general questions bout the 2nd gen solara

[data xXx]

Hey hi everybody guys and girls. I have a few questions bout my 04 solara and didn't know where to post them. This is my first NEW car experience and I need a little advice of how to take care of this car. ANY feedback or PM would greatly be appreciated, so here goes:

1. After getting an aftermarket radio installed, does your steering wheel controls (MODE buttonfor MPG gauge) still work? cuz mine dont, wondering if there was a way to fix that.

2. When is a good time to change the spark plug and wires? My car almost has 30,000.... i think thats the time i used to change them in my old car.

3. Is it wise to "Flush" the radiator and change all the coolant? If so, when should I do it?

4. I have 2 used Bridgestone Turanaza 17"s OEM tires with bout 22,000 miles on them, still good if anyone wants to pick them up for 20 bucks.

5. LASTLY - What do you guys think about the new extended life motor oils that lasts like 7500-15,000 miles? Do you think its a good idea to use that new stuff on a newer car?

Thanks for checking this post out people
BTW: I'm in the NYC area and go through 4 seasons of driving.

[**PoshPepper**]

1. After getting an aftermarket radio installed, does your steering wheel controls (MODE buttonfor MPG gauge) still work? cuz mine dont, wondering if there was a way to fix that.

My controls still work since my HU was compatible (Eclipse). What brand HU do you have? There are adapters that you can buy that will allow you to use your steering wheel controls.
BTW, your MODE button for the Center gauge (with car info) shouldn't have been affected by your HU install... unless when it was installed they just got lazy and left it disconnected...

2. When is a good time to change the spark plug and wires? My car almost has 30,000.... i think thats the time i used to change them in my old car.

I have almost 70k on mine and have not replaced them yet (or been "recommended" to).


Oh, and welcome to SG

[---CAMRAZY---]

There is a thread about the controls... Search for it, I think the author is Michael_Artic_Frost....

[data xXx]

My HU is a cheesy JVC MP3 Deck with iPod adaptor. I figured I'll use that for now til i can save up for a TV. Oh, so now I know I should be saving at least 2G's for an ECLIPSE HU.

As for the MODE button, I meant to say the DISP. button on the right side of the wheel. I guess I'll have that checked out next time I go to the audio shop to swap out a 1 Farad cap for a 5.

THANKS for the welcome to SG and all the help, it's been very useful. I will research more about the questions I had in mind. Guess I was a lil too lazy to that's why I put them all in one post. Thanks again

[PXLpainter]

The Disp. button is for your trip computer in the center on dash LCD display (MPG, DIST, etc.).

When you get a chance - wander over to the Introductions thread and say "hi" too!

[crispone]

Hey
5. LASTLY - What do you guys think about the new extended life motor oils that lasts like 7500-15,000 miles? Do you think its a good idea to use that new stuff on a newer car?

There is some merit to some of these formulations from what I have read and studies (third party 13 spec. testing results...), but I generally shy away from the "longevity" oils... run a good synthetic like Mobile 1 and change it at 3 or 5 thousand... depending on your driving environment and conditions.

(Unless you are using AMSOIL, which continues to surpass MOST oils in such testing as I have seen... PARTICULARLY on the longevity related durability and integrity as a lubricant that doesn't easily break down... superior to such heavyweights as Mobile 1 synthetic, even...)


As far as the PLUGS go... I have 57k+ and original plugs... but mostly highway driving with good gas, CP-e intake and TRD exhaust... run Chevron Techroline (or whatever that name was...) fuel injector and system cleaner every 5-7 thousand miles... (just BEFORE each oil change...) and I have NO issues with my spark at this time... (although I WILL be changing AND INDEXING my plugs this spring...)

I HAVE pulled a front plug and checked it before starting winter... mine appeared to be burning JUST past a nice "light brownish" with LITTLE if any wear on the electrode, and BARELY contaminated insulator... a good sign, I'd say.


(Mine is an '04 as well... pretty good cars.)



-crisp (Guinness... )

[michaels artic frost]

There is a thread about the controls... Search for it, I think the author is Michael_Artic_Frost....

Here's the thread that discusses about the controls that Milton was referring to.

PAC SWI-X (Universal Steering Wheel Interface)

Just a little update, this adapter is still working great in my car.

Hope this helps and welcome to the forum. Post some pics.
Michael