How to Remove a Door Panel on a Toyota Tundra

Toyota Tundra door panels need to be removed to access the door panel lights or speakers behind the door panel, or to add a security system, keyless entry or a replacement window. Body shops or electronic installers charge extra for labor to remove the door panels, but you can remove the door panels from your Toyota Tundra yourself by following a few relatively simple steps.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Phillips head screwdriver Flat head screwdriver

1. • 1

     Remove the felt piece and small screw from inside the door handle, using a screwdriver.

   • 2

     Pull the door handle and remove the plastic cover and small screw behind it, using a screwdriver.

   • 3

     Pull carefully on the electric window button housing. Pry up on each side until it pops out. Disconnect the two sets of wires by pulling the white plastic connectors out.

   • 4

     Pry the triangle-shaped plastic cover at the top of the door panel that covers the bolts for the outside mirror. Just below this area there is a screw on the door panel that needs to be removed. The screw must be pushed in near the center and then it will pop out.

   • 5

     Move to the bottom of the door and begin to pull the panel out toward you. There are plastic clips holding the door panel in place around the outside edges of the panel. Pull until you hear these clips popping out. Lift the door up to get the lip off the top edge of the door. Do not let the panel go since it is still connected in other places.

   • 6

     Disconnect the wiring for the light inside the door. Reach between the door panel and the door to disconnect the wiring connectors. Reach down and unhook the door cables. Pull the green and white plastic pieces out (they simply pop out when you pull on them) and then lift out the silver ball attached to the white plastic piece.

   • 7

     Pull the entire door panel away from the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a small bowl or container to keep hardware and screws in one place.

• Never pull or jerk on the door panel as this can cause clips and other parts to break, making them unable to be used to reinstall the door panel.

How to Clean a Toyota Land Cruiser EGR Valve

A Toyota Land Cruiser's EGR valve can become clogged over time, and will need to be cleaned. The EGR valve, also known as the exhaust gas recirculation valve, is a crucial part of a Toyota's engine air intake. The EGR valve directs the engine's exhaust into the manifold, which cools down the engine air; the process prevents the vehicle from overheating. Cleaning the EGR valve is very important to ensure that your engine works efficiently.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket wrench
• Carburetor cleaner
• Rag

1. • 1

     Locate the EGR valve on the engine intake manifold. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact location (see Resources below).

   • 2

     Loosen and remove the bolts that secure the EGR valve in place by using a socket wrench. Remove the EGR valve from the manifold.

   • 3

     Clean the EGR valve cover and inside of the valve using carburetor cleaner. Use a wire brush and rag to clean any loose dirt. Clean the valve until it moves up and down smoothly.

   • 4

     Spray carburetor cleaner onto the valve mount where the EGR valve sits; also spray cleaner into the two holes under the valve mount. Clean the mount and holes with a rag.

   • 5

     Insert the EGR valve back into place on the valve mount. Replace and tighten each bolt with the socket wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the Toyota Land Cruiser to cool down for at least 20 minutes before beginning any work on the vehicle.

How to Change Toyota Tundra Brakes

The Toyota Tundra's braking system consists of brake pads and the rotors that provide a smooth surface against which the pads are squeezed. The surface of the rotors should be smooth to provide a consistent platform for the brake pads in order for the brakes to perform consistently and effectively. Toyota recommends replacing the brake pads every 40,000 miles. During the pad replacement, check the rotors for damage or scoring. If heavy scoring is found, replace the rotors at once.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tire iron or lug wrench
• Jack
• Jack stands
• 10 mm socket wrench
• Hammer
• Rotor
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Cloth towel
• Brake grease
• Channel-lock pliers or C-clamp
• Brake pads
• Funnel
• Brake fluid

1. • 1

     Park to Tundra on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Turn the engine off and pull the hood release lever located on the driver's side of the truck, under the dashboard. Move to the front of the vehicle, lift and support the hood.

   • 2

     Remove the master cylinder cap, which is to the left of the engine, near the back. Lay the cap on top of the master cylinder container. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench or the tire iron from the Toyota wheel maintenance kit.

   • 3

     Lift the truck with the jack and place jack stands under the wheel axles. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels off. Remove the caliper slide pins with a 10 mm socket wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly and lay it carefully on top of the steering arm above the brakes. Be careful not to strain the connected brake line.

   • 4

     Slide the two brake pads from the inner sides of the brake caliper. Remove the brake rotor from the wheel bolts by pulling it straight from the wheel bolts and the wheel hub. Tap the center section of the rotor with a hammer if it is stuck to the steering knuckle or rusted to the wheel bolts.

   • 5

     Clean the area behind the rotor and the wheel bolts with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Clean the new rotor with a cloth towel and brake cleaner to remove the packaging oils. Slide the disc onto the wheel bolts and push it flat against the steering knuckle.

   • 6

     Squeeze the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper with a pair of channel-lock pliers or a C-clamp. Do not damage the rubber sleeve surrounding the piston; the sheath keeps moisture from the pistons and prevents seizing from rust.

   • 7

     Slide the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. Replace the caliper onto the rotor and screw on the caliper pins. Remount the wheel and screw on the lug nuts.

   • 8

     Lift the Tundra with the jack and remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Lower the Toyota's tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench or tire iron.

   • 9

     Slowly press the brake pedal to the floor. Release the pedal and repeat the depressions until the pedal response stiffens to a normal response level. Move back to the engine bay. Remove the master cylinder cap and place a funnel inside the container. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid as necessary. Remove the funnel and secure the cap on the master cylinder. Close the Tundra's hood.

How to Replace the Battery in a Toyota Highlander

As one of the first crossover SUVs, the Toyota Highlander has been popular since it debuted in 2001. It has the cargo-carrying space of an SUV with the handling of a car. While Toyotas have a reputation of good quality, you will need to replace the battery after about 5 years. Check the battery power with a battery-testing meter, or replace it if you see a white chalky substance on the top.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• New 12-volt battery
• Battery terminal puller
• Wire brushes
• Socket wrench
• Old rags
• Gloves
• Goggles

1. • 1

     Locate the battery easily on the driver's side just behind the headlight.

   • 2

     Remove the cables from the battery terminals with a battery terminal puller. Take off the negative cable first.

   • 3

     Lift the battery out of the compartment. Safely dispose of the used battery at an auto parts store, which will often take it as a trade-in, or bring it to a recycling center.

   • 4

     Use a wire brush to clean the tray that holds the battery. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and let it dry before replacing new battery. Dispose of the rags since they're covered with acid.

   • 5

     Clean the insides of the connector cables with a pointed wire brush. Keep your gloves on at all times to avoid getting acid on your hands and wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

   • 6

     Place the new battery on the battery tray. Attach the correct cable on each terminal and tighten securely with pliers or socket wrench.

How to Replace the Battery in a Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is a reliable mid-size pick-up truck that has been on the market since the late 1990s. You will need to replace the battery if you see a white chalky substance on the top of it. You also can test the battery with a battery-testing meter. Toyota recommends replacing the battery with a genuine Toyota battery, which you can find in the Resources below.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• New 12-volt battery
• Goggles
• Flathead screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Old rags
• Battery terminal puller
• Wire brushes
• Gloves

1. • 1

     Find the battery on the driver's side, just behind the headlight.

   • 2

     Remove the metal bar that holds the battery in place with a flathead screwdriver.

   • 3

     Take off the cables from the battery terminals with a battery terminal puller. Remove the negative cable first.

   • 4

     Lift the battery out of the compartment. Safely dispose of the used battery at an auto parts store, which will often take it as a trade-in, or bring it to a recycling center.

   • 5

     Use a wire brush to clean the tray that holds the battery. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and let it dry before replacing new battery. Dispose of the rags since they're covered with acid.

   • 6

     Clean the insides of the connector cables with a pointed wire brush. Keep your gloves on at all times to avoid getting acid on your hands and wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

   • 7

     Place the new battery on the battery tray. Attach the correct cable on each terminal and tighten securely with pliers or socket wrench. Securely replace the metal bar.

How to Remove a Toyota Lug Nut

Whether removing the tire to change a flat, replace brake pads or work on suspension components, the first step is to remove the lugs nuts from your Toyota. The process is not difficult but it does require some planning so you at least have the right tool for the job. While most Toyota vehicles include a lug wrench when the car is manufactured, you still may not have one in the vehicle. The time to check is not when you are on the side of the road, so be sure to check your car or truck sooner than later.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Lug wrench
• Jack

1. • 1

     Park your car or truck on level ground. A driveway or parking lot is better than the side of an interstate but sometimes you do not have an option. Try to park on flat ground if possible.

   • 2

     Retrieve the lug wrench from the storage area in your Toyota; it may be in the trunk, behind the seat in a truck or under the cargo area in SUV models.

   • 3

     Place the lug wrench on the lug nut. Check the fit, making sure there is no play or movement between the wrench and the nut.

   • 4

     Turn the wrench counterclockwise, loosening the lug nut from the wheel stud. If you are removing a single lug nut, continue turning counterclockwise until the lug nut is off the wheel stud. If you are removing all of the lug nuts, you will need to use a jack and lift the tire off the ground.

How to Make the Toyota Radio Louder in the Tundra

Toyota Tundra owners who wish to increase the volume output of their factory radios have a couple of options. You can add an amplifier to your stereo system, you can upgrade the speakers, or you can do both and create a truly powerful sound system. First, make sure that the amplifier and speakers are compatible--meaning that the speakers can safely handle the amp's signal strength. After choosing the components, you can trust the installation to an audio professional, or you can do it yourself and save the cost of labor.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• 10 mm socket wrench
• Amplifier wiring kit
• Wiring harness adapter
• Speaker wire harness
• Rubber grommets
• Drill
• Trim panel removal tool

1. • 1

     Disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative lead post of the battery. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the cable's clamp. Remove the clamp from the negative lead post and rest it away from the battery.

   • 2

     Connect the amplifier ring terminal (from the amp wiring kit) to the positive battery lead. Connect the power cable (also from the kit) to the ring terminal. Drill an opening from the engine compartment through the firewall and into the inner cabin of the Tundra. Place a rubber grommet in the new opening to protect the wiring. Route the cable into the cabin.

   • 3

     Remove the Toyota's stereo. Pull the lower panel (beneath the climate controls) by hand away from the dash. Remove the trim panel to the left of the stereo by hand. Pull the dash panel surrounding the climate controls away from the dash. Let the panel hang; there is no need to disconnect the climate control wiring. Remove the two bolts on the bottom corners of the stereo mounting bracket with a 10 mm socket wrench. Pull the stereo from its dock. Disconnect the wiring to the back of the stereo by pulling the plastic wire binders, not the wires themselves. Connect the wire groups to a wiring harness adapter and connect the harness leads to the stereo. Connect the signal cable and turn-on lead (from the amplifier wiring kit) to the appropriate leads on the wiring harness adapter. Route the cables to the floor of the Tundra. Replace the stereo into the dash. Replace the two 10 mm bolts. Snap the trim panel below the stereo in place. Replace the side panel onto the dash by hand. Replace the lower panel (below the climate control panel) by hand.

   • 4

     Remove the trim panels at the door openings on both sides of the truck. Lay the amplifier's power cable (from the battery) along one side of the Tundra, beneath the carpet, to the location of the amplifier (ideally beneath the rear seat or behind the rearward-most seat). Lay the signal cable and turn-on lead along the other side, also beneath the carpeting. Replace the trim panels to re-secure the carpeting. Connect the cables to the amplifier. Run speaker wire from the amplifier to the speakers. Use the path established by the rear speakers.

   • 5

     Remove the door panels with a trim panel removal tool. Remove the panel for the window and lock controls. Disconnect the connections to the controls by hand. Pry the door panels from the doors. Remove the four screws holding the speakers in their wells with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Disconnect the speaker wiring from each speaker. Connect the speaker wiring to a speaker wiring harness. Connect the speaker wiring harness to the new speaker. Replace the speaker into the speaker wells. Use the same screws that were used to hold the old speaker in place, to secure the new speakers. Replace the door panels by hand with moderate force around the perimeter. Reconnect the lock and window control wiring and fasten the smaller door trim panel to the door.

   • 6

     Replace the negative battery cable clamp around the battery's negative lead post. Tighten the clamp with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing speakers, if your budget allows, select from the multichannel models. They separate the sound (low, mid, and high) to offer more volume and a cleaner sound.