How to Install a Stereo in a Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has been around long enough that many owners find themselves needing to replace the factory stereo. Installing a new stereo in the Toyota Corolla gives improved sound and updated features. Swapping out the stereo in the Toyota Corolla takes basic tools and less than an hour. This article covers models from 1990 to 2000.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Screwdrivers
• Wiring harness adaptor
• Toyota radio mounting kit

Suggest Edits

1. • 1

     Open the hood and remove the negative battery cable from the terminal. Apply the parking brake and place the car in "D."

   • 2

     Remove the trim from around the stereo by prying with your fingers at one corner. Some early models have two screws at the top of the trim piece to remove first. Allow the trim to hang on the drivers side of the dash if it's connected to the cigarette lighter.

   • 3

     Locate and remove the four screws holding the stereo in place. Pull the radio out of the dash and disconnect the wires from the back of the head unit.

   • 4

     Connect the wiring harness adaptor to the original harness and let it hang from the dash. Slide the new stereo into the Toyota radio mounting kit, which is a thin metal cover and secure it per the manufacturer's instructions. Most adaptors have screws to hold the stereo in place, however some have clips, which engage automatically.

   • 5

     Plug the wiring harness adaptor and antenna wire into the back of the new head unit and push the entire assembly into the dash. Reconnect the negative battery cable and turn the radio on.

   • 6

     Ensure all of the stereo controls and speakers are working. Secure the radio in the dash with the original four screws and replace the trim.

How to Change a Toyota Evaporator

The evaporator coil in the air conditioning system of your Toyota is used to absorb hot air which passes through the system. If the evaporator coil becomes damaged, it will result in your air conditioning module not working correctly. You can pick up a replacement evaporator coil from your local auto store. The job will take you a couple of hours to complete.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Evaporator coil

1. • 1

     Drive your Toyota to your local A/C repair center and ask them to remove the Freon from the system. It is illegal to vent the Freon into the atmosphere, so this must be completed by a professional.

   • 2

     Drive your vehicle back to your work area. Use A Phillips screwdriver to remove the lower dash panels. Lift the dash panels away from the vehicle in order to gain access to the A/C module.

   • 3

     Use a nut driver to loosen the bolt on the compressor belt tensioner. Lift the belt away from the module. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts attached to the compressor. Unhook the electrical wiring and remove the compressor to gain access to the evaporator coil.

   • 4

     Lift the old coil away from the A/C module and replace it with a new one. Follow step 3 in reverse to reattach the compressor. Place the dash panels back on the dash and secure them in place with a Phillips screwdriver.

   • 5

     Drive your vehicle back to the A/C center and have the system in your Toyota refilled with Freon.

How to Replace Dash Lights in a Toyota Corolla

All your gauges are in the dash's instrument cluster.

The dash lights in your Toyota Corolla's instrument cluster can last indefinitely, but you will need to replace any light that does burn out. You need to remove the instrument cluster from the dash in order to change the bulbs. The Corolla is a compact car, and so you will need to clear space within the car to access the cluster. This will involve removing the steering wheel. This process is primarily for models made in the 21st century; it may vary depending on the exact year of your Corolla.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Adjustable wrench
• Flat screwdriver
• Torx screwdriver
• Dash light bulb

1. Removal

   • 1

     Disconnect the Corolla's negative battery cable. Wait at least 10 minutes for the air bag's power to be depleted. This is an important safety precaution to avoid accidental airbag deployment.

   • 2

     Loosen the screws on the side of the steering wheel with a Torx screwdriver until the threads catch on the screw case, then lift the air bag off the steering wheel and disconnect its electrical connector.

   • 3

     Mark the steering wheel's relationship to the shaft with paint or a marker, then remove the wheel's central nut with a wrench and pull off the wheel -- this may require a special puller tool.

   • 4

     Pull out the single pin on the underside of the cluster trim bezel, then pry off the bezel with a screwdriver to remove it.

   • 5

     Remove the single screw at the top of the cluster, pry and release the two bottom clips and pull the cluster out. Disconnect the electrical connectors in the back.

   • 6

     Turn the bulb holder for the light(s), located in the rear of the cluster, counterclockwise and remove them from the cluster, then pull the bulb out of the holder.

   Installation

   • 1

     Push the new bulb into the holder, using gloves or a clean rag so oils won't get on the glass. Insert the holder back into the cluster and turn it clockwise.

   • 2

     Insert the cluster back into the dash with its clips and screw.

   • 3

     Reconnect the trim bezel onto the dash with its clips and the push-pin on the underside.

   • 4

     Reconnect the steering wheel to the shaft, lining up the markings and tightening the central nut. Reconnect the air bag to the wheel using the Torx screws.

   • 5

     Reconnect the battery cable.

How to Replace a Toyota Truck Fan Belt

If the belt is slipping or squealing on your Toyota truck, check to see if it is worn or glazed. A worn, glazed or damaged belt is more prone to failure leaving you sitting on the side of the road. The belt on the Toyota truck spins the alternator, providing electrical power to the ignition of the truck as well as charging the battery. The belt also spins the fan and water pump to keep the engine from overheating. This belt is inexpensive and can be purchased at any auto parts store as well as through the Toyota dealer.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket set
• New drive belt

1. • 1

     Locate the alternator on the passengers side of the engine. There are several mounting bolts on the alternator that are used to tension the belt on the pulleys.

   • 2

     Locate and loosen the top mounting bolt on the alternator bracket with a socket and ratchet. Do not remove the bolt from the bracket.

   • 3

     Locate and loosen the lower bolt on the alternator with a socket and ratchet. Do not remove the bolt from the bracket.

   • 4

     Push the alternator in toward the engine block and allow the belt to become slack or loose on the pulleys. Remove the belt from the pulleys and slide if off over the fan. Lift it out of the engine compartment.

   • 5

     Slip the new belt in over the fan blades and place it on the crank shaft pulley at the bottom of the engine. Loop the belt over the alternator pulley and pull the alternator out away from the engine until the belt is tight.

   • 6

     Tighten the upper mounting bolt on the alternator with a socket and ratchet then tighten the lower mounting bolt. Check the tension on the belt by pushing on it with your fingers. It should deflect about 1/8 of an inch f it is properly tensioned.

How to Find Toyota Recall Information‎

Since 1999, hundreds of injuries and 19 deaths have been attributed to Toyota vehicles that eventually were recalled. If you own a Toyota, finding this information is pivotal to keeping you and your family safe.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check the Toyota floor mat recall list to determine whether your vehicle has been affected. Per Toyota's website, recalled vehicles include: 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2009-2010 VENZA.

   • 2

     Remove the driver's-side floor mat until Toyota contacts you to set up a repair appointment at an authorized dealer.

   • 3

     Locate your Vehicle Identification Number. It is inside the windshield on the driver's side above the dashboard or on a sticker the driver's side pillar.

   • 4

     Check the Toyota accelerator pedal recall list to verify whether your vehicle is part of that recall. Some vehicles are subject to both recalls. Per Toyota's website, vehicles recalled include: certain 2009-2010 RAV4s, certain 2009-2010 Corollas, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, certain 2007-2010 Camrys, certain 2010 Highlanders, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Highlander and Camry hybrids are not affected, nor are Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers that begin with "J."

   • 5

     Wait to be contacted by Toyota to schedule repairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Call Toyota at (800) 331-4331 for more information.

How to Replace a Horn in a Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is the marketing name for the Toyota Kluger in North America. It is a crossover Sport Utility Vehicle that has been in production since 2001. Many Toyota Highlander enthusiasts are dissatisfied with the sound of the original equipment manufacturer's horn and choose to replace it. This task is fairly straightforward and requires only a few tools to complete.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• New horn kit
• Wire crimper/stripper
• Socket wrench set

1. • 1

     Locate the stock horns. The Toyota Highlander has both high and low tone horns. One is behind the Toyota emblem inside front grill and the other is under the driver's side headlamp. If you are only replacing one horn, make sure the new horn has the right tone.

   • 2

     Unplug the power connectors and remove the single mounting bolt on each horn with the socket wrench. Take out the original horns.

   • 3

     Mount the new horns using the bolts and washers in the kit and the original mounting holes, if possible. Ensure you have one low tone and one high tone horn if your kit is not a direct factory replacement.

   • 4

     Mount the new horns in the original location and plug in the power connectors to each new horn if you are installing factory replacements. If the original harness is not compatible with the new horns, you will need to use your wire crimper/stripper to connect the original wiring to the new harnesses. You will then be able to plug the new harnesses into the new horns.

   • 5

     Test the new horns. They should make a highly discordant sound if they are both working. You can test each horn separately by plugging one in at a time.

How to Replace the Shocks and Struts in a Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a sleek sedan designed for great handling and a smooth and comfortable ride. To keep it handling as it should, and to keep the ride as comfortable as possible, you need to replace your shocks and struts at least every 60,000 miles.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Tire iron
• Ratchet set
• Adjustable wrench
• Spring compressor
• Replacements for worn parts
• Torque wrench

1. Replace the Front Struts in a Corolla

   • 1

     Lift the front end of the Corolla with a floor jack and support it by the frame with jack stands. Loosen and remove the nuts on the front wheels with a tire iron and set the wheels aside. Find the struts under the front of the car. They are coiled springs with hardware running through them and onto both ends.

   • 2

     Locate the stabilizer bar link nut midway down the strut and disconnect it. Remove any brackets holding hoses or wires from the strut assembly. Remove the two bolts on the lower end of the strut. Disconnect the three nuts holding the top of the strut to the body. Pull the strut out and repeat this step on the other side of the Corolla.

   • 3

     Compress the spring, and remove the center nut from the top of the strut. Remove the mounting bracket, dust cover, upper spring seat, upper spring insulator, coil spring, bumper and lower spring insulator. Replace any worn parts, and reassemble the strut. Set the dial on the torque wrench to 35 foot lb. and tighten the center nut until the wrench slips. Decompress the spring and repeat this step on the other strut.

   • 4

     Position the strut in the suspension and install the upper nuts. Torque them to 29 foot lb. Install the lower bolts and torque them to 113 foot lb. Position the brake hose and anti-lock brake brackets back on the strut and torque their connections to 21 foot lb. Install the stabilizer bar link and torque it to 55 foot lb. Repeat this step on the other side of the Corolla.

   • 5

     Mount the front wheels and lower the front end of the car. Have a professional align the front wheels.

   Replace the Rear Shocks in a Corolla

   • 1

     Lift the rear end of the Corolla and support it by the frame with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels and set them aside. Pop the trunk and remove the spare wheel cover. Pop out the access panel in the trunk for the shocks and support the rear axle with a jack stand.

   • 2

     Locate the shocks directly behind the wheel hub and remove the nuts connecting the shock to the frame and the one attaching it to the control arm. Repeat this step on the other side of the Corolla.

   • 3

     Position the new shock, bolt it in and torque the bolts to 56 foot lb. Repeat this step on the other side of the Corolla.

   • 4

     Pop the access panels in the trunk back in and put the spare wheel cover back. Close the trunk. Mount the rear wheels and lower the rear end of the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Auto parts stores often rent specialty tools, like the spring compressor, and can give you explicit instructions for using them.