Toyota Camry 1996 Owner's Manual

Foreword

Welcome to the growing group of value-conscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we build.

This Owner’s Manual explains the features of your new Toyota. Please read it and follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring.

When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.

Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.

All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.

New vehicle warranty

Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota limited warranties:

 New vehicle warranty  Emission control systems warranty  Others

For further information, please refer to the separate “Owner’s Guide”, “Owner ’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.

Your responsibility for maintenance

It is the owner ’s responsibility to make sure that the specified maintenance is performed. Part 6 gives details of these maintenance requirements. Also included in Part 6 is general maintenance. For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the separate “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule”.

Accessories, spare parts and

modification of your Toyota

A wide variety of non genuine spare parts and accessories for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the market. You should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and is not responsible either for their performance, repair or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.

This vehicle should not be modified with non genuine Toyota products. Modification with non genuine Toyota products could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification may not be covered under warranty.

Spark ignition system of your Toyota

The spark ignition system of your T oyota meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Standard.

Installation of a mobile

two-way radio system

As the installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system, cruise control system, anti-lock brake system and SRS airbag system, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding installation.

Scrapping of your Toyota

The SRS airbag devices in your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags left as they are, it may cause an accident such as a fire. Be sure to have the SRS airbag system removed and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your vehicle.

Quick index

 If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 65. . . . .

 If your vehicle will not start 149. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 If your engine stalls while driving 152. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 If your vehicle overheats 152,153. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 If you have a flat tire 153. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 If your vehicle needs to be towed 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 Tips for driving during break- in period 129. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 How to start the engine 139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 General maintenance 172. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 Complete index 221. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gas station information

Fuel type:

5S- FE engine: UNLEADED gasoline, Res earch Octane Number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher.

1MZ- FE engine: UNLEADED gas ol ine, R es earc h Oc t ane Number 91 (Octane Rating 87) or higher. For improved vehicl e performance, t he use of premium unleaded gasoline with a Research Octane Number of 96 (Octane Rating

91) or higher is recommended. See page 129 for detailed information.

Fuel tank capacity: 70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 lmp. gal.) Engine oil:

API SH, “’Energy- Conservi ng II’’ mult igrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recommended.

See page 186 for detailed information.

Automatic transmission fluid:

Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON-II.

Tire information: See pages 189 through 193. Tire pressure: See pages 214 and 215.

A–7

Publication No. OM33447U Part No. 01999-33447

Printed in Japan 29- 9810- 04

Part 1

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1-1 Overview of instruments and controls

 Instrument panel overview  Instrument cluster overview  Indicator symbols on the

instrument panel

Instrument panel overview

Instrument cluster overview

Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

Brake system warning light*

Seat belt reminder light*

Discharge warning light*

Malfunction indicator lamp*

Low fuel level warning light*

Low oil pressure warning light*

Anit-lock brake system warning light*

Open door warning light*

Rear light failure warning light*

SRS airbag warning light*

Turn signal indicator lights

Headlight high beam indicator light

Overdrive-off indicator light

“PWR” mode indicator light

Cruise control indicator light*

Automatic transmission indicator lights

*1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warn-

ing buzzers” in Chapter 1-5.

*2: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” in Chapter 1-6.

Part 1

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1-2 Keys and Doors

 Keys  Side doors  Power windows  Trunk lid  Back door  Hood  Fuel tank cap  Electric moon roof

Keys

The master key works in every lock. The subkey will not work in the trunk and glovebox.

To protect things locked in the trunk or glvebox when you have your vehicle parked, leave the subkey with the attendant.

Since the side doors, back door and trunk lid can be locked without a key, you should always carry a spare master key in case you accidentally lock your keys inside the vehicle.

Keep the key number plate in a safe place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle.

If you should lose your keys or if you need additional keys, duplicates can be made by a Toyota dealer using the key number.

You should also put a copy of the key number with your important papers.

Side doors

LOCKING WITH KEY Turn the key towards the front of the

vehicle to lock and towards the back to unlock.

Vehicles with power door lock system—All the side doors and back door lock and unlock simultaneously with either front door. I n the driver’s door lock, turning the key once will unlock the driver’s door and twice in succession will unlock all the side doors and back door simultaneously .

On some models, the door keyhole light will come on to help you locate the keyhole if you pull up and release the door handle when inserting the key into the driver’s door keyhole in the dark.

LOCKING WITH INSIDE LOCK KNOB Turn the lock knob forward to lock and

backward to unlock the door.

Closing the door with the lock knob in the lock position will also lock the door. Be careful not to lock your keys in the vehicle.

Vehicles with power door lock system— The door cannot be locked if you leave the key in the ignition switch.

LOCKING WITH POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

To lock all the side doors and back door simultaneously, push the power door lock switch on the LOCK side. Pushing on the UNLOCK side will unlock them.

Power windows

CAUTION

Before driving, be sure that the doors are closed and locked, especially when small children are in the vehicle. Along with the proper use of seat belts, locking the doors helps prevent the driver and passengers from being thrown out from the vehicle during an accident. It also helps prevent the doors from being opened unintentionally.

LOCKING WITH REAR DOOR CHILDPROTECTORS

Turn the lock knob to the “LOCK” position as shown on the label.

This feature allows you to lock a rear door so it can be opened from the outside only, not from inside. We recommend using this feature whenever small children are in the vehicle.

The windows can be operated with the switch on each side door.

The power windows work when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. However, if both front doors are closed, they work for 60 seconds even after the ignition switch is turned off. They stop working when either front door is opened.

OPERATING THE DRIVER’S WINDOW Use the switch on the driver’s door.

Normal operation: The window moves

as long as you hold the switch. To open: Lightly push down the switch. To close: Pull up the switch.

Automatic operation (to open only):

Push the switch completely down and then release it. The window will fully open. To stop the window partway, lightly pull th e switch up and then release it.

OPERATING THE PASSENGERS’ WINDOWS

Use the switch on each passenger’s door or the switches on the driver’s door that control each passenger’s window.

The windows move as long as you hold the switch.

To open: Push down the switch. To close: Pull up the switch. If you push in the window lock button on

the driver’s door, the passengers’ windows cannot be operated.

CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following.

 Always make sure the head, hands

and other parts of the body of all occupants are kept completely inside the vehicle before you close the power windows. If someone’s neck, head or hands gets caught in a closing window, it could result in a serious injury. When anyone closes the power windows, be sure that they operate the windows safely.

 When small children are in the ve-

hicle, never let them use the power window switches without supervision. Use the window lock button to prevent them from making unexpected use of th e switches.

 Never leave small children alone in

the vehicle, especially with the ignition key still inserted. They could use the power window switches and get trapped in a window. Unattended children can become involved in serious accidents.

—Lock release leverTrunk lid (sedan and coupe)—

To open the trunk lid from the outside, insert the master key and turn it clockwise.

See “Luggage stowage precautions” in Part 2 for precautions to observe in loading luggage.

To close the trunk lid, lower it and press down on it. After closing the trunk lid, try pulling it up to make sure it is securely closed.

CAUTION

Keep the trunk lid closed while driving. This not only keeps the luggage from being thrown out but also prevents exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.

To open the trunk lid from the driver’s seat, pull up on the lock release lever.

—Luggage security system Back door (wagon)—

This system deactivates the lock release lever so that things locked in the trunk can be protected.

1. Push down the security lock levers to lock the rear seatbacks.

After locking the rear seatbacks, try folding them down to make sure they are securely locked—otherwise, someone could get into the t r unk by folding down a rear seat.

2. After closing the trunk lid, insert the master key and turn it counterclockwise to deactivate the lock release lever.

After closing the trunk lid, try pulling it up to make sure it is securely locked.

FROM OUTSIDE To open the back door, insert the key

and turn it clockwise to unlock. Then pull the handle and raise the door.

To close the door, lower it and press down on it. After closing the back door, try pulling it up to make sure it is securely closed.

FROM INSI DE (vehicles with th ird seat) Turn the lock knob rightward to lock

and leftward to unlock the back door. To open the door, pull the handle and push the door outward.

For closing, hold the lever and lower the door. After closing the back door, try pushing it outward to make sure it is securely closed.

See “Luggage stowage precautions” in Part 2 for precautions to observe in loading luggage.

Closing the back door with the lock knob set in the lock position will also lock the back door. Be careful not to lock your keys in the vehicle.

—Power back door lock

Vehicles with power door lock system—To lock the back door, push the power door lock switch on the LOCK side. Pushing on the UNLOCK side will unlock it.

At this time, all the side doors are operated simultaneously (See “Side doors”.).

You can, of course, lock and unlock the back door manually.

Vehicles without power door lock system—To lock the back door, push the switch on the “LOCK” side. To unlock the back door, push the switch on the “UNLOCK” side.

You can, of course, lock and unlock the back door manually.

—Back door child protector (with third seat) Hood

CAUTION

 Before driving, be sure that the

doors are closed and locked. Along with the proper use of seat belts, locking the back door helps prevent the passengers from being thrown out from the vehicle during an accident. It also helps prevent the back door from being opened unintentionally.

 Keep the back door closed while

driving. This not only keeps the

Move the lock lever to the “LOCK” position as shown on the label.

This feature allows you to lock a back door so it can be opened from the outside only, not from inside. We recommend using this feature whenever small children are in the vehicle.

luggage from being thrown out but also prevents exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.

To open the hood, pull the hood lock release lever under the dash. The hood will spring up slightly. In front of the vehicle, press up on the auxiliary catch lever and lift the hood.

Before closing the hood, check to see that you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc. Then lower the hood and make sure it locks into place. If necessary, press down gently on the front edge to lock it.

Fuel tank cap

1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the lever up.

CAUTION

 Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-

low open flames when refueling. The fumes are flammable.

 When opening the cap, do not re-

move the cap quickly. In hot weather, fuel under pressure could cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck if the cap is suddenly removed.

2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly counterclockwise, then pause slightly before removing it. After removing the cap, hang it on the cap hanger.

It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is opened. When installing, turn the cap clockwise till you hear a click.

5S-FE engined vehicles with automatic transmission—

If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened securely.

The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

CAUTION

 Make sure the cap is tightened se-

curely to prevent fuel spillage in case of an accident.

 Use only a genuine Toyota fuel

tank cap for replacement. It has a built-in check valve to reduce fuel tank vacuum.

Electric moon roof

To open the moon roof, push the switch on the “SLIDE” side. Pushing on the opposite side will close it. To tilt up the rear end of the moon roof, push the switch on the “UP” side. Pushing on the opposite side will lower it.

The moon roof works when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. However, if both front doors are closed, it works for 60 seconds even after the ignition switch is turned off. It stops working when either front door is opened.

The moon roof will move while the switch is being pushed and stop when released. However, as a precaution when closing, it stops at the three-quarters closed position before fully closing. Therefore, release the switch and then push it again to close it completely.

You may open the moon roof to any desired position.

The sun shade can be opened or closed manually. However, if you open the moon roof, the sun shade will be opened together with the moon roof.

CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following.

 While the vehicle is moving, al-

ways keep the head, hands and other parts of the body of all occupants away from the roof opening. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured if the vehicle stops suddenly or if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

 Always make sure nobody places

his/her head, hands and other parts of the body in the roof opening before you close the roof. If someone’s neck, head or hands gets caught in the closing roof, it could result in a serious injury. When anyone closes the roof, first make sure it is safe to do so.

 Never leave small children alone

in the vehicle, especially with the ignition key still inserted. They could use the moon roof switches and get trapped in the roof opening. Unattended children can become involved in serious accidents.

 Never sit on top of the vehicle

around the roof opening.

Part 1

Seats

Front seats— —Seat adjustment precautions

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS—

Chapter 1-3 Seats, Seat belts, Steering wheel and Mirrors

 Seats  Front seats  Rear seats  Head restraints  Seat belts  SRS airbags  Child restraint  Tilt steering wheel  Outside rear view mirrors  Anti-glare inside rear view

mirror

 Vanity mirrors

While the vehicle is being driven, all vehicle occupants should have the seatback upright, sit wel l back in the seat and properly wear the seat belts provided.

CAUTION

 Do not drive with the vehicle occu-

pants not properly seated, such as sitting on top of a folded-down seatback, or in the luggage compartment. Persons not properly seated and restrained by seat belts can be severely injured in the event of emergency braking or a collision.

 During driving, do not let passen-

gers stand up or move around between seats. Balance can be unsteady and severe injuries can occur in the event of emergency braking or a collision.

Adjust the driver’s seat so that the foot pedals, steering wheel and instrument panel controls are within easy reach of the driver.

CAUTION

 Adjustments should not be made

while the vehicle is moving, as the seat may unexpectedly move and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

 When adjusting the seat, be care-

ful not to hit the seat against a passenger or luggage.

 After adjusting the seat position,

try sliding it forward and backward to make sure it is locked in position.

 After adjusting the seatback, exert

body pressure to make sure it is locked in position.

 Do not put objects under the seats

as they may interfere with the seatlock mechanism or unexpectedly push up the seat position adjusting lever; the seat may suddenly move, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

 While adjusting the seat, do not

put your hands under the seat or near the moving parts. You may jam your hands or fingers.

—Adjusting front seats (manual seat)

ADJUSTING SEAT POSITION Pull the lock release lever up. Then

slide the seat to the desired position with slight body pressure and release the lever.

ADJUSTING SEATBACK ANGLE Lean forward and pull the lock release

lever. Then lean back to the desired angle and release the lever.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide maximum protection when the driver and the passenger are sitting up straight and well back in the seats. If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the risk of personal injury may increase with increasing recline of the seatback.

ADJUSTING DRIVER’S SEAT CUSHION ANGLE

Turn the knob either way. ADJUSTING DRIVER’S SEAT LUM-

BAR SUPPORT Pull the lever forward and release.

Repeat this until you have a comfortable support.

—Adjusting front seats (power seat—type A)

ADJUSTING SEAT POSITION Move the control switch in the desired

direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seat at that position.

Do not place anything under the seat. It might interfere with the seat movement.

ADJUSTING SEATBACK ANGLE Lean forward and pull the lock release

lever. Then lean back to the desired angle and release the lever.

CAUTION

ADJUSTING DRIVER’S SEAT CUSHION ANGLE

Move the control switch in the desired direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seat at that position.

ADJUSTING DRIVER’S SEAT LUMBAR SUPPORT

Pull the lever forward and release.

Repeat this until you have a comfortable support.

—Adjusting front seats (power seat—type B)

ADJUSTING SEAT POSITION Move the control switch in the desired

direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seat at that position.

Do not place anything under the seat. It might interfere with the seat movement.

ADJUSTING SEATBACK ANGLE Move the control switch in the desired

direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seatback at that position.

CAUTION

ADJUSTING DRIVER’S SEAT CUSHION ANGLE

Move the control switch in the desired direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seat at that position.

ADJUSTING DRIVER’S SEAT LUMBAR SUPPORT

Pull the lever forward and release.

Repeat this until you have a comfortable support.

—Adjusting front seats (power seat—type C)

ADJUSTING SEAT POSITION Move the control switch in the desired

direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seat at that position.

Do not place anything under the seat. It might interfere with the seat movement.

ADJUSTING SEATBACK ANGLE Move the control switch in the desired

direction.

Releasing the switch will stop the seatback at that position.

CAUTION

—Moving passenger’s seat for rear seat entry (coupe)

For easy access to the rear seat, do this.

1. Lift the seatback lock release lever or press the release pedal.

The seat will slide forward slightly.

2. Move the seat to the front-most position.

Before entry, push the seat belt hanger down as far as it will go if it is in the raised position.

After passengers are in, lift up the seatback and return the seat until it locks.

CAUTION

 After putting back the seat, try

pushing the seat forward and rearward to make sure that it is secured in place.

 Never allow anyone to rest their

foot on the release pedal while the vehicle is moving.

Rear seats— —Fold-down rear seat

(sedan and coupe)

Unlock the seatback, and fold it down.

This will enlarge the trunk room as far as the front seatbacks. See “Luggage stowage precautions” in Part 2 for precautions to observe in loading luggage.

If desired, each seatback may be folded separately.

CAUTION

When returning the seatback to the upright position:

 Make sure the seat belts are not

twisted or caught in the seatback and are arranged in their proper position for ready use.

 Make sure the seatback is secure-

ly locked by pushing forward and rearward on the top of the seatback.

—Fold-down rear seat (wagon)

BEFORE FOLDING REAR SEAT Stow the rear seat belts facing the di-

rection shown in the illustration.

This prevents them from falling out when you fold the seatback.

NOTICE

The seat belts must be stowed before you fold the seatback.

FOLDING REAR SEAT

1. Swing the bottom cushion up by pulling the lock release strap.

It is hinged at the front edge, so just lift it up.

If desired, each bottom cushion may be lifted separately.

CAUTION

When returning the bottom cushion to its original position:

 Make sure the seat belts are not

twisted or caught under the bottom cushion and are arranged in their proper position for ready use.

 Make sure the bottom cushion is

securely locked by trying to pull up the edge of the cushion near the lock release straps.

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