Solara Questions - ASK ME! - Page 6

buddys70 · #76 (**permalink**) 05-05-2007, 04:56 PM

i just bought a 2007 solara convertible and am looking to replace the factory standard radio with a 2 din cd/dvd unit .... any info you can point me to would be most appreciated. crutchfield was not particularly helpful, they don't list any compatible units. is the 2007 equivalent to the 2006 when looking for audio/video acccessories ?

thanks

buddy s

PXLpainter · #77 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007, 06:40 PM

As far as size goes, yes, the 07 is the same as 04-06.

Also - you most likely won't get much of a double-din unit without a Nav screen (if that's what you're looking for) and you can get a new bezel from Toyota parts.

Good luck - Jeff

coal miner · #78 (**permalink**) 05-14-2007, 10:45 AM

Where's your extended insurance coverage? All you need is one big repair bill as on your AC compressor & the insurance will have paid for itself. Coal miner in Florida

coal miner · #79 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007, 09:59 AM

Does any one know if there is a custom grill available for an 06 solara. Any comments would be appreciated. Coal miner in New Jersey.

PXLpainter · #80 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007, 05:48 PM

There are several. Trenz has one, Michael T has a home-made looking mesh grille I had for awhile, then there's a couple custom grilles you might find from time to time on ebay. I got one of those and modified it and just painted it for now. Will prolly get them powder coated some day.

Check out SolaraGuy.com and do some searching - there may be some threads and help there that can point you in the right direction as to where to get some.

delkins07 · #81 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 08:39 PM

Hi, just got my fully loaded 2007 Solara SLE convertible yesterday. I love the car and most everything works terrific, but I have a few questions now. In playing with the Bluetooth I found a couple of things that don't seem to work as advertised. 1) Unable to transfer phonebook from bluetooth phone to car. Phone gets disconnected from bluetooth as soon as I initiate the transfer. 2) Voice tag doesn't work. When trying to associate a voice tag with a contact, voice is never recorded (I know the microphone is working since voice commands are recognized by the navigation system. 3) Are there other DVD mapping programs that are compatible with the navigation system? I have a Garmin GPS and the program seems to be much more intuitive. I will continue to research the answers to this question, but perhaps you already know the answers.

Thanks for your help,
David

saxman28 · #82 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delkins07

Hi, just got my fully loaded 2007 Solara SLE convertible yesterday. I love the car and most everything works terrific, but I have a few questions now. In playing with the Bluetooth I found a couple of things that don't seem to work as advertised. 1) Unable to transfer phonebook from bluetooth phone to car. Phone gets disconnected from bluetooth as soon as I initiate the transfer. 2) Voice tag doesn't work. When trying to associate a voice tag with a contact, voice is never recorded (I know the microphone is working since voice commands are recognized by the navigation system. 3) Are there other DVD mapping programs that are compatible with the navigation system? I have a Garmin GPS and the program seems to be much more intuitive. I will continue to research the answers to this question, but perhaps you already know the answers.

Thanks for your help,
David

Hi,

My Razor V3M does not transfer its phone book to my new 2007 SLE vert. I just picked up a Garmin Nuvi 660 (for my other vehicle and gave it a try here) - that picks up my Razor V3m phonebook directory on the fly. No idea why this Vert is not doing the same.
The Garmin Nuvi 660 has realtime trafiic which is a GEM to have. I can't understand why "Search Conditions" in the Solara nav with "Detour" either offers something about road closings, accidents and or traffic updates. Nobody in this forum has answered my question. Do you see what I am referring too? Why put "Search condition and Detour choices when it APPEARS that this NAV is not picking up this data. Maybe I'm wrong and maybe you can look in to this.
Using othe GPS DVD's will not work for sure. I wouldn't toy with this.

Anyway get back - we both have a few things in common.

regards,

Alan Russell
2007 Solara SLE loaded Black on Black

ps, is it easy to clip down the top? Mine is impossible on the right front passenger side from the drivers seat. Going into service today!

Laney · #83 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 12:38 AM

OK, I'm asking...

In your list of mods for the Solara, the TRD springs lower the car 1.2 to 1.4 inches.

That sounds like enough to make things scrape on dips and seriously sloped driveways.

Do you have TRD springs? If so, has the lower ride been a problem?

Laney

arizonabri · #84 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delkins07

Hi, just got my fully loaded 2007 Solara SLE convertible yesterday. I love the car and most everything works terrific, but I have a few questions now. In playing with the Bluetooth I found a couple of things that don't seem to work as advertised. 1) Unable to transfer phonebook from bluetooth phone to car. Phone gets disconnected from bluetooth as soon as I initiate the transfer. 2) Voice tag doesn't work. When trying to associate a voice tag with a contact, voice is never recorded (I know the microphone is working since voice commands are recognized by the navigation system. 3) Are there other DVD mapping programs that are compatible with the navigation system? I have a Garmin GPS and the program seems to be much more intuitive. I will continue to research the answers to this question, but perhaps you already know the answers.

Thanks for your help,
David

I was not able to transfer my phone book either. Although I believe it is because verizon locks down all bluetooth functionality with their phones other than the wireless headset. I guess they want us to pay for their services instead of transferring pictures, ringtones, etc over bluetooth with a PC. I havent tried to set up the voice tags for contacts yet so I can't help you there. My .02.

PXLpainter · #85 (**permalink**) 05-25-2007, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laney

OK, I'm asking...

In your list of mods for the Solara, the TRD springs lower the car 1.2 to 1.4 inches.

That sounds like enough to make things scrape on dips and seriously sloped driveways.

Do you have TRD springs? If so, has the lower ride been a problem?

Laney

Scrape like hell!

Mostly because I have a wider offset wheel on my ride... and I've modded my fenders and stuff to make it work as well.

I know others that have done fine with the right size wheel/tire combo. All lowered rides are going to scrape a bit on the occasional driveway/speed bump!

gsb · #86 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 02:18 PM

Just got an '07 Solara XLE convert.
How hard is it to get to the oil filter?
Can you run it up on regular ramps, or will you hit the front end on the ramps?

PXLpainter · #87 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 01:32 AM

I wouldn't try ramps personally - but seriously, the only way to get to the filter is to reach down behind the radiator to get to it. You might wanna let the engine cool a bit first - be careful not to burn your arm on the exhaust manifold!

saraeeller · #88 (**permalink**) 06-17-2007, 08:41 PM

hey jeff -

i'm looking into changing my spark plugs for the first time in my 2005 solara... can you help me? i found three but can't find the other three and how exactly to do it. i would rather do it myself, of course, but need some help.

mustang67408 · #89 (**permalink**) 06-18-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saraeeller

hey jeff -

i'm looking into changing my spark plugs for the first time in my 2005 solara... can you help me? i found three but can't find the other three and how exactly to do it. i would rather do it myself, of course, but need some help.

Those plugs are IRIDIUM and do not need to be changed until 90K miles.
I feel there is no other plug that would offer better performance for this application than the stock plugs.

But if you feel the need to change them, here is how.
Front plugs = self explanitory

The back 3 plugs are a pain.

1: remove engine cover

2: remove the intake surge tank
3:REMOVE AIR CLEANER CAP WITH AIR CLEANER HOSE

(a) Disconnect the 3 vacuum hoses.
(b) Disconnect the ventilation hose No.1.
(c) Disconnect the air flow meter connector.
(d) Separate the fuel vapor feed hose No.1.
(e) Loosen the hose clamp bolt.
(f) Remove the 3 clamps and air cleaner cap with air cleaner
hose.

4:Remove Intake Surge Tank

(a) Disconnect the 2 water by-pass hoses from the throttle
w/ motor body assy.
(b) Disconnect the vapor feed hose.
(c) Disconnect the throttle w/ motor body assy connector and
clamp.
(d) Disconnect the ventilation hose No.2.
(e) Disconnect the union to check valve hose.

(f) Remove the bolt and vacuum hose clamp.
(g) Disconnect the connector.
(h) Using a 5 mm socket hexagon wrench, remove the 4
bolts.
(i) Remove the 2 nuts, 2 bolts and intake air surge tank.
(j) Remove the gasket from the intake air surge tank.

12. DISCONNECT FUEL TUBE SUB-ASSY

(a) Remove the fuel pipe clamp No.2.
(b) Pinch the tube connector and then pull out the fuel pipe.

NOTICE:

Check that there is no dirt or other foreign objects
around the connector before this operation and clean
the connector as necessary.

Be careful of mud because the quick connector has
O-rings which seal the pipe and connector that can
be contaminated.

Do not use any tools in this operation.

Do not bend or twist the nylon tube. Protect the connector
by covering it with a plastic bag.

When the pipe and the connector are stuck, push and
pull the connector to release and pull the connector
out carefully.

4: Remove Ignition Coils.
5:Using a 16 mm (0.63 in.) plug wrench, remove the spark plugs.

Dan River · #90 (**permalink**) 06-24-2007, 11:38 AM

Hi,
I have a new 2007 Solara Convertible and love it but I've run into a couple of question. I noticed there was some discussion about the windscreen. Is it really effective at cutting noise and "back flow". Also is it something that should be dealer installed?
Second question is oil changes in the maintenance. The book and everything I have been able to find says 5,000 miles, yet the service department suggests 3,500. I don't want to hurt my car but I don't want to do something that's not needed. Anyone else run into this? Thanks