How to Program Toyota Locks

Keyless entry remotes can be equipped to most Toyota vehicles

Keyless entry systems have become nearly standard on most types of cars and trucks, and the technology is included on nearly all Toyota vehicles. You can program your keyless entry remotes to the vehicle's locks in just seconds from your car's driver's seat. This programming sequence will allow you to sync up to four different remotes and will let you use the remotes with your system right away.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Enter your car with your ignition key, close all of the doors besides the driver's door and unlock the doors with the tab on the driver's door.

   • 2

     Insert and remove your key from the ignition twice, close and open the driver's door twice and insert and remove the key from the ignition again.

   • 3

     Close and open the driver's door two more times, insert your key into the ignition again, close the door again and then turn the key "On" and "Off."

   • 4

     Remove the key from the ignition, wait for the locks to cycle and press the Lock and Unlock buttons on your remote for two seconds.

   • 5

     Release both buttons and press the Lock button by itself for two seconds. Wait for the locks to cycle again to indicate successful programming and open your driver's door again to end the process.

How to Change Brakes on a Toyota

Toyota recommends that you service your brakes regularly and replace the brake pads every 40,000 miles. You can choose to have the brake work performed by a brake mechanic or you can do the job yourself. Inspect the overall brake assembly while performing routine maintenance. Replace the brake pads and rotors whenever there is significant wear or damage found.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Lug wrench
• Jack
• Jack stands
• 10nmm wrench
• Hammer
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Cloth towel
• Rotor
• Brake pads
• Channel-lock pliers
• Funnel
• Brake fluid

1. • 1

     Park to Toyota on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Turn the engine off and pull the hood release lever. Move to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood.

   • 2

     Remove the master cylinder cap and lay it loosely on top of the master cylinder container. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels corresponding to the brakes that will be replaced with a lug wrench.

   • 3

     Lift the Toyota with the jack and rest the axles on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels off. Remove caliper pins with a 10 mm socket wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly and rest it on top of the steering arm above the brakes.

   • 4

     Slide the brake pads from the sides of the caliper. Remove the brake rotor from the wheel bolts by grabbing either side of the disc and pulling at straight from the wheel hub. Use a hammer to tap the outside of the rotor if it is stuck to the steering knuckle.

   • 5

     Clean the area behind the rotor with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush to remove brake dust, rust, and brake fluid that may have leaked onto the wheel bolts. Clean the new rotor with a cloth towel and brake cleaner. Slide the disc onto the wheel bolts and push it against the steering knuckle.

   • 6

     Slowly and carefully squeeze the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper with a pair of channel-lock pliers. Be sure to not damage the rubber sleeve surrounding the piston.

   • 7

     Slide the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. Replace the caliper onto the rotor and screw on the caliper pins. Replace the wheel onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lugs by hand.

   • 8

     Lift the Toyota with the jack and remove the jack stands from beneath the vehicle. Lower the tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

   • 9

     Press the brake pedal slowly to the floor. Release the pedal and repeat the depressions until the pedal response stiffens. Move to the engine compartment. Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel inside the container. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid. Remove the funnel and secure the cap onto the master cylinder. Close the Toyota's hood.

How to Change an Air Filter on a Toyota Rav4

The Rav4 has gone through three generations and a few different options for engines since Toyota started manufacturing it in 1994. No matter what year your Rav4 is, replacing the engine's air filter is important to keep clean combustible air fed to the engine and to optimize fuel economy. The location of the engine air filter air box has changed a few times, but no matter what year your Rav4 is, replacing the air filter is relatively easy. Plus, you can avoid those labor charges incurred at service stations. There are no tools required.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Release the hood latch in your Rav4. Make sure the engine is off.

   • 2

     Open the hood and rest it on the prop rod.

   • 3

     Locate the air box. Refer to your owner's manual if you're not sure where it is or what it looks like. Some Rav4's have air boxes located near the center rear of the motor and have a vertical front door. But newer models may have horizontal boxes on the driver's side of the motor, just behind the battery. No matter where the box is located, there are one or two clips holding one side of the air box lid. Once you've released those, simply lift or open the door.

   • 4

     Remove the old air filter and discard.

   • 5

     Insert the new air filter in the same manner the old one was installed.

   • 6

     Close the air box lid and make sure the hinge(s) on the other side of the lid are properly inserted into the bottom of the air box. Refasten the clip(s).

   • 7

     Close the hood.

How to Test the Compression on a Toyota 22RE

A compression test reveals a lot about internal engine conditions.

Compression is a good indicator of how worn an engine is on the inside, which gives you a clue as to how much life it has left. Additionally, engine compression gives an indication of whether a problem exists with the valves, rings or head gasket. This is a great test to do before buying a used Toyota 22RE or, for that matter, any used vehicle.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Compression gauge

1. • 1

     Start the engine and let it warm up. Compression readings are only valid if the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. Once that occurs, turn off the engine.

   • 2

     Remove the spark plugs. Be careful -- the engine and the plugs are hot!

   • 3

     Connect the compression gauge to one of the cylinders. The order in which you test the cylinders does not matter.

   • 4

     Turn the engine over with the throttle wide open until the compression stops rising. This will take just a few seconds. Don't worry about the engine starting -- it cannot start with the plugs removed.

   • 5

     Check the compression gauge. Write down the compression reading and the cylinder that you tested.

   • 6

     Repeat steps 3-5 for the other three cylinders in your Toyota.

   • 7

     Compression for a Toyota 22RE cylinder should be between 142 psi and 178 psi. In addition, no more than 14 psi difference should exist between the highest and the lowest cylinder readings. For example, a reading near 170 for all four cylinders is fine and a reading near 150 for all four cylinders is fine; but one cylinder at 170 psi and another at 150 psi is not fine. Keep in mind, too, that although 142 psi is acceptable, it suggests that the engine is well worn and may soon need to be rebuilt.

Tips & Warnings

• Some compression gauges screw into the spark plug socket; with other models, you press the gauge into the socket and hold it in place while the engine is cranked. If you have the first type, you can do the compression test yourself. With the second type, you will need a helper -- one person cranks the engine while the other holds the compression gauge.

• Make sure your clothing, jewelry and hair do not get caught in any of the moving parts under the hood. Automobile engines have components that may start and stop without warning, sometimes even when the motor is turned off and the spark plugs have been removed.

How to Put Spark Wires on a Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica is a sporty coupe with a four-cylinder engine

Flag this photo

Spark plug wires help transmit an electrical pulse to your spark plugs, which allow your engine to start and run smoothly. Replacing spark plug wires is one of the most simple repairs that can be done to a car; almost anyone can do it. Make sure you purchase spark plugs specifically made for the 1.8-liter engine in your Toyota Celica.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Pliers
• Spark plug wire boot tool (optional)
• Replacement spark plug wires (4)

Suggest Edits

1. • 1
     Disconnect your negative battery cable for safety

     Disconnect the negative battery cable in your Celica before attempting to remove or replace the spark plug wires.

   • 2
     Replacement spark plug wires

     Open your package of spark plug wires and lay them out for easy access. Every Toyota Celica has a four-cylinder engine. You should have four replacement spark plug wires.

   • 3

     Use the spark plug wire boot tool to make removing each wire easier. If you do not have the tool, carefully unhook the old wire with your hands. Remove and replace one spark plug at a time. Carefully unhook each spark plug from the valve cover and trace the plug back to the terminal. Replace the spark plug wire according to its number.

   • 4

     Go over both connections for each spark plug wire to make sure they are properly connected. Spark plug wires have a small clip inside the boot, which should make a "pop" when properly attached.

   • 5

     Start the engine and make sure it is not misfiring. If the engine is still misfiring, double-check your connections. If the connections are good, you may have a faulty spark plug rather than a faulty spark plug wire.

How to Replace a Toyota Pickup Window

A damaged window on your Toyota Pickup not only hurts the overall look of your vehicle but it can also put your Pickup at risk of being stolen. A broken window can also be dangerous to anyone near it, posing a cutting risk due to the broken glass. To avoid unnecessary injury you should replace the window as soon as it becomes damaged. Pick up a replacement window from your local auto store and install it on your Toyota Pickup in a few easy steps.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Screwdriver set
• Wrench set
• Window pane

1. • 1

     Open up the door on your truck which contains the damaged window. Locate the screws attached to the door panel. Remove the screws using a phillips-head screwdriver and pull the panel away from the door of your Toyota.

   • 2

     Remove the screws attached to the door handle trim. Pull the door handle and the trim away from the door. Remove the water deflector from the door by grabbing hold of it with your hands and pulling it away from the door until it comes free.

   • 3

     Reach in to the door frame and unhook the two linkage arms which make up part of the door handle assembly. Remove the linkage arms from the door.

   • 4

     Use a hex wrench to remove the hex bolts attached to the window regulator. Lift the window pane out of the door frame. Place the glass in your recycling or take it to your local recycling center.

   • 5

     Insert the new glass pane in to the door frame. Line up the hex bolt holes on the glass with those on the regulator. Attach the hex bolts between them both to fix the window in place. Reattach the rest of the door assembly by following steps 1 to 3 in reverse.

How to Replace the Brakes on a 2005 Toyota Sienna

Replace the brakes on the 2005 Toyota Sienna at the first sign of significant wear or damage. The brake pads should be replaced every 50,000 miles. During regular brake pad maintenance, check the rotors for scoring and warping. Slightly scored rotors can be professionally resurfaced, while deep scoring or warping requires immediate rotor replacement. Failure to replace damaged rotors will result in accelerated brake pad wear and may lead to brake failure.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Poultry baster
• Lug wrench
• Jack
• Jack stands
• 13 mm wrench
• Flat screwdriver
• 15 mm wrench
• Hammer (if necessary)
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Rotors
• Brake pads
• Brake grease
• C-clamp
• Funnel
• Brake fluid

1. • 1

     Park the Sienna on a flat surface and turn the engine off. Place the vehicle in "park" and apply the parking brake. Pull the hood release lever located under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. Move to the front of the van.

   • 2

     Lift the hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The cap is located on the right side of the Sienna's engine, near the rear of the engine compartment.

   • 3

     Remove half of the brake fluid from the reservoir with the poultry baster. Place the cap loosely on top of the container to aid in depressing the caliper pistons (in future steps), and to keep debris from the brake fluid reservoir.

   • 4

     Place the lug wrench over one of the lug nuts on a front wheel. Turn the nut one full turn to loosen it--do not remove the lug nut. Loosen all of the lug nuts on the wheel and the wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle.

   • 5

     Place the jack under the frame and lift the front of the vehicle off the ground. Place jack stands under the axles and lower the Sienna onto the stands with the jack.

   • 6

     Remove the lug nuts and take the front wheels off.

   • 7

     Remove the two caliper slide pins on the back side of each brake's caliper using a 13 mm wrench.

   • 8

     Lift the caliper from the caliper bridge and rest it on top of the steering arm.

   • 9

     Pry the brake pads from the slots of the caliper bridge with a flat screwdriver.

   • 10

     Remove the two bolts on the back side of each wheel hub's caliper bridge with a 15 mm wrench. Lift the bridge away from the rotor and set it aside.

   • 11

     Grab the rotor on either side and pull it from the wheel bolts. Use a hammer to strike the center section of the disc (known as the "top-hat section") for any rotor stuck to the steering knuckle by rust.

   • 12

     Spray brake parts cleaner on the area behind where the rotor sits and clean it with a wire brush.

   • 13

     Clean the new rotors (one on each side of the vehicle) with brake cleaner and a cloth towel.

   • 14

     Place the new rotors onto the wheel bolts with the top-hat section facing outward.

   • 15

     Place the C-clamp over the caliper piston and the back side of the caliper. Squeeze the pistons into the side of the caliper to allow for the thicker brake pads and rotor. Remove the clamp once the piston is fully opened.

   • 16

     Apply brake grease to the area of the caliper from where the piston extends.

   • 17

     Replace the caliper bridge over the new rotor and screw in the caliper bridge bolts with the 15 mm wrench.

   • 18

     Insert the new brake pads into the slots of the caliper bridge.

   • 19

     Place the caliper over the new brake pads and caliper bridge. Screw in the caliper pins with the 13 mm wrench.

   • 20

     Replace the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.

   • 21

     Lift the Sienna with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the front tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

   • 22

     Move to the rear wheels and loosen the lug nuts on them.

   • 23

     Lift the back-end of the Toyota and remove the rear wheels.

   • 24

     Repeat the process for replacing the rear brakes with the exception of step 8. Remove the caliper from the rear caliper bridge and suspend it above the brake assembly with a bungee cord or wire coat hanger--do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake line.

   • 25

     Return to the engine compartment once all of the brakes have been replaced. Remove the master cylinder cap and use a funnel to add brake fluid until the reservoir is full. Replace the cap and close the Toyota's hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Toyota recommends that you use DOT-3 brake fluid to fill the master cylinder.