How to Buy New Tires for a Toyota Vehicle

Buy New Tires for a Toyota Vehicle

Tires play a critical part in both your car's performance and its safe operation. Toyota owners who need to put a new set of tires on their vehicle should resist any temptation to just buy the least-expensive tire available. It is important to take the steps necessary to find the right tires for your Toyota and the type of driving you do.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Find out what the proper size of tire is for your vehicle. Look in the Toyota owner's manual for your vehicle first. You may also read the information located on the sidewall of the tires on your vehicle, if they are the tires that originally came on the vehicle from the factory. You may also call a tire shop and ask a professional there to look up the recommended tire size for your vehicle. Knowing the tire size will point you to a specific group of tires and simplify your choices.

   • 2

     Determine the type of tire you need based on the type of Toyota vehicle you have. Passenger cars have tire codes that begin with the letter "P," and light trucks and sport/utility vehicles have tire codes that start with the letters "LT."

   • 3

     Narrow your choices for tires down further by focusing on the tires that match the type of driving conditions you will most often encounter. Take into consideration the occasional extreme conditions; this is when tire performance is most critical. If mud and snow are something you need to prepare for, pick tires that have a tire code that include the letters "M+S." You will then have a manageable short list of tire choices.

   • 4

     Shop around at the local tire shops for prices on the tires on your list. Compare the prices of the tires and their reported durability. For example, see if the tires are rated to last for 30,000 miles, 40,000 miles, 50,000 miles and so on.

   • 5

     Make a choice based on which model gives you the best value. It does not have to be the least or most expensive tire, but the one that gives you the best combination of price, durability and performance.

Tips & Warnings

• Write a reminder to rotate your new tires on the vinyl decal that comes on your windshield when you change your oil.

How to Improve the MPG of a Toyota Camry Hybrid

Get More Miles Per Gallon from a Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Gasoline electric hybrid engines like the one found in the Toyota Camry hybrid promise drivers better gas mileage, but actual MPG reflects driver usage. Proper driving techniques and maintenance help drivers improve the actual MPG of the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tire pressure gauge

1. • 1

     Allow a proper break-in period. When Toyota Camry Hybrid owners complain to the dealership that they aren't seeing the advertised MPG, a common response is to wait until after the first 10,000 miles for the engine and hybrid components to reach peak efficiency.

   • 2

     Avoid rapid acceleration. A lead foot is an expensive habit as rapid acceleration wastes fuel. Transition gradually from a stop to top speed.

   • 3

     Minimize stops during the first 5 to 10 minutes after a cold start. Gasoline engine fuel economy is lower during the warm-up and according to HybridCars.com the Toyota Camry Hybrid's auto-stop mechanism does not trigger when the gasoline engine is still cold. Stop at the last espresso stand on the way to work rather than the first to improve miles per gallon.

   • 4
     Cruise Control Improves the MPG of a Toyota Camry Hybrid.

     Use the Toyota Camry Hybrid's cruise control feature whenever possible, as cruise control increases fuel economy.

   • 5

     Coast whenever possible to maximize electric battery charge regeneration.

   • 6

     Plan routes to maximize hybrid efficiency. Unlike a standard gasoline engine, hybrid electric cars get the best MPG in stop and go traffic and the worst on highways. Take the scenic route with rolling hills rather than the expressway.

   • 7

     Keep tires properly inflated. Whether a driver is in a Toyota Camry Hybrid or traditional gasoline motor car, tires maintained at the proper pressure reduce drag and are essential for achieving optimal MPG.

   • 8
     Turn Off Accessories to Improve Toyota Camry Hybrid's MPG.

     Use energy hungry accessories like air conditioning as little as possible.

   • 9

     During a tune-up, ask the Toyota dealer to maximize gas mileage rather than horsepower. Unfortunately, a lot of the extra energy achieved by a hybrid engine is diverted to increasing power in U.S. models.

   • 10

     In Toyota Camry Hybrid models offering electric-only mode, use this setting for most in-town travel. Most drivers can make their complete daily commute and run errands without needing gasoline power. Reserve gasoline usage for longer trips.

   • 11

     Pay close intention to the instantaneous miles per gallon indicated on the Toyota Camry Hybrid's display. Notice how driving behavior and various routes to common destinations affect MPG. Adjust your driving to maximize this value.

   • 12

     Don't leave the Toyota Camry Hybrid idling while getting ready to go or sitting in a drive-through. Although the Toyota Camry Hybrid's auto-stop will turn off the gasoline engine, valuable electric battery charge is still wasted. Maximize use of the Toyota Camry Hybrid's electric capabilities for improving gas mileage while driving, not powering the car at a standstill.

Tips & Warnings

• Put pressure on Toyota's Research and Development to offer a plug-in electric model. Call 800-331-4331. Plug-in electric models would allow owners to run their hybrid vehicles solely on electricity while preserving the option of gasoline for cross-country trips. If an owner installs a solar panel system to charge a plug-in electric hybrid's battery, driving costs and environmental impacts are reduced to the lowest levels. HybridCars.com says that low octane fuel is best. The additives in high-octane fuel actually decrease fuel economy despite reductions in emissions.

• Tracking the instantaneous miles per gallon can be addictive. Watch the road while driving.

How to Improve Toyota Tacoma Gas Mileage

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck that has been on the market since 1995. The Tacoma was named "Truck of the Year" by Motor Trend magazine in 2005 and is a popular model among truck enthusiasts. Like many pickups, inefficient gas mileage is a concern for drivers. The 2009 Tacoma gets an estimated 20/20 miles per gallon (mpg), but older models get considerably less than that. Keeping up with maintenance can help you improve your Toyota Tacoma's gas mileage.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tacoma owner's manual Air management system

1. • 1

     Check your Tacoma owner's manual to see what type of motor oil is recommended for your specific model. The Tacoma has gone through some changes over time, so that not every year has the same engine. Using the manufacturer's recommended oil can help improve gas mileage.

   • 2

     Keep your pickup's tires inflated properly and aligned correctly. Tires that are not full to the recommended capacity create more drag on the road, and thus a lower gas mileage rating. You can find the air pressure specifications on the inside of the front door of your truck.

   • 3

     Use the four-wheel drive feature on your truck only when you are driving in inclement weather or on rough terrain. If you use 4WD all the time, your gas mileage will decrease.

   • 4

     Reduce the drag on your truck by lightening its load. Instead of storing heavy equipment and other cargo in the cab of your Tacoma all the time, store it elsewhere until you need it. The lighter weight of your truck can help improve the gas mileage.

   • 5

     Stick to posted speed limits. Fuel economy becomes less efficient when you drive faster.

   • 6

     Consider adding an air management system to your Tacoma. An air management system is a component that fits inside the intake hose and improves air flow. Gas mileage may increase due to the increase efficiency of the air flow to your vehicle.

How to Change Struts for Toyota Tacoma 4 Wheel Drives

The Tacoma was the first truck on which Toyota used struts as suspension components on the front. Also known as coil-over shocks, the struts on the Tacoma do not have an upper bearing plate that turn when steering, like a conventional strut. Because the shock is located inside of the coil spring as an assembly, it is considered a strut, and will require special handling to replace.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Car lift
• 1/2 inch drive impact gun
• 1/2 inch drive metric socket set
• Closed end metric wrench set
• Hammer
• Long-stemmed punch
• Wall-mounted spring compressor

1. • 1

     Lift the Tacoma on a car lift at the desired height.

   • 2

     Remove the lug nuts with an impact gun and a socket, then remove the wheels.

   • 3

     Remove the lower strut retaining nut from the bolt. Hold the head of the bolt with a closed end wrench and use the impact gun and a socket to remove the nut.

   • 4

     Use a punch and hammer to dislodge the lower strut bolt from the lower strut bracket on the knuckle.

   • 5

     Remove the three upper strut retaining nuts from the top of the strut tower.

   • 6

     Remove the strut assembly and bring it to the strut compressor.

   • 7

     Support the spring in the strut compressor and slightly compress the spring.

   • 8

     Loosen the 17-millimeter spring top plate mounting nut slightly with an impact gun and a socket. Compress the spring to take tension off the spring plate and remove the spring top plate mounting nut.

   • 9

     Release the compressor enough to remove the spring top plate, rubber spacer, and strut cartridge. Insert a new cartridge into the spring, then replace the rubber spacer and the spring top plate. Compress the spring again and thread on the nut and tighten with the impact gun and a socket.

   • 10

     Remove the assembly from the spring compressor and reinstall onto the Tacoma by reversing steps 3-5.

   • 11

     Repeat the procedure for the other strut.

   • 12

     Replace the wheels and lug nuts. Torque the lug nuts to recommended specifications.

How to Clean a Toyota 4 Runner Fuel Injector

The smallest of a car's mechanical problems can eventually wreak havoc when fuel injector problems are the cause. If a fuel injector problem is not repaired or replaced, it could lead to costly damages to your engine or, at the very least, hamper its performance. Fuel injectors come in two different types. The throttle body system shows little to no difference in the performance if cleaned. With the other, the port injector, cleaning is crucial.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• 1 bottle of fuel injection cleaner

1. • 1

     Drive your 4Runner to the nearest highway.

   • 2

     Accelerate hard to allow fuel to spray through the injectors in a vast amount and quickly. Hopefully, doing so will allow the rapid rush of fuel to break loose or flush away the gummy deposits that have collected inside the tips of the valves. If this step works you will see immediate signs. The rough stalls and idles should improve. (Obviously, be careful while accelerating, and follow all road rules.)

   • 3

     Proceed to step four if steps one and two fail to work.

   • 4

     Add fuel injection cleaner to your fuel. Some will tell you the brand is crucial, when in truth most brands are made of the same chemicals. If accelerating hard shows no sign of breaking the deposits loose that have collected inside the injector, add the fuel injection cleaner directly to your fuel tank. This will allow the cleaner to move with your fuel into the fuel injector and work the way it's supposed to.

   • 5

     Drive your 4Runner. The cleaner doesn't work on its own, and it's important to drive it like normal to allow the cleaner to flow. Again, if steps four and five work you should see immediate results. This should help with the hesitations and poor acceleration as well as the rough stalls and idles. If the results aren't so apparent or if there are no results at all, see the Warnings section for further advice.

Tips & Warnings

• If neither of the common methods work, it may be time to take your vehicle to a service station. They may have a more powerful method to clean it, or something more serious could be wrong.

How to Replace a Radiator in a Toyota Tacoma

It's essential to keep the radiator on your Toyota Tacoma in good condition, as a leaky radiator can cause overheating and engine damage. Although the process is similar for any year or model, here's how to replace the radiator in the popular 2001 Toyota Tacoma.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Resealable container
• Replacement hoses, if needed
• Replacement radiator
• Torque wrench
• Distilled water
• Engine coolant

1. • 1

     Locate the plug on the bottom of the radiator and loosen it. Drain the engine coolant into a resealable container.

   • 2

     Remove the radiator grille and disconnect the upper radiator hose, radiator reservoir hose and lower radiator hose.

   • 3

     Take a close look at the radiator hoses. Replace any worn hoses.

   • 4

     Disconnect the fan shroud and the oil cooler hoses, and remove the bolts holding the radiator. Reinstall the new radiator and torque the bolts according to specifications.

   • 5

     Reconnect the oil cooler hoses and fan shroud, and replace the lower radiator hose, radiator reservoir hose and upper radiator hose.

   • 6

     Fill the reservoir with a mixture of half distilled water and engine coolant and replace the radiator cap very loosely.

   • 7

     Start the engine and let the motor warm up, then turn it off and check the coolant level. Add more coolant if necessary, and attach the radiator cap securely.

Tips & Warnings

• If used engine coolant isn't contaminated, reuse it. If you choose not to recycle it, take it to a garage or hazardous waste center for proper disposal.

• Be sure to keep engine coolant in a sealed container out of the reach of children and pets, and if any is spilled, clean it up immediately. Remember that antifreeze tastes sweet, and can be fatal if ingested.

• Wear protective clothing, gloves and eyewear when replacing the radiator in your Toyota Tacoma. Never open the radiator cap if the temperature of the engine coolant is 100 degrees or more, as serious burns can occur.

How to Change a Toyota Tire

Barring the recalls of 2009 and 2010, Toyota cars and trucks have a reputation for reliability. Yet being mechanically sound has little to do with the tires, and owning a Toyota still means needing to be able to change a tire in the event of an unexpected flat. This basic, fundamental bit of do-it-yourself car maintenance is a simple, but often grimy task. Do it once and you have mastered it for life.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Standard screwdriver
• Tire iron
• Spare tire
• Rubber mallet

1. • 1

     Park the car in a level place, set the emergency brake on your Toyota, and wedge a wheel block, if you have one, under one of the front tires. This will ensure stability while you change the tire.

   • 2

     Pry off the hubcap with a standard screwdriver. No factory hubcap on a Toyota car has a hubcap lock, so it should pop right off.

   • 3

     Put the wrench-end of the tire iron onto a lug nut and turn it counter-clockwise until it becomes loose. Kick the tire iron down if necessary. Loosen, but do not remove, every lug nut in turn.

   • 4

     Set up the jack underneath one of the lifting points next to the tire to be changed, as directed by your Toyota user's manual. The basic jack for all Toyota cars and many trucks will require you to slide the pry-bar end of the tire iron into a bracket on the jack, and to jack up the car by turning the tire iron.

   • 5

     Jack up the car until the tire can rotate freely in the air.

   • 6

     Remove the lug nuts from the lug stems with the tire iron. Pull the tire off the car.

   • 7

     Remove your spare tire from wherever that is kept in your Toyota. Having a full spare in an exterior housing is a common feature on RAV4s and other Toyota SUVs, for example. In a Corolla, however, the spare will be in the trunk.

   • 8

     Set the spare tire onto the wheel hub, so that the wheel is flush against the base of the lug stems. Put the lug nuts back on the wheel, and tighten them with the tire iron.

   • 9

     Lower the jack and set the tire back down on the ground. With the tire on the ground, give each lug nut an extra turn to fully tighten it into place.

   • 10

     Set your Toyota hubcap back on the wheel and tap it back into place using a rubber mallet.

How to Install Struts in a Toyota Sienna

The struts on your Toyota Sienna are designed to control the rebound of the springs every time you go over an irregular road surface. As you can imagine, this happens very frequently while driving, which causes the struts to wear over several thousand cycles of compressing and rebounding. When this happens, the struts lose their ability to control the rebound of the spring, creating a bouncy and uncomfortable ride in your Sienna. In addition to the annoyance, it has been shown that worn struts can increase braking times because the inertia of the vehicle gets transferred to the front of the vehicle during braking, possibly lifting the rear wheels off the ground slightly, reducing or eliminating their braking ability.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack
• 4 jack stands
• Lug-nut wrench
• Ratchet
• Sockets
• Spring compressor
• Locking pliers
• Wrench
• New struts

1. • 1

     Loosen the lug nuts on each wheel with the lug-nut wrench. You should find the lug-nut wrench in the hatch of your Sienna.

   • 2

     Jack the Sienna and place on jack stands. Remove the wheels.

   • 3

     Follow one of the struts to where it meets the steering knuckle. Note that it is pinched in the knuckle by two bolts holding it in place. Remove those two bolts with a ratchet on one end and a wrench on the other to hold the nut.

   • 4

     Pull the strut out of the steering knuckle.

   • 5

     Open the hood and locate the studs of the strut tower protruding from the sheet metal on either side of the engine bay. Use a ratchet to remove the nuts. Be prepared for the strut assembly to drop. Remove the strut assembly from the Sienna.

   • 6

     Place one side of the strut compressor on the upper portion of the spring, and the other side of the strut compressor on the lowest portion of the spring. Then tighten the compressor with a ratchet. This relieves pressure on the assembly and allows you to remove the strut. If you don't use a strut compressor, you can suffer serious personal injury or death from the strut hardware shooting dangerously upward toward you.

   • 7

     Place a wrench on the nut holding the strut tower on the strut, then place locking pliers on the top of the strut so that the strut doesn't spin when you try to remove the nut. Loosen the nut with your left hand, and hold the locking pliers in the right hand.

   • 8

     Pull the strut out of the assembly and place the new one in. Tighten the nut that holds the strut to the strut tower.

   • 9

     Slowly decompress the spring until it pushes against the strut at the bottom and the strut tower at the top.

   • 10

     Place the assembly in the wheel well, push the studs of the strut assembly through the sheet metal in the engine bay, and then screw the nuts onto the threads to hold the strut assembly up. Tighten the nuts with a ratchet.

   • 11

     Place the strut in the steering knuckle and tighten the two bolts that you removed earlier.

   • 12

     Place the wheel back on. Repeat the process on the three other corners of the car. The only difference for replacing the struts in the rear is that instead of raising the hood to access the nuts holding the strut assembly in place, you will have to enter the hatch and remove the plastic trim covering the nuts. It will be located directly above the strut assembly. It's a circular disc that can be removed by prying between the disc and the interior trim.

   • 13

     Raise the Sienna high enough to clear the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and lower the Sienna to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes holding the strut with vice grips at the top of the strut does not work. If it doesn't, try holding the strut from the strut rod instead.

• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from injury.

How to Replace Toyota Brakes

Taking the time to replace the brake pads on your Toyota will save you hundreds of dollars. Aside from the savings, you will also get the satisfaction of repairing your own vehicle. When replacing the brake pads, replace the rotors as well so that the new pads have an even surface to push against during braking. Replacing the brake pads and rotors will increase the performance and longevity of the brakes on the Toyota.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Lug nut wrench
• Ratchet
• Sockets
• Bungee cord
• Hammer
• New rotors
• Brake cleaner
• New brake pads
• C-clamp

1. • 1

     Lift the Toyota with the jack and place the vehicle on jack stands.

   • 2

     Remove the wheels with a lug nut wrench and set them aside. You can find the lug nut wrench in the trunk of your Toyota.

   • 3

     Remove the caliper with a ratchet and use a bungee cord to hang the caliper. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose, as the hose might break and cause fluid to leak.

   • 4

     Remove the brake rotor from the hub. The rotor might require force to be removed; if it does, use a hammer to hit the rotor in the center, where the lug studs are located. Take care not to hit the studs.

   • 5

     Remove the new rotor from its packaging and use brake cleaner to remove the grease from the rotor. Grease is applied on the rotor in the factory to inhibit rust during storage.

   • 6

     Install the new rotor onto the hub.

   • 7

     Install the caliper bracket with new brake pads onto the rotor and fasten it to the steering knuckle. Use a ratchet to tighten the bolts.

   • 8

     Open the master cylinder reservoir so you don't break a seal while compressing the brake caliper.

   • 9

     Compress the brake caliper with a C-clamp so that the caliper can fit over the new brake pads. Install the caliper by securing it to the brake caliper bracket with a ratchet.

Tips & Warnings

• A brake caliper compressor might work better than a C-clamp.

• Wear safety glasses while working on your brakes.

How to Replace a Toyota Camry Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is the key component in sending the fuel from the tank to the engine. If you need to replace the fuel pump in a Toyota Camry, the pump unit is located inside the fuel tank directly below the rear passenger seats. You need to remove the seats from inside the car. Once they are removed the pump is easily accessible by opening a covered hole right above the tank. Unlike similar pump units, this assembly is modular, so you only need to replace the pump if the rest of the unit is still in good condition.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Camry fuel pump

1. • 1

     De-pressurize the Camry's fuel system. With the gas cap open (to release pressure in that location), open the fuse/relay panel under the hood and remove the relay labeled "C/OPN." Start the engine and let it run until it stops. Disconnect the battery's negative cable.

   • 2

     Detach the rear seat from the car. Lift up the front edge of the seat bottom cushion, disconnect the mounting bolt underneath and remove the cushion. Pull up the seat back locks, flip the seat backs down and remove the mounting bolts.

   • 3

     Remove the service hole cover from the floor under the seat concealing the fuel pump/sending unit.

   • 4

     Disconnect the fuel line and electrical connectors from the fuel pump unit. Remove the retaining bolts and withdraw the unit carefully out of the fuel tank.

   • 5

     Release the clips on the fuel pump assembly's plastic support with a screwdriver to remove the support. Then pull off the rubber isolator, remove the fuel sock filter and disconnect the electrical connector from the top of the assembly. You can now withdraw the fuel pump from the housing.

   • 6

     Connect the new fuel pump into place on the assembly housing. Reassemble the fuel pump/sending unit in order, from the electrical connector to the fuel sock filter, rubber isolator and bottom plastic support.

   • 7

     Place the pump unit back within the fuel tank and reattach the bolts. Reconnect the electrical connectors and the fuel line. Reattach the rear seats.

   • 8

     Replace the "C/OPN" relay, reconnect the negative battery cable and fill the fuel tank if it is empty.

   • 9

     Pressurize the Camry's fuel system by turning the ignition on for a couple of seconds. Then turn it off for ten and repeat this five to ten times.

How to Customize a Toyota Avalon

Toyota was first launched in mid-1990s, and it is still manufactured today. It's a full-sized sedan and a solid performer with V6 engine, according to Edmunds, an automotive information website. The current model of Avalon 2011 has been completely overhauled and has a refined design as well as many mechanical improvements. If you're considering purchasing the new model, you can go to Toyota's website and customize the car to add and remove the specifications. After customizing, you can order this car to be designed for you.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Go to Toyota's website (see Resources) and click "Build Your Toyota." You will then be prompted by the website to enter your zip code.

   • 2

     Select "Avalon" from the page that opens and click "Build Your Avalon."

   • 3

     Click "Step 1: Trim." Select whether you want manual or automatic 6-speed transmission. Also specify the engine size, for instance, 3.5-Liter V6.

   • 4

     Click "Next" and select the options you want for your Avalon. You can add options like voice-activated touch screen DVD navigation system. Each option will add to the total cost of the vehicle.

   • 5

     Select an exterior and interior color scheme for your car, and click "Next."

   • 6

     Add exterior accessories like paint protection film, wheel locks and rear bumper appliqué.

   • 7

     Add interior accessories like first aid kit, emergency assistance kit, carpet floor mats or remote engine starter. Each item's price will be indicated.

   • 8

     Add performance accessories like air filter, oil filter and oil cap. Then click "Next." Now the "Summary" page will open. This page will include all details about trim, options and accessories you added to your Avalon.

   • 9

     Click "Request a Quote," "Customized Brochure," or "Apply for Credit" for respective functions.

References

How to Buy Used Toyota Cars

Buy a used Toyota.

In 1958, the first Toyota, a Toyopet, was sold in California. In June 2010, the Camry was the third most purchased vehicle, while the Corolla was sixth. Because of this popularity, finding your new Toyota should prove an easy task.

1. Payment

   • You can buy a used Toyota by financing or paying cash. Depending on the year and mileage of the vehicle, you may be able to take out a loan. Loans are subject to vehicle equity, so older or classic models may require a cash payment or a personal loan for funds.

   Sellers

   • To buy a used Toyota, you can check used car dealers, Toyota dealers and private sellers. You can expect to pay the highest cost at a dealership, but either the used car or Toyota dealer may offer a warranty. Private sellers are lower priced, and some vehicles may still have manufacturer warranty coverage, depending on the year.

   Misconceptions

   • Used Toyota vehicles are often thought to be the most reliable. However, J.D. Power dependability studies show only a slightly above average dependability rating (Lexus, Porsche, Lincoln and Buick scored best). If looking to buy a used Toyota because of perceived reliability, understand that maintenance history is very important. The future reliability of any used car depends largely on how well it was previously maintained, and Toyota vehicles are no different.

How to Clean a Toyota 4 Runner Fuel Injector

The smallest of a car's mechanical problems can eventually wreak havoc when fuel injector problems are the cause. If a fuel injector problem is not repaired or replaced, it could lead to costly damages to your engine or, at the very least, hamper its performance. Fuel injectors come in two different types. The throttle body system shows little to no difference in the performance if cleaned. With the other, the port injector, cleaning is crucial.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• 1 bottle of fuel injection cleaner

Suggest Edits

1. • 1

     Drive your 4Runner to the nearest highway.

   • 2

     Accelerate hard to allow fuel to spray through the injectors in a vast amount and quickly. Hopefully, doing so will allow the rapid rush of fuel to break loose or flush away the gummy deposits that have collected inside the tips of the valves. If this step works you will see immediate signs. The rough stalls and idles should improve. (Obviously, be careful while accelerating, and follow all road rules.)

   • 3

     Proceed to step four if steps one and two fail to work.

   • 4

     Add fuel injection cleaner to your fuel. Some will tell you the brand is crucial, when in truth most brands are made of the same chemicals. If accelerating hard shows no sign of breaking the deposits loose that have collected inside the injector, add the fuel injection cleaner directly to your fuel tank. This will allow the cleaner to move with your fuel into the fuel injector and work the way it's supposed to.

   • 5

     Drive your 4Runner. The cleaner doesn't work on its own, and it's important to drive it like normal to allow the cleaner to flow. Again, if steps four and five work you should see immediate results. This should help with the hesitations and poor acceleration as well as the rough stalls and idles. If the results aren't so apparent or if there are no results at all, see the Warnings section for further advice.

Tips & Warnings

• If neither of the common methods work, it may be time to take your vehicle to a service station. They may have a more powerful method to clean it, or something more serious could be wrong.

Suggest item

How to Replace Toyota Camry Park Lights

The park lights on a Toyota Camry function as turn signals and supplemental lighting for the vehicle. Although they are generally low wattage bulbs, they can blow. You'll need to get the part number from the bottom of the bulb to replace it with the correct bulb. Bulb numbers may differ depending on the year of your Camry. Replacement bulbs can be purchased at any auto parts store or though a Toyota dealership.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Correct wattage parking light bulb

1. • 1

     Open the hood on your Toyota Camry and locate the parking lights. They are on the outside of the headlights toward the front fender.

   • 2

     Remove the clip, if your year Camry has one, that protects the bulb ballast. Pull up on the clip to remove it.

   • 3

     Remove the electrical plug running to the bulb ballast. Squeeze the release tab on the electrical connector and pull the plug off.

   • 4

     Turn the bulb counterclockwise to unlock it and pull it out of the housing.

   • 5

     Install a new bulb. Installation is the reverse of removal.

How to Reset Maintenance Warning Light on a 2005 Toyota 4Runner

2005 Toyota 4Runner

The maintenance light on the Toyota 4Runner's dashboard comes on in preset intervals based on the mileage and time of reset to remind you to change the oil. Sometimes, whoever has performed the oil change forgets to reset the maintenance light to start the countdown again. It is pretty easy to reset the maintenance light. It is unfortunate that the procedure varies from one Toyota model and model year to another. These steps work for a 2005 Toyota 4Runner.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Just You!

1. • 1
     Dashboard Photo - Red Arrow

     Identify that it is indeed the maintenance light that is on. See the red arrow in photo for the location and maintenance light in dashboard.

   • 2

     With the car off, insert key into the ignition and turn the key to the on position without starting the vehicle.

   • 3
     Dashboard Photo - Blue and Green Arrows

     Change to odometer so it reads the total miles and not the trip mileage. See the blue arrow in photo for the location of the button to change odometer from trip mileage to total mileage. See the green arrow in photo for the location of the odometer.

   • 4
     Dashboard Photo - Yellow Arrow

     Hold the reset button until the maintenance light goes out. See the yellow arrow in photo for the location of the reset button.

   • 5

     Continue on your way.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take more than one attempt so be patient.

• Make sure when you reset the light that you are still performing the necessary maintenance on the vehicle.

How to Reset a Toyota Tire Gauge

Many Toyota vehicles are equipped with a built-in tire pressure gauge that keeps track of the air pressure in the tires. When the system determines that the air pressure has dropped below the recommended level, a warning message appears on the control panel. After the low pressure condition has been resolved, the tire gauge system must be reset. Resetting the system enables the computer to continue to accurately track the air pressure in the tires. This reset procedure applies to most 2010 Toyota models.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn the ignition switch on without starting the engine.

   • 2

     Press and hold the "SET" button until the tire gauge indicator blinks three times. The "SET" button is located beneath the steering column.

   • 3

     Turn the ignition switch off after 5 minutes to allow the system time to reset and calibrate itself.