Get Do-it-yourself maintenance - Engine and Chassis Guide for Toyota Corolla 4 Door Eighth Generation (2000-2006)

’04 Corolla_U (L/O 0306)

SECTION 7− 2

DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE

Engine and Chassis

Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Checking the engine coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Checking the radiator and condenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Checking brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Checking power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Checking tire inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Checking and replacing tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232

Rotating tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

Installing snow tires and chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

Replacing wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

Aluminum wheel precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

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Checking the engine oil level

ENGINE OIL SELECTION

NOTICE

“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

viscosity.

Low level

Full level

Be careful not to drop the engine oil

on the vehicle components.

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.

Oil grade:

API grade SL “Energy−Conserving” or

ILSAC multigrade engine oil

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.

Recommended viscosity:

SAE 5W−30

Add oil

O.K.

Too full

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.

With the engine at operating tempera-

ture and turned off, check the oil level

on the dipstick.

1. To get

a

true reading, the vehicle

When the level reaches within the correct

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.

range, install the filler cap hand−tight.

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

1.3 (1.4, 1.1)

Outside temperature

NOTICE

2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under

the end and wipe it clean.

z Be careful not to spill the engine

oil on the vehicle components.

3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far

as it will go, or the reading will not be

correct.

z Avoid overfilling, or the engine

could be damaged.

4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil

z Check the oil level on the dipstick

once again after adding the oil.

level while holding

end.

a

rag under the

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SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for good

fuel economy, and good starting in cold

weather.

Oil identification marks

Either or both API registered marks are

added to some oil containers to help

you select the oil you should use.

If SAE 5W−30 oil is not available, SAE

10W−30 oil may be used. However, it

should be replaced with SAE 5W−30 at

the next oil change.

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.

API service symbol

The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-

dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-

fication Mark is displayed on the front of

the container.

ILSAC certification mark

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Checking the engine coolant

level

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 ethyl-

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, do not

remove the radiator cap when the en-

gine is hot.

ene−glycol type coolant for

a

proper

corrosion protection of aluminum com-

ponents.

Coolant type selection

The coolant level in the reservoir will vary

with engine temperature. However, if the

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

coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL”

line.

Use of improper coolants may damage

your engine cooling system. Your coolant

must contain ethylene−glycol type coolant

for proper corrosion protection of your en-

gine that contains aluminum components.

Always use ethylene−glycol type coolant

for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-

num components. See information in the

next column.

We have used “Toyota Genuine Long Life

Coolant” in your Toyota vehicle. In order

to avoid technical problems, we strongly

recommend using “Toyota Genuine Long

Life Coolant” or equivalent.

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.

If the coolant level drops within a short

time after replenishing, there may be a

leak in the system. Visually check the

radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap,

radiator cap and drain cock and water

pump.

In addition to preventing freezing and sub-

sequent damage to the engine, this type

of coolant will also prevent corrosion. Fur-

ther supplemental inhibitors or additives

are neither needed nor recommended.

Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-

ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor

Oil”.

If you can find no leak, have your Toyota

dealer test the cap pressure and check

for leaks in the cooling system.

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Checking the radiator and

condenser

Read the coolant container for information

on freeze protection. Follow the manufac-

turer’s directions for how much to mix

with plain water (preferably demineralized

water or distilled water). The total capacity

of the cooling system is given on page

253 in Section 8.

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.

CAUTION

To prevent burning yourself, be care-

ful not to touch the radiator or con-

denser when the engine is hot.

We recommend a 50% solution for your

Toyota, to provide protection down to

about −35_C (−31_F). When it is extreme-

ly cold, to provide protection down to

about −50_C (−58_F), a 60% solution is

recommended. Do not use more than 70%

solution for better coolant performance.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the radiator

and condenser, do not perform the

work by yourself.

The engine cooling system is integral to

maximizing performance of your Toyota

vehicle. In line with this, it is strongly

recommended that you use “Toyota

Genuine Long Life Coolant” for protecting

the system, as it is an ethylene−glycol

based premium antifreeze coolant with

excellent corrosion protection properties

that has been specifically formulated for

use in Toyota vehicles.

NOTICE

Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or

plain water alone.

Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-

ther details about “Toyota Genuine Long

Life Coolant”.

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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.

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.

If cold O.K.

Close

Open

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 hot add

If cold 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 DEXRONr II 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 some of 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 DEXRONr

II or III to bring the level within the range.

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.

Type A

Type B

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Keep your tire inflation pressures

at the proper level.

The following instructions for

checking tire inflation pressure

should be observed:

D Do not bleed or reduce tire

inflation pressure after driving.

It is normal for the tire inflation

pressure to be higher after driving.

D Never exceed the vehicle capac-

ity weight. The passenger and

luggage weight should be located

so that the vehicle is balanced.

The recommended cold tire inflation

pressures, tire sizes and the com-

bined weight of occupants and cargo

(vehicle capacity weight) are de-

scribed on page 252 and 255. They

are also on the tire and loading infor-

mation label. Either type A or type B

of the tire and loading information la-

bel is affixed on your vehicle as

shown.

You should check the tire inflation

pressure every two weeks, or at least

once a month. And do not forget the

spare!

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 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.

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5. After completing the tire inflation

Tire pressure gauge

CAUTION

pressure measurement and ad-

justment, apply soap water to the

valve and check the leakage.

Keep your tires properly inflated.

Otherwise, the following condi-

tions may occur and cause an ac-

cident resulting in death or seri-

ous injuries.

6. Install the tire valve cap.

If the gauge and the air pump are not

available, have your vehicle checked

by your Toyota dealer.

Low tire pressure (underinfla-

tion)—

CAUTION

D Excessive wear

D Uneven wear

D Poor handling

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.

INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT

PROCEDURE

D Possibility of blowouts from

overheated tire.

1. Remove the tire valve cap.

2. Press the tip of the tire pressure

gauge to the tire valve.

D Poor sealing of the tire bead

D Wheel deformation and/or tire

separation

3. Read the pressure using a gradua-

tion of the gauge.

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.

If a tire frequently needs refilling,

have it checked by your Toyota deal-

er.

D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

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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Checking and replacing tires

The tires on your Toyota have built−in

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.

High tire pressure (overinfla-

tion)—

Tread wear indicator

D Poor handling

D Excessive wear

D Uneven wear

D A greater possibility of tire

damage from road hazards

The effectiveness of snow tires is

lost if the tread wears down below

4 mm (0.16 in.).

CHECKING YOUR TIRES

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.

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 “Δ” marks,

etc., molded on the sidewall of

each tire.

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.

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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

old must be checked by a qualified

technician even if damage is not

obvious.

REPLACING YOUR TIRES

CAUTION

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.

Observe the following instruc-

tions. Otherwise, an accident

may occur resulting in death or

serious injuries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For details about the side wall of the

tire and the Certification Label, see

pages 155 and 157.

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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.

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-

See “If you have a flat tire” on page

186 for tire change procedure.

When a tire is replaced, the wheel

should always be balanced.

er’s

Manual

Supplement”.)

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.

However, the most appropriate tim-

ing for tire rotation may vary ac-

cording to your driving habits and

road surface conditions.

See “If you have a flat tire” on page

186 in Section 4 for tire change proce-

dure.

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.

Vehicles with compact spare tire

Vehicles without compact spare

tire

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Installing snow tires and

chains

WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR

CHAINS

SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION

CAUTION

Snow tires should be installed on all

wheels.

Snow tires or chains are recommended

when driving on snow or ice.

Do not include a compact spare

tire when rotating the tires. It is

designed for temporary use only.

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.

On wet or dry roads, conventional tires

provide better traction than snow tires.

SNOW TIRE SELECTION

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 replac-

ing.

Do not use tires other than those men-

tioned above. Do not install studded tires

without first checking local regulations for

possible restrictions.

CAUTION

D Do not drive with the snow tires

incorrectly inflated.

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.

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TIRE CHAIN SELECTION

NOTICE

CAUTION

Use the tire chains of correct size and

type.

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.

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

the chain manufacturer’s recom-

mended speed limit, whichever is

lower.

Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains

except radial cable chains or V−bar type

chains.

Regulations regarding the use of tire

chains vary according to location or

type of road, so always check the local

regulations before installing chains.

D Drive carefully avoiding bumps,

holes, and sharp turns, which may

cause the vehicle to bounce.

D Avoid sharp turns or locked−wheel

braking, as use of chains may ad-

versely affect vehicle handling.

CHAIN INSTALLATION

Install the chains on the front tires as

tightly as possible. Do not use tire

chains on the rear tires. Retighten

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.

chains

after

driving

0.5—1.0

km

(1/4—1/2 mile).

When installing chains on your tires, care-

fully follow the instructions of the chain

manufacturer.

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

Aluminum wheel precautions

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.

D When installing aluminum wheels,

check that the wheel nuts are tight

after driving your vehicle the first 1600

km (1000 miles).

If you have wheel damage such as

bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the

wheel should be replaced.

D If you have rotated, repaired, or

changed your tires, check that the

wheel nuts are still tight after driving

1600 km (1000 miles).

If you fail to replace a damaged wheel,

the tire may slip off the wheel or cause

loss of handling control.

WHEEL SELECTION

D When using tire chains, be careful not

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.

to damage the aluminum wheels.

CAUTION

D Use only the Toyota wheel nuts and

wrench designed for your aluminum

wheels.

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

tire, too.

D When balancing your wheels, use only

Toyota balance weights or equivalent

and a plastic or rubber hammer.

Correct replacement wheels are available

at your Toyota dealer.

D As with any wheel, periodically check

your aluminum wheels for damage. If

damaged, replace immediately.

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.

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Do-it-yourself maintenance - Engine and Chassis for Your Toyota Corolla 4 Door Eighth Generation (2000-2006)

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