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Toyota Hiace Van 1989-2004 factory workshop and repair manual download

Tools & parts you’ll need
- Basic hand tools: 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets, extension, metric socket set (8–19 mm commonly used), combination wrenches.
- Small open-end wrench (for the adjuster locknut, often 10–14 mm).
- Flat-blade screwdriver or punch (to remove inspection plug).
- Torque wrench (capable of low torque settings for locknut; check OEM spec).
- Feeler gauges (recommended) or a device to feel drum drag.
- Transmission jack or floor jack + jack stands (vehicle support).
- Wheel chocks.
- Clean rags, drip pan, gloves, safety glasses.
- Replacement parts if needed: transmission bands (if worn or damaged), adjuster locknut/screw (if stripped), inspection cover O-ring/gasket, transmission fluid and filter (if you drop pan), and gasket sealant as required.

Safety precautions (must follow)
- Work on a level surface. Chock wheels and set parking brake.
- Raise vehicle only with a jack and support with rated jack stands. NEVER rely on a jack alone.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves. Be careful near hot components after warm-up.
- If rotating transmission/driveshaft by hand, put transmission in Park, engine OFF and key removed.
- If a procedure step calls for the engine running on a lift, use a helper and follow shop safety rules (this is uncommon for basic band clearance).

Overview / applicability
- Many older Toyota Hiace automatics have externally adjustable bands accessed through inspection plugs on the transmission housing. Newer/sealed electronic transmissions do NOT have external band adjusters — do not force anything. Always confirm your model/year before proceeding.

Step‑by‑step band adjustment (typical procedure for externally adjustable Toyota bands)
1. Warm transmission
- Drive vehicle until transmission reaches normal operating temperature (10–15 minutes). This ensures correct clearances. Park on level ground.

2. Secure vehicle
- Put transmission in Park, set parking brake, chock wheels front and rear. Turn engine OFF (unless your specific service manual requires running engine for a particular check — follow OEM spec).

3. Raise and support vehicle
- Raise the vehicle and support securely on jack stands to give clear access to the transmission pan and the band adjuster inspection hole(s). Place a drip pan under the transmission in case of fluid leakage.

4. Locate the adjuster
- Find the small threaded plug/cover on the side of the transmission case. There may be one for each band (front/rear). Remove the plug/cover (punch or screwdriver); behind it you’ll see an adjuster screw and a locknut or a snap ring.

5. Prepare to measure/feel
- With the engine OFF and transmission in Park, rotate the output shaft or driveshaft by hand (use a breaker bar or socket on the output flange/shaft — typically accessible at the driveshaft flange) while observing the band/drum through the inspection hole. You are feeling for slight drag between the band and drum.

6. Make the adjustment
- Loosen the locknut a few turns (or remove any retaining device).
- Turn the adjuster screw inward (clockwise) slowly until you feel a slight drag on the drum when you rotate the output shaft by hand. The drag should be light and uniform; do not over-tighten — you should not lock the drum.
- Back the adjuster screw out (counterclockwise) the specified amount per OEM spec (commonly 1/4 turn or so on many designs) to achieve correct clearance. If you do not have the spec, back off a small known amount (e.g., 1/4 turn) — but consult service manual for the exact backed-off amount and torque.
- Hold the adjuster and tighten the locknut to the specified torque.

7. Verify
- Re-check by rotating the output/driveshaft by hand. The drum should rotate freely with just a very slight drag; there should be no binding. If there are multiple band adjusters, repeat for each band in the correct sequence per the manual.

8. Final steps
- Replace inspection plug and any O-ring/gasket.
- Lower vehicle, remove wheel chocks.
- Test-drive carefully, check for proper shift quality and listen for binding/clunks. Re-check fluid level and top-off if needed (transmission fluid expands with temperature — check per OEM procedure).

How the adjuster tool/parts are used
- The adjuster is a threaded screw inside the inspection port. You use a small wrench/socket on the exposed nut/hex of the adjuster and a second wrench on the locknut to secure it. The adjuster pushes the band tighter around the drum; the locknut secures the setting. Feeler gauges are used where the manual specifies a gap; otherwise the “slight drag” hand-rotation method is common. A torque wrench is used to torque the locknut to spec so the setting doesn’t move.

Replacement parts & when to replace
- Replace the band if you find glazing, cracking, uneven wear, or if the band thickness is below service limits (service manual gives wear limits). Also replace the adjuster locknut or screw if stripped or damaged.
- Replace inspection plug O-ring/gasket to prevent leaks.
- If you remove the pan to inspect bands from below or the transmission shows signs of contamination, replace filter and fluid.
- If shift quality does not improve after correct band adjustment, internal wear (clutches, drums) may require a band or transmission overhaul.

Common pitfalls & what to avoid
- Over-tightening: forcing the band too tight will cause excessive friction, heat, harsh shifts and immediate wear/damage.
- Incorrect method: adjusting with engine running or transmission in gear (unless procedure specifically calls for it) is dangerous. Rotate the output shaft by hand with engine OFF when feeling for drag.
- Not warming the transmission: cold adjustments will be inaccurate.
- Forgetting to secure the locknut to the correct torque; a loose locknut will back off and ruin the adjustment.
- Forcing sealed transmissions: trying to adjust on modern sealed ECUs-only transmissions will break components. If there is no external adjuster, the band is not user-adjustable.
- Not checking for wear: adjusting a badly worn band is only a temporary fix. Inspect band lining and drum condition.

Quick troubleshooting after adjustment
- Harsh or delayed shifts = band too tight or internal wear.
- Slipping in certain gears = band too loose or worn band/clutches.
- No improvement = likely internal wear or hydraulic issues; further diagnosis needed.

Final note (concise)
- Follow the exact clearance/back‑off and torque specs from the Toyota service manual for your Hiace year/model. If you don’t have those specs or if the adjusters are seized, consider a transmission shop or a service manual before proceeding.
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