How to Replace a Catalytic Converter on a Toyota Tercel

The first thing you can do to replace the catalytic converter in your Toyota Tercel is forget about the cheaper universal fit catalytic converter at the auto parts stores. Although this may seemingly save you money for the part, you're going to have to buy adapters or figure out how to make that universal fit converter fit like a direct fit converter. A direct fit converter for a Tercel will have a two-point flange on either side and will do just as its label describes: fit directly. In the long run it will save you time, money, and will work better for your Tercel since it was specifically designed for it.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Car lift
• Acetylene torch
• Striker
• Safety glasses and cutting glasses
• Hammer
• Long step punch
• Angled die grinder with sanding disk
• Pick or awl
• Replacement gaskets
• Direct fit converter
• 4 8mm Bolts, 1-1/2" long
• 4 8mm Flat washers
• 4 8mm Lock washers
• 4 8mm Nuts
• Air ratchet
• Metric hand wrench set

1. • 1

     Lift the Toyota Tercel on a car lift all the way up.

   • 2

     Put on the cutting glasses, and light the acetylene torch using a striker. Cut the bolts and nuts from the catalytic converter from the flange(s) on the converter side. This way you will not incur damage to the flanges bolted to the converter flanges. Cut the bolt heads (with the torch) or the nuts flush to the converter flange.

   • 3

     Turn the torch off, switch over to safety glasses, and knock out the bolts from the converter side of the flanges using the hammer and a long stemmed punch. If they do not punch through, you may need to relight the torch and cut into the bolt hole a little deeper.

   • 4

     Remove the old converter.

   • 5

     Pick the old gaskets off of the pipe flanges on both side using a pick or awl.

   • 6

     Clean the surface of the flat part of the pipe flanges on both sides using an angled die grinder with a sanding disk.

   • 7

     Place the new gaskets onto the small pipe outlet protruding from the pipe flanges.

   • 8

     Check the exhaust flow of the new catalytic converter. It will be stamped on the shell or shields of the converter and be easy to see. There will be an arrow pointing in the direction of the exhaust flow or an A and B marking. A would indicate towards the front of the motor, and B would indicate towards the back of the Tercel.

   • 9

     Attach the converter flanges to the pipe flanges and place the bolts into the flanges (in any direction) in this fashion: bolt head with a flat washer through the flanges, then a lock washer and nut.

   • 10

     Tighten the bolts and nuts holding one end with a wrench and tightening with an air ratchet. Tighten each bolt a little bit, switch to the next one, and continue this pattern until all four nuts and bolts have seated the flanges tight together.

   • 11

     Remove tools and lower the Tercel on the lift. Start it up, raise it up again, and check for any possible leaks coming from the flange connections. If so, tighten the bolts some more.

How to Replace an ABS Controller in a Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller that reduces the braking force to any wheel that is rotating significantly more slowly than the others. This prevents the brakes from locking during an emergency stop. You may need to replace the ABS controller if the ABS warning light comes on, although this does not necessarily make your vehicle unsafe to drive.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Flare nut wrench
• New ABS controller
• Socket wrench set
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Determine which ABS controller your Toyota Tacoma will need. You'll want to be sure the new controller is compatible with your make and model of Tacoma. ABS is offered on all versions of the Toyota Tacoma.

   • 2

     Detach the wiring harness connector for the ABS controller by pulling the release bar.

   • 3

     Loosen the fittings for the brake lines from the ABS controller with a suitable brake line tool such as a flare nut wrench. Disconnect the brake lines and plug the open ends to prevent brake fluid from leaking out.

   • 4

     Remove the bolts and nuts that mount the ABS controller bracket with a socket wrench and remove the ABS assembly from the vehicle. Unbolt the ABS controller from its bracket with a socket wrench.

   • 5

     Install the new ABS controller by reversing the removal procedure. Attach the ABS controller to the bracket and use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting nuts to 48 inch pounds and the bolts that mount the ABS controller bracket to 14 foot pounds. Use a torque wrench and brake line tool to tighten the fittings for the brake lines to 11 foot pounds.

How to Remove a Toyota Tercel Door Panel

The door panels inside of a fifth generation Toyota Tercel are covering the window regulator, door lock mechanisms, crank handle and wiring for lights inside the door. The only way to add a keyless entry or security system to the Tercel is to remove the door panels. All vehicle door panels are removed in a similar way, but each make/model requires certain steps that, if not done correctly, can break parts of the panel.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Flathead screwdriver (medium to large size)
• Phillips head screwdriver (small size)

1. • 1

     Open the door and locate the window crank. Pull the end of the handle away from the door and wedge the flathead screwdriver between the crank handle and the door panel. There is a small, C-shaped wire around the base of the crank handle against the door panel. Use the screwdriver to pop the C-shaped wire off of the base.

   • 2

     Use the flat head screwdriver to pry the arm rest of the door up and off. Look under that space and and locate two Phillips screws. Remove them with the Phillips head screwdriver.

   • 3

     Pull the door handle lever out and away from the door. Remove the one Phillips screw. Use the handle end of the screwdriver to hit the door handle lever forward, toward the front of the car. This releases the inside of the door handle from the door.

   • 4

     Pry the bottom edge of the door panel away from the door. There are plastic clips holding the edge of the panel to the door. Pull the door panel until you can hear the clips pop. There are three clips along the bottom edge of the door, three clips along the back edge, and two clips along the front edge.

   • 5

     Lift the door panel up and away from the door. There is one wire connection to unsnap and free the panel from the door. Press down on the connection and slide it away from the door panel. The door panel is now free.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a small container to keep all hardware and small parts in while working on the door panel. This makes it easy to find them when replacing the door panel.

• Never jerk or pull on the door panel until after double checking that all rods, clips and wires are disconnected.

How to Reset a Toyota Radio Anti-Theft System

The latest Toyota vehicles, as of 2010, are equipped with theft-deterrent systems that are connected to the radio. The system disables the radio by locking it when it is removed from the vehicle or when the connection to the battery is disconnected. The radio must be unlocked to be reset. Each vehicle with this feature has a unique code. If you no longer have the code, you can obtain it by contacting a Toyota dealer.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn the ignition switch to "On."

   • 2

     Turn on the radio.

   • 3

     Press and hold the "1" preset button and the "Tune Up" button at the same time. Release the buttons when three dashes appear on the radio display.

   • 4

     Enter the unlock code using the radio preset buttons. When the correct code is entered, the radio turns off.

   • 5

     Press the power button to turn the radio on. The radio can be used normally.

How to Tow a Toyota Prius

If you are having car trouble with your Toyota Prius, or if you want to move it without driving it, you'll need to tow it. To accomplish this, you need to know a few basic things about the Prius. Take the right precautions and you will be able to successfully tow your Prius.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the eyelets on the front end of the Prius.

   • 2

     Connect the towing mechanism from the towing vehicle to the eyelets on the front end of the Prius. Ensure that the towing vehicle can lift the entire front end of the Prius off the ground, with only the rear wheels on the ground. Do not tow the Prius with all wheels on the ground.

   • 3

     Release the parking brake of the Prius.

   • 4

     Position the shift lever in neutral.

   • 5

     Turn the hybrid system off. This is done by turning the power switch to "Accessory."

   • 6

     Put on the car's hazard lights.

   • 7

     Proceed with towing the Prius.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not tow the Prius with all four wheels on the ground. It is a rear wheel drive car and should be towed with only the rear wheels on the ground.

How to Replace a Stabilizer Link in a Toyota Highlander

The Highlander has a unibody design like a car which provides better handling, a quieter cabin, increased safety and easier access in and out for passengers. It appeals to buyers who want the SUV image and utility but prefer the feel of a car. Toyota debuted the Highlander in 2001 with an impressive list of standard options. The following steps guide you through replacing a stabilizer link on models with the 2.4L engine.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Mechanic's toolset, including a full socket set, wrenches and screwdrivers
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator
• Replacement parts
• 6mm hexagon wrench

1. Remove the Stabilizer Bar and Link

   • 1

     Raise the vehicle on a rack on or secure supports. Remove the left front wheel and tire, then take off the nuts and remove the stabilizer link on both sides. Steady the ball joint by placing a 6mm hexagon wrench on the stud.

   • 2

     Take out the left and right side stabilizer link assembly. Disconnect the front suspension arm assembly, and then separate the gear assembly for the rank and pinion power steering.

   • 3

     Remove the four bolts then remove the following: both the left side and right sidefront stabilizer Number 1 brackets, the two front stabilizer bar bushings and the stabilizer bar front from the front suspension sub-assembly cross-member.

   Install the Stabilizer Bar and Link

   • 1

     Install the two front stabilizer bar bushings to the Number 1 bracket. Then connect the bracket to the right side of the stabilizer bar front. Position the busing to the inner side of the stopper on the bar.

   • 2

     Put the stabilizer bar front in place and install the four bolts to secure it to the front suspension sub-assembly.

   • 3

     Reinstall the steering gear for the rack and pinion power steering. Replace the front suspension arm on both sides.

   • 4

     Set the stabilizer bar link in place. Finger-tighten the two fasteners. Torque the fasteners to 55 foot pounds.

   • 5

     Remount the front wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and check the tire pressure.

   • 6

     Test drive the vehicle to assure proper steering and handling. Arrange to have a professional check the alignment.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the specifications for the link fasteners and make sure the necessary specialty tools are readily available. Obtain the necessary replacement parts before starting the work.

How to Remove a 1991 Toyota Corolla Starter

Occasionally, the starter in the 1991 Toyota Corolla would encounter problems, especially if the vehicle had been left in the heat. This problem was commonly discussed in many of the Toyota chat sites, including the one listed below in the references section. If your vehicle is having starter problems, you can remove the part yourself in less than an hour and save yourself the expense and time of having to take the car to a repair shop.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Open-end wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• Socket wrench set

1. How to Remove a 1991 Toyota Corolla Starter

   • 1

     Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery of your Corolla with an open-end wrench and move the cable so that it does not come in contact with any metal parts.

   • 2

     Place a floor jack underneath the front passenger side of your vehicle and raise it up until you can put a jack stand under the front axle, then lower the floor jack so the weight of the car is resting on the jack stand.

   • 3

     Locate the starter near the firewall on the passenger side of the vehicle below the intake manifold.

   • 4

     Detach the electrical wire connectors from the starter with a socket wrench and move the wires out of the way.

   • 5

     Disconnect the starter from the engine by using a socket wrench to remove the nuts holding it in place and remove from the engine.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid injuries, never attempt to remove the starter while the motor is still hot.