Toyota Matrix

elsi

Thanks for the feedback on the 4wd. I will definitley be test driving one if they have on in stock. I'll actually be purchasing roofracks for skis/snowboard as well so hopefully there aren't issues with them not having them as they advertise. We shall see! I'm still a couple weeks to a month from purchasing.

CapeCod

Roof racks make the vehicles look sportier...
Without the rack they look very van like.
Since the rack is very small & short I
doubt if they really are very useful.

nippononly

1matrix

I also have a 4WD model (XR). I'm usually able to put in at least 11.5 gallons of gas when my low-fuel warning light comes on. With a 11.9-gallon capacity, I'm inclined to think that that's the re-fill capacity, and there's probably at least a couple of gallons of "reserve" left in the tank. (0.4 gallons would not be much of a reserve!)

1matrix

nippononly

based on the fuel mileage you get...but just be sure to be near a gas station when you get near that 11.9 mark! Fuel lights vary a lot in their operation, even from car to car within the same model. Toyota isn't foolin' if it says the tank holds 11.9, and it means that it all there is, not that you have a 2 gallon reserve after that.

If you are the type to top it up and top it up until it flows down the side of the car, then you probably have an extra quarter of a gallon in the filler neck...

johnclineii

...and adding more gasoline after the pump clicks off can cause the charcoal cannister to become saturated with gasoline. Done very often, this can cause an expensive repair to be necessary. The manual warns (or at least most do) and so do the pumps that you should not add more gasoline after the pump automagically shuts off.

herzogtum71

Where is the needle on your gas gauge when your light comes on?

dvd9

I want a supercharger for my XR 4WD. Do you think my new car warranty be void b/c of this supercharger??

I have 7,250 miles on the car. I bought it new on July 1 '02.

I always fill up my fuel tank whenever the emply warning light come on.

preludexl

No, the TRD supercharger doesnt void the warranty.

lngtonge18

I would be very careful. The AWD system probably wasn't designed to handle the amount of torque a supercharged engine would make, which would void the powertrain warranty. Make sure you know for a fact that your AWD system can handle more power.

nippononly

bear in mind that the AWD exhaust system limits the power of the regular 130 hp engine to 123 hp, and you will probably see a reduction from the quoted numbers for the supercharged version too, if there is not a problem with compatibility.

The TRD supercharger is fully warranted by Toyota if it is installed by them, so I am sure it would be the easiest thing in the world to find out if its application to the 180 hp engine voids the powertrain warranty.

1matrix

When my low-fuel warning light comes on, the needle is halfway between the last tick mark and the next to the last, so I'm pretty sure that there's more than just 0.4 gallons left in the tank. But I'm still able to refill with 11.5 gallons. I usually let it click 3 times (since that's what I used to do with the RAV4). No problems at all with fuel spillage, since I normally wait a few seconds between clicks.

I haven't tried letting the tank go to empty, because I read that that can damage the catalytic converter. I'm pretty confident that my warning light is working properly, so for peace of mind, I'm going to assume that I do have some reserve left, even if it's not the usual 2 gallons.

Maybe an inquiry with Toyota is in order.

1matrix

jlpred

I felt the need to chime in. Please read the fine print below the pontiac web site. The supercharger is NOT available for the GT or AWD models. Not available for the GT because of a different engine, and not for AWD for (I assume) viscous couplings can not handle the extra power and torque. The TRD supercharger will have the warranty but only for the intended application.

catera1998d

I just picked up my Indigo Ink Pearl XRS tonight. I went for the six speed, sunroof, leather, 6 disc in dash cd changer and the toyota extra mile package. I paid $19.5 and feel it was a good deal. This is my first "foreign" car. I have owned 3 Saturns, 1 Ford Explorer, 1 Cadillac Catera and 1 Lincoln Continental. I drive a Pontiac Aztek for a company vehicle, thus my XRS will sit at home alot. I only put 4000 on my previous Catera since February. One question, I got the "security system upgrade" thinking it would beep when armed/disarmed.....but it isn't the case. I know other Toyotas beep.....is mine a mute or is it supposed to be this way?

nippononly

if your system is actually the Toyota VIP3200 system that is the factory security system. A lot of dealers tell you they are selling the security system that is on the car, when in fact it is on there because they have a third party alarm company put security systems on all their cars.

They will have given you a separate booklet specifically for the Toyota alarm system if that is what you have. Other alarms work through the keyless entry, so just because your key fob says "Toyota" does not mean the alarm is factory.

If it is in fact the VIP3200 factory system, it can be set to be mute, or to make soft beeps when it is engaged/disengaged. it is easy to set - read the little booklet.

catera1998d

I am fairly certain the dealer didn't add the security system. The car came from another dealer about 150 miles away and listed on the factory window sticker is the security system upgrade. I was handed a plethora of books and readables and will go through them while at work today. Thanks for the quick reply!

montanafan

It has been posted in Pontiac Vibe boards that the Pontiac system doesn't beep, but people thought the Matrix did. (See that the 2003 NCR Azteks will be the new liguid gray, but big downgrade in standard equip will still make your white better.) Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

revka

and congrats on your new Toyota Matrix! We appreciate hearing all the details.... Happy motoring!

Revka

Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

herzogtum71

I notice that the service people actually wrote up "still a reserve in the tank" when they checked my 4WD Matrix for the low fuel light circuit. When I fill I generally wait for the nozzle to click off once and then add an additional 2/10 gallon. So matrix1 may be adding a bit more fuel to the tank than I do. Running out of gas also is reportedly bad for the fuel pump -- or at least that's what they said with my old Hondas.

hurler4

catera1998d, is leather an option on the Matrix? Also, what is the Extra Mile Package?

catera1998d

Yep it's a unique Leather and Suede option....at $999 it's on the high side. Comparison to Saturn (another small car with leather) at around $750. The Extra Mile Package includes: 5 pc floor mats, rear runk mat, permavin glass etching,. rear bumper protector, security system upgrade, custom tape strip and 3/36 roadside assistance. I mainly went for the Extra Mile Package for the road side, alarm and rear bumper protector. I am getting a little upset as I am getting conflicting information about the alarm. According to people in the yahoo Matrix group, it doesn't make any noise. According to the book with the car there is supposed to be some kind of audible noise. I will call the dealer friday.

johnclineii

Ooops.....

Sounds like this "Extra Mile Package" is a collection of dealer installed accessories. Do you still have the Maroney sticker? The factory MSRP-manufacturer's suggested retail price--is listed on THAT and only THAT sticker. It includes all the FACTORY installed accessories.

Look to see if the "Extra Mile Package" is on that sticker. If it isn't (and I doubt that it is), the dealer may or may not have installed a factory alarm. It may be an after-market alarm. Then again, most after-market alarms do provide audible feedback, seemingly, the less expensive they are, the more intricate and loud the feedback!

How much was this "Extra Mile Package?" Does it appear in the car's brochure?

catera1998d

Nope the Extra Mile is on the Maroney sticker along with all the options I listed that it includes. Total is $877. I know it's high, but I am the type who hates to add aftermarket equipment. The only thing I will add is a subwoofer. Anyone know it the factory kicker subwoofer is available for purchase. The Matrix brochure is the WORST brochure I have ever seen. It is basically two fold out posters folded together. Pontiac has a much better Vibe brochure. The differences between the cars are exterior and no leather option on the vibe. I am a stickler for leather...always had it....always will.

footie

This option package isnt listed on the official, factory Toyota Web site or any literature I've received from Toyota.

When you go to the Toyota web site and put in your zip code it takes you to different 'Build your own' web site and pages depending on where in the country you are. Here in New England you get the generic Toyota package of options since there's no single distributor for Toyota for this area.

But if you try 75001 ( in Addison, Texas ), you go to the Build-Your-Own Toyota site run by Gulf States Toyota for the Gulf States Distributorships which I think include Texas, OK and LA.

These folks put lots of stuff on Toyota's in 'port', i.e. a central location where they add options to the car after they get it from the factory.

Some of these options are good deals, like your leather seats. Others may be. Some are very questionable, like the VIN etching, fabric protectors, etc.

When you go to the Gulf State Build Your Own, the Extra Mile Package is right at the top of the list.

This is where the Extra Mile package was put on your car and why it's likely you don't have the factory installed Security option, though it could be the same thing put on by the folks at port.

I hope this helps.

johnclineii

BINGO! Silly me, I forgot the "wonderful" distributorship system Toyota still uses.

I bet you are exactly right, footie!

rog96

to jlpred: Have any idea as to cost, power increase, mileage penalty, warranty? I'd love to have toyota install it on my Vibe, as long as Pontiac gives me no grief ...

rog96

No problems except I had the dealership align the front end. From the start it was out just enough to be noticable, so I finally brought it in. They test drove it before and after, and then charged GM 155 bucks as I happened to see THEIR copy of the paperwork. I wonder if it was something more than an alignment that they did. Anyways, it's fine now. Put in my Amsoil just before 1k, and have been getting 32-33 mi/gal. Put in thin gray indoor/outdoor carpet with rubber backing the size of the lid (from Lowes) and cut slots for the tie-downs which also holds the carpet in place. It looks factory, and I saved $$. Makes it quieter back there as does the felt (with sticky back) under the edges where the lid rests, cause it chattered. The picture of the factory cargo mat didn't seem to look like it had slots for the sliding tie downs, and I had this extra piece of carpet not being used. Took less than 20 min. Hope this helps someone.

nippononly

I feel sorry for people down there who have to buy Toyotas from them. They do not run their operation well.

It is almost certain that they did not install the Toyota factory alarm at the port. Those are usually aftermarket systems.

Why does Gulf States Toyota love pinstripes so much? Every Toyota south of the Mason-Dixon line must have a cheesy stripe on it!

lmacmil

My son took his Matrix in for the 3K checkup. I asked if he had them look at the speedo glass which buzzes sometimes. He said he didn't have time to leave it and that "the thing rattles all over." I was surprised at this. I know the dashboard glass issue has been discussed. Anyone else having a lot of rattles/buzzes?

footie

I agree.

The real issue is that the dealerships in these zones are really front's for the distributors. It would be instructive to learn whether Toyota USA gave these distributors a permanent franchise in those parts of the country or not.

If you live in Texas or OK you should go buy your Toyota in St. Louis and drive it home.

Even if you have problems (not very likely), you can always go to a local Toyota dealership and say you just got transferred. They'll never know...

If you live in the SET zone, well, try Virginia or Kentucky.

It's cheaper in many cases to go to a far away dealer, order a car just like you want at a few hundred $ over invoice and drive it home instead of buying one locally that's been stuffed and striped and pampered with useless options like VIN etching, upholstery protectors and special waxing. What year do these people think this is? 1975 or something.

Good luck to all in those parts of the country!

laurie30

laurie30

I have had my 2003 Matrix back to the deler 3 times as my lights have been going on in the middle of the night and wearing down the battery. Has anyone else had any electrical problems? Bought the car in August, and only have 2000 miles on it.

nippononly

haven't had a single problem with mine - at 3 months and 7000 miles now - except...

...imacmil: rattles and buzzes are everywhere in this car. They come and go, some are more consistent than others. After three tries I have given up trying to have the dealer fix them. There is just far too much plastic (hard plastic at that) in the interior of this car - it is bound to vibrate.

CapeCod

Often when I start the car the dashlights and headlights come on BUT the shift console lights do not. Often wait 10-15 seconds ????
Is there a reason for this ? Normal?
Also I now notice a wind noise at 50mph+...
I can not tell if it is from the bottom or top of the windshield, maybe wipers at rest ????
I did notice the top of windshield sealer strip has an empty notch... could this be source of noise ? I do not think it is the moonroof.
At first I thought it was being 'transmitted' by the mesh sun screen at top of windshield.
I have already put carpet in the 'wayback'.
Think I will put the felt under the lift up door.
Probably should cover back of rear seats as well.
Thanks, you guys are my online manual !

rog96

Does anyone know how to get those nasty yellow english/french "warnings" off the fragile vinyl visors? Will I be imprisoned like when ripping a tag off a matress?!!

nippononly

The gauge lights and the headlights (daytime running lights) come on automatically every time you turn the car on and release the parking brake, BUT the rest of the dash lighting and the shift console lights only come on when the actual headlights are turned on.

If you are used to letting the twilight sensor turn the lights on for you, then you should be aware that it takes 15-30 seconds after the car has been running for this to be triggered.

You can also turn on the headlights in the normal way when it is dark - by using the switch on the turn signal stalk. This will trigger the interior lights I mentioned.

Is that what you meant?

jlpred

Sorry for the delay rog96. I was told the supercharger would be about $2400. Pontiac should be able to install it. Check the pontiac web site, it is listed under accessories (with no price). Not sure of milage penalty, but from previous TRD superchargers, be prepared to run premium gas though.

dvd9

Hi Matrix owners and fans,

I have 4WD Matrix XR with 8K miles. No problem yet. I tested my 4wd and abs. They seem to work just fine.

How do I turn off my headlights at night while the engine is still running??? There has to be a way that I can override the light sensor at night!

Thanks,

DVD9

nippononly

shine a bright light on the ambient light sensor! It is right on the left front corner of the dash - a black bump. Get your Mag-Lite and put it directly over it, then when the lights turn off (1 minute or so later) put the Mag-Lite on the dash and leave it there.

Gotta hate twilight sensors...

toyotaken

First, do you want to drive with your headlights off? Or are you talking about just sitting parked with the engine running at night? If it is just parking and you don't like the lights on when you're sitting there, use the following procedures:

If you haven't started the engine yet:
1. Pull the parking brake.
2. Start the engine.
3. Lights and DRL won't go on until you release the parking brake.
4. Don't forget to release the parking brake when you're getting ready to move again.

If you're already running the engine and the lights are already on:
1. Turn the car off.
2. Follow the steps above.

AND if you're just looking to drive at night with the headlights off, you're dumb and don't deserve an answer.

steine13

Good information on how to make the lights not come on.

There are many reasons to want the lights off at night; I had the system on a '98 Prizm, and while I recognize that it has some value, and I never had to worry about accidentally leaving my lights on, I hated not being able to turn them off... Say you're turning into your driveway at 03:00 adn don't want to wake your family or the neighbors off. Say you're pulling into a campground at night. Say you're approaching a military base and you're required to dim your lights.

I do not like them, Sam I am...
Peace.
-Mathias
East Lansing, MI

toyotaken

One other thing that you can do if you're only going to be doing it for a VERY limited period of time and distance is to either put the parking brake on as described above on click or to hold it up enough to not have the lights go on. Just remember not to drive very far like this for obvious reasons. *LOL*

dvd9

Thanks for the feedback. I will try it out.

At a drive-in movie theatre, I want to be able to turn off my headlights at night with engine running. It really sucks if I do not have this ability to override the light sensor.

dvd9

nippononly

drive-in theaters out there in America? Wow!

I so wish there were a fuse you could pull to just kill the twilight sensor altogether, while leaving the operability of the headlights intact.

montanafan

Favorite auto lamp story. Neighbor bought a 1996 Bonneville. After a couple weeks caught him out raking leaves and asked how he liked the new car. Said it was great but couldn't figure out why it cost more to wash at the car wash then the old car. (Turns out the auto lamps turned the headlights on in the building which was the car wash signal to use the wax package on the car). Always makes me laugh. Got to go shovel snow.

rog96

Thanks JLPRED for that info! I guess it will be out next month, will be interesting to see the specs ... especially at what rpm most of the extra power is at. I know the Mini Cooper S has a supercharger and it bumps the engine from 115 to 163 hp and similar numbers for the torque. And unfortunately requires premium fuel like you said. If GM sweetened the deal by adding a year to the bumper-to-bumper warranty and included installation(LOL) ... at least the insurance is less by adding the power after purchase, since they go by the vin# ...

dvd9

Thanks "toyotaken" for instruction on how to keep the headlights off with engine running.

I followed your procedures and it really works.

yes, there are still drive-in theaters in the good old usa. Now I dont have to use a blanket to cover my headlights in drive-in theaters.

toyotaken

You're welcome.

Glad I was able to help.

dogtrainer

rog96 said: "at least the insurance is less by adding the power after purchase, since they go by the vin#"

Not telling the insurance company that you have added a supercharger may be construed by them as fraud, and reason to deny claims. If you don't wanna pay the freight, don't install it.

catera1998d

On Sunday I walked out to my Matrix, disarmed the alarm, and heard
three honks of the horn. This let met know that it had been set off.
As I walked to my door I noticed a 2 inch high door ding about 1/4
inch from the lead edge on the passenger door. After arguing with
the drunk lady in the GMC Envoy next to me (ends up she was too
drunk to go inside with her brother, got mad and tried to get out,
slamming her door into my car) I called the police. Yadda yadda
yadda, they cited her for reckless damage. The driver (a very nice
old gentleman) and I exchanged information and went our own ways.
The body shop said there was $380 of damage! Due to the location of
the ding (1/4 inch from the edge of the door) Paintless Dent Repair
couldn't be used. Worst of all I have a Saturn SL2 as a loaner. This
car is horrible. I have owned 3 Saturns and don't remember any of
them being this horrible. I only had 680 miles on my Matrix. The car
still has the temporary tags on! This is one thing I worried about
with this car, since it has no "rub strips" on the sides. This could
be the begining of a long relationship with the body shop for door
dings.