Toyota Corolla Maintenance and Repair

pgilbert

Thanks for the message. But ..this problem is not just the steering lock safety feature, which has been familiar to me for the 13 years I've driven the car. This is a new and very frustrating problem.

jgdewey

Being a woman, I just went through more saleslime than you can imagine, but as a teacher who works so hard I have to put my head on the desk just to get energy to go home, I looked around and saw coffee drinking, back slapping happy go lucky salesmen doing NOTHING AT ALL for the full 4 torture hours I was there. The guy who stuck with me for 4 hours was the most relaxed human being I've ever seen. No wonder, he sells only on the net and answers a few questions a day. He gets us as we come in and doesn't have to sell cause the net quotes are the lowest to begin with. Point being, they don't work too hard for the many many dollars they earn. Actually boning up on the manual in between customers would be a genius idea, but then how could they slap backs and drink coffee?

jgdewey

I just bought a 2006 Corolla CE off the net from LONGO TOYOTA. in El Monte, Ca. IF you're anywhere near this dealership run for the net, get a quote and buy. They were 2000 dollars lower than any other dealer. But my problem was the AC. It worked fine, then started blowing Hot air. Geez it had 100 miles on it. Being a woman I hadn't a clue, took it to the nearest dealership and was told they didn't care much since I didn't buy it there. Luckily I can cry easily when mad and started sobbing and they took it in under warranty (changed my plates to show their dealership). It seems there was too much freeon in it and it was overcharging. Is this possible? Are they just trying to get rid of me? Or is it possible to have too much freeon and overcharge. I don't know a thing about AC or cars but I want to know is my future going to be begging for help at a dealers or is this over for now? Thanks for any input you can give me...

keithch

Replace the starter, it fixed the problem

grandtotal

This does happen, it sounds plausible to me.

scurley

The problem you are having can be solved easily by removing the EGR valve located on the manifold, center of engine, between engine and firewall. It has two bolts that need to be removed. You will also have to disconnect the vacume hoses from the top of the EGR. What most people don't know about cleaning an EGR valve is most of the carbon buildup is not in the valve itself but in the metal stem leading up to the baffle. If you pull of the rubber hose from the metal stem you'll see it's blocked with carbon. Use a good carborator cleaner and spray down into the stem forceing the carbon out. Replace the EGR and you'll notice a huge difference. I did this job last week, took me a total of 30 minutes and now the car runs like new. One last piece of advice, never take your car to a dealer, they will charge you 300% markup for parts you don't need.
Hope this helps.

krisrex

Usually when I turned on my car it started without any stutter. Now it starts with a stutter which lasts about a second. But it starts. Basically it is not a clean startup. Also I noticed that it did not happen if I stopped the car for a long time(10 mins) and then started it. But if I turn on the ignition immediately after turning it off it does that. I am worried it might stop starting on me one day.Its a 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA with 96000 miles. Maintained real well by previous owner. Just bought it a month ago.has anyone had a similar problem.

rajiv_garg

I faced the same situation with my 1995 corolla with 110K miles on it. The wires from battery to starter motor are fried and I am not able to get a cheap replacement.

I called Toyota and they quoted over $1000. Pep Boys quoted about $700.

I cant find a cheaper solution but am still trying to contact junk yards if they have those wires. Will let you knoe if I get more info. Also, if anyone else knows about a better way, please let us know. :confuse:

sanjesh

Thanks for the information. I haven't started looking into the problem - but will try out your advice.

c2rosa

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051018/bs_nm/autos_toyota_recall_dc;_ylt=Arr_pzdf_wVGkgr0mtUr- 3WWL_bIF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

stinkinrolla

Hi this post is for owners of 2003 - 2005 Corollas. I have a 2004 Corolla and want to replace my Goodyear Integrity tires. I have close to 72,000 kms on them and they are going bald on the edges. What tires do you recommend I get? I want a good long lasting all-season tires. Some suggested Michelin Harmony's or Goodyear Assurance. I need feedback from you on how good or bad your tires are. Thank you!

mcdawgg

I love my new Michelin Hydroedges! Quiet, smooth, great traction.

ridgley

Thanks. Ive actually been having a problem with my Goodyear tires as well. Perhaps I should make that change as well.

sacky

Put Michelin X radials from Sams on my 2003 Corolla LE and like them very much.

jlarson

My problem maybe similar to others,but please bear with me.

I was driving home yesterday,almost home,went around the corner and my car just died.Pulled off to the side of the road to try and restart the engine,no luck.So I popped the hood and my son checked to see is anything had come off or was loose,no luck.
So he called a tow truck and we had it towed home.

So I have read here that it could possibly be the alternator or a fuse,how do we go about checking if the alternator is the problem?Or what else should be checked? :confuse:

petl

How old is the car and how many miles are on it? It could be the timing belt (depending on the age of the vehicle). If the belt snapped, it's a safety feature. The car will shut down to prevent damage to the motor. Good luck.

tom71

I have heard good things about Longo Toyota. New cars today don't use
Freon for A/C systems. Just curious, what was the name of the dealership
that treated you badly?

I suggest you call the Toyota customer relations office in Torrance and
explain your experience. They may call the dealer to reprimand them.

By the way, I've read that 06 Corollas have an annoying feature, when you
put the car in reverse, the car beeps. Do you find this annoying?

Good luck and enjoy your new car.

tom71

I wasn't clear in your message. Did you buy a new car or not?

A much less painless way to buy a new car, is to use one of the internet
car buying services. I like www.carsdirect.com.

You can look up for free what different cars cost and know what kind
of deal your getting. Usually it's below dealer cost. Once you decide
what you want and if you decide to use their service, they will search
to find the car you want. Once they find one, you go to the dealer and
pick it up, minus the hours of wasted time. My sister bought a car this
way at Long Toyota in El Monte and was very happy.

jlarson

Thanks for replying,it is a 1987.

Where is the timing belt located,we didn't see anything broken or loose?

petl

You can't see it. It's covered and difficult to replace. It can be a time consuming procedure. The belt itself is usually not expensive (unfortunately labour is). I would recommend that you have a mechanic confirm that it is a timing belt problem and that they do the replacing (they will have the tools to ensure that it is done properly). It isn't a do-it-yourself project. Good luck.

toyotagirl23

Hey... I recently bought a used Corolla and the guy didn't have the manual. What does the check engine light look like? Does it say "Check engine" or just check? I just had a light come on in the upper right corner that says check with a picture of something and I am trying to figure out what.

Thanks

jlarson

Do you know anyone who has an engine diagram,a how to book or something.There is no way I can afford for a mechanic to replace it.

petl

Maybe a library or school. Type in "timing belt replacement" on your search engine. Good luck.

jturbo

I bought a 2000 corolla with 117,000 miles that while enjoing great power and 38 mpg (avg hwy) is burning a quart of oil every 800-1000 miles. I'm tryin to decide whether fix or sale. I'm hearing that could be bottom work or valve seal replacement.

Can someone pleeeeeeeeeeeease give me input?

grimyface

For an engine to burn oil, it must be leaking into the cylinders, either through the piston rings or valve seals (often a combination of both).

One way to determine which of these is the culprit is engine compression, since the rings will impact compression more than the valve seals. Since you're "enjoing great power and 38 mpg," there's a good chance your rings are OK. This is good news, since installing a rebuilt cylinder head is a possible DIY, and not nearly as expensive as an engine rebuild.

Also, there are a number of oil additives available that are supposed to reduce oil consumption (until you're ready to do the head job). I have heard the one from Lucas(R) is the best.

jturbo

Thank you for your prompt reply :shades:

tabo1

I have a 2001 corolla LE. The fuel indicator sticks at half way between F and E as I 've already filled with full tank gas. Is this a major problem?

Thanks.

ohmygosh

I purchsed an '05 Corolla S automatic several months ago . I bought the car for its impressive gas mileage claims, but am now puzzled. For the first couple of thousand miles, I was getting about 26 miles in the city and 33 miles on the highway. With about 4000 miles now on the car, and primarily city driving, I am only getting 20 miles to the gallon in the city. I know the mileage varies, but is this seems unrealistic. Does anyone have a similar complaint or
suggestion ?">

pepita

Hello!

I just spoke w/ the dealer service dept. and they quoted me $285 for the 30K service including: oil change, transmission fluid change, coollant change....

Is this a good price? Is the 30K necessary?

Also, my car seems to be making some funny noises when I go about 35MPH on regular streets. Should I have the dealer look at this problem? My 2003 corolla only has 31,000 miles on it and I am not sure why it's making this noise. Also, my rear power window doesn't even work anymore!

If you have any advice, pls let me know!
Thanks!!!

mcdawgg

Don't do any dealer's 15k, 30k, 45k, 60k, etc. maintenance "specials" - they are a rip off. Just look in your owner's manual and have them do only what Toyota recommends, and I would skip the "inspect" items, especially now, because if they would inspect anything, it would be all of a glance at everything for less than 5 minutes total. At 30k, just do a drain and fill on the coolant ($40-50), the transmission fluid (if automatic) ($70-90), oil and filter change ($25), air filter change ($20-35), and cabin air filter change ($30-40). The air filter and cabin air filter are REALLY easy to do yourself (10 minutes at most), and would save $. Just ask the parts department for the filters and do yourself. Check the owner's manual for directions on the cabin air filter replacement (5 minute job). The air filter is also really easy (5 minutes). Toyota's are so much easier to work on than other cars!!

Since you are under warranty, have the dealer fix the window and check the noise - go with the mechanic or service person to make sure they hear it! Surprising that you have these issues since it is a Toyota, but even the most reliable cars can have a few issues.

lizhizhou1

my toyota 2003,corolla, LE, the passenger side and rear side windows were not working. but driver side power window is working fine. lock switch is not locked. please help me to give advise. is this problem is belong to warrenty? thanks guy.

petl

Sure sounds like the power window lock button is either stuck or broken. If the vehicle is less than 3 years old and has less than 36,000 miles it should be covered (unless an extended warranty was purchased). Try flicking it a couple times (were any fluids dropped on it?). Good Luck.

grimyface

20 mpg is definitely a sign that something's wrong.

Since your Corolla is only a few months old, it will definitely be under warranty, so be sure and bring it in!

nbeard

Did you get a reply to your question? I have the same problem. That top bolt is impossible to see under the intake manifold tubing. I understand that the suggestion was to remove the battery box and reservoir overflow tank. True? Your reply is much appreciated.

signed, "cursing the Toyota designer"

tonyend

I was wondering if you ever got a reply or solved your problem? I am haivng the same issue.

Regards,

Tony

mackendw

I'm having the same issue with our new 05 corolla. We had a spoiler installed on it so I suspect that something in the wiring is fubared.

Did you get your problems fixed? If so, what was your fix?

nbeard

Let me answer my own question for the 1.8 L 4 cylinder engine starter replacement. Indeed, the top bolt is facing to the driver's side of the car (I noted that the top flange of the starter was threaded), the opposite direction of the bottom bolt on the starter. I removed the battery and battery box bottom plastic plate (did not need to remove the radiator overflow tank) and saw the head of the bolt. As was stated, use a long extension with a 14 mm socket. Getting the top bolt back in was no small feat; couldn't get the bolt to engage the threaded hole on the starter flange. Eventually I shoved my arm in the cavity to start the bolt.

corollas05

The clicking noise is a vacum on the ignition. It holds air and makes that ticking noise you hear.

I own a 2005 S Corolla and I hear it all the time especially if you raise the hood.

corollas05

Has any one heard a whistle noise from either under the hood or in the 2 center air conditioning vents when you pass a tractor trailer? Or when you do 70MPH?

I have tried a few things, 1 I took off the windshield wipers and taped all the front vent covers so no air can get in the car that way. This did not work....

You can do 65MPH with the windows rolled up and hear this whistle loud and clear. It will even over power the radio.

So far the only solution that I have found to make the noise quieter, so you can drive the car at speeds of 60 to 70 MPH. Is you have to have the windows open.

Its getting close to winter, and I really cannot be driving down the highway with the windows down just so I fit in with traffic.

I cannot believe a car only 6 months old is acting this way!
Please if any one has heard of this issue, and knows how to deal with it please respond.

Thanks!

petl

Does the vehicle have a bug deflector/hood protector?

corollas05

It has the fog lights and spoiler with all the factory ground effects.
It does not have a bug deflector, nor does it have a sun roof.

It seems like the whistle is caused by a suction from the windows.
If the windows are up the suction is really powerful, and the whistle is very loud.
If the windows are down the suction is less and the whistle is quieter, but still present.

Could it be a problem with possibly the door seals or window seals?

Any Suggestions?

Should I just take it back to the dealer?

Your Help is Greatly Appreciated!

mcdawgg

Take back to dealer, and go with them to make sure they hear it. Sounds like a poor assembly job (must have been a Monday!!). Just curious, was yours built in Canada or California?

corollas05

It was assembled in California.

That really sucks that this is the only problem I have with this car.

Otherwise the car is a great car!

Thank You for your help!

jrct9454

One final question [this may seem obvious, but my experience suggests otherwise]:

Is the air intake control set to allow fresh air into the car, or is it continuously in "recirc" mode? If the latter, this could very well be the source of your problem. Move the lever to allow fresh air in the car.

If this doesn't apply, I'm out of any ideas that haven't already been mentioned....

twinpratts

I have a 2003 manual CE corolla at 80200 K and have just recently had EXTREMELY poor fuel consumption. Also there is a "low" growl when accelerating out of 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear. There is no lack of acceleration and handling seems normal. ANY SUGGESTIONS!!!!!! Thanks very much!

rookiemechanic

I have a 89 corolla with 140000 miles and have been driving it just fine these last few months. It has never started clean and I have always had to crank it a few times to get it to start. But tonight after my shift was over at work I went tried to turn on my car and nothing. Thinking it might be the battery I had it jumped and still nothing. The battery seems completely fine. I just turn the key and nothing, no noise nothing happens. I was wondering if it might be a fuse or maybe some dirty wires or something. I dunno, I need to get this car back up and going ASAP but I am lost.

skanth

Thanks for the reply. I will check accordingly and maintain this.

spolkyc

I am starting to have a simmalar problem. Did you ever figure out what it was?

portal

is there anybody has the same problem with me? please help me out. My new 2005 toyota corolla LE, I think has a problem with ...i really dont know. the situation is, during my first start of the day, it starts good. ...i drive for awhile and shut off the engine.. and in few minutes(0-20minutes) when i re start the engine, as if the whole engine is shaking before it start. Or, the car starts fine when it is cold or off for 2-3 hours before it is re started. Sounds ridiculous coz i know some people had a problem for a cold start or the first start of the day and the succeeding is fine. Mine is reverse. By the I am in east coast.
Could anybody share some idea/experience with me and what has been done before i go to the dealership because the last time i dropped by the dealership, they said it's normal because it's new and even told me to wait for the next 6 months after the brake-in period and we'll see.
i'm sorry to admit sometimes the dealership made you paranoid, whether are they telling you the truth and helping you out,... or they are just after the deal.

amcguff

we purchased a brand new 2005 corolla le in february of this year. Up until September we were getting 30 miles to the gallon in the city. All of sudden the car is riding rough and we are only getting 20 miles to the gallon. We have had it into the dealer two times and they can find nothing wrong with the car. As a matter of fact, the service manager told me on the phone I'm lucky that I'm getting 20 miles to the gallon, that is all that I am going to get. One of the reasons we bought the car was because of the gas mileage. Any suggestions?