I'm about to buy a 94 Toyota Previa..but have no idea where the dipstick to the transmission is....also can I get a pic request to the engine? And if anyone has any information on SAD (supplemental accessory drive shaft)? How can I check if its going out? Thanks HT! I know I can count on you guys!

 

Unfortunately you bought a previa, those things are junk. however I can help you a little because I get the occasional one into the shop. All of your important stuff is under the drivers seat. Yes, under the drivers seat. do some digging and you'll find the latches to release the seat and fold it back, then remove the cover. Your oil fill and both the dipsticks are under there. The oil thing under the hood is just an oil reserve, if you do an oil change make sure you fill it under the seat and not in the reserve. No pics of engine or any info on the driveshaft, sorry. but youll get a much better look at the engine through the access hole.

 

lol. that is crazy, I was wondering why they would all be there but looked them up and they're mid-engines

 

http://www.attarco.com/images/2tzfe.jpg
here is a pic of the engine

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0027_large.jpg
and here is a pic of the compartment


I did a little research on the SAD shaft. turns out it just turns your accesory belt. most repairs were around 1000$ at a shop, home mechanic can do it much cheaper around 400$ but that makes it around a 7 hour job....for a professional. if you are knowledgable with cars, but it is a little difficult. Most problems with SADS occured in warmer climates and they would start to make a squealing/squeaking around the 100k mark. cooler climates they lasted a little longer but still had a common failure rate.

pic of the culprite
http://www.previaparts.com/ECscripts...pe=A1CN1&lc=EN