Toyota Solara

mfullmer

I did a search here in the Southeast today and found several 2005 models that are on their way. I have not been able to find out what changes are going to be made for the 2005 models (what I'm getting) but I did notice the following on the pull-up stickers for those on the way.

The 2004 Standard Features states:
"8-way adjustable drivers seat"

The 2005 Standard Features states:
"Lthr Pwr Heated Drvr & Front Pass Seats"

Could this mean that they had some complaints and finally put in a power passenger seat?

307web

Maybe. Or it could be a misprint. Power passenger seats on coupes are not common because it makes it harder for passengers to climb into the rear seat.

cal gal

Several months ago I posted a message (#3377) about the lagging and downshifting problems I've experienced with my 2004 Solara. Things are even worse now.

With only 18K miles, I'm very concerned about the safety of driving this car every day in a long commute. I escalated the issue to my dealer's service director. He was great. He gave me a loaner for a day and had an experienced mechanic drive my car home with diagnostic gear attached. Lo and behold, the mechanic experienced all the same problems I have. No diagnostic codes popped up, though.

I turned in a very detailed list of all the symptoms. The service manager spent a lot of time on the phone with the engineers. The outcome: They are aware of the issue. But the computer is programmed to always search for the gear that will provide the best gas mileage and the lowest emissions. Therefore, the car is "operating as designed" and there is no fix. However, my list of issues will be shared with the engineering panel - whatever that is.
 
Bottom line: I'm not satisfied because I'm truly concerned about the safety issue. The dealer's service manager encouraged me to call for arbitration if I'm not happy. And I've done that.

I encourage all people to file for arbitration if your tranny symptoms continue.

solara4

It seems to me that the only way to hit the published MPG numbers is to use the manual shift. I can't get there using just the automatic transmission. I found the clutchless manual shift to be a very cool feature once I got used to it.

solara4

Also, using the manual shift avoids the hesitation in the low gears of the automatic.

theflow

I took my car in regarding this "lag in downshifting" issue. It appears that there's a technical bulletin regarding how to reset the computer that controls the shifting. The technical bulletin is for almost all Toyotas from year 2000-2004. The 2004 car listed on the bulletin is the Sienna, which I think shares the same V6 with the 2004 Solara.

After the "fix," the car does respond better than before. But at the same time my gas mileage suffer. It's only a few hundred miles since the service. So hope the same "lag" will not come out later on. I'll keep you posted. But please also let us know the progress of your arbitration.

oxmead

My transmisson seems fine. If that update affects mileage , I hope they leave mine alone. I'm very happy with the 33+ hi way I'm getting.

ezshift5

..it's good to see a 3.3 V6 get mpg like a four.ez

theflow

33+ highway?? Are you driving 50 mph?? Before the "fix," I couldn't even get the advertised 29 mpg for highway.

jkpsaras

I had 1200 miles on my V6 and took a round trip to Chicago. Drove 70 to 75 mph and obtained 32 mpg. I also have the downshift lag. Will check out the TSB next time I take it in.

ezshift5

..32 mpg; 33 mpg.... Realizing there are those that thinl 'fairy tale' ....but I regularly get 31 to 33 highway.........(3 liter V6 manual shift Solara.......this car has (fuel costs have helped) grown on me since I bought it on CU's recommendation.............ez

theflow

Cal gal, can you let me know how the arbitration process goes? I might need to file for that also.

loucopits

I have a 2002 Solara SE with the original Bridgestone Potenza P205/65R 15 92H tires. Yesteday I had a flat and at the repair shop they warned me that the tires were down to 4/32 tread depth from the original 11/32 when new, and that at 2/32 they would be unsafe. The tires only have 31,000 miles on them and show no abnormal wear patterns from problems in alignment or balance. The tires have been rotated at each oil change interval. I wonder if anyone else has seen this type of wear. Also, would like any experience in replacement tires for the Solara - brand, type etc.

Thanks!

2k1trd

Don't feel bad,i replaced my bridgestones on my previous 00 Solara at 21,000 miles.Feel lucky you got that much wear from those tires.go with michelins for longer tire wear (usually 40+k)

suvshopper4

My gf's '02 Solara has the same tires.
At 38k miles+, regular 4-tire rotations, the wear is even but such that I've started looking around for good replacement tires.
No wear bars showing; not sure how many thirty-seconds she may have left, though.

I've asked for replacement suggestions here on the "Tires Tires Tires" thread.
So I'll second your request here, too.
Suggestions, anyone?

rbleland

Replaced the OEM Bridgestones (mediocre tire) with Yokohama Avid H4S on '99 Solara SLE-V6 few months ago. A great improvement in handling feel and ride.

rbleland

Previous tires were Michelin Energy MX4, not Bridgestones. Comment stands.

loucopits

The good news is that the tire replacement problem is solved. I just bought a 2004 SE.
The bad news is that the new Solara also has the Bridgestone Potenza tires, so I will face the same problem again in about two years.

cal gal

Howdy -
I have not gone too far with the arbitration yet. I was advised by a consumer reporter that my car may be eligible for the lemon law. I'm pulling together data to share with an attorney. Then I'll continue my action. I'll keep you posted. Haven't heard anything more from Toyota.

steve05401

hi, all--

i've been very pleased with my Bridgestone Turanzas (H rated). Better wet and snow traction than the OEM Potenzas, i think.

i'm hoping it's going to be a brutal winter up here in Maine, though, so i'm going to invest in a set of Blizzaks!

loucopits

I have a new 2004 Solara SE. the second day I had it, I noticed a strange bit of behavior. On top of the dash in the pod with the outside temp, there is a passenger side airbag indicator. When I start the car, the white text "PASSENGER AIRBAG" lights up and below it is another light for airbag on or off. After a few seconds, the on/off lights go off, but the white "PASSENGER AIRBAG" remains lit. But, if I turn the headlights to either PARKING or ON, the light goes out. If I turn the headlight control to either AUTO or to DRL OFF the light comes back on.

Is this normal?

jgt

I just turned a little over 61,000 miles on my 2001 SE V6 automatic and the Check Engine Light (CEL) came on when I was at a stop light. In addtion to the emission controls and engine monitoring, is the CEL set to come on a certain mileage so you can pay the dealer $300 to turn it off? I always turn the gas cap a full turn of when it starts to click, so I don't think that is the issue (and the light didn't come on until I had over 100 miles on my last fill up). If this is not the case (CEL set to come on at 60k) I know i need to get it in to a shop that can read the codes and figure out what is going on, if anything.

ezshift5

...2000 SE-V6 stick: no CEL has ever come on.
You never know, do you? best, ez.........

silversolara

a few weeks into my ownership of my 2000 SE V-6, the CEL came on. it turned out a gas station attendant who had dropped my fuel cap had actually cracked the thing. my dealer replaced it no charge. hope this helps.

jgt

Thanks for the replies. I had the code pulled by AutoZone (they will do this for free for you) and the code came up as something as simple as the gas cap not being tight enough, to a vapor line leak, to a solenoid or a sensor going out. I have the car at a mechanic shop I trust and will see where it goes. Sure would be nice to find out it was just the gas cap.

canc

As far as I know, Toyotas have very sensitive emission sensors and it doesn't take much to trigger the "check engine light" on; it's happened on my Mom's Corolla a few times, and every time it was the gas cap not being tight enough. I unplugged the battery for a few seconds and put the connectors back--that's the cheap way of removing the "check engine light". I'm not a mechanic, but if you do this, and the check engine light turns on again and the gas cap has already been tightened, chances are that it's something else other than the gas cap. Good luck!

oxmead

I' got my Solara in April and just found out that when the inside rearveiw mirror dims, it also dims the outside drivers side mirror. Just another thing to love about the Solara.

bibury

I have a 2004 Solara SE V6. I would like to take it to England, as I have to move there. A car brought from outside Europe must meet EC type approval Certificates.
Presumably the Solara is designed for the US market. I am wondering whether a 2004 Solara could clear EC type approval Certificates. Can someone help?

eddog

I'm having an electrical problem on my '99 Solara and I hope someone can help out. Sometimes when I start the car, the A/C, power windows, dashboard gauges, power sunroof, turn signals, are not operational. The stereo, headlights, dashboard lights, always continue working though.

A couple weeks ago these systems went out for 3 hours but started working again during driving but the check engine light was on. The next day I took the car into the dealer and they found nothing wrong.

Last week everything went out again and then the battery died about 50 miles driving later. Took it to a different dealer, they said the battery wasn't holding its charge and replaced it and the battery cables.

Picked up the car and the same systems failed again. Took it back and now they said it was the alternator. They replaced the alternator.

Everything fine for a week and now yesterday the same systems failed again. This is really frustrating. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this?

adm

Eddog, I had a very similar problem with an older model Camry over the past few years. I'd take it to the dealership where they would run a quick diagnostic, fix a blown fuse and send me on my way. Twice in one year was too much, in my opinion, and finally had an in-depth diagnostic run for way too much money to find a problem that cost even more money that (in my opinion) could have been fixed the first time had the dealership done their job correctly. Somehow, my dashboard/ac/window electrical wires were in interference with something else (what exactly I cannot remember). The gist of it is this: while having either scheduled maintenance or a repair job (my ac went out when someone backed into the front driver side between the bumper and wheel well), the wires were mishandled or not repaired from the damage the car sustained from the idiot backing into me. This was all just a blur at the time because I was in the process of buying a new car; once it was clear the problem wouldn't be fixed without a huge bill, moving up the new car purchase seemed my best bet.

I don't know if I gave any clarity to your situation ... All I know is my electrical problem *could have been* identified at a much earlier stage had mechanics done their job. An electrical wiring system doesn't just start acting up for no reason, although the dealership pretty much claimed that when they couldn't find the cause then finally did. In my case, it is clear a mechanic is to blame for the mixup or failure of the wiring, but of course it was left in my lap to foot the bill.

Get an in-depth diagnostic done right away. If you have had any repair work outside of your scheduled maintenance, see if that date somehow coincides with your problem. And good luck!

cards28

My 2004 Solara SE Sport Coup V6 has just over 4,000 miles. After driving it for a while I've notice the engine/tranny lag. It's similar to the VW Jetta 1.8T with a turbo with an automatic tranny. I've read some of your posts about the lag problems that you have experienced. I don't know why I didn't feel the lag during the test drive, I guess I was in a big hurry, because I was so eager to get rid of the Jetta that I thought any no-turbo could have a similar lag.

Let me know of any of your experiences with your Solara.

Are there any solutions to remedy this problem? I think that it is the tranny down shifting on hard acceleration. Either way, I don't like it at all. In congested traffic I use the S option were the tranny is in a lower gear. I don't have any other major complaints, though.

Thanks,
Cards

theflow

You are not the only one. I just took the car to the dealership the third time yesterday. The first time they reset the ECU. Didn't help. The second time the customer relations manager drove my car and also notice the lag. But it's not documented. The third time, the mechanic drove the car with me and he also noticed the delay in downshifting. Then they let me drive another solara with the same v6 engine and auto transmission. Same lag there. So he put down he noticed the delay and it's working as designed. Also, he asked me whether the mechanic changed or replaced anything to my car during the first repair. I said no and he told me they shouldn't reset the ECU when nothing in the car has been changed. It will take time for the computer to "re-learn" the driving habit. But it's not learning my driving habit for crying out loud. Is it a defect in the computer?

For now, I am not too sure if it considers a lemon. But I just don't think manufacturers can get away by saying it is "working as designed." To me, it is really a safety issue when I need the power during emergency maneuvering. I hope it doesn't cost the life of someone before Toyota will look into this. Also, the same lag is noticed by the Lexus ES330 (which I believe uses the same V6 and tranny) drivers.

jkpsaras

Has anyone gotten any dealer action that has corrected this problem?

99solara

From Charles Maund Toyota. Does this sound reasonable. Suggestions for an option in Austin? Thanks Includes oil change, Spark plugs, radiator flush, Trans flush, diff fluid change, fuel filter

ezshift5

A. Oil/air filter, oil: $40 (selling dealer)
B. 6 platinum plugs: $157 (not selling dealer)
C. Coffee with local VW dealer service manager: "No need to change the red stuff....as it is lifetime (extended) coolant".

Under 200 American, my man..........ez

crank1

On my 2005 Solara there is a place on the headlight stalk that permits you turn off the DRL lights

crank1

I read that you changed your own oil. How did you get the oil filter off without getting oil all over the ground??

2k1trd

Place the drain bucket under the oil filter location.You will ned some brake cleaner to clean up the mess that it leaves on the front of the engine/frame.

leahnj

2004 Solara SLE V6

Does anyone else experience a bad rear vibration in the rear end of the car when going over a bumpy road?

sjbrody

We just got our new Solara SLE convertible and love it, but we have a few questions/concerns.

Does anyone know why Toyota does not allow the cruise control to resume after stopping to pay a toll? If the car drops down below 25 MPH, the set speed in cancelled and you have to reset the cruise control again.

Also, where do you store your toll tokens?

Has anyone found a source for rubber floor mats to use up here for New Hampshire winters?

loucopits

How about in the ash tray? OOPS - no ashtray.

I store my parking meter change in the drivers door arm rest.

i_luv_toyota

All Toyotas that have had cruise control since it was invented have been like this. My 91 Camry was like that, and so are my 96 Avalon and 00 RAV4.

As to why Toyota does this, I have no idea...

abbylou

I have a 1999 Solara SE with a V-6, I just had my vehicle towed in for a headgasket failure. Has anyone heard of any problems with this on this year and engine? What causes head gasket failure? Only has about 64,000 mi.

cafastlane

I've had that too!!! I don't why though....

trekrider1

Same in my 2004 SLE. Sounds like it's coming from the rear package shelf, headliner. Still trying to pin it down. Also, lots of reverberation from the crummy bass speaker in the car too, even at low volume levels. Very disappointed with the JBL system Toyota put in this car. Must yank ASAP.

Treker in SoCal.

hoosier

I just noticed that the 2005 Camry 4-cylinder is now 160 hp, up from 157. Odd thing is, I think the 2005 Solara is still at 157. Does anyone know whether the 2006 Solara will increase to 160 hp? I've called the Toyota help line and they don't know - neither do the dealers.

Thanks in advance.

angstr1

Just bought a 2005 Solara SLE Convertible, our first Toyota purchase. My wife really loves the car except for the annoyance of getting drenched every time she opens to door while its raining outside. The rubber trough built into the weather stripping doesn't seem to channel the water running off the top. Anyone else noticed this problem or know a fix? I think it is simply a design flaw. I parked next to a Jaguar convertible recently and noted it has a similar design for water run off.

angstr1

Just purchased a 2005 Solara SLE Convertible. The dealer typically adds 4K to the MRSP as an addendum. Fortunately, or maybe not, my salesman made a mistake and sold me the car for MRSP. I was told I got off cheap compared to others. I've never paid full MRSP for anything. Is this normal for Toyota? FYI, full sticker with Nav system was 31K and some change. I also bought the 7/100 mile extended warranty for $1040 extra.

sjbrody

We were very lucky up here in NH--our dealer got in a SLE convertible the end of October/beginning of November and it was exactly what my wife was looking for (it had traction control/stability for our cold and snowy winters and was the right color--Lunar Mist). We got $1,500 off the sticker price, probably because there is not a great demand this time of year for convertibles! We put on a set of Blizzak WS-50's and so far love the car.

307web

I really doubt the salesman made a mistake and "forgot" to add a $4000 markup.
You paid full MSRP on a loaded convertible near winter, plus bought an extended warranty and maybe had a trade-in and financing through them too.
There is no reason to cry tears for the salesman.