New Generation 4 Owner

[jeffbreeden]

I just purchased a 1997 camery 4 cylinder LE over the weekend and I am sorting several issues with the vehicle that I would like to get some feedback on.

Issue #1 - Door ajar indicator and interior dome light - I suspect both of these are tied together. The door indicator light stays lit on the dash panel even when the car is turned off and the key removed/ door is shut. After reading some of the posts, it appears that maybe one of the door switches are defective but I looked at each one and they seem to be ok with actually testing them with a volt meter. The interior dome light also does not work with the door opening and shutting other than the continous on position. What is the best way to chase this down and can this drain the battery after a few days with the light always on?

Issue #2 - Interior dash lights - The HVAC controls, the cigarette lighter, the key switch and the transmission selector on the floor lights are burned out / not working. How hard is it to replace these bulbs and where is the best place to get the bulbs. Any tips on replacement?

Issues #3 - The windshield washer low fluid light stays on after filling the container. I assume there is a switch within the unit that is bad. Do I have to replace the entire unit or just can the switch be replaced?

Issue #4 - I am missing the tire jack, tool kit and the cardboard pieces that hold the carpet in the trunk in place on either side above the jack compartment. Where is the best place to obtain these items other than the dealer. I checked e-bay and no luck as of yet

That is all for now but I am sure I will have some more questions

Thanks in advance for any input

Jeff

[Phi]

#2- most of those bulbs are fairly easy to replace. Most of them are 194 if I'm not mistaken. Either get yourself a Haynes manual for instructions on how to take things apart of do a quick search here.

#4- go to a local junk yard and pick those items up. The jack can come from any Toyota. If you can't find the cardboard piece, go to Home Depot and get a full sheet of cardboard and cut your own. Use the carpet as a template.

Congrats on the car and welcome to TN.

[jhbhatia]

Issue #1 - Keep in mind the dome lights go off 20 seconds after the door is shut! I'd think its your switches, remove the rubber thingies and spray some lubricant/wd40 and reattach the rubber thingies and test it out.

Issue #2 - Very easy, use a search function and you know the type of bulbs to buy!

Issue #4 - Junk yard!

& WELCOME to tn!

[yosh]

Issue #2: I don't think ALL those bulbs could be burnt out especially the LED's. Do the buttons and switches work? Check the interior fuse panel for a blown fuse first. The HVAC control switches (not the buttons) require two #74 bulbs that you can buy at any auto parts store. The A/C button if it is like my 2000, uses a green LED for the on indicator and a tiny bulb for the illumination. The defrost button uses two of these tiny bulbs. You can't find the tiny bulbs in stores so you should try your Toyota dealer. I believe the shifter light and the key ring both use #194 and the cigarette lighter is another tiny bulb.

[jeffbreeden]

The LEDs for the AC on/off switch and the rear defroster work. I assume there is another set of buld that illuminate the heater temp controls and the fan switch at night. I suspect the cigarette lighter and ignition switch bulb are just burned out but I wll also check the fuses.

What abou the question concerning the windshield washer low fluid level light that is illuminated on the dash. The container is full of fluid but the light won't turn off.