New Owners, A Few Issues!

[GarethWilliams]

Bought a 2003 1.8 VVTi T3X that I'm well happy with. It has a FSH (mostly Toyota main dealer) and was owned by a blind man who's carers drove him around in it so it's been well looked after and generally in very good nick,

A few images of said motor

The build quality is much better than my Ford Mondeo, things seem to open and close better, less tinny sounds if that makes sense and switches have a nice positive resistance against them, like they're dampered.

My Engine Management Light is on although its been diagnosed by one person as the pre cat lambda sensor so I'm driving around with it on and all is well. I did approach a garage about getting it fixed and they wanted £50 to confirm this by way on diagnostics as they said other faults could of made the sensor read as a fault such as a pipe with an air leak and then they mentioned they don't come out well so it could even need a new cat if it cross threads when trying to take it out to be changed so I left it. It's something I will get round to fixing seeing as on eBay they're less than £30 to buy although I don't know the quality of these?

Other faults so far found that I'd like to fix (these seem easier fixes!)

The rear boot spoiler with the third brake light is loose one end. Taking the bung out of the tailgate I see the thread of a captive screw but the nut is missing hence the movement. I'm hoping that nut can be bought seperate?

Trip Computer Screen

Is this a bulb failure?

Got to be honest I find the instrument lights (not the main cluster as that's super bright) but the rest such as radio, electric mirror switches really really dim. Linked maybe?

Nokia car kit

Easy to remove? I have an Android phone that will probably par with it but as Nokia had the echo mute built into the phone and not the car kit then it'll echo like mad and won't be useable so it's coming out!

Centre console cubby

This doesn't stay closed! Looking at it I think someone prior tried glueing it down maybe on the corner?! Is this easy to whip out? Guessing there is a spring not aligned somewhere?

Apart from that it all seems well and working! Mirrors electric fold in, climate control works and the air con is cold!

[avensisd4d786]

any 10mm nut will do, just remove other nut and match it if you want.

Buy a code reader of eBay d900 works ok with avensis.

I dont think trip computer is bulb failure i would make sure its all connected behind. If so i would replace with a used unit.

Car kit. You will need to remove cd player/ heater control to remove it.

Centre console cubby needs replacing the mechanism has gone. I will get some diagrams later for you to help.

to get the cubby hole out, unscrew gear knob, once you pull the trim around gear knob unplug cig plug connector, you will see two philips screws, unscrew then pull the trim, be careful pulling it over handbrake... then the cubby hole is held by 4 Philips screws

if you were closer to me i would of helped you i have a spare trip computer that you could of tested.

[alan333]

Best bet for the EML is a proper diagnosis and repair.

The phone kit will be connected to the stereo as per above, but the stereo isn't difficult to remove. Start by removing the thin strip of dash trim around the cup holders and the rear window demister button - it pulls off towards you, start at the far passenger end. Then unclip the centre console section, from behind the gear lever right up to under the heater - it also pulls off, use something like a plastic knife at the rear if it's stiff, prising carefully upwards then the whole section moves back. No need to actually remove it, there's plenty movement on it to get it out your way. This lets you in to the 4 bolts holding the stereo and heater in, IIRC they're 10mm, and they're best removed with a socket and extension.

The computer display looks like the backlight is working ok, but the display itself looks dim, probably a faulty display. It can be switched off instead if you want, I can't remember the procedure but I'm pretty sure it's in the owners manual.

The dash light brightness can be adjusted, it adjusts the main instrument cluster and the stereo screen and switchgear. You need the sidelights or headlights switched on for the menu to be available. IIRC you press (or maybe it's hold?) the odo button and it'll be miles, then trip miles, then a series of dashes indicating dash brightness.

Keep an eye on oil levels, that engine is known for oil burning issues.

[Raistlin]

Hi, Welcome to the club... Enjoy

[GarethWilliams]

Thanks both! Sorry, just cathing up now, didn't get a email for reply?!

Yes, looks like it'll need a second opinion. I've just ordered a bluetooth OBD reader that links into an Android app called Torque so I'll double check the fault code. I've been quoted £80 for a NGK sensor fully fitted so hopefully next weekend it'll be going in for the new sensor. Weirdly the car drives like it doesn't have an issue!

The MPG fuel computer displa sometimes flashes and when it does, the screen looks like it should and you can read it but a quick tap on the dash above it to stop it flashing and it goes back to that dark screen look? Does it have anything to do with the light sensor on the windscreen?

Still loving it! It's soooo smooth and quiet!