Two Issues With My New Avensis

[limes]

1) The car idles around 1200-1400 rpm, even after letting the engine warm up, which seems way too high. I'm guessing this is ruining my fuel economy and it also makes the car noisy. What might be the cause? A dirty throttle body?

2) The temperature gauge takes forever to move. My old Fiesta would be warmed up (according to the gauge) within about 5 minutes whereas I drove the Avensis for the best part of an hour today and the dial still had not reached the middle part of the temp gauge. The heater blows warm air regardless.

Could the two be related?

The car is a 1.8 petrol. Thanks

[gazza1286]

The two problems are probably related. Even in winter the temperature gauge should reach half way after 5 miles or so.

It's probably the thermostat stuck slightly open. If you're getting a warm lower radiator hose with gauge at less than halfway this is likely the cause.

Swapping the stat is relatively easy.

The ecu determines the idle speed based on pparameters including the coolant temperature.

[limes]

The two problems are probably related. Even in winter the temperature gauge should reach half way after 5 miles or so.

It's probably the thermostat stuck slightly open. If you're getting a warm lower radiator hose with gauge at less than halfway this is likely the cause.

Swapping the stat is relatively easy.

The ecu determines the idle speed based on pparameters including the coolant temperature.

Thanks. Do you know if there is a guide to changing the thermostat on this car?

[gazza1286]

How to replace thermostat Toyota Corolla VVT-i engine. Years 2000-2008.:

This may help.

[limes]

Hmm, how do I open the bonnet? I can't see a release catch inside the car anywhere.

[alan333]

Hmm, how do I open the bonnet? I can't see a release catch inside the car anywhere.

At the bottom right of the dash, near the driver's right knee, it's a sort-of tab that you pull towards you.