This is a 2fer. A Toyota Sienna with a tire pressure monitor malfunction and a Toyota Camry with power window problems.
Question: 2000 Toyota Sienna and a 1999 Toyota Camry
First, the Sienna has a couple of issues I need some help in troubleshooting.
1) The tire pressure light comes on and stays on. According to the owner's book, once I have added air to the tires to the proper amount I should be able to press the reset button and it will flash which then indicates it is reset. This did work before but not this time. The light now comes on and will not go off. I want to think that it doesn't come on immediately when the van is started up, rather after it has been driven a few feet. Could it just be that the light needs to be reset through other means?
2) The brake light has come on a couple times recently. I checked the fluid level and it appeared to be okay. I first noticed this light coming on during our recent very cold weather (weeks on end not getting above freezing). It even seemed to come on or go off if I pressed on the brake pedal and/or turned a corner.
3) The front power passenger window, typically in warm weather, will not always lower or rise back up. Is this the motor going bad?
Second (and last) the Camry.
The only issue I really have with it is that the rear driver's side window (power again) at some point last year decided it would not lower any more. As I recall, before this happened, the window (or motor or gear) would make a sound that the other windows would not when being raised back up in a fully closed position. Made me think either the gear or whatever it meshed with was stripped somewhat. I made an attempt to look and see where the motor was, etc., so I could possibly replace it or other parts, and it appears to be very inconveniently located. What is/are my best option(s)?
Thanks!
David
Answer: You are in luck David, I'm having a 2 for 1 sale today.
1. You may have a bad Tire Pressure Warning Standardization Switch. To check it, pop it out of the dash and unplug it. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between the switch contacts. With the button pressed you should have continuity, and no continuity when released. If no continuity, then the switch is bad. If the switch is good, then you have an open in the wiring between the switch and the ABS Electronic Control Unit or a bad ABS ECU.
2. I would have to look at the parking brake. The low fluid sensor and parking brake share the same bulb. I'm guessing you have an automatic transmission and don't use the parking brake. Press the button on the parking brake handle in and hold it. Then lift the handle up. If it feels like there's nothing there, you probably have frozen brake cables. You can try to free them up but you'll probably have to replace them.
3. Does it move at all? Does it work with the passenger door switch? If it doesn't work with either switch, then it may be a bad motor. If it works with the door switch and not the master switch, then you have a bad master switch. You can pull the door panel off and check for power at the motor with a test light.
As for the Camry, it sounds like a bad window regulator. the motor is probably still good. Bad window regulators are a common problem with this car. They are not too difficult to replace. You can find the procedure in a Chilton's manual. You can find a manual here; The Auto Repair Bookstore.
