See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Fig. Fig. 1: Mantenance Component Locations

Fig. Fig. 2: View of the engine compartment maintenance components-4A-GE

Fig. Fig. 3: View of the engine compartment maintenance components-1988-92 4A-FE

Fig. Fig. 4: View of the engine compartment maintenance components-1993-95 4A-FE and 7A-FE

Fig. Fig. 5: View of the engine compartment maintenance components-1996-97 4A-FE

Fig. Fig. 6: View of the engine compartment maintenance components-1996-97 7A-FE

Proper maintenance and tune-up is the key to long and trouble-free vehicle life, and the work can yield its own rewards. Studies have shown that a properly tuned and maintained vehicle can achieve better gas mileage than an out-of-tune vehicle. As a conscientious owner and driver, set aside a Saturday morning, say once a month, to check or replace items which could cause major problems later. Keep your own personal log to jot down which services you performed, how much the parts cost you, the date, and the exact odometer reading at the time. Keep all receipts for such items as engine oil and filters, so that they may be referred to in case of related problems or to determine operating expenses. As a do-it-yourselfer, these receipts are the only proof you have that the required maintenance was performed. In the event of a warranty problem, these receipts will be invaluable.

The literature provided with your vehicle when it was originally delivered includes the factory recommended maintenance schedule. If you no longer have this literature, replacement copies are usually available from the dealer. A maintenance schedule is provided later in this section, in case you do not have the factory literature.

These checks and inspections can be done either by yourself a reputable shop, or the Toyota dealer.

Here are a few of the scheduled maintenance items that need to be checked frequently:

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

Tire pressure-use a gauge to check the pressure

Tire surfaces and lug nuts-check the tread depth and ensure all the lug nuts are in place

Tire rotation-rotate every 6200 miles (1000 km)

Fluid leaks-check the underneath for leaks of any kind

Doors and the engine hood-check the latches ensuring they are securing properly

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

Lights-make sure all the lights are in working order

Reminder indicators-ensue all the warning lights and buzzers function properly

Horn-toot the horn to make sure it works when needed

Seats-be aware of any adjuster problems, a moving seat while you're driving is dangerous

Seat belts-are they all working properly

Accelerator pedal-check for smooth operation

Clutch pedal-check for smooth operation and free-play

Brake pedal-check for smooth operation and free-play

Brakes-in a safe location, check for any brake pull

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Washer fluid-check the fluid level

Engine coolant level-make sure the level is between the FULL and LOW marks

Battery-if you have a maintenance battery, check the electrolyte levels

Brake and clutch fluid levels-have the levels near the upper line of the reservoirs

Engine oil level-with the engine OFF, check fluid level on the dipstick

Power steering fluid-the level should be between HOT and COLD

Exhaust system-visually check for cracks, holes and loose supports. Be aware of a sudden noise change in the exhaust

Along with these maintenance items, a tune-up is also part of this. A tune-up is not what it used to be years ago where you need to replace the spark plugs every 7500 miles (12,000 km). These days you can replace the plugs on some vehicles every 48,000 miles (77,000 km) or even 100,000 miles (160,900 km).

General Information & Maintenance