How to change dashboard light for Toyota Corolla 99

Dashboard Light Problem

This summer my Toyota Corolla dashboard light went off. This affected my night time driving as I was unable to understand my current speed, fuel level etc. I checked with body shopper for change and I was shocked when I heard the cost to replace the same. Hence, I tried to change it myself and I was successful. Hence I am sharing it with you all. I hope this helps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Philips screw driver
• 194 Bulb

1. • 1
     194 Bulb

     Buy 194 type clear bulbs from Wal-Mart or Kmart or any other store. Approximate cost is around $3 for a 2-pack.

   • 2
     Cluster Screw

     Switch off the car and try to locate and remove the 2 Philips screws on top of the gauge cluster plastic frame. Next pull out the frame grasping the top end.

   • 3
     

     In the actual cluster, you should be able to find a few more Philips screws. In Corolla 99, I found 3 Philips screws. Remove all.

   • 4

     Lift the cluster up and take it out of the dashboard. No need to touch or remove any electrical connectors.

   • 5
     

     Access the backlighting bulbs by locating 3 colored sockets on the back side of the cluster. Twist to unlock, and pull out the 194 bulb attached to the socket.

   • 6
     

     Replace the bulb and pack the cluster again.

How to Fix Power Seats in a Toyota Corolla

Owners of the 2004 to 2007 Toyota Corolla can often be distracted by a noisy squeak coming from their power seats while driving. The squeak occurs because of unnatural contact between the floor pan location holes and the seat track locating pins. Fortunately, a fix exists to put an end to the noise and distraction and even confusion.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Power cut-off tool
• Flat blade screwdriver with taped tip
• Wax
• Paint

1. • 1

     Turn the ignition switch to the "Lock" position. Undo the negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes.

   • 2

     Use the screwdriver to take off the plastic front and rear seat track covers.

   • 3

     Remove the front seat assembly on the left side. Position the seat back so that it's upright before unscrewing the four seat track bolts, disconnecting the electrical connectors and removing the entire seat assembly.

   • 4

     Tilt the seat backwards and cut off the two seat track locating pins on the front, inner and out track with power cut-off tool. Leave only 2mm or less on each of the pins.

   • 5

     Clean up all shavings, use wax to clean the seat track locating pin remainder and paint metal surfaces to prevent corrosion.

   • 6

     Reinstall the left hand front assembly, reconnect the electrical connectors and put in the four seat track retaining bolts. Finish by reinstalling the plastic seat track covers. Reconnect he battery terminal and check to see if the problem has been fixed.

How to Change the Belts in a 1997 Toyota Camry

The serpentine belt propels many of the essential moving parts for the 1997 Camry.

The Toyota Camry was introduced in 1983. The 1997 Toyota Camry came equipped with the option of two different engines: a 2.2-liter in-line 4-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter V-6. The belts on both engines are routed in a nearly identical manner around accessories (the exception being the optional air conditioning for the 2.2-liter, which comes standard on the 3.0-liter engine). The drive belts on the 1997 Toyota Camry are located on the passenger side of the engine. Both of the 1997 Camry engine options include a power steering and an alternator belt, with the air conditioning compressor being optional on the alternator belt line.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket set with a 4-inch extension
• New alternator belt (see "Tips" section for belt sizes)
• New power steering belt (see "Tips" section for belt sizes)
• Small pry bar

1. • 1

     Open the hood of the Camry and set the prop rod to hold the hood up for the duration of this project.

   • 2

     Loosen the top and bottom bolts on the alternator, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket. Push the alternator inward, toward the engine. Remove the alternator drive belt completely.

   • 3

     Loosen the top and bottom bolts on the power steering pump. Push the power steering pump inward, toward the engine. Remove the power steering drive belt completely.

   • 4

     Install the power steering drive belt over the top of the power steering pulley. Route the drive belt down and under the crankcase pulley. The crank pulley is the large pulley located on the bottom center of the engine. Pull the power steering pump away from the engine, using a small pry bar for leverage. Move the pump outward, until there is only about 1/4-inch of play in the belt when you wiggle it by hand. Tighten the top power steering mounting bolt, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket, then tighten the bottom bolt completely.

   • 5

     Install the alternator drive belt onto the top of the alternator pulley. Route the belt downward and around the front of the air conditioning compressor pulley, if the car you are working on is so equipped. Route the belt around the front and under the air conditioning compressor, to the bottom side of the crank pulley -- from the bottom the the crank pulley the belt will return to the alternator. If the Camry that you are working on does no have air conditioning, simply route the belt around the alternator, then around the crank pulley.

   • 6

     Push the alternator away from the engine, using a small pry bar against one of the mounting bolt tabs on the alternator. Do not push or apply direct pressure to the body of the alternator, as you can bend the soft aluminum cage around the alternator, rendering it useless. Move the alternator until you only have about 1/4-inch of play in the belt when you wiggle it with your hand. Tighten the top alternator mounting bolt with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket, then immediately tighten the bottom mounting bolt.

Tips & Warnings

• The belt sizes on the 1997 Toyota Camry are as follows:

• 2.2-liter engine power steering belt = 295K3

• 2.2-liter engine alternator with A/C compressor = 433K5

• 2.2-liter engine alternator without A/C compressor = 396K5

• 3.0-liter engine power steering belt = 347K4

• 3.0-liter engine alternator with A/C compressor = 408K6

How to Change Toyota Struts

When struts wear out, choppy wear on the tires that leave little uneven flat spots on the tread appear. The front or back of the car also bottoms out over hard bumps, or there is excessive rocking of the front of the car after traveling over bumps in the road. From a visual standpoint, oil on the strut housing will indicate a bad seal. Struts can be checked with the car sitting still by bouncing the front and rear of the car with your body weight. If the vehicle stops bouncing immediately, the struts are good. If the car to bounces more than once before settling, the struts are weak and need replacing.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Strut compressor
• ½-inch air gun
• ½-inch sockets
• Set of wrenches
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

1. • 1

     Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheels. Remove the two large nuts and bolts holding the struts to the spindle.

   • 2

     Remove the three 13 mm nuts on the top of the fenderwell. Remove the 10 mm bolt holding the brake line to the strut. Separate the strut base from the spindle by pushing on the strut base and pulling on the spindle.

   • 3

     Install the strut compressor on the spring and use the air gun to tighten the compressor until the spring is loose inside the saddle and the top can be turned freely. Remove the top retaining nut with the ½-inch air gun. Lift the top plate off and lay it aside. Lift the spring off of the strut and carefully lay it down.

   • 4

     Take the new strut out of the box and remove the wires holding the strut from extending. If it is the type that does not use wire retainers, push down by hand on the strut shaft, rotate a half turn and release--it will automatically extend.

   • 5

     Hold the strut up on the floor with the mounting flanges to the spindle facing away. Remove the rubber seat from the old strut and install it on the new strut. Make sure that it is situated right where the end of the spring fits into the pocket in the rubber seat. Install the spring, making sure that the bottom of the spring fits correctly into the rubber seat.

   • 6

     Install the top bearing plate and make sure it fits properly into its groove, then install the top nut. Use the air gun to tighten the top nut. Release the tension on the spring by loosening the compressor.

   • 7

     Insert the studs on the top plate of the strut up through the fenderwell, install the 13 mm nuts and tighten. Push the spindle neck into the mounting flanges on the strut base, insert the large bolts and nuts, and tighten. Install the 10 mm bolt through the brake line bracket. Do the same to the other side.

How to Read a Toyota VIN

Vehicle Identification Numbers are serial numbers, each of which is unique to every vehicle. They were introduced in the mid-1950s in the US due to mass production of automobiles. However, it was not standardized and difficult to decode. Toyota introduced its first imported car in the U.S. in the late 1950s. By the early 1980s, the USDOT mandated a 17-digit VIN number in a standardized format in order to decipher specific information and history of every vehicle--Toyota included. By 1996, after safety restraints were mandated on vehicles, the VIN format changed slightly, but still employed the 17-digit coding.

1. Toyota VIN Format: 1996 to Present

   • You can gather a lot of information from the first 11 digits from the Toyota VIN. The last six digits present the sequential manufactured number of the vehicle made in the specific year of the Toyota. In other words, if the last six digits of the VIN display the numbers 000100, this shows that Toyota vehicle was the one hundredth vehicle of that model manufactured on the assembly line in that particular year.

     The first digit of the VIN displays the country of origin. Because Toyotas have manufacturing plants based worldwide, each country of origin has a specific digit.

     The second digit on a Toyota will always be "T" for Toyota. This displays the manufacturer of the vehicle.

     The third digit of the VIN displays the vehicle type (for example, sedan, coupe or truck).

     The fourth digit displays the body type of the Toyota. For example, two-door with two-wheel drive or five-door lift-back with four-wheel drive.

     The fifth digit displays the engine size and displacement.

     The sixth digit displays the series of the model Toyota--for example, luxury edition or limited edition.

     The seventh digit displays the safety restraint code. This shows how many airbags the vehicle is equipped with and the type of seat belts employed in the model.

     The eighth digit displays the model code; Camry, Corolla or Tacoma, or example.

     The ninth digit is a unique "check-digit" that is only specific to the year, make and model of the Toyota. This is used only to verify the validity of the VIN number altogether.

     The tenth digit displays the year the model was manufactured in. Usually, after August of the year it was manufactured in will display the following year as the date of manufacturing.

     The eleventh digit displays the specific plant the Toyota was made in. Again, since the Toyota Motor Corp. has plants around the world, this code will determine the plant in the country of origin that built the vehicle.

   Prior to 1996

   • There were five digits prior to 1996 with a slight variance to the VIN code. The last six were still the sequential manufactured number of the vehicle. Digits one, two, six, nice, ten, and eleven were all the same. However, the third, fourth and fifth digits displayed the category, the engine size and the model or platform of the vehicle in respective order. Because safety restraints were not mandated prior to 1996, the seventh digit displayed the grade of model for the Toyota. And lastly, the eighth digit displayed the body and chassis configuration of the vehicle.

   How to Use VINs

   • You can learn the history of a used Toyota by entering the VIN into a history check system for the vehicle. This will display and documented accidents or damage that has occurred to the vehicle. Understand that accidents or damage that occurred undocumented will not be revealed on any vehicle history reports, whether you have to pay for them or they are free.

     Since VINs are specific to every vehicle, they are also used by law enforcement to locate stolen vehicles and properly identify them.

How to Install a Stereo in a Toyota Camry

Installing a new stereo in a Toyota Camry gives you improved sound and allows adding updated features like navigation and subwoofers. Older models of the Toyota Camry likely have stopped working or the sound has severely deteriorated. Swapping out the stereo for a new unit takes a few basic tools and less than an hour. This guide covers models from 1987 through 2000.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Screwdrivers
• Wiring harness adaptor
• Toyota radio adaptor

1. • 1

     Open the hood and locate the battery. Disconnect the negative battery cable and ensure it doesn't touch any metal parts.

   • 2

     Pry the trim ring from around the stereo with your fingers, some early models have two screws at the top of the trim that must be removed. Pull the trim to the side and let it hang from the cigarette lighter wire.

   • 3

     Remove the four screws that secure the radio in the dash, two on each side. Pull the stereo out of the dash and disconnect the wires behind the head unit. Look for an amplifier behind the stereo and remove the wires if found.

   • 4

     Connect the wiring harness adaptor to the original harness, use the wire from the amplifier if there is one. Slide the new stereo into the Toyota radio adaptor and secure it per the manufacturer's instructions. Connect the wiring harness adaptor and antenna wire to the back of the new stereo and slide the entire assembly into the dash.

   • 5

     Reconnect the negative battery cable and turn the radio on. Verify the speakers and controls are all working properly. Secure the stereo into the dash with the original four screws and replace the trim.

How to Program Keyless Remote for 1996 Toyota Avalon

Program your Avalon keyless entry at home.

The Toyota Avalon began coming equipped with a keyless entry system in 1995. The system allows the vehicle owner to lock and unlock the doors from a distance and includes a panic button that sets off an alarm when pushed. Losing or breaking a remote does not mean you are stuck paying a large bill at a mechanic or locksmith. A new remote can be purchased online and the vehicle owner can do the programming in just a few minutes.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Keyless entry remote
• Jumper wire

1. • 1

     Remove the key from the ignition and open the trunk of the vehicle.

   • 2

     Look in the trunk near the driver's side hinge and locate the bulb failure warning module. It is a small plastic box that plugs into the wall of the trunk. Unplug the module.

   • 3

     Push one end of a jumper wire into terminal No. 2 of the bulb failure nodule space. Insert the other one into terminal No. 10. Listen for the doors to unlock and lock and for the trunk lock to engage. A jumper wire is any wire that has a metal core and will conduct electricity, such as speaker wire or any electrical wire.

   • 4

     Push any button on the keyless entry remote and listen for the vehicle to engage the locks again to signify that the remote has been accepted. Repeat this step with any other remote you need to program.

   • 5

     Remove the jumper wire from the terminals and plug the bulb failure nodule back in. Test your remote from outside the vehicle.

How to Replace a Headlight Bulb in a Toyota Highlander

Even if you've never driven your Toyota Highlander off-road, its headlights may still break or burn out from time to time. After you've figured out whether the low or high-beam bulb has burned out, you can order a replacement bulb and install it yourself in just a few minutes.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• #9003 replacement bulb (2008 and later models)
• #9006 and #9005 replacement bulbs (low- and high-beam bulbs for 2001-2007 models)

1. • 1

     Remove the keys from the ignition and engage the emergency brake for safety. Also, make sure the headlamp control is in the "OFF" position.

   • 2

     Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight assembly inside the engine compartment.

   • 3

     Unplug the electrical connector from the assembly and remove the rubber cover from the bulb socket.

   • 4

     Release the retaining spring to loosen the old bulb, and then pull it directly out of the socket. Carefully dispose of the bulb to prevent it from cracking or shattering.

   • 5

     Align the tabs of the new bulb with the cutouts of the mounting hole. Then, carefully press the bulb into the socket until it's secure.

   • 6

     Install the rubber cover in its original position and reattach the electrical connector to the headlight assembly. Make sure the rubber cover is fastened to the socket before continuing.

   • 7

     Start your Highlander's engine and test the headlights to make sure they work before closing the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the headlight diagram in Section 7 of your Highlander Owner's Manual if you're unsure of whether the high- or low-beam bulb has burned out.

How to Replace an Air Filter in a Toyota Camry

In less than 10 minutes you can change the air filter on a Toyota Camry. Air filters clean the air that flows to the engine. A clean filter can increase gas mileage and car performance. Car manufacturers recommend changing air filters every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Inspect and change the filter every 12 months or 15,000 miles if the vehicle is driven in extremely dusty conditions.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

• 1

  Turn off the car before changing the air filter. Don't start the car once the air filter has been removed, it acts as a barrier were the car to backfire.

• 2

  Locate the box that houses the air filter. Look in the front driver's side of the car, closest to the windshield, near the center of the engine compartment.

• 3

  Undo the clips that keep the housing lid secure. Lift the lid and compress the accordion-type tubing towards the engine.

• 4

  Remove the old filter from the housing unit. Clean any leaves or debris out of the box.

• 5

  Replace the old filter with a new filter that is made for the specific make and model year of your Toyota Camry. Use a K&N air filter, part number 33-2260, for a Camry manufactured from 2002 to 2007. Look up older air filter part numbers online or at your local auto supply store.

• 6

  Pull the lid back over to the air filter housing unit, and snap it in place. Reattach the clips to secure the lid

How to Replace a 98 Toyota Celica Starter

The Celica does not have the easiest starter to remove.

Replacing the starter in your 1998 Toyota Celica is a bit more of a challenge than doing the same with other vehicles. You'll need a basic knowledge of automotive parts and placement because you must remove other components, such as the battery and air intake system, in order to gain access to the starter.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Screwdriver
• Socket set

1. Instructions

   • 1

     Jack the front end of the Celica off the ground and place jack stands under the front frame to allow room to work under the vehicle.

   • 2

     Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Disconnect the positive battery cable and remove the battery from the Celica.

   • 3

     Disconnect the air cleaner assembly. To do so, remove the clamp that secures the assembly to the throttle body with a flat head screwdriver. Remove the clamp that secures the assembly to the air filter box. Pull the assembly out of the engine bay.

   • 4

     Disconnect the starter wiring harness by pulling the connecting tabs on each side of the harness apart.

   • 5

     Crawl under the vehicle and complete steps five to nine while under the vehicle. Remove the nut that secures the starter cable to the starter. Pull the wire off the starter.

   • 6

     Remove the oxygen sensor wiring harness from the bracket on the side of the starter.

   • 7

     Remove the two bolts that secure the starter to the engine and pull the starter out.

   • 8

     Put the new starter in place and secure it with the two bolts.

   • 9

     Reconnect the oxygen sensor wiring harness to the side of the starter. Reconnect the starter cable and secure it with the nut and then reconnect the starter wiring harness.

   • 10

     Place the air cleaner assembly back into the vehicle and secure it with the retaining clamps.

   • 11

     Place the battery back into the vehicle and reconnect the positive battery cable and then the negative cable.

How to Buy Toyota Parts

Toyota car parts can be located in many places in the community.

If you have a Toyota vehicle and frequently find yourself in need of parts, you may be wondering where you can find them yourself. Even if you are interested in starting your own Toyota parts business, it's easy to locate both new and used Toyota parts from a variety of different places. In most cases, you can either pick them up yourself or have them shipped anywhere in the country.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Computer with Internet
• Newspaper

1. • 1
     The Toyota dealership is a logical place to start looking for parts. car dealership 1 image by Alexey Stiop from Fotolia.com

     Contact the Toyota dealership. Though it is known that auto dealerships commonly charge more for parts and repair, they are successful at locating parts for just about any vehicle. If you want the part, you may be able to work out a deal for a good price.

   • 2
     Most auto parts stores can special order just about any part. automotive roller bearing. image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com

     Check your local auto parts store. Every community has one, and many are large, thus able to accommodate a wide variety of parts. Most staffs are helpful, so if they do not carry the part you seek, they will locate it and order it for you.

   • 3
     Online parts suppliers offer every part imaginable, often at reasonable prices. http, www, icon, web, website image by creative from Fotolia.com

     Search online for websites selling Toyota parts. Some sites deal with every make and model, while others specialize exclusively in Toyota parts. You can search by part name or number and vehicle model. Many sites offer reasonable prices, so you can find a good bargain. Also check sites like Autotrader, Ebay and Amazon. All have auto parts sections with lots to offer.

   • 4
     Even a totaled vehicle can contain usable parts. crashed red auto image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com

     Search newspaper classifieds and salvage yards regularly. You may find used or damaged vehicles matching the model for which you need parts. Even a damaged, nonoperational vehicle has parts that can be harvested for other vehicles. Negotiating with an owner or salvage yard manager can result in some excellent bargains on Toyota parts.

How to Find a Toyota Station Wagon

Although Toyota is not best known for its station wagons, the car company does have a few models in its vehicle lineup. Some examples of Toyota station wagons include the Venza, Matrix and a wagon version of the Camry. The body types of the Toyota station wagons are similar to Toyota sedans, but have an extended cargo area in the rear of the vehicles. You should spend some time researching the features of the station wagons from Toyota before finding dealers that sell them.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Know the terminology when looking for a Toyota station wagon. Due to the stigma with the word "station wagon," car dealers are now using different terms to describe their station wagons. For example, you may want to search for a "crossover sedan." This is the term used to describe the Toyota Venza.

   • 2

     Visit your local Toyota dealership. Let the salesperson know you are particularly interested in Toyota's line of station wagons. She will then be able to show you models on the lot.

   • 3

     Locate Toyota station wagons through an online forum. Toyota forums often have a section where members can post classifieds if they have a Toyota for sale. An example of this would be the classified section on the forum Toyota Nation.

   • 4

     Locate a Toyota station wagon dealer through the Toyota website. If you are not sure where the closest Toyota dealership is in your area, type your zip code on the Toyota website for addresses and phone numbers of local Toyota dealers.

   • 5

     Go through online classified ads for Toyota station wagons. Choose a classified website that has a separate section just for Toyota station wagons. For example, Oodle has an entire part devoted to used Toyota station wagons for sale.

   • 6

     Join a Toyota fan club. Fan clubs put together people that are fond of Toyota and their models. You can use these fan sites to post inquiries about Toyota station wagons for sale. One example is Toyota Fans.net.

How to Install a Toyota Camry EGR Valve

Replace the EGR valve on your Toyota Camry.

The Engine Management System (EMS) on your Toyota Camry uses the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve not only to reduce combustion temperatures and fuel consumption, but also to allow a controlled amount of exhaust gas into the intake manifold to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Oxides of nitrogen, released in high quantities into the atmosphere, contribute to the production of ozone in smog, which is a major eye and respiratory irritant. Thus, a bad EGR on your Camry will not only affect engine performance, but also increase harmful emissions.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Ratchet, ratchet extension and socket
• EGR valve gasket
• 2 EGR pipe gaskets (if necessary)

1. Removal

   • 1

     Disconnect and remove the EGR pipe and the two gaskets at each end. Use a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. If you have a 2.2-liter engine, skip this step and go to Step 4.

   • 2

     Remove the connector and clamp from the EGR gas temperature sensor. Use the ratchet and socket.

   • 3

     Remove the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) control hose from the hook located on the EGR valve.

   • 4

     Unplug the vacuum hose or hoses from the EGR valve.

   • 5

     Detach the EGR valve using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

   • 6

     Remove the EGR valve and gasket from the engine compartment.

   Installation

   • 1

     Set the new EGR valve and new gasket in place.

   • 2

     Start the EGR valve mounting bolts and/or nuts by hand, then tighten the bolts and/or nuts using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

   • 3

     Plug the vacuum hose or hoses to the EGR valve.

   • 4

     Attach the EVAP control hose to the hook located on the EGR valve.

   • 5

     Attach the connector and clamp to the EGR gas temperature sensor using the ratchet and socket.

   • 6

     Connect the EGR pipe and two new gaskets at each end. Use the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need help locating and identifying components on your particular Camry model, consult you vehicle's service manual. You may buy one at your local auto parts store or consult one at your local public library.

• The exhaust system on your Toyota Camry reaches very high temperatures in the first few minutes of engine operation. Make sure this system has cooled before trying to remove the EGR valve to avoid serious skin burns.

How to Adjust the Headlights in a Toyota Corolla

If the headlights on your Toyota Corolla point too high or off to the side, you may blind oncoming drivers. If they point too low, you may not be able to see far enough in front of you to avoid a road hazard. To prevent accidents, most states have laws governing the angle of your headlights.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tape measure
• Masking tape
• Phillips screwdriver or Torx bit

1. • 1

     Remove any excess cargo you don't normally carry in your car. Fill the gas tank and check the pressure in your tires. Once you have your Toyota Corolla in the condition you normally drive it in, you're ready to start adjusting your headlights.

   • 2

     Park the car on a level surface 15 to 25 feet away from a wall or garage door. If you plan to adjust your headlights outside, wait until dark.

   • 3

     Open the hood and locate the headlight aiming wheel near the headlight assembly. The Toyota Corolla doesn't come with a horizontal adjustment.

   • 4

     Measure from the center of the headlight to the floor and mark this measurement with masking tape on the wall. Mark the center point for your car as well.

   • 5

     Turn on the headlights and use a Phillips screwdriver or Torx bit to adjust the aiming wheel. Adjust each headlight individually, keeping an eye on the trajectory path on the wall. The low beams should be within a 2-inch variance of the center mark, and the high beams should be exactly in the center of the mark.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also make adjustments to the headlights by using washers on the mounting screws.

• You may need to remove the bezel to see the adjustment screws on older Toyota Corolla models.

How do I Replace a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Stop Light?

The 2006 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck uses a 3-stop-light system. The two lower stop lights are part of the tail light assembly, which uses combination bulbs. The upper-center stop light is mounted on the rear of the cab, and uses three stop light bulbs. Owners can easily change any of these bulbs with only a screwdriver and a socket set. Replacement bulbs are available at any automotive parts store.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket set
• Phillips screwdriver
• Replacement bulbs

1. Lower Stop Lights

   • 1

     Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. This step is not absolutely essential, but will prevent potential shocks. Power is still connected to the stop lights even with the vehicle ignition off.

   • 2

     Open the truck's tailgate.

   • 3

     Remove the two bolts that connect the taillight assembly to the truck. Remove the assembly from the truck, being careful not to put excessive strain on the wires.

   • 4

     Remove the combination bulb holder by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out of the taillight assembly.

   • 5

     Pull the bulb out of the bulb holder and replace it with the new bulb. Insert the bulb holder into the taillight assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it into place.

   • 6

     Return the taillight assembly to its place and replace the two bolts. Do not over-tighten the bolts, as it could crack the taillight assembly. Close the tailgate. Reconnect the negative battery cable if you're not moving on to Step 2.

   Upper Cab Stop Light

   • 1

     Disconnect the negative battery cable if you haven't already done so.

   • 2

     Remove the two screws that hold the center stop light assembly in place. Pull the assembly away from the truck, being careful not to damage the wires.

   • 3

     Turn the bulb holder of the old bulb(s) counterclockwise, and pull it straight out of the center stop light assembly.

   • 4

     Pull the old bulb from the socket and replace it with a new bulb.

   • 5

     Insert the holder back in the socket and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

   • 6

     Return the upper stop light assembly to its place and replace the two screws. Do not over-tighten the screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the bulb sockets to protect them from water and salt.

How to Fix Power Seats in a Toyota Corolla

Owners of the 2004 to 2007 Toyota Corolla can often be distracted by a noisy squeak coming from their power seats while driving. The squeak occurs because of unnatural contact between the floor pan location holes and the seat track locating pins. Fortunately, a fix exists to put an end to the noise and distraction and even confusion.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Power cut-off tool
• Flat blade screwdriver with taped tip
• Wax
• Paint

1. • 1

     Turn the ignition switch to the "Lock" position. Undo the negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes.

   • 2

     Use the screwdriver to take off the plastic front and rear seat track covers.

   • 3

     Remove the front seat assembly on the left side. Position the seat back so that it's upright before unscrewing the four seat track bolts, disconnecting the electrical connectors and removing the entire seat assembly.

   • 4

     Tilt the seat backwards and cut off the two seat track locating pins on the front, inner and out track with power cut-off tool. Leave only 2mm or less on each of the pins.

   • 5

     Clean up all shavings, use wax to clean the seat track locating pin remainder and paint metal surfaces to prevent corrosion.

   • 6

     Reinstall the left hand front assembly, reconnect the electrical connectors and put in the four seat track retaining bolts. Finish by reinstalling the plastic seat track covers. Reconnect he battery terminal and check to see if the problem has been fixed.

How to Replace Spark Plugs in a Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota company suggests that all spark plugs be replaced between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the use of the vehicle. Toyota Tacoma trucks used for large amounts of towing need their spark plugs to be replaced every 60,000 miles.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Spark plug socket
• Socket wrench and extension
• Anti-seize compound
• New spark plug
• Tension tester

1. • 1

     Turn the engine off and allow it to cool. Never work on a Toyota Tacoma engine while it is still warm. Locate the spark plug cover on the engine. On some Toyota Tacoma engines, the cover is across the top of the engine. On others, it is along the side. Remove the cover to reveal the ignition coils and spark plugs wires. The spark plug wires are plugged directly into the engine and the ignition coils are in the tip of the spark plug wire.

   • 2

     Remove the coil and wire from the spark plug. Twist and pull the plug out of the engine. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder well with a socket extender and socket wrench. Turn the wrench to the left to unscrew the spark plug from the engine.

   • 3

     Discard the old spark plug and apply a coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new spark plug.

   • 4

     Insert the new spark plug into the socket. Use the socket and extension to screw the spark plug into place.

   • 5

     Test the spark plug's tension with the tension testing tool. The spark plug tension may range between 11 and 15 foot pounds, depending on the size of the spark plug. The correct tension is indicated on the spark plug's packaging.

   • 6

     Return the ignition coils and spark plug wires to the engine and turn it to lock the plug in place. Repeat the entire the process with the remaining spark plugs.

   • 7

     Replace the spark plug cover when all of the spark plugs are replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not remove more than one spark plug at a time. If the wrong spark plug wire is replaced, it will damage the engine.