine to stall as well as cause
serious vehicle malfunctions such as
shorts in electrical components and
engine damage from water immersion.
In the event that you drive on a
flooded road and the vehicle is
flooded, be sure to have your Toyota
dealer check brake function, changes
in quantity and quality of engine oil,
transaxle fluid, etc. and lubricant con-
dition for the bearings and suspen-
sion joints (where possible) and the
function of all joints and bearings.
Make sure your coolant is properly pro-
tected against freezing.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non−silicate, non −amine, non −nitrite,
and non− borate coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low
phosphates and organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level”
on page 346 in Section 7 −2 for details of
coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and
50% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −35 C
( − 31 F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and
45% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −42 C
( − 44 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape
to provide enough power for winter start-
ing. Section 7− 3 tells you how to visually
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer
and most service stations will be pleased
to check the level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 344 in Section 7 −2 for recom-
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-
mer oil in your vehicle during winter
months may cause harder starting. If you
are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Toyota dealer—they 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.
Winter driving tips

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Make sure to set the floor jack
properly in the jack point. Raising
the vehicle with floor jack improper-
ly positioned will damage the ve-
hicle or may allow the vehicle to
fall off the floor jack and cause
personal injury.
Never get under the vehicle when
the vehicle is supported by the
floor jack alone; use vehicle sup-
port stands.
Do not raise the vehicle with some-
one in the vehicle.
When raising the vehicle, do not
place any objects on top of or un-
derneath the floor jack.
NOTICE
Make sure to place the floor jack cor-
rectly, or your vehicle may be dam-
aged.
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need to perform 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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equiva-
lent
See page 344 in Section 7 −2 for de-
tails about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or
similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non −silicate, non −amine, non− ni-
trite, and non −borate coolant with long −
life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a
mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water (for
Canada). 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)
Parts and tools

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DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level344
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 347
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 349
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 352
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 354
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 355
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 357
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 358
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

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Low level Full level
Add oil O.K. Too full
2.4 L 4cylinder (2AZFE) engine
Low level Full level
Add oil O.K. Too full
3.3 L V6 (3MZFE) engine
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick. 1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be on level ground. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level while holding a rag under the
end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on
the vehicle components.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level line, add engine oil
of the same type as already in the en-
gine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick. We recommend that you use
a funnel when adding oil.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low and full on the
dipstick is indicated as follows:
2.4 L 4 −cylinder (2AZ −FE) engine
1.1 L (1.1 qt., 1.0 Imp. qt.)
3.3 L V6 (3MZ −FE) engine
1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
For the engine oil capacity, see “Service
specifications” on page 373 in Section 8.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the filler cap hand− tight.
Checking the engine oil level

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Oil identification mark
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is added to some oil con-
tainers to help you select the oil you
should use.To ensure excellent lubrication perfor-
mance for your engine, “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all
Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil”.Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “F” and “L” lines on the reservoir.
If the level is low, add the coolant. (For
the coolant type, see “Coolant type
selection” described below.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the “L” line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the “F” line.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap,
radiator 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 en-
gine is hot.
Checking the engine coolant
level

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CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and
explosive hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
Never ingest electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, con-
tinue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while en route to the medi-
cal office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burning, get medi-
cal attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
Terminals
Hold −down
clamp Ground cable
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
holddown clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm water and bak-
ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi-
nals with grease to prevent further cor-
rosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose, tighten their clamp nuts—but do not
overtighten.
c. Tighten the hold −down clamp only
enough to keep the battery firmly in
place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
Checking battery c ondition—
—Precautions —Checking battery exterior

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A
Adding washer fluid363
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Front seats 46,47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning filter 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system
Automatic air conditioning system 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual air conditioning system 220 . . . . . .
Airbags 61,67,73,81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All window control switches 24
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 358
. . . . . . . . . .
Anti −glare inside rear view mirror 110 . . . . . .
Anti −lock brake system warning light
(brake assist system warning
light) 133
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti −theft steering column lock 144 . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 327
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from corrosion 322
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray 245
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio remote controls 180
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system
AUX 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system operating tips 182
. . . . . . . . . . .
Auto anti −glare inside rear view mirror
Compass 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic air conditioning system 226 . . . . . . Automatic door locking and
unlocking functions 23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic transmission 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock override button 318
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AUX 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary boxes 252
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 30
. . . . . . . . . . .
B
Battery
Checking battery condition 360 . . . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 290 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bluetooth  189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 268 . . . . . . . .
Brake system 264 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 133 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Fluid level 348 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 268 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 162
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break −in tips 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 123
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Carbon monoxide caution 262
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo and luggage
Capacity 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacity and distribution 285
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage precautions 285
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo net 255
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification label 268
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging system warning light 133
. . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 362
. . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air conditioning filter 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 344
. . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and
condenser 347
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint
Child restraint system 87
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with child restraint lower anchorages 102,103
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of child restraint system 87 . . . . . . . .
Using a top strap 98,100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter 245
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 327
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather
Operation 293
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc changer 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc changer controller 168 . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 168
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Condenser
Checking the condenser 347
. . . . . . . . . . . .