Get Do-It-Yourself Maintenance -> Engine and Chassis (Oil, Coolant, Brakes, Tires) Guide for Toyota Celica 2 Door Seventh Generation (2000-2006)

’04MY CELICA U (L/O 0308)

SECTION 7− 2

DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE

Engine and Chassis

Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

Checking the engine coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Checking the radiator and condenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Checking brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Checking power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Checking tire inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Checking and replacing tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

Rotating tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Installing snow tires and chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Replacing wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Aluminum wheel precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

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Checking the engine oil level

With the engine at operating tempera-

ture and turned off, check the oil level

on the dipstick.

If the oil level is below or only slightly

above the low level, add engine oil of

the same type as already in the engine.

Low level

Full level

1. To get

a

true reading, the vehicle

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.

should be on a level ground. After turn-

ing off the engine, wait a few minutes

for the oil to drain back into the bottom

of the engine.

The approximate quantity of oil needed to

fill between the low level and the full level

on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-

erence.

2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under

the end and wipe it clean.

Add oil

O.K.

Too full

3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far

as it will go, or the reading will not be

correct.

When the level reaches within the correct

range, install the filler cap hand−tight.

1ZZ−FE engine

4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil

Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.):

level while holding

end.

a

rag under the

1ZZ−FE engine

2ZZ−GE engine

1.3 (1.4, 1.1)

1.5 (1.6, 1.3)

Low level

Full level

NOTICE

Be careful not to drop the engine oil

on the vehicle components.

z Be careful not to spill the engine

oil on the vehicle components.

z Avoid overfilling, or the engine

could be damaged.

z Check the oil level on the dipstick

once again after adding the oil.

Add oil

O.K.

Too full

2ZZ−GE engine

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ENGINE OIL SELECTION

SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for good

fuel economy and good starting in cold

weather.

“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is filled in

your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved

“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent

to satisfy the following grade and viscos-

ity.

If SAE 5W−30 is not available, SAE

10W−30 may be used. However, it

should be replaced with SAE 5W−30 at

the next oil change.

Oil grade:

API grade SL “Energy−Conserving” or

ILSAC multigrade engine oil

Recommended viscosity:

SAE 5W−30

API service symbol

Outside temperature

ILSAC certification mark

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Checking the engine coolant

level

Oil identification marks

Look at the see−through coolant reser-

voir when the engine is cold. The cool-

ant level is satisfactory if it is between

the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the

reservoir. If the level is low, add the

coolant. (For the coolant type, see

“Coolant type selection” described be-

low.)

Either or both API registered marks are

added to some oil containers to help

you select the oil you should use.

The API Service Symbol is located any-

where on the outside of the container.

The top portion of the label shows the oil

quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-

tute) designations such as SL. The center

portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-

ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. “Energy−

Conserving” shown in the lower portion,

indicates that the oil has fuel−saving ca-

pabilities.

The coolant level in the reservoir will vary

with engine temperature. However, if the

level is on or below the “LOW” line, you

should have your Toyota dealer add cool-

ant.

If the coolant level drops within a short

time after replenishing, there may be a

leak in the system. Visually check the

radiator, hoses, drain cock and water

pump.

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.

The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-

dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-

fication Mark is displayed on the front of

the container.

If you can find no leak, have your Toyota

dealer test the cap pressure and check

for leaks in the cooling system.

Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-

ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor

Oil”.

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, do not

remove the coolant reservoir cap or

air release valve when the engine is

hot.

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Checking the radiator and

condenser

Coolant type selection

If any of the above parts are extremely

dirty or you are not sure of their condi-

tion, take your vehicle to a Toyota dealer.

Use of improper coolants may damage

your engine cooling system.

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

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, be care-

ful not to touch the radiator or con-

denser when the engine is hot.

with

long−life

hybrid

organic

acid

technology consists of the combination of

low phosphates and organic acids.)

NOTICE

“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre−

mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deion-

ized water. This coolant provides protec-

tion down to about −35_C (−31_F).

To prevent damage to the radiator

and condenser, do not perform the

work by yourself.

Toyota recommends “Toyota Super Long

Life Coolant” which has been tested to

ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor

result in malfunction of your engine

coolant system with proper usage. “Toyota

Super Long Life Coolant” is formulated

NOTICE

Do not use plain water alone.

with

long−life

hybrid

organic

acid

technology and has been specifically

designed to avoid engine cooling system

malfunction on Toyota vehicles.

Please contact your Toyota dealer for

further details.

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Checking brake fluid

Checking power steering fluid

If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or

FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the

brake reservoir.

Open

If cold O.K.

If hot

O.K.

Remove and replace the reservoir cap by

hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted

line. This brings the fluid to the correct

level when you put the cap back on.

Close

Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once

opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from

the air, and excess moisture can cause a

dangerous loss of braking.

If cold

add

If hot add

CAUTION

To check the fluid level, simply look at

the see−through reservoir. The level

should be between the “MAX” and

“MIN” lines on the reservoir.

Check the fluid level through the reser-

voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-

mission fluid DEXRONrII or III.

Take care when filling the reservoir

because brake fluid can harm your

eyes and damage painted surfaces. If

fluid gets in your eyes, flush your

eyes with clean water immediately. If

you still feel uncomfortable with your

eyes, go to the doctor.

If the vehicle has been driven around 80

km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little

more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is

hot (60_C—80_C or 140_F—175_F). You

may also check the level when the fluid

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go

down slightly as the brake pads wear. So

be sure to keep the reservoir filled.

If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it

may indicate a serious mechanical prob-

lem.

is

cold

(about

room

temperature,

10_C—30_C or 50_F—85_F) if the engine

NOTICE

has not been run for about five hours.

If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash

it off with water to prevent it from

damaging the parts or paint.

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Checking tire inflation

pressure

Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir

tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid

is cold, the level should be in the “COLD”

range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level

should be in the “HOT” range. If the level

is at the low side of either range, add

automatic transmission fluid DEXRONrII or

III to bring the level within the range.

Keep your tire inflation pressures

at the proper level.

The recommended cold tire inflation

pressures, tire sizes and the com-

bined weight of occupants and cargo

(vehicle capacity weight) are de-

scribed in Section 8. They are also

on the tire and loading information la-

bel.

You should check the tire inflation

pressure every two weeks, or at least

once a month. And do not forget the

spare!

To remove the reservoir cap, turn it coun-

terclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it,

turn it clockwise. After replacing the reser-

voir cap, visually check the steering box

case, vane pump and hose connections

for leaks or damage.

CAUTION

The reservoir tank may be hot so be

careful not to burn yourself.

NOTICE

Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-

ing could be damaged.

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The following instructions for

checking tire inflation pressure

should be observed:

D Do not bleed or reduce tire

Tire pressure gauge

inflation pressure after driving.

It is normal for the tire inflation

pressure to be higher after driving.

D The

pressure

should

be

checked only when the tires are

cold. If your vehicle has been

parked for at least 3 hours and has

not been driven for more than 1.5

km or 1 mile since, you will get

an accurate cold tire inflation pres-

sure reading.

D Never exceed the vehicle capac-

ity weight. The passenger and

luggage weight should be located

so that the vehicle is balanced.

D Always use a tire pressure

gauge. The appearance of a tire

can be misleading. Besides, tire

inflation pressures that are even

just a few pounds off can degrade

ride and handling.

D Take special care when adding

air to the compact spare tire.

The smaller tire size can gain

pressure very quickly. Add com-

pressed air in small quantities and

check the pressure often until it

reaches the specified pressure.

INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT

PROCEDURE

1. Remove the tire valve cap.

2. Press the tip of the tire pressure

gauge to the tire valve.

3. Read the pressure using a gradua-

tion of the gauge.

4. In case that the tire inflation pres-

sure is not within the prescribed

range, insert the compressed air

from the valve. In case of applying

too much air, press the center of

the valve and release the air to ad-

just.

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5. After completing the tire inflation

pressure measurement and ad-

justment, apply soap water to the

valve and check the leakage.

CAUTION

High tire pressure (overinfla-

tion)—

Keep your tires properly inflated.

Otherwise, the following condi-

tions may occur and cause an ac-

cident resulting in death or seri-

ous injuries.

Low tire pressure (underinfla-

tion)—

D Excessive wear

D Uneven wear

D Poor handling

D Excessive wear

D Uneven wear

6. Install the tire valve cap.

If the gauge and the air pump are not

available, have your vehicle checked

by your Toyota dealer.

D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

CAUTION

Be sure to reinstall the tire valve

caps. Without the valve caps, dirt

or moisture could get into the

valve core and cause air leakage.

If the caps have been lost, have

new ones put on as soon as pos-

sible.

D Possibility of blowouts from

overheated tire.

D Poor sealing of the tire bead

D Wheel deformation and/or tire

separation

Incorrect tire inflation pressure may

waste fuel, reduce the comfort of driv-

ing, reduce tire life and make your ve-

hicle less safe to drive.

D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

If a tire frequently needs refilling,

have it checked by your Toyota deal-

er.

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Checking and replacing tires

The tires on your Toyota have built−in

NOTICE

Tread wear indicator

tread wear indicators to help you

know when the tires need replace-

ment. When the tread depth wears to

1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indica-

tors will appear. If you can see the

indicators in two or more adjacent

grooves, the tire should be replaced.

The lower the tread, the higher the

risk of skidding.

Low profile tire like 205/50R16

may have greater damage than

usual tires to its tire wheel

when receiving impact from the

road surface. Therefore, pay

attention to the following.

z Be sure to use with proper

tire pressure. If the tire pres-

sure is low, the tire may

have a greater damage. For

detailed information about

tire pressure, see Section 8.

z Avoid driving onto high,

sharp−edged objects and oth-

er road hazards. Failure to

do so can lead to severe tire

damage.

Vehicles equipped with 205/50R16

tires: Your Toyota has been fitted with

specially developed tires which pro-

vide exceptional dynamic perfor-

mance under general road conditions.

However your riding comfort may

worsen a little and road noise may in-

crease during driving. You may also

notice that your tires will wear more

rapidly and tire grip performance will

be reduced on the snowy and/or icy

roads when compared to standard

tires. Be sure to have snow tires or

tire chains on the snowy and/or icy

roads and drive carefully with the

speed appropriate for road conditions.

CHECKING YOUR TIRES

Check the tires tread for the tread

wear indicators. If the indicators

show, replace the tires. The loca-

tion of the tread wear indicators is

shown by the “TWI” or “∆” marks,

etc., molded on the sidewall of

each tire.

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The effectiveness of snow tires is

lost if the tread wears down below

4 mm (0.16 in.).

If you have tire damage such as

cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to

expose the fabric, or bulges indi-

cating internal damage, the tire

should be replaced.

If a tire often goes flat or cannot be

properly repaired due to the size or

location of a cut or other damage, it

should be replaced. If you are not

sure, consult with your Toyota dealer.

If an air loss occurs while driving, do

not continue driving with a deflated

tire. Driving even a short distance can

damage a tire beyond repair.

Any tires which are over 6 years

REPLACING YOUR TIRES

old must be checked by a qualified

technician even if damage is not

obvious.

When replacing a tire, use a tire of

the same size and construction,

and the same or greater maximum

load as the originally installed

tires.

Using any other size or type of tire

may seriously affect handling, ride,

speedometer/odometer calibration,

ground clearance, and clearance be-

tween the body and tires or snow

chains.

Check that the maximum load of the

replaced tire is greater than 1/2 of the

Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR)

of either the front axle or the rear

axle, whichever greater. As for the

maximum load of the tire, see the load

limit at maximum cold tire inflation

pressure mentioned on the sidewall

of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle

Weight Ratings (GAWR), see the Cer-

tification Label.

Tires deteriorate with age even if they

have never or seldom been used.

This applies also to the spare tire and

tires stored for future use.

For details about the side wall of the

tire and the Certification Label.

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Rotating tires

Toyota recommends all four tires,

or at least both of the front or rear

tires be replaced at a time as a set.

See “If you have a flat tire” in Section

4 for tire change procedure.

When a tire is replaced, the wheel

should always be balanced.

An unbalanced wheel may affect ve-

hicle handling and tire life. Wheels

can get out of balance with regular

use and should therefore be balanced

occasionally.

When replacing a tubeless tire, the

air valve should also be replaced

with a new one.

CAUTION

Observe the following instruc-

tions. Otherwise, an accident

may occur resulting in death or

serious injuries.

D Do not mix radial, bias belted,

or bias−ply tires on your ve-

hicle, as this may cause dan-

gerous handling characteris-

tics resulting in loss of control.

D Do not use tires other than the

manufacturer’s recommended

size, as this may cause danger-

ous handling characteristics

resulting in loss of control.

Turning direction

Type A

Type B

Vehicles equipped with directional

tires: You have directional tires,

and a turning indicator marked on

the side wall. Before rotating,

check whether your tires are direc-

tional before rotating them. Using

tires on the wrong side of the ve-

hicle will impair tire performance.

See the following instructions for how

to rotate your tires correctly.

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See “If you have a flat tire” in Section

4 for tire change procedure.

When rotating tires, check for uneven

wear and damage. Abnormal wear is

usually caused by incorrect tire pres-

sure, improper wheel alignment, out−

of−balance wheels, or severe braking.

CAUTION

Do not include a compact spare

tire when rotating the tires. It is

designed for temporary use only.

Without directional tires (with a

spare tire of the same wheel

type as the installed tires)

Others

To equalize the wear and help ex-

tend tire life, Toyota recommends

that you rotate your tires accord-

ing to the maintenance schedule.

(For scheduled maintenance infor-

mation, please refer to the “Sched-

uled Maintenance Guide” or “Own-

er’s

Manual

Supplement”.)

However, the most appropriate tim-

ing for tire rotation may vary ac-

cording to your driving habits and

road surface conditions.

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Installing snow tires and

chains

WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR

CHAINS

SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION

TIRE CHAIN SELECTION

Snow tires should be installed on all

wheels.

Use the tire chains of correct size and

type.

Snow tires or chains are recommended

when driving on snow or ice.

Installing snow tires on the front wheels

only can lead to an excessive difference

in road grip capability between the front

and rear tires which could cause loss of

vehicle control.

Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains

except radial cable chains or V−bar type

chains.

On wet or dry roads, conventional tires

provide better traction than snow tires.

SNOW TIRE SELECTION

Regulations regarding the use of tire

chains vary according to location or

type of road, so always check the local

regulations before installing chains.

If you need snow tires, select tires of

the same size, construction and load

capacity as the originally installed tires.

When storing removed tires, you should

store them in a cool dry place.

Mark the direction of rotation and be sure

to install them in the same direction when

replacing.

CHAIN INSTALLATION

Do not use tires other than those men-

tioned above. Do not install studded tires

without first checking local regulations for

possible restrictions.

Install the chains on the front tires as

tightly as possible. Do not use tire

chains on the rear tires. Retighten

CAUTION

chains

after

driving

0.5—1.0

km

(1/4—1/2 mile).

CAUTION

D Do not drive with the snow tires

incorrectly inflated.

When installing chains on your tires, care-

fully follow the instructions of the chain

manufacturer.

Do not use snow tires other than the

manufacturer’s recommended size, as

this may cause dangerous handling

characteristics resulting in loss of

control. Otherwise, an accident may

occur resulting in death or serious

injuries.

D Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)

with any type of snow tires.

If wheel covers are used, they will be

scratched by the chain band, so remove

the covers before putting on the chains.

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Replacing wheels

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS

Replacement with used wheels is not rec-

ommended as they may have been sub-

jected to rough treatment or high mileage

and could fail without warning. Also, bent

wheels which have been straightened may

have structural damage and therefore

should not be used. Never use an inner

tube in a leaking wheel which is designed

for a tubeless tire.

CAUTION

If you have wheel damage such as

bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the

wheel should be replaced.

D Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or

the chain manufacturer’s recom-

mended speed limit, whichever is

lower.

If you fail to replace a damaged wheel,

the tire may slip off the wheel or cause

loss of handling control.

D Drive carefully avoiding bumps,

holes, and sharp turns, which may

cause the vehicle to bounce.

WHEEL SELECTION

When replacing wheels, care should be

taken to ensure that the wheels are re-

placed by ones with the same load ca-

pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.

CAUTION

D Avoid sharp turns or locked−wheel

braking, as use of chains may ad-

versely affect vehicle handling.

Do not use wheels other than the

manufacturer’s recommended size, as

this may cause dangerous handling

characteristics resulting in loss of

control. Otherwise, an accident may

occur resulting in death or serious

injuries.

This must be observed on compact spare

tires, too.

D When driving with chains installed,

be sure to drive carefully. Slow

down before entering curves to

avoid losing control of the vehicle.

Otherwise an accident may occur.

Correct replacement wheels are available

at your Toyota dealer.

A wheel of a different size or type may

adversely affect handling, wheel and bear-

ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odom-

eter calibration, stopping ability, headlight

aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clear-

ance, and tire or snow chain clearance to

the body and chassis.

NOTICE

Do not attempt to use a tire chain on

the compact spare tire, as it may re-

sult in damage to the vehicle as well

as the tire.

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Aluminum wheel precautions

D When installing aluminum wheels,

check that the wheel nuts are tight

after driving your vehicle the first 1600

km (1000 miles).

D If you have rotated, repaired, or

changed your tires, check that the

wheel nuts are still tight after driving

1600 km (1000 miles).

D When using tire chains, be careful not

to damage the aluminum wheels.

D Use only the Toyota wheel nuts and

wrench designed for your aluminum

wheels.

D When balancing your wheels, use only

Toyota balance weights or equivalent

and a plastic or rubber hammer.

D As with any wheel, periodically check

your aluminum wheels for damage. If

damaged, replace immediately.

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Do-It-Yourself Maintenance -> Engine and Chassis (Oil, Coolant, Brakes, Tires) for Your Toyota Celica 2 Door Seventh Generation (2000-2006)

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