The rear bumper on a 2001 Toyota Camry will only need to be removed if it is damaged, or if you want to replace it with an aftermarket body kit. In either case, you must have a few simple tools and about 1/2 hour to remove the bumper. You may want to have an assistant help you hold the bumper while you remove it so that you do not crack it or damage it during the removal process.
Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
things you'll need:
Socket wrench
Socket set
Flat head screwdriver
Jack
Jack stands
1
Raise the 2001 Camry on jack stands. Lift up on the rear jack point with a floor jack and place jack stands under the rear pinch welds. Then, lower the Camry onto the jack stands.
2
Reach behind the rear wheel and remove the rivets holding the wheel liner in place with a flat head screwdriver. Pry up on the rivets to pop them out.
3
Remove the screw bolts holding the bumper to the bumper support. You will need to access these from underneath the rear bumper.
4
Remove the screw bolts in the wheel well that hold the bumper in place.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that has been a staple of Toyota's lineup for many years. First introduced in the 1960s, it has been most popular in the United States since the 1990s. Replacing car speakers on a Toyota Corolla does require the removal of some body panels, but is appropriate for the do-it-yourselfer with some preparation and the proper tools
Difficulty:
Moderate
Instructions
things you'll need:
Philips screwdrivers
Flat blade screwdriver
Panel tool
10mm socket, with ratchet and extension
Drill
Replacing the front door speakers
1
Pry out the sail panel, the triangular plastic panel at the top leading edge of the door panel.
2
Take out the Philips screw from the trim behind the door release. Pry out the clip.
3
Pry up the the pad on the armrest and pull it off. Take out the Philips screws located beneath the pad.
4
Pry around the edges of the door panel to release it from the clips holding it in place on the door. When it's loose, lift the panel up and away from the door.
5
Drill out the rivets holding the speaker in place. Disconnect and remove the speaker.
6
Connect your new speaker and secure it in place with sheet metal screws. Test the speaker and reassemble the door panel.
Replacing the rear deck speakers
1
Push the brake light on the rear deck back toward the window to release it. Lift it up and out after disconnecting the wiring.
2
Pull out the two circular clips on the front edge of the rear deck panel. Then remove the seat belts from their slots on the rear deck.
3
Pull the rear deck toward the car interior to remove it.
4
Unscrew the four Philips screws holding each speaker in place, disconnect the wiring and remove the speaker.
5
Connect the new speaker, and mount in place with the Philips screws.
When a car gets rear-ended, sometimes the damage is so extensive that it's cost-prohibitive to fix. If a truck gets rear-ended, though, it's often enough to just buy a new bed. Finding a bed is easy, as many junkyards have parts. Replacing a Toyota truck bed isn't difficult, and should take 30 minutes with the help of a friend.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
Assistant
3/8-inch ratchet and socket set and 12-inch extension
Phillips head screwdriver
Replacement bed
1
Open the tailgate on the damaged bed and remove the taillights using a Phillips head screwdriver.
2
Unclip the light sockets from the taillights and push the wiring inside of the tailgate pocket and down onto the ground.
3
Unclip the harness that connects to the license plate lights. If there are any zip ties or clips securing the taillight harness to the bottom of the bed, undo them now so that there is nothing holding it to the bed.
4
Open the gas door and unscrew the gas filler neck from the bed using a Phillips head screwdriver. Push the gas filler neck in towards the bed. This way, when you're lifting off the bed the gas filler neck won't catch on the body.
5
Unbolt the bed from the frame using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set.
6
With the help of your assistant, lift the bed off the chassis and place it to the side.
7
Install the replacement bed in the reverse order of disassembly.
Thank goodness for Toyota. They made working on the clutch pretty straightforward, and something quite doable for the average car owner with a little time and expertise.
Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
things you'll need:
Clutch fluid
Wheel blocks
Wrench and pliers
1
Look beneath the hood to see what the level of clutch fluid in the reservoir of the Toyota Camry is. The reservoir that's located near the left rear of the engine bay. Top off the fluid to the recommended level, and pump the clutch pedal to restore the pressure. If the fluid doesn't stay at the same level, you may have a leak in the system. Check the cylinders, the reservoir and the lines, and replace any faulty part.
2
Adjust the height of the clutch of the Toyota Camry. After putting the parking brake on, and putting a block behind the wheel, start up the engine and let it idle.
3
Move the shift lever into reverse, and let the gears connect as you adjust the clutch in the Toyota Camry.
4
Press the pedal down slowly and find out at what the distance of the stroke is between the point where the gears release point and "full stroke end position." Measure this distance and record it.
5
Loosen the "jam nut" that's located on the push rod of the Toyota Camry, and turn the rod around once or twice to the right. Test the clutch adjustment, and repeat if necessary.
How to change the serpentine belt on a Toyota Camry 4 cyl. car
change the serpentine belt on a Toyota Camry 4 cyl. car
I am not a mechanic and I hate to work on cars, but when the Toyota garage told me they would charge me $125 to change the serpentine belt on my 2002 Toyota Camry 4-cylinder engine, I revolted. I knew I could buy the belt for about $30. So for a potential savings of nearly $100, I was willing to give it a try. It's a bit challenging, but I paid for some expert advice and learned a lot, and now am willing to pass it on to you. If I can do it, you can, too.
Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
things you'll need:
Set of metric wrenches, including short and long extensions, and...
18mm or 3/4in. socket wrench
piece of pipe to extend wrench handle
courage, patience and endurance
1
This is what it looks like under the hood of a 2002 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder engine. Arrow points to the serpentine belt. Study the belt wrap so you know how it goes. It might be good to take a picture before you disturb anything. Also, the cardboard sleeve your new belt comes in should have one or more diagrams of how the belt should be wound. Note the diagram that matches your vehicle. The motor is mounted laterally, that is, across the engine compartment of the car. So the "front" of the engine actually faces the right front tire. I will call this the "end" of the motor. The side of the engine faces the front of the car. I will call this the "front" or "front side."
2
I have worked on older model cars, and I falsely assumed the first thing I had to do was loosen the alternator. Wrong! Leave the alternator alone! The first thing you have to do is remove this bracket on the front side of the motor using a 14 mm wrench. These and the next two brackets you will be removing are mounts to help keep the engine steady.
3
Next, remove the two bolts (red arrows) holding this bracket in place. There is a third bolt, slightly longer, that goes straight down just to the left of the picture. Before removing the bracket, remove the bolt holding the grounding wire to the bracket (yellow arrow). I suggest you put the bolt back in the hole so you don't lose it. Keep track of all your bolts.
4
Once you have removed the black bracket, there will be another bracket of machined metal under it. Remove the three bolts holding this bracket in place. Make sure you keep your bolts with their corresponding bracket.
5
All of this is to give you room to operate the tensoin control device (red arrow). Place a 19mm wrench (a 3/4" does just as well) on the nut and press forward (clockwise-note yellow arrow) hard for at least three seconds. The end of the handle will move three to ten inches, depending on how long a handle you have. The nut does not come off, but pressing forward allows it to release the tension on the belt. It helps to put a pipe over the handle of your socket wrench to give you more leverage. I used an 18" long piece of almuinum tubing from the leg of an old Weber grill, and once I had it pulled forward my wife was able to hold it in place while I slipped the belt off the top right pully (green arrow). Or you might be able to hold the wrench with one hand while you remove the belt from the pully with the other. Once the belt is removed from one pully, you can release the tension control nut. Finish removing the belt from the rest of the pullys, noting how it is wrapped as you remove it.
6
Next you loop the new belt around the respective pullys starting at the bottom and proceeding toward the top. There are two kinds of pullies. The pullies that have a little lip on the edge of the wheel do the actual work (red arrow). The pullies that are smooth and have slightly rounded edges are "idler" pulleys (green arrow): They just position the belt so it can grip the working pullies effectively. The grooved edge of the belt goes against the working pulleys; the smooth side of the belt goes against the idler pullies.
7
Once you have wrapped the belt around all the pullies except the top right one, you will have to release the tension control device, again, using your 19mm (or ¾") wrench (with extended handle). You have to hold it for at least 3 seconds before it releases. I actually managed to hold the wrench down with one hand while I slipped the belt over the last pully with the other hand. Then replace all the brackets and wire in the reverse order you removed them. Photo shows the new belt on and all the parts replaced.
8
I didn't know all this when I started, and it took me the better part of a Saturday afternoon. But I had removed some bolts I shouldn't have (I started to loosen the alternator), and forgot to put one back. So I had to undo all the brackets to replace the left-over bolt. I don't think it took me more thatn 20 minutes the second time. I didn't know all this then. I'm sharing what I learned so you can do it faster and with confidence. You can do it.
Tips & Warnings
Don't mess with the alternator. On the old cars, you replaced the V-belt by loosening the alternator. Not this one. Leave it alone. That's what got me in trouble.
Some people I consulted warned that the wrench could slip off the tension bolt and the wrench handle could spring up and hit you in the face. That was never even close to happening. But it is good to be reminded that that tension bolt has a very strong spring on it, so treat it respectfully, and make sure the wrench is squarely on it.
When your vehicle needs to be moved from one location to another, towing sometimes can be your only option. Towing a vehicle yourself versus having a professional tow it will save you money. Most towing companies charge a minimum of $50 per tow and milleage. The average tow bill can exceed $100. Someone with limited or no towing experience can complete the following steps for a worry free tow.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
Vehicle capable of towing the 2008 Toyota Corolla
Tow Dolly
1
Attach the tow dolly to the trailer hitch on the rear of the pulling vehicle.
2
Insert the safety pin from the tow dolly to the trailer hitch securing the connection.
3
Align the 2008 Toyota Corolla's front wheels with the ramps on the tow dolly.
4
Push or drive the vehicle onto the ramps and secure the tires using the straps.
5
Engage the hazard lights on the 2008 Toyota Corolla.
The Toyota Highlander was introduced in 2000 as Toyota's mid-size SUV crossover. The Highlander is built on the Toyota Camry's platform, but it offers its own engine and other components for the heavier, more powerful design needed in an SUV. A success in its market segment, the Highlander is now available as a hybrid vehicle. The Highlander comes in a variety of trim levels and engines as well as a manual or automatic transmission. Shifting the Highlander's automatic transmission into drive is a simple process unless there's a problem with the shift lock.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
Flat-head screwdriver
Normal Operation
1
Place the key in the ignition and turn to the "On" position. The Highlander does not need to be turned on, but the key does need to be turned to "On" to shift gears.
2
Press the brake pedal and push the lock release button on the shift lever.
3
Slide the shift lever until it lines up with the "D" for drive.
Shift Lock Inoperable or No Key
1
Set the parking brake.
2
Pry the shift lock override cover off with a flat-head screwdriver.
3
Press the brake pedal and push the shift lock override button.
4
Slide the shift lever until it lines up with the "D" for drive.
A scary feeling is when your 1994 Toyota truck breaks down or runs out of gas. It is pricey to pay for a tow truck or monthly AAA services. A quicker and cheaper fix is to have a truck or SUV of equal size to your Toyota truck tow you home or to your local mechanic. Tow straps are perfect for pulling vehicles and with the proper safety precautions, this method of towing will save you money.
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
Tow strap
Truck or SUV of equal size to the Toyota truck
1
Put your truck in park, turn on the hazard lights and turn off the ignition of your Toyota truck.
2
Back the towing vehicle up right in front of the Toyota truck.
3
Wrap the tow strap around the rear axle of the towing vehicle. Hook the tow straps hook over the strap after wrapping it around the axle. Make sure to not wrap the strap around a brake line or hose near the axle; just wrap it around the steel axle.
4
Pull the other end of the tow strap under the front end of the 1994 Toyota truck and wrap the tow strap around the front axle that same way you did on the towing vehicle.
5
Get in the Toyota truck. Shift it into neutral and apply your foot on the brakes.
6
Allow the towing vehicle to pull forward until the tow strap is taut. Let off the brakes in the Toyota truck and let the towing vehicle pull you to your destination.
Tips & Warnings
While being towed down hills, press the brakes in the Toyota truck, you don't want the tow strap to ever become loose.
Buying a sun shade for your Toyota Prius is easy, if you know where to look. Conventional sun shades are usually too small to fit the Prius' wide windshield, so you won't find one that works at a big box store or your local auto store. Read on for some ideas about where to find a sun shade that fits.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
1
Decide if you really need a sun shade for your Prius. If you can park in the shade most places you go, you're probably okay without one. On the other hand, if you frequently park your car in the sun, using a sun shade keeps the cabin shady and makes it easier for your car to keep cool.
2
Open your web browser and go to www.canvasworks.com. This is the homepage of the only known maker of a sun shade designed specifically for the Toyota Prius.
3
Click on the "Order HeatShields" graphic in the top right corner of the main page. If you want to get more information on the HeatShield sun shades first, click on "About HeatShields" instead.
4
Select "Toyota" from the list of available auto makers and click "Find Heatshields."
5
Scan down the alphabetized list of models and look for the Prius. Select your model based on when you bought it.
6
Double-check your make and model choice on the following screen. If the information is right, then click "Add to Cart."
7
Follow the site's checkout process once you've added the HeatShield to the cart.
Tips & Warnings
You can also buy sun shades that fit the side and rear windows of your Prius. Do a Google search for "Prius sun shade" or see what's offered on Amazon.com to find these special shades.
The speed sensor on your Toyota is responsible for monitoring the speed of your vehicle. The sensor is located on the bottom of the transmission on most Toyotas (either on the bottom or on the side of your transmission, depending on the model and year). A clear indication that your speed sensor is failing is when your speedometer no longer functions normally. Replacement speed sensors can be purchased from most auto parts stores.
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
Vise-Grip pliers
Replacement speed sensor
Jack
Jack stands
1
Raise the front of the Toyota onto jack stands using a floor jack or the jack that came with the Toyota.
2
Slide under the Toyota and locate the speed sensor. It will look like a black plug stuck into the transmission. The exact location will vary depending on your model and year.
3
Unplug the electrical leads running to the sensor.
4
Grab the end of the sensor with a pair of Vise-Grip pliers and turn the sensor counterclockwise to remove the sensor.
5
Thread and tighten the new sensor. Then reconnect the electrical leads. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
Remote entry systems are a standard feature with many new cars sold today. The convenience of a remote key is sometimes not appreciated until faced without one. A replacement remote can be obtained if the remote is lost, and batteries may need to be replaced on a remote--in both instances reprogramming is necessary. Reprogramming a Toyota Avalon device is simple task that any car owner can do. The sequence of steps must be performed consecutively and should not take more than 45 seconds to complete.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
Remote key
1
Enter and sit in the driver's seat, keeping the driver's door open and unlocked. Insert the key in the ignition then remove without turning.
2
Lock and unlock the doors using the master switch on the driver's door. Repeat this until you've completed five lock/unlock cycles. This step must be completed in 10 seconds.
3
Close, then open the driver's door and repeat Step 2.
4
Insert the key into the ignition and turn to the "On" position. Do this two times without starting the car, then remove the key from the ignition. Within three seconds, the power door locks should cycle automatically, indicating successful entry into programming mode. Return to Step 1 if the locks do not cycle at this point.
5
Press the lock and unlock buttons on the remote simultaneously for 1 second.
6
Press the lock button by itself and hold for 2 seconds immediately after completing Step 5. The door locks should cycle once, indicating successful programming. If the door locks don't cycle, or cycle twice, repeat Steps 5 and 6.
Tips & Warnings
To reprogram additional remotes, follow Steps 5 and 6 only.
How to Repair a Toyota Prius Keyless Remote Smart Key
Can Prius owners program a Prius Smart Key System FOB?
There's one way to repair a Toyota Prius keyless remote smart key, and it has to do with reprogramming the SKS keys' code. On Generation II, this does not require the replacement of the vehicle computer. This is more involved than the reset procedure for the door locks and starting of the Prius, and it is usually performed by a Toyota dealer. The main reason for this is that there is a specialized code reader/programmer needed for this, and it is expensive. Check around for the best dealer price if you need an SKS Prius key re-programmed.
Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
things you'll need:
SKS code reader/programmer
1
Open the driver-side door of the Prius.
2
Select Prius from the menu of the hand-held tester.
3
Select "SMART KEY">"ID UTILITY">"SMART CODE RESET." Enter the "seed number" of tester screen into TIS (Technical Information System).
4
Input the pass-code number sent from TIS according to tester screen.
5
Verify from the tester screen that the registered codes are erased from the smart ECU (Engine Control Module). Finish the SKS reset.
Tips & Warnings
You cannot program the smart key on your own. Find a Toyota dealer who will do it at the lowest price.
This smart key reset will take about 16 minutes to complete.
How to Repair a Toyota Prius Keyless Remote Smart Key
Can Prius owners program a Prius Smart Key System FOB?
There's one way to repair a Toyota Prius keyless remote smart key, and it has to do with reprogramming the SKS keys' code. On Generation II, this does not require the replacement of the vehicle computer. This is more involved than the reset procedure for the door locks and starting of the Prius, and it is usually performed by a Toyota dealer. The main reason for this is that there is a specialized code reader/programmer needed for this, and it is expensive. Check around for the best dealer price if you need an SKS Prius key re-programmed.
Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
things you'll need:
SKS code reader/programmer
1
Open the driver-side door of the Prius.
2
Select Prius from the menu of the hand-held tester.
3
Select "SMART KEY">"ID UTILITY">"SMART CODE RESET." Enter the "seed number" of tester screen into TIS (Technical Information System).
4
Input the pass-code number sent from TIS according to tester screen.
5
Verify from the tester screen that the registered codes are erased from the smart ECU (Engine Control Module). Finish the SKS reset.
Tips & Warnings
You cannot program the smart key on your own. Find a Toyota dealer who will do it at the lowest price.
This smart key reset will take about 16 minutes to complete.
What's wrong with your car? The OBD-II code can tell you
All cars and trucks sold in the U.S. since the 1980s have an on-board diagnostic (OBD) computer. This device monitors an array of sensors throughout the engine, many within the emission-control and electronic fuel-injection systems. If a sensor reading falls outside its normal range, the OBD illuminates the warning light on the instrument panel most people call the check-engine light. On a 2000 Toyota Corolla or any other vehicle built after 1995, troubleshooting the cause of a check-engine warning is a matter of reading the OBD-II diagnostic code stored in the computer
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
OBD-II code reader
OBD-II code cross-reference
1
Read the OBD (on-board diagnostic) trouble code from the diagnostic computer. Code readers are inexpensive and widely available. Many auto-parts stores will read a customer's code for free, in hopes of then selling the necessary repair parts.
Cross-reference the code with a chart of OBD-II trouble codes to determine which sensor reading is out of range. OBD-II codes are standardized across all vehicles. A code is a four-digit number preceded by a letter, for example P0420, which indicates a malfunctioning catalytic converter.
3
Research causes of codes on the internet or at the library. There are many online references that will explain the trouble codes, or you can enter the model and code into a search engine, for example "P0171 Toyota Corolla." Codes that begin with the letter P are related to the power train, those with a B indicate problems in the vehicle, and a C code refers to the chassis.
Tips & Warnings
Before buying your own code reader, check the packaging to be certain it will interface with your vehicle. There are at least three different and incompatible plug types
For most cars, replacing a broken headlight is an easy task, and on the 2000 Toyota Corolla this is no exception. The task can be done quickly, easily and can save you money that would have been spent paying a mechanic who probably would have overcharged you in labor costs. Do the job yourself and do it correctly. It's almost as simple as screwing in a light bulb.
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
things you'll need:
Screwdriver
1
Engage the emergency brake and make sure the ignition is turned off to keep the Corolla in place while you work. Pop open the hood to locate and remove the trim covering over the rear of the headlight assembly.
2
Remove the mounting screws that secure the headlight assembly in place by rotating them counterclockwise with a screwdriver. The mounting screws are located under the hood of the Corolla at the rear of the headlight assembly. Set the screws aside so you have access to them later in the installation process.
3
Detach the electrical wiring from the rear of the headlight assembly and pull the assembly forward to remove it from the vehicle. Insert the new headlight assembly into place in the same space the old assembly was removed from. Reconnect the electrical wiring when the headlight assembly is in place.
4
Secure the new headlight assembly into place using the same screws that were removed earlier. These screws should now be turned clockwise until properly tightened. Put the headlight trim cover back over the headlight assembly and test the headlight to ensure it is working properly.
How to Troubleshoot the Air Conditioning in a Toyota Camry
Take a shot at trying to troubleshoot air conditioning problems in your Toyota Camry before making a costly and time-consuming trip to the dealer or a mechanic. Sometimes air conditioning problems in an automobile can be an easy fix, even for those of us who know nothing about cars.
Difficulty:
Challenging
Instructions
things you'll need:
Screwdriver
1
Start the engine and let it to run for a few minutes to allow the air to cool. Double check the controls to make sure the correct buttons are selected. This may seem simplistic, but human error could be to blame.
2
Adjust the climate controls. If they seem to work fine but have effect on the air then the problem is probably a simple blown fuse. If the controls do not work correctly, then the problem is probably with the control panel. If you cannot hear the sound that accompanies turning the air from low to high, then the problem is likely with the blower motor.
3
Check for a blown fuse. The interior fuse box is located to the left of the steering column in the dashboard. Remove the coin tray, and then remove the trim panel surrounding it. Use the guide on the inside of the fuse panel to locate the blown fuse and replace it with one of equal amperage.
4
Get to the blower motor pretty easily in a Toyota Camry. Unscrew and remove the glove box entirely. The blower motor is directly behind it. Unplug the electrical connection, unscrew it and remove it.
5
Pry off the trim panels surrounding the climate controls and radio to gain access to the control panel. Press the two fitting tabs in toward one another to release the heater control assembly.
This is how to decode the VIN on a 1997 Toyota Tacoma.
A Tacoma is a compact pick-up truck manufactured by Toyota. A "VIN" is a vehicle identification number, which is an 18-digit number with letters and numbers. All modern vehicles must have a unique VIN assigned to them and posted somewhere within the vehicle. In some vehicles, they are located in the dashboard and visible through the windshield. VIN numbers in Toyotas built after 1989 are located inside the driver's door, usually on the metal opposite the door hinge, lower to the ground.
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
1
Open the driver side door.
2
Locate the VIN card. It will typically be found inside the vehicle, near the latch where the door meets the frame when it shuts.
3
Decode the VIN. Each digit denotes a certain piece of information, as follows:
1: Country
2: Manufacturer
3: Type
4 and 5: Body type
6: Engine series
7: Model
8: Model code
9: Check digit
10: Year
11: Assembly plant
12 through 18: Sequential production number
For a description of what the specific digits of your VIN mean (see Resources).
The 2005 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with keyless entry technologies, which allows you to use a remote to control a variety of the vehicle's features. Sometimes these remotes stop working or lose their signal, and resetting and troubleshooting the remote is necessary. You can troubleshoot the RAV4 remote in just minutes from your vehicle, using only the remote itself and the vehicle's ignition key.
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
1
Enter your vehicle with the ignition key and keyless remote. Close and lock all of the doors behind you besides the driver's door, which you will leave unlocked.
2
Insert and remove the key from the ignition twice, close and open the driver's door twice and insert and remove the key from the ignition again.
3
Close and open the driver's door two more times, insert the key into the ignition again and close the driver's door.
4
Cycle the key to "On" and then back to "Off" and remove the key from the ignition. This will end the resetting process; you can now troubleshoot the remote by reprogramming it.
5
Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on your remote for 2 seconds and release, then press the lock button for 2 seconds and release.
6
Wait for the locks to respond by cycling, and open the driver's door to end the troubleshooting sequence.
