How to Troubleshoot a Toyota 4Runner A/C

The A/C in your Toyota 4Runner cools the passenger cabin using compressed refrigerant. This refrigerant is compressed using a compressor called an "A/C Compressor." The compressor is driven by an accessory belt. If any one of these components is malfunctioning or broken, the A/C system will not work. Replacement A/C parts can be purchased from most auto parts stores. But, before you start replacing parts, you should troubleshoot your Toyota 4Runner's A/C.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Open the hood and check the accessory belt that wraps around the A/C compressor pulley. The belt should not be frayed or damaged in any way.

   • 2

     Check for any peeling or chipping on the pulley belt teeth. Check for any glazing or "haze" on the belt. Any worn belt teeth or any damage to the belt indicates that the belt may be slipping and needs to be replaced.

   • 3

     Start the 4Runner's engine and wait until the water temperature gauge needle sits at or near the middle mark on the gauge. Turn the A/C blower on and set it to the coldest setting.

   • 4

     Check to see if there is any cold air blowing into the cabin. If there is no cold air, there is likely no refrigerant in the system. The most common leak on the 4Runner is at the A/C compressor, which should be serviced by a professional mechanic.

How to Replace the Starter in a Toyota Highlander

You discover that the 2.4L or 3.3L engine in your 2003 to 2006 Toyota Highlander won't start. According to the battery test, there are no problems there. You just replaced the alternator last year. Therefore, chances are your starter is the problem. While you could have a mechanic replace the starter for you, that can be rather expensive. Instead, follow the steps below to replace the starter yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Battery terminal puller
• Car jack
• Masking tape
• Permanent marker
• Wrench
• Baby food jar
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Park your Toyota Highlander on a level surface, activate the emergency brake and place blocks behind the back tires for safety. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a terminal puller.

   • 2

     Remove the battery and battery tray. Raise the front end of the car with a jack for easier access to the starter.

   • 3

     Label the starter electrical connections by wrapping a small piece of tape around the wire and indicating where it connects to the starter with a permanent marker. Disconnect the starter wiring.

   • 4

     Unscrew and remove the starter mounting bolts. Place all nuts and bolts in the jar to prevent loss. Remove the malfunctioning starter from the engine.

   • 5

     Take your malfunctioning starter to the parts store with you. Aftermarket distributors remanufacture most of the starters they sell, so you can likely obtain a partial credit toward your new starter by exchanging your old one. Be sure that you take care not to damage the starter in transit, because the better condition it is in, the more you can get for it.

   • 6

     Purchase a replacement starter that has the same or higher cranking capacity (power rating) as the original starter. Also, match the bolt patterns, drive gears and electrical connections. Your owner's manual may list specifications or the auto parts technician will help you determine them.

   • 7

     Reverse the removal process to install the new starter. Torque the starter mounting bolts to 27 foot pounds (37 Nm).

   • 8

     Lower your Highlander back to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the key in the ignition to see if your new starter motor functions correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Always inspect the battery, solenoid and alternator to be certain they are working properly before replacing a starter. When an engine fails to start, many do-it-yourselfers misdiagnose the problem as the starter and replace it unnecessarily, only to find that the vehicle still won't start.

• If you believe your starter is in the problem, use a bench test to see if the starter motor spins and how well the starter is performing. A bench test will check the amp load, voltage and RPMs. If the starter is good, it will draw 60 to 150 amps with no load and up to 250 amps under load.

• If your Toyota Highlander is an older model and/or has high mileage, you should also replace the solenoid.

• The disconnection of the negative battery cable may interfere with the on board computer function. Upon reconnection, the computer may need to go through a relearning process.

• Never operate the starter for more than 30 seconds at a time. Allow the starter motor to cool for at least two minutes in between starting attempts to prevent permanent damage.

• The starter replacement process is different for later models or those with a different sized engine than the 2003 to 2006 Toyota Highlander with a 2.4L or 3.3L engine listed in this guide. Consult your owner's manual or a mechanic for details.

How to Compare Toyota Camry Hybrids to Toyota Camrys

The amount spent on fuel is one difference between the Camry models.

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The Toyota Camry and its hybrid counterpart have a lot in common. The 2011 models have similar body styles and the same warranties, brake systems, suspensions, tires and turning radius. But there are a few big and subtle differences that can help in choosing between these two types of vehicles.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Web-browsing software

Suggest Edits

1. • 1

     Better fuel mileage is a big selling point for hybrid vehicles over regular models, and fuel efficiency can change between model years. To compare specific cars, go to fueleconomy.gov and click the "Compare side-by-side" link on the left side of the screen. Select a year, make, model and engine for the Camry in question, then click the "Compare side-by-side" button to add the model of Camry Hybrid for which fuel ratings are needed. Up to four Camrys at once can be compared.

   • 2

     Find out what's under the hood. Toyota's Web site shows the regular and hybrid 2011 Camry models as having the same number of cylinders and valves, but big differences in horsepower, torque, engine displacement and transmissions are found. To see a full list of specifications for each model, go to Toyota.com and select a model, then click the "Features and specs" button.

   • 3

     The regular and hybrid models of the 2011 Camry are different when it comes to cargo space, fuel capacity and ground clearance. Click the "Features and specs" button for each model, then use the "Specs" tab, and the "Dimensions" link to see measurements.

   • 4

     At $20,345, a 2011 base-model Toyota Camry takes a smaller bite out of a wallet than its hybrid counterpart. The 2011 hybrid starts at $27,150, but the final cost of a vehicle depends on numerous factors, including trim levels and accessories. Use the "Build your Toyota" link at Toyota.com to customize a car of each type and find out exactly what price to pay for a new vehicle.

     If looking for a price on a used Camry, click the "Find a dealer" button on the Toyota Web site and enter a zip code to find dealers nearby. A "Search certified used inventory" link appears that shows used Camrys available at the dealership. Several other car websites also offer listings and prices for used Toyota Camrys.

   • 5

     Consider battery costs. Hybrid batteries are much more expensive to replace than a traditional car battery and can cost more than $10,000, according to a 2008 Newsweek article. As of May 2010, Toyota covered hybrid-related components in its Camry models (including the battery) for eight years or 100,000 miles. If thinking of buying a used Camry with high miles or no warranty coverage, ask a local Toyota dealer or a mechanic about the current cost of replacing a Camry hybrid battery. Newsweek quoted used hybrid prices from $450 to $1,700, as shown on eBay Motors parts and accessories.

   • 6
     Calculating fuel savings over the long haul can help determine the best model for usage. calculator image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com

     Do the math. The Camry Hybrid offers better fuel efficiency than the regular Camry, but it comes with a higher price tag. Estimate how many years of owning the car and how much fuel to be used yearly. Calculate potential fuel costs and determine if the extra cost of the hybrid eventually is erased by the fuel savings during ownership.

   • 7

     Take the cars for a spin. Because hybrids use different technology than a standard car, their power train components can weigh almost twice as much, notes the KBB Green website. "The added weight tends to compromise the vehicle's handling dynamics ... and the low rolling-resistance tires often used to maximize HEV [hybrid electric vehicle] efficiency also bring trade-offs in ride, handling and tire wear," notes a Kelly Blue Book online article.

     A test drive of the regular and hybrid Camry models allows buyers to look for differences in handling and ride.

How to Change a Toyota Fuel Filter

Very few models of Toyota vehicles have an easily removable and replaceable fuel filer; in many cases, it requires a professional. The fuel filter needs changing every two years or 30,000 miles. When working on it or anywhere else in the fuel system, note the fuel pressure and make sure no dirt gets into the system.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Rags or metal container
• Flare nut wrenches
• Fuel filter

1. • 1

     Depressurize the fuel system by removing either the fuel pump relay (for V8 models) or the circuit opening relay (V6 models) from the fuse box. With the fuel cap off, start the engine and run it until it stops, then turn off the ignition switch and remove the negative battery cable.

   • 2

     Locate the fuel filter mounted onto one of the fuel rails. Place rags or a metal container on the ground under the filter to catch fuel that will spill during removal.

   • 3

     Check for dirt and debris around the connections for the fuel filter, and clean them away using compressed air. Twist the connectors to help loosen any dirt.

   • 4

     Loosen the fittings on the filter with a flare nut wrench while gripping its stationary fittings with another wrench so you don't twist the lines. If the filter uses quick-connect fittings, unlock this fitting by turning its end and pulling off the flexible line.

   • 5

     Remove the clamp bolt on the filter to remove it and its bracket, then remove the filter from the bracket. Take note of how the filter was mounted; look for an arrow printed on the filter and remember which way it pointed.

   • 6

     Install the new filter within the bracket, and mount it to the fuel rail with the bracket's clamp bolt. If the filter uses regular fittings with the lines, attach them by hand before mounting the bracket.

   • 7

     Tighten the fuel line fittings using the same wrenches. If it uses quick-connect fittings, push them onto the filter until they click into place. Secure the lines by gently pulling on the hose.

Tips & Warnings

• To repressurize the fuel system, reconnect the battery cable and disconnected relay, then turn the ignition switch to the On position a couple of times, leaving it on for two seconds and then shutting it off for five.

• Run the engine after installation, and check for any leaks around the fuel filter connections.

How to Adjust the Clutch in a Toyota Camry

Thank goodness for Toyota. They made working on the clutch pretty straightforward, and something quite doable for the average car owner with a little time and expertise.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Clutch fluid
• Wheel blocks
• Wrench and pliers

1. • 1

     Look beneath the hood to see what the level of clutch fluid in the reservoir of the Toyota Camry is. The reservoir that's located near the left rear of the engine bay. Top off the fluid to the recommended level, and pump the clutch pedal to restore the pressure. If the fluid doesn't stay at the same level, you may have a leak in the system. Check the cylinders, the reservoir and the lines, and replace any faulty part.

   • 2

     Adjust the height of the clutch of the Toyota Camry. After putting the parking brake on, and putting a block behind the wheel, start up the engine and let it idle.

   • 3

     Move the shift lever into reverse, and let the gears connect as you adjust the clutch in the Toyota Camry.

   • 4

     Press the pedal down slowly and find out at what the distance of the stroke is between the point where the gears release point and "full stroke end position." Measure this distance and record it.

   • 5

     Loosen the "jam nut" that's located on the push rod of the Toyota Camry, and turn the rod around once or twice to the right. Test the clutch adjustment, and repeat if necessary.

How to Install a Toyota Tercel CV Boot

You can replace the boot on a Toyota Tercel without removing the drive shaft.

The CV joint, or constant velocity joint, on a Toyota Tercel is protected by a rubber covering known as a CV boot. The boot protects the CV joint from dirt, grit and other road debris that would degrade the joint's function and eventually cause failure. Replacing the CV boot requires removing the entire drive shaft from the Tercel using specialized tools. However, there is a part called a split boot that can be attached over the CV joint that requires no special tools.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Rag
• Screwdriver
• Split boot kit for a Toyota Tercel

1. • 1

     Jack up the front of the Tercel on the side where the CV boot will be replaced. Place jack stands beneath the frame.

   • 2

     Remove the remnants of the old boot, if applicable.

   • 3

     Clean the CV joint thoroughly with a rag. Remove any particles of dirt or road grime.

   • 4

     Grease the CV joint with the supplied grease from the split boot kit. Cover the joint liberally.

   • 5

     Wrap one half of the split boot around the CV joint. Apply the included adhesive to the edge where the other half will join. Wrap the other half of the boot around the CV joint until both halves come together. Press them into place so that the adhesive makes complete and solid contact.

   • 6

     Clamp the upper portion of the boot onto the back of the hub. Clamp the lower portion onto the drive shaft covering. If the clamps supplied are hose clamps, you will need a screwdriver to tighten them. If the clamps are zip-ties, merely thread them together and pull them tight.

   • 7

     Allow the adhesive to dry for a minimum of 60 minutes before driving.

How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a Toyota Corolla

When the air conditioner in your Toyota Corolla is blowing warm air, you may need to recharge your system with refrigerant. In most cases, you can do this using an automotive air conditioning recharge kit. You can do this if your Corolla is compatible with R134 refrigerant. Some models made before 1995 take R12 refrigerant instead of the newer R134 refrigerant.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Leak detection kit
• Pressure gauge
• R134 refill kit

1. Get Ready to Recharge

   • 1

     Look at the air conditioning system for damage or leaks. Leak detection kits that will help you to find leaks in the system and possibly seal small leaks should be available at your local auto parts store. If you see any visible damage, replace the components or repair the leaks before you recharge the air conditioning system with refrigerant.

   • 2

     Find the Low Pressure Side port. You can find this under the hood of the car. It is near the air conditioner compressor. The location will vary with engine size and year model. In most cases, the port is near the firewall. It has a black cap that is sometimes marked L. Remove this cap.

   • 3

     Figure out if your car uses R134 or R12 refrigerant. You will notice screw type connectors on the both the High Pressure Side and Low Pressure Side lines in models using R12 refrigerant. Models made in or before 1995 may use the old R12 refrigerant. If this is the case, you have to retrofit the Corolla air conditioning system to accept R134 refrigerant.

   • 4

     Check your air conditioning system pressure using an automotive air conditioning pressure gauge. Keep in mind that in order to get an accurate reading, the air conditioner has to be turned on the coldest setting with maximum blowing power.

   Recharge the Air Conditioner

   • 1

     Read all of the directions on the refill kit. Some kits may have specific directions that you must follow to ensure safe use.

   • 2

     Hook the refill hose up to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system. The Low Pressure Side connector is smaller the High Pressure Side connector so, the refill kit hose should fit only on the Low Pressure Side port.

   • 3

     Hold the can of R134 refrigerant upright and allow the air conditioning system to suction the refrigerant out of the can. This may take as long as 10 minutes.

   • 4

     Use more than one can of refrigerant if the pressure is still low after the first can is empty.

   • 5

     Close the valve on the refill hose and release the hose from the connector when you have finished recharging the air conditioning system. Make sure that you put the cap back on the port.

   • 6

     Let the air conditioner run on the lowest temperature and highest speed for at least 20 minutes. The refrigerant will circulate throughout the entire air conditioning system during this time.