How to Troubleshoot the Ignition System in a Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corollas have been made with carburetorless ignition systems for more than 10 years. So there is very little you can do to service one without being an expert. Check the battery first before you try to troubleshoot your Corolla's ignition system. You might find out the problem isn't with the system itself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Calibrated ignition tester
• OBD-II scan tool
• 16mm spark plug wrench

1. Basics

   • 1

     Make sure the battery cable clamps are tight and clean where they connect to your Corolla's battery. Test the battery's condition and replace it if it doesn't pass.

   • 2

     Check the ignition system's wiring and connections and the fuses related to the system. Replace all parts that are worn or burned.

   • 3

     Use an OBD-II scan tool to check the system, making sure your tool is for your year Corolla. Connect the tool to the Data Link Connector under the driver dash. Look for a code to appear indicating an ignition system problem.

   Spark Test 1

   • 1

     Connect a calibrated ignition tester to a bolt or metal bracket on the engine. Remove an ignition coil and connect the tester to the spark plug boot. Reconnect the coil to the electrical connector and clip the tester to a good ground.

   • 2

     Crank up the Corolla's engine. Look at the end of the tester. The ignition system is working properly if a bright blue, well-defined spark appears.

   • 3

     Disconnect the coil from the electrical connector if a weak or no spark occurs. Check the terminals for damage along with the battery voltage to the coils.

   Spark Test 2

   • 1

     Remove the Corolla's ignition coils. Then remove the spark plugs with a 16mm spark plug wrench.

   • 2

     Install each spark plug into an ignition coil (with an igniter). Connect the ignition coil connectors. Disconnect the four injector connectors and ground the spark plugs.

   • 3

     Start the engine and look for sparks occurring at each spark plug. Don't crank the engine for more than 2 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• The main engine compartment fuse box is near the left strut tower. The interior fuse box is underneath the instrument panel to the left of the steering column.

• The following scan tool codes are standard for ignition system related problems: "P0355" and "P1335" are for crankshaft position sensor problems, "P0340-P0341" are camshaft position sensor problems, "P0351-P0354" mean ignition coil trouble, and "P1300," "P1305," "P1310" and "P1315" mean ignition system malfunctions.

• You can only check a Corolla's ignition coils by substituting a good coil, because Toyota doesn't publish the resistance specifications. Keep in mind that you can't return electrical parts after purchase.

How to Replace an Air Filter in a Toyota Tacoma

Changing the air filter on a Toyota Tacoma is one of the easiest maintenance task for this car. Air filters clean the air that flows to the engine and it can increase gas mileage and car performance. Car manufacturers recommend changing air filters every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Change the filter every 12 months or 15,000 miles when the vehicle is driven in extremely dusty conditions.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn off the car before changing the air filter. Don't start the car once the air filter has been removed, it acts as a barrier were the car to backfire.

   • 2

     Locate the box that houses the air filter. Look in the center on the passenger side of the car for rectangular-shaped black box that has an accordion-type tube attached to it.

   • 3

     Undo the clips that keep the housing lid secure. Lift the lid and compress the accordion-type tubing towards the engine.

   • 4

     Remove the old filter from the housing unit. Clean any leaves or debris out of the box.

   • 5

     Replace the old filter with a new filter that is made for the specific make and model of your Toyota Tacoma. Use a K&N filter, part number 33-2306, for Tacoma's that are manufactured during the years of 2005 to 2008. Locate early model air filter part numbers online or at your local auto part store.

   • 6

     Pull the lid back over to the air filter housing unit, and snap it in place. Reattach the clips to secure the lid.

How to Get a New Toyota Car Ignition Key

Replacing your car key used to be easy. Getting a duplicate key meant simply taking the key to a local store that offered key duplication services. For modern vehicles, the story is much different. Toyota, like many other car manufacturers, now depends on computer technology to provide added security features for its keyless entry remotes. Sure, you can replace the ignition key, but the car will not start or you will not be able to defeat the auto alarm without the companion microchip.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Car title
• Registration
• Proof of insurance

1. • 1

     Determine whether you need a replacement or duplicate key. If you lost all available original keys, go to Step 2. If you already have a key (and remote) and simply want to duplicate that key, proceed to Step 3.

   • 2

     Bring proof of ownership for the car key you must replace to either a Toyota dealership or a licensed locksmith. This may consist of one or all of the following documents: car title, registration and proof of insurance.

   • 3

     Write down your Toyota's unique vehicle identification number (VIN), usually found where the dash meets the front windshield. If the vehicle is not coming with you, make sure you also know the make and model.

   • 4

     Visit your local Toyota dealership or licensed locksmith. With the information from Steps 2 and 3, they will determine which key is appropriate for your Toyota and provide a replacement or duplicate.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a licensed locksmith, call first to confirm that he can service your Toyota make and model.

• Replacing transponder keys can be expensive. Shop around. Locksmiths or key replacement business websites may be a more affordable alternative to the Toyota dealership.

• According to Jose Hernandez, owner of Omega Locksmith Security Professionals in Chicago, "A Toyota made from 1998 to 2003 is a particular challenge because it requires the car's onboard computer to be physically removed for reprogramming a new key." If you are unfortunate enough to need a replacement key for any Toyota manufactured during these years, getting a replacement will take more time and be more costly.

• Don't attempt to circumvent the auto alarm or security features. Doing so could void your auto warranty and possibly damage your car.

How to Replace a 1994 Toyota Camry Power Steering Belt

On a 1994 Toyota Camry, the power steering can seem weak or non-existent if the belt wears considerably or breaks. Replacing the belt driving the power steering pump can be completed without removing the pump from the engine or removing other significant parts of the system. After the correct diagnosis that the belt is the culprit behind your suspected problem, replacing the belt can be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time with standard tools.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket set
• Drain pan
• Pliers

Suggest Edits

1. • 1

     Place a large container under the vehicle to catch the power steering fluid.

   • 2

     Remove the clamp from the fluid return hose and remove the hose from the power steering pump.

   • 3

     Remove the bolt holding the pressure line to the power steering pump. Once the bolt is removed, move the line away from the pump. The line has two sealing washers that need to be saved for installation of the line or replaced if they show signs of wear.

   • 4

     Loosen the adjuster bolt and pivot bolts on the pump. Once these bolts are loosened, the power steering pump can be moved slightly and the power steering belt can be removed.

   • 5

     Route the new belt and replace the two pivot bolts on the pump and tighten the adjuster.

   • 6

     Install the pressure line to the power steering pump, making sure to use the two sealing washers.

   • 7

     Install the fluid return hose back to the power steering pump using the clamp.

   • 8

     Fill up the power steering fluid reservoir with fluid.

How to Replace the Rotor in a Toyota Tacoma

If your Toyota Tacoma seems to be shaking and shuddering to a halt, chances are it's time to replace the rotors. Rotors don't need to be replaced often, but if they get worn down or warped from hard braking and can't be resurfaced, then they must be replaced. Luckily, the installation is simple and you can do it in your own garage.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1

     Raise your Tacoma using jacks and jack stands. Block the wheels. Remove the first tire and wheel assembly.

   • 2

     Remove the caliper mounting bolts. Slide the caliper off of the old rotor being careful not to disconnect the brake line. Hang the caliper and attached brake line from the undercarriage of the vehicle using mechanic's wire.

   • 3

     Pull off the anti-squeal spring (if equipped) and then remove the brake pads. Now you can remove the old rotor and set it aside. Clean the area around the hub with a damp cloth to remove corrosion and debris.

   • 4

     Install the new rotor into the hub. Replace the brake pads, anti-squeal spring, caliper and mounting bolts with a torque wrench or an air ratchet with an appropriate adapter.

   • 5

     Make sure that the caliper boot isn't wedged before you replace the wheel assembly and tire. Repeat this process for each additional rotor.

   • 6

     Lower your Toyota, tighten and torque the lug nuts and then pump the brake until you get a firm pedal. Be sure to road test your Tundra to make sure the installation was successful.

How to Remove a Toyota Truck Caliper

Brake calipers

The brake calipers on a Toyota truck do the heavy lifting for the braking system. When you push on the pedal, the master cylinder pushes fluid to the calipers, causing the pistons to clamp down, which in turn applies the pads to the rotor, slowing down the truck as a result. Calipers can wear out over time, which necessitates a replacement. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2006 Toyota Tacoma, but the process is similar for other Toyota trucks, as well.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Tire iron
• Line wrench set
• Brake hose clamp
• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set

1. • 1

     Use the jack to lift up the front of the vehicle, then set it on the jack stands. Be sure that the vehicle is completely and solidly on the stands prior to working on it. Take off the front wheels using the tire iron and set them out of the work area.

   • 2

     Clamp the brake line clamp tool onto the rubber brake line, towards where it connects to the caliper, then use a line wrench to remove the brake line from the caliper.

   • 3

     Unbolt the brake caliper from the mounting bracket on the front suspension using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the caliper off of the bracket and set it to the side.

How to Replace Battery Cables in a Toyota Tundra

You may need to replace the battery cables if your Toyota Tundra isn't starting up properly. Lift the hood and check the connections and the cables for wear and corrosion. Replacing the cables is pretty simple. Turn off the truck and set the parking brake before working on the battery cables.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Box wrench or cable pliers
• Wire brush or cable cleaner
• Clean cloth
• Battery cables

1. • 1

     Locate the battery on the driver's side just behind the headlight. Use a step stool to get in a good position to easily replace the cables if it's too high to reach on the Toyota Tundra.

   • 2

     Loosen the bolt on the black negative battery cable first with a box wrench or cable clamp pliers. Wriggle the cable end off the post. Repeat the process on the red positive cable. Always disconnect both battery cables, even if you're only replacing one of them, to prevent a short in the electrical system.

   • 3

     Follow the negative cable to where it's grounded on the front of the frame beside the headlight assembly. Remove the end of the cable with the wrench. Track the positive cable to its connection on the starter solenoid on the driver's side of the engine and remove it with the wrench.

   • 4

     Clean the posts with a small wire brush or cable cleaner. Wipe off residual dust or cleaner with a clean, dry cloth.

   • 5

     Attach the new positive cable first, reversing the process in Step 3. Reattach the negative cable last and start the truck to ensure the connections are working on your Toyota Tundra.

Tips & Warnings

• After attaching the new battery cables, you'll need to reset your clock and reprogram your radio presets, if your truck has these options.

• Always make sure the cables are tight at the battery, engine block and starter.