TOYOTA: Questions and answers

Toyota Previa 1997

How do you set the timing marks on cylinder head sproket?

Answers

Set crankshaft at TDC then line up other dots on camshaft cog - Donald Utton from Kent

Toyota Yaris 2000

Hi, my semi auto Yaris 2000 won’t go into gear. I was told the shift position sensor was broken, so I went to Toyota, paid 130 quid for a new one and it has not rectified a thing. Has this happened to any one else? I’ve done 68,000 miles.

Answers

I have exactly the same problem with my Yaris and no one seems to know the answer and Toyota claims they can find no problem. Please please let me know if you have more luck solving this - Lottey Chin from England

Toyota Avensis Estate 2005

Do all 2.2-litre Toyota Avensis diesels have chain driven timing belts? If not what year did they change to chain-driven?

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I know that from 2006, the model update year for the Avensis, the 2.2 litre diesels are all chain driven. I think this also goes for the 2 litre. Prior to that they had timing belts with change intervals of 60,000 miles - Ted Blanco from Ayrshire

Toyota Hiace 2001

Hi, I have a 3ltr diesel van. I drive quite a bit on the freeway and the van is at 3,000 rpm when I’m doing about 100 kph. The van makes quite a bit of noise and I’m thinking this can’t be great on the engine. I have been told if I change the diff sequence this will lessen the rpms and also be a little better on diesel. Can someone please tell me if this is true and is it worth doing. If so, in someone’s opinion, is it worth doing? ie price? Thanks.

Answers

Lowering the RPM is unlikely to make the economy better. These engines are very noisy at all speeds, you just have to put up with it (My work one is auto, and VERY loud). Increasing the gear ratios will probably make fuel consumption WORSE, as it’s always trying harder to maintain the same speed at less engine RPM (It has to put out MORE power per RPM, so more fuel is required each power stroke). People often gear taller for better economy, and it very rarely works. Each individual engine has a range of engine speed which it is most efficient at, and a big square van has FAR more resistance to overcome than a small sleek car. There’s nothing wrong with 3000 rpm. It’s considered a low to mid engine speed. I’ve had small cars that do over 4000 at 100km/h and they lasted for years and hundreds of thousands of kms - Allan from New Zealand

I have the 2002 Hiace with 5L 3 litre Diesel which I thought the same when I got it, so took the diff ratio from std 4.1:1 ratio to 3.7:1 which cost me nearly $2.5k not to mention the speedo sender conversion box, another $500 bucks fitted. Yes, it did drop the RPM and made it all sound a lot smoother and quieter on the freeway to Sydney. Yippee! But fuel consumption went up, and my powerband went out the window! Now when it spots a hill or even a slight incline, it quivers and I have to hit fourth to make sure its wound up or else it falters down to about 70k or lower (especially on those hills between Gosford and Sydney) Hmmmm big mistake, my only option now is to return it to maybe 3.9:1 or original 4.1:1 or maybe look at Turbocharging it. I am looking into the cost and effectiveness of the latter or may get into the newer shape but have heard some nasties about them too. I’ll see after assessing cost. So my advice, leave it alone and sing songs to yourself! Hope this helps. Cheers - Zaid Rogan from Australia

"Lowering the RPM is unlikely to make the economy better". This is statement is inaccurate, author might want to learn a bit more the basic principles of a diesel engine! I have a Hiace 2.4 TD, same problem with the low gearing and the 5 spd gearbox. I’m not sure if alternative differential ratios were offered in the UK, but I would change the diff if an alternative was available. Or swap for another van with 6 gears - Derv from England

Toyota Yaris 2001

Hi, the warning light for the power steering stays on for about 2 or 3 mins after I have started my Toyota Yaris. It’s a blue light, is this OK or should I take it to a garage?

Answers

Don’t worry, Jackie. That blue light is to show that the engine is cold and it goes out when you’re up to the correct temp - Don from Suffolk

Toyota Avensis Estate 1999

I have an intermittent grating noise coming from underneath my Toyota Avensis. I have checked and all seems to be in place and secure. Could it be the catalytic converter or is there a chance it could be more serious? Thanks.

Answers

I had a similar problem with a new 2003 Avensis Estate. There was a grating sound at low speeds (below aboy 30 KPH) it was the under engine shield that was hanging down at speed, it blew up off the road at low speed, it dragged on the road - Michael Shore from Germany

Toyota Avensis Saloon 1998

My car is a 1998 Avensis. I think I need to replace a fuse because my clock and mileage trip keep going back to 0 and the central locking has gone. I think my overhead light has caused the fuse to go. Could this be the case and what fuse do I need to change?

Answers

Hi, mine has just done the exact same thing tonight, I was changing the interior bulb, and I think I touched the metal surround with the bulb. I’m going to check the fuses tomorrow in daylight, couldn’t do it tonite, no interior light - Chris from Norfolk

Toyota Avensis Hatchback 2006

Hi, I have a Toyota Avensis Hatchback 56 reg 6 speed. Does it have a timing belt or a chain? (D4D diesel)

Answers

Chain - The Cav from Lancashire

Toyota Yaris 2011

I purchased my new Yaris from local dealer having road tested a 2010 model which was lovely to drive. I wanted a blue model which was delivered from other branch so did not drive this until I actually owned the car. BIG MISTAKE! The gears are so hard and difficult to engage, especially reverse and first gear. Dealer said only done a few miles gears will bed in, NO, gears have no bedded in. Dealer had car back again, nothing technically wrong with gears. By now having driven the car for 4 weeks I had personal injury of my wrist and shoulder muscles from having to push the gears around! Disinterested dealership said gear box will still bed in at 2,000 miles meanwhile I try not to drive the car which I HATE, leave it at home, and still having physio treatment. I do not believe that these gears will ever be smooth and easy to use no matter how long I have the car. Has anyone had similiar issues? Contacted Toyota head office who refer me back to useless dealership. I will never recommend the Yaris 1.3 T Spirit to anyone. I expected a dream car, instead I have a nightmare.

Answers

Do not put up with this sort of twaddle from the dealer. Phone Toyota customer service and raise hell about it. I have and after a battle, they spent £1,200 on putting the gears right - Christopher Kenney from Buckinghamshire

Toyota Yaris 2002

Does anyone know how I can adjust the heater for warm feet and cold fresh air to face on a 2002 Toyota Yaris?

Answers

Put warm air to your feet & stick head out window - in your case, then wind window up and accelerate to 200km/hr. Gravity & momentum will do the rest - Ted Trent from Bedfordshire

Toyota Avensis Saloon 2005

The bulb has blown on the sat nav within my Toyota Avensis. Is it an easy job, getting at it to replace?

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Not sure whether it is easy, but as I have exactly the same problem I’m going to try. My dealership will charge £48 an hour (min three hours) to change a £1 bulb! If you go to the website below, it shows you how to remove the multi-function unit which looks relatively simple. I am presuming that once the unit is out, the bulbs will be accessible at the back. Hope so, anyway. Good luck. http://www.soundmasterscotland.com/sat_nav_discs_toyota_sat_nav_disc_2004_5_dvd_europe_tns300_i019886.aspx - Ron from Essex

Toyota Avensis Saloon 2002

Hi, can anyone tell me if there’s a timing belt or chain on my car? It really needs to be done but I’m confused. One garage told me it needs a belt and another tells me its a chain so which is it? I have a lot of mileage on it and it really needs to be sorted as I want to mind and keep it for as long as I can. I just love this car.

Answers

The vehicle is equiped with both belt and chain. If the mileage is up to 6000 Km than you should only replaced the belt - Garcia Andre from Angola

Toyota Yaris 2005

Why does my 2005 1 litre petrol Yaris not have power in second gear? (1L petrol)

Answers

I have the same problem, very slow on second gear. No power - Mohammed Rahman from England

Toyota Hilux 2006

What year did the 2.5 diesel go from 102 bhp to 120 bhp? (Doublecab 2.5 invincible)

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How do I reset the t-belt light after replacing the t-belt on my d4d Toyota Hilux 2006? - Hassan Ngua Kimazi from Tanzania

Toyota Hiace 2007

Hallo, I am desperately looking for the position of the glow plugs (trying to get the water out of the motor after flooded undergrade crossing). I’d also be grateful for a link to drawing or fiche of the engine. Thanks for any help, Hugo. (Diesel 2.5)

Answers

Look near the injectors, usually thick electric wires joining them all together - P Richardson from Staffordshire

Toyota Yaris 2006

Hi I got a Toyota Yaris 2006 today. I was driving along when suddenly white smoke started coming out from silencer, I don’t know what the problem can be.

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Diesel then probably your turbo, petrol, your head gasket - Tomas from Norway

Toyota Corolla Verso 2002

What will happen if vvti fails? (vvti)

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I have noticed that the vvti system is sensitive to service intervals. I have seen that if the service intervals are skipped, there is a possibility of engine damage. The oil in the engine deteriorates and eventually leads to the camshafts in the head to seize up. This causes the timing chain to break. The agents here just tell you to replace the engine due to damage to the cylinder head and lower engine parts. There is a small sieve located behind a 14mm bolt on the front of the cylinder head that needs to be taken out and cleaned from time to time - Graeme Till from South Africa

Toyota Yaris 2011

I have a problem going up hills when driving in semi auto mode. It feels like the car just doesn’t want to go. What do you suggest I do? (t spirit)

Answers

Press the accelerator fully towards the floor faster than normal when climbing a steepish hill and the Yaris should drop to a lower gear ie 2nd a lot faster and as a result, operate more like a standard auto - Chaz Johnston from Durham

Toyota Aygo 2007

I’m having trouble with the clutch, it’s hard to push in. Will I need a new clutch or is there another problem? Gow much will it cost?

Answers

I bought mine second hand just over a year ago from a dealer. I noticed that the clutch was slipping and took it to a garage and had to have it replaced. My mechanic went to a website called ’Blue Print Bulletin’ and found that this model had the wrong clutch fitted. It seems that Toyota does not have to notify anyone that has bought this faulty car. I have contacted Toyota and found them very unhelpful and don’t want to know, seeing that it is their fault. I will be contacting the Trading Standards after Christmas to see where I stand. Never will I buy another Toyota - Dorothy Allen from Cornwall

Toyota Yaris 2004

At what speeds should I be changing gears from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, and 4th to 5th, in an urban area?

Answers

You should look at your RPM not speed because if it’s a petrol, you should change at 3500RPM if it’s diesel 2800RPM - Tomas from Norway

Toyota Hiace 1997

The t-belt light is on. I want the t-belt light off. How?

Answers

Take off the instrument panel, look at the back and locate philips screw. Undo the screw and carefully screw it in neighbouring position. The light is off next time the other position etc - Orbons Bert from Netherlands

Toyota Avensis Hatchback 2005

I have one of the first Avensis models with 2.2 diesel engine and 6-speed gearbox (manufactured in June 2005). In a manual, it stated to change cam belt after 70k. But I am not sure the engine has one, should be a chain driven. Any advice? (2.2 D4-D)

Answers

Hi, you have a timing chain - Ben Chilvers from Norfolk

Toyota Avensis Hatchback 2006

Hi. Does this car (Toyota Avensis Hatchback) have a timing belt or a chain? If any how many miles before fitting a new one? (2.2 T Spirit)

Answers

Hi Tina, all the 2.2 d4d have a timing chain - Mr. Khan from Yorkshire

Toyota Aygo 2007

Help! I have ordered a 2007 Aygo Black, which I take delivery of later this week. I am absolutely shocked with most of the reviews I have been reading. Other reviews I did read before deciding to buy certainly did not report any mention of leaks, misting or freezing up. I feel quite disappointed in a way, I have actually ordered the car now. Any suggestions?

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You will know fairly soon if you have a problem AYGO in wet weather conditions getting steamed up quickly inside. Plus check all mats and inside boot for dampness. Reject as quickly as possible and speak to Consumer Direct about your rights under the sale of goods act (my car was not fit for purpose as decided by The Ombudsman and on this site a lady in Devon had her new car replaced which sets a precedent). Toyota are well aware of these long standing problems. I hope this will help you fight your case. Keep full details of telephone calls/letters/correspondence. I did find customer services at Toyota easy to speak to - try and get a customer service manager involved - Linda from Worcestershire

Toyota Yaris 2003

Do you think I have any comeback on this car via Toyota as it cost £4,500 to buy nearly a year ago and after just 4 months had problems with gears. It has now been tested to find that it needs a new clutch assembly and actuators. Bill will be around £2000. How dreadful is this? Sheila Pearce: david [dot] sheila [at] blueyonder [dot ]co [dot] uk

Answers

New clutch fitted from £200 from A1 clutches and guaranteed for 12 months - Jack Singh from Yorkshire