How to Flush the Radiator in a Toyota Corolla

In order to keep a Toyota Corolla in optimum working condition, you must perform routine maintenance. A good example is the flushing of the radiator. If you neglect this task, debris can accumulate in the coolant system causing the car to overheat. To flush the radiator, you don't need to be a certified mechanic, just follow a few directions.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Distlled water
• Bucket
• Sealable container
• Coolant
• Gloves
• Long-sleeved work shirt

1. • 1

     Move the Toyota Corolla to a flat surface and set the parking brake.

   • 2

     Pop the hood and check the external temperature of the radiator. If the radiator is cool to the touch, then continue to the next step. If not, wait until it is cools off before proceeding.

   • 3

     Turn the radiator cap one full rotation to release any pressure inside the radiator. Wait a few seconds and then remove the radiator. Position a bucket underneath the radiator directly beneath the drain plug or petcock valve.

   • 4

     Open the drain plug and allow the existing coolant to drain completely from the Toyota Corolla's radiator and into the bucket. Pour the old coolant into a sealable container, because it very toxic to people and pets. Dispose of the coolant at a liquid waste recycling center or your local auto repair shop.

   • 5

     Place the bucket back underneath the radiator, close the drain plug and fill the radiator with distilled water. After a few minutes, open the drain to allow the water to flow into the bucket. Replicate this process until the flush water is free of debris. You need about 3 gallons of distilled water to flush the radiator properly.

   • 6

     Close the drain plug and fill the radiator with fresh coolant. Then, start the Toyota Corolla and turn the heating fan to high. Allow the car to run until the cooling fan kicks on and off twice.

   • 7

     Switch off the engine and check the coolant level. If it went down, add more fresh coolant. If it didn't, put the radiator cap back on and close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Due to the pressure that builds up inside the radiator, be careful when removing the cap, as the coolant inside can erupt and injure those in the area.

How to Find a Toyota Dealer

If you're in the market for a Toyota, a Toyota dealer is very easy to find. Toyota has over 1,000 dealers around the world and almost all of them sell both new and used Toyotas. By visiting their website, searching the yellow pages or calling information you will quickly be able to find a Toyota Dealer near you.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Visit websites such as buyatoyota.com or Toyota.com/dealers. Toyota.com allows you to search dealers by zip code, city or dealer name and allows you to select the distance you'd like to travel to find a Toyota dealer.

   • 2

     Search the yellow pages. The yellow pages list businesses by categories. By picking up your local yellow pages you can quickly search for Toyota dealers in your area.

   • 3

     Call Free 411 at 1-800-Free411. Free 411 allows callers to request and receive the contact information of businesses at locations of their choice.

   • 4

     If you have a little extra time and know where the local auto park is, feel free to drive around and find a Toyota Dealer in person. Most auto parks have a Toyota Dealership, however there is no guarantee.

How to Install a Toyota Matrix Air Filter

The air filter on your Toyota Matrix takes in a massive amount of air and purifies it before it enters the engine. The filter is designed to be replaceable; that's because over time it will surely become clogged with all manner of dirt, tiny debris, even the occasional insect. Install a new air filter on the Toyota Matrix after every 30,000 miles on the road to keep your engine running--and breathing--at its highest efficiency. The average backyard mechanic can easily replace the filter in just a few minutes.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Shop rag
• Replacement air filter

Suggest Edits

1. • 1

     Ensure that your Toyota Matrix is turned off and the engine is cool to the touch.

   • 2

     Raise the hood of the car.

   • 3

     Locate the air filter housing. It's a black box on the driver's side of the engine.

   • 4

     Use your fingers to unhook the clips that secure the lid to the housing. Be careful to catch the clips as they inevitably fall away. Now simply lift up and remove the cover.

   • 5

     Lift out the old filter element. Wipe the inside of the filter housing and cover, using a shop rag.

   • 6

     Place the new filter element inside the filter housing, correct side up (refer to the replacement filter instructions for specific placement instructions).

   • 7

     Return the cover atop the housing. Fasten the clips to secure the cover in place. Give it a tug with your hands to make sure the cover is tightly sealed.

   • 8

     Lower the hood of the Matrix.

Tips & Warnings

• If your old air filter is only a little dusty, you can blow it with compressed air and reuse it. If it's covered in grime, do yourself a favor and throw it into the garbage; never try to wash these filters. Instead, get a new one.

• For specific procedures, consult the owner's manual for your Toyota Matrix model year.

• Never start the Matrix without the engine air filter installed.

How to Change a Toyota Camry Belt

The belt on the Toyota Camry model vehicles operates all of the accessories on the front of the engine. The belt is routed around each pulley so that each accessory can function at the same time. When the Camry engine is running, the belt is driven around each accessory pulley by the crankshaft component. This process enables each accessory to function. If the belt is damaged or has an excessive amount of cracks, replace it immediately.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• 3/8-inch drive breaker bar
• Metric socket set
• New belt

1. • 1

     Park the Toyota Camry on a level surface and open the hood.

   • 2

     Locate the routing diagram that details the routing instructions for the belt. The diagram on the Toyota Camry model vehicles is stamped to the top of the plastic fan shroud near the hood latch. This routing diagram will be needed when routing the new belt around the accessory pulleys.

   • 3

     Locate the spring-loaded belt tensioner on the front of the engine. The tensioner for the Toyota Camry is located near the front center of the engine, generally between the power steering pump and the water pump. The tensioner has a small pulley on one end with a bolt head in the center of the pulley. Use the pulley to relieve the tension from the belt.

   • 4

     Pivot the tensioner pulley from the bolt head counter clockwise with the breaker bar and a socket. Then, remove the belt from the tensioner pulley. Release the tensioner and let it retract until it stops. Then, remove the breaker bar and socket from the tensioner pulley.

   • 5

     Slide the belt out of each accessory pulley. Then, pull the belt out of the engine bay and place it on the ground.

   • 6

     Route the new belt around the bottom crankshaft pulley first. Then, follow the belt routing diagram to finish routing the new belt around the remaining accessory pulleys.

   • 7

     Pivot the tensioner counter clockwise once more with the breaker bar and socket. Once the tensioner is far enough over, slide the belt around the bottom of the tensioner pulley. Then, release the tensioner and it will retract until it stops. As the tensioner is retracting, it will pull the slack out of the belt and bring the belt to the proper tension. Remove the breaker bar and socket from the tensioner pulley.

   • 8

     Look over the new belt to ensure it is secure inside each accessory pulley. Then, turn on the engine and let it run for about fifteen seconds. Turn the engine off and reinspect the belt to make sure it is still secured in place. If it is secure, close the hood. If not, repeat steps six through eight.

Tips & Warnings

• The belt replacement process for the Toyota Camry model vehicles is the same for each model.

• There is also a belt removal and installation tool that can be used to rotate the tensioner. This tool can be bought at most auto parts stores.

• Always keep hands and fingers away from the moving pulleys on the front of the engine while it is running.

How to Change Windshield Wipers on a Toyota Tacoma

You don't really think about the windshield wipers on your Toyota Tacoma until they're not swiping the windshield well enough to see. Windshield wiper manufacturers recommend replacing the windshield wipers once a year or more. Having to replace them on your Tacoma is simple enough and requires no tools. Since being able to see in inclement weather when driving is pretty important, save money by buying a set and installing them yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Park the Tacoma on level ground and shut the truck off. Lift the driver's side wiper blade arm to the standing position. By pulling it away from the windshield straight up, it will stand on its own.

   • 2

     Locate the locking plastic tab under the center of the windshield wiper blade where it attaches to the wiper arm. Press this small tab/pin inward and pull down on the windshield wiper to separate it from the curved hook of the wiper arm. Once its released, swing the windshield wiper upward to maneuver the blade free from the wiper arm.

   • 3

     Insert the new wiper blade by holding it horizontally against the standing wiper arm, and place the front of the windshield wiper arm onto the wiper arm in front of the curved hook end, just a couple of inches. Swing the windshield wiper vertically so the blade is on the windshield side, and slide the windshield wiper hardware onto the curved hook of the wiper arm. Pull up until you hear a slight click as it locks into place. Jiggle the blade up and down by hand to make sure it's locked securely.

   • 4

     Place the windshield wiper arm back in the down position against the windshield.

   • 5

     Repeat this procedure for the right side windshield wiper.

How to Replace a Toyota Window Motor

Window regulator with motor attached

Toyota automobiles are manufactured with electric power windows that use a regulator to move the glass inside of the door. This regulator is turned by a small bipolar motor, which can wear out and eventually fail. The average backyard mechanic can replace a window motor in a Toyota in about 30 minutes.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers

1. • 1

     Unscrew the door handle trim by turning the one or two screws in a counterclockwise direction. Remove the handle trim.

   • 2

     Remove the arm rest by turning the bolts on the bottom in a counterclockwise direction, and pull the power window switches' cover and adapter plugs free. Remove the power window switches and set them aside. Remove the arm rest, if applicable.

   • 3

     Pull the door panel free by starting at one corner and firmly pulling the retainer pop rivets free of the mount holes in the door's metal. The rivets are plastic and may break and require replacement, especially after years of wear. Set the panel away from the work area.

   • 4

     Disconnect the electric motor at the bottom of the window regulator by pulling its electrical adapter plug from both sides. The window motor has two or three bolts that hold it to the regulator, and a meshed gear set in the rear. Turning these bolts counterclockwise will release the motor, but be sure to pull it directly away from the regulator to properly separate the gears.

   • 5

     Install a new motor into the location by pressing it into the gear area first, making sure to line up the gears on the motor to those of the window regulator. Tighten the bolts in a clockwise direction, then replace the adapter plug.

   • 6

     Replace the door panel by pressing it against the metal door frame until all pop rivets are properly seated. Some rivets will be difficult to line up, and pressing firmly may be required.

   • 7

     Reattach the arm rest, power switches, and door handle trim to their respective locations. The power switches will need to have their adapter plug inserted prior to pressing them into the door panel.

Tips & Warnings

• Disconnect the battery before starting this repair.

• Use proper protection equipment when working with electrical components.

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.