How to Remove a Factory Toyota Radio

If you want to replace the radio in your Toyota with an aftermarket stereo, the first step is to remove the factory-installed radio. This may look like a daunting task at first glance, but in reality it's not hard to do if you follow these simple steps to remove the factory radio in most Toyota vehicles.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• 10mm screwdriver
• Trim panel tool (see Resources)

1. • 1

     Using a trim panel tool, carefully pry out the trim panel that surrounds the climate controls. This will release a series of clips that hold it into place. When it's loose, pull it away from the dash and disconnect the wiring plugs connected to the back. Set the panel aside.

   • 2

     Pry up the edges of the trim panel surrounding the receiver. When it's loose, pull it away from the dash, remove any wiring plugs connected to the back, and set it aside.

   • 3

     Unscrew the four 10mm bolts holding the radio in place. When the screws are out, pull the radio out of the dash, disconnecting the harness and antenna plug by pulling them out of their respective sockets.

How to Replace CV Axles on a '95 Toyota Camry

The 1995 Toyota Camry, like all other front-wheel drive vehicles, uses constant velocity (CV) axles as the driveshafts on a front wheel drive car. The CV axle delivers the power from the engine and transmission to the wheels. They allow the drive shafts to articulate while they are turning. When they begin to fail, they will emit a clicking sound in a turn. The most common reason for CV axle failure is a broken CV axle boot, which allows the grease to escape so that the joints run dry with no lubrication.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Set of 1/2-inch sockets
• Pry bar
• Ratchet
• ½-inch air gun
• Drip pan
• Hammer

1. • 1

     Jack the front of the car up and support on jack stands. Remove the front wheels. Turn the ignition key just enough to unlock the steering wheel. Remove the cotter pin and large axle nut retainer in the center of the rotor.

   • 2

     Remove the two large bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the spindle. Push in on the CV axle where it protrudes through the center of the rotor and make sure it is loose enough to push out. If it is difficult to push out, reinstall the axle nut upside down for just five or six threads, then tap it with a hammer to encourage the CV axle to come out of the hub.

   • 3

     Turn the steering outward with the steering wheel (if working on the driver's side, turn the wheel to the left). This gives you sufficient room to remove the axle. The passenger side should be turned to the right to give you room to pull the passenger side axle out.

   • 4

     Remove the axle nut (if used to bang the axle out) and grab the extension of the spindle above the rotor. Pull it down and toward you as you grab the CV axle and withdraw it from the hub. Put a drip pan under the CV joint at the point it enters the transmission, in case there is any fluid loss. Place the head of the pry bar between the transmission and the CV joint. With a quick snap of the pry bar, separate the CV joint from the transmission. There is a small circlip on the end of the CV joint that keeps it in place. Prying it with a quick snap will overcome the friction of the circlip, and the CV joint will pop out.

   • 5

     Install the new CV axle by inserting the axle end first. It will go in as far as the circlip. Back it out ever so slightly--about ½ an inch--and sharply shove it in past the circlip. Grab the spindle at the extension above the rotor with the holes for the strut and, while pulling down and toward you, install the outer end of the CV joint. To do this easily, bend the CV joint toward the hole in the rotor and push into the hole while rotating the rotor to line up the splines.

   • 6

     Install the retaining nut. While lifting up on the hub and rotor assembly, push the top of the spindle with the holes in it into the strut and insert the bolts and nuts. Tighten them securely. Torque the large retaining nut to 200 foot pounds. Repeat the same procedure with the other side. Reinstall wheels and let the car off the jacks.

How to Change a Tail Light on a Toyota Camry

Changing a tail light on a Toyota Camry does not require tools and can be done in minutes. The tail lights and brake lights are important safety features that allow drivers behind you to see you, and to know if you are stopping or turning. As such, they are important to maintain. If the bulbs are burned out on your tail lights, take a few minutes and change them. You can purchase replacement bulbs at any auto parts store or at the Toyota dealership.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Open the trunk of your Camry and locate the tail light assembly covers to the right and left of the trunk lid. The cover is plastic and rectangular shaped. It snaps open on the inner edge and hinges to the outside edge.

   • 2

     Open the tail light assembly cover and locate the light bulb sockets inside. Pull out the socket that corresponds to the burned-out light, turning it counterclockwise to unlock it from the assembly. The top bulb is the turn signal, second is the stop light, third is the running light and the last bulb is the backup light.

   • 3

     Pull the socket straight back and out of the assembly. Remove the bulb from the socket. The bulb pulls straight out of the socket and can be discarded. Insert a new bulb and push it in until it is fully seated in the socket.

   • 4

     Insert the socket and bulb into the tail light assembly and turn the socket clockwise until it stops, locking it in place. Close the cover, making sure it snaps closed so that it is secure. This will help keep moisture and dirt out of the tail light assembly.

   • 5

     Close the trunk and test the lights to be sure they are working. If you have lights out on both sides, you will need to repeat the process on the opposite tail light before testing the lights.

How to Troubleshoot a 1989 Toyota Pickup

Although troubleshooting a Toyota pickup truck can be a multi-step process, performing diagnostics is a great place to start. Running diagnostics really narrows things down and helps eliminate variables. A 1989 Toyota pickup predates the current standardized diagnostics system and consequently requires the use of a self-testing procedure to troubleshoot the vehicle.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jumper wire
• Pen
• Notepad

1. • 1

     Open the hood and identify the TE1 and E1 terminals of the vehicle. These are located at the rear of the engine compartment and are covered with caps.

   • 2

     Remove the TE1 and E1 caps and connect one end of a jumper cable to each of them. In the case of the Tercel or MR2 models, the terminals you will connect the jumper cable to are called T and E1. Once the jumper cable is connected to the terminals, insert the key and turn it on without turning the engine on.

   • 3

     Record the number of times the "check engine" light flashes. Account for the pauses in your notes as well. Toyota's flash codes consist of two numbers. For example, the code "26" will be made up of two flashes and a pause followed by six flashes.

   • 4

     Turn the key off to power down the electrical system. Refer to "Toyota Diagnostic Trouble Codes" in the Resources section of this article and copy the Toyota flash codes next to their corresponding code numbers in your notes.

   • 5

     Investigate the engine compartment of the vehicle by going through each code number and its definition in your notes. Proceed through the list of possible codes while looking into the engine compartment in order to rule out potential problems. In the case that you go through the entire list without being able to clearly identify the actual problem, contact a professional mechanic.

How to Install 1993 Toyota Corolla Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch on a 1993 Toyota Corolla is a pressure-sensitive switch designed to illuminate the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed. This switch is mounted above the brake pedal in a small bracket that allows it to maintain contact with the brake pedal lever. As the pedal travels downward the pedal lever releases pressure from the brake light switch, allowing it to illuminate the brake lights. Replacement brake light switches are available from auto parts stores and Toyota dealerships.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Replacement brake pedal switch

1. • 1

     Shift the Corolla's transmission into park or first gear (manual) and engage the emergency brake. Turn off the engine and turn on the interior dome light.

   • 2

     Open the driver's side door and look above the brake pedal area. The brake light switch is made from white-colored plastic and is mounted inside a small bracket directly above the brake pedal area.

   • 3

     Depress the locking tabs on both sides of the brake pedal switch and remove it from its mounting bracket. Disconnect the brake pedal switch's electrical connector.

   • 4

     Install a new brake pedal switch in the brake pedal switch bracket and reconnect its electrical connector. Depress the brake pedal and have an assistant verify that the brake lights illuminate.

How to Retract Calipers on a Toyota Sienna

You must retract the caliper pistons on your Toyota Sienna when you're replacing pads or rotors. Because Siennas can feature front and rear disc brakes, this applies to both axles. Retracting the pistons that contact the backing plate of the outboard pad makes room for the new, thicker pads or rotors. Trying to force a caliper onto new disc brakes could damage the piston, and in all likelihood you would still not be able to get it onto the new brakes.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wheel block
• Brake fluid suction baster (or a turkey baster)
• Wheel lug wrench
• Car jack
• Jack stand(s)
• Metric box-end/open-end combination wrench set
• Slotted screwdriver
• Caliper hook or bungee cord
• Caliper piston reset tool or a 6-inch C-clamp
• Small pick set
• Brake fluid

1. • 1

     Apply the parking brake on a flat hard surface if you're working on the front axle of the Toyota Sienna. If you're working on the rear axle, place a wheel block in front of one of the front tires on the Sienna, and make sure the vehicle is in gear with the keys removed from the ignition.

   • 2

     Open the hood and remove about half of the fluid from the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir (on the driver's side firewall), using a brake fluid suction baster or a turkey baster. If using a turkey baster, never allow it back into the kitchen; brake fluid is highly toxic. Replace the cover of the master cylinder.

   • 3

     Loosen the wheel lugs of the wheel(s) on which you're intending to replace the brakes or remove the calipers, using the wheel lug wrench. Turn the nuts 1/8 of a turn, lift the axle off the Sienna using the car jack and then support the car safely onto jack stands. Finish removing the wheel lugs, then remove the wheels and set them aside.

   • 4

     Use a metric open-end wrench to hold the two caliper sliding pins in place while removing the two caliper mounting bolts with a box-end wrench. Turn the bolts counterclockwise to unscrew them.

   • 5

     Gently pry the caliper off the pads and caliper mount assembly that are embracing the rotor. Support the caliper to the suspension coil spring with a hook or bungee cord to ensure it does not dangle from the rubber hydraulic brake hose.

   • 6

     Compress the caliper piston, using the caliper reset tool or the 6-inch C-clamp. There are a few ways you can do this. You can use one of the old pads as a protective barrier between the desired retracting tool and the piston of the caliper to ensure you do not damage it. You can also place a small block of wood against the piston. Or you can place the driving bore of the C-clamp inside the hollow piston while the top of the clamp sits against the inside housing of the caliper. In any case, tighten the clamp slowly until the caliper piston is fully retracted into the bore.

   • 7

     Remove the retracting tool and inspect the protective caliper piston boot. Often times when compressing caliper pistons, the boot can get air trapped inside it, distorting its position. If necessary, use a small pick set to pull the boot away from the piston in the compromised location, and allow the trapped air to escape and reset the boot properly. Do not poke a hole in the rubber boot with the pick.

Tips & Warnings

• With the caliper pistons retracted, you can continue on with your intended repair.

• On rear disc brake calipers on the Sienna, removing the parking brake cable from the caliper is also required to properly extract it from the caliper mount.

• When the Sienna repairs are complete and the vehicle is back on the ground, pump the brake pedal several times to push the pistons back out of the caliper bores and seat them against the pads and rotors. Do this before test-driving the Sienna or you will not have an initial braking response, which could cause a serious accident. Once the pedal feels firm, recheck the brake fluid in the master cylinder and top it off only with new brake fluid. Any other hydraulic fluid will contaminate the braking system and cause complete brake failure. Use DOT 3 brake fluid.

How to Replace a Power Mirror in a Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a great mid-sized family sedan, and with the newer hybrid models, it has become one of the leaders in low cost travel options. The power mirror construction in the entire line of Corolla's is the same for all model years. It's a simple replacement project that most vehicle owners can manage.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Blunt tool

1. Remove the Old Mirror

   • 1

     Disconnect the Corolla's negative cable to the battery.

   • 2

     Remove the triangle-shaped interior mirror cover from the top of the door panel. Pry the cover off with your hands, a blunt plastic or wooden tool to prevent damage to your door trim.

   • 3

     Take out the mirror wiring connection.

   • 4

     Remove the door trim bracket around the mirror. Take out the mounting nuts.

   • 5

     Pull the power mirror off the Toyota Corolla.

   Install the New Mirror

   • 1

     Put the new mirror in place on the Camry.

   • 2

     Re-install the mounting nuts making sure they are securley holding the mirror in place. Replace the mirror insulation.

   • 3

     Reconnect the wiring to the new mirror.

   • 4

     Install the triangle interior cover by snapping it back in place.

   • 5

     Connect the negative battery cable.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid accidentally slipping with a screwdriver and breaking the window by leaving it down during mirror replacement. It's also easier to gain access and reach through the door from either side.

• If your Corolla model is equipped with side air bags, disable them so they aren't accidentally engaged while you work.