Problems With Corolla Hatchback 2.0 D4d

[acb]

Hi,

I have a Dec 2004 Corolla Hatchback 2.0 D4D. This is my second car (previous one was a 1995 Corolla 2.0 Diesel) and the fifth Corolla in the family (all vehicles purchased new). I am not really much of a car enthusiast but go by the concept that if something is good then don’t look elsewhere.

My car has a number of flaws:

1. The airflow is very weak. I need to set the dial to 3 to get the same sort of airflow I used to get on the previous model.

2. If the front windows are left open about an inch they rattle really badly at average speeds.

3. The dashboard housing the radio has become “loose”. While on the right side the trim and the radio facia come together exactly, the left hand side now has a gap of about 1.5 cm. I have a rattling noise at a certain speed which I think may be because of this problem. The following links are to photos of this problem (people using dialup please note that these photos are anywhere between 250 – 600 Kb):

a. http://www.geocities.com/cbonnici/toyota/dsc05227a.jpg (picture of the entire radio console)

b. http://www.geocities.com/cbonnici/toyota/dsc05228a.jpg (photo of the gap on the left hand side)

c. http://www.geocities.com/cbonnici/toyota/dsc05229a.jpg (photo of the right hand side)

d. http://www.geocities.com/cbonnici/toyota/dsc05232a.jpg (another good photo of the gap)

I asked around and was told that my latest car was not made in Japan, but is assembled in Turkey and that there has been an overall fall in overall quality control and assembly skills (I’m old enough to just remember the days when at anything Japanese was considered as being of the inferior type!!! – things do change). I don’t know if this has any bearing in the matter but though I might throw it this datum.

Are there other people who have problems with this vehicle? If yes what are these problems?

I’ll be heading in to the dealers since the vehicle is still under warranty but I’m not really all that happy about what procedure may be necessary to fix the problem. For example, will the entire dashboard have to be dismantled?

Thanks for any help.

[MJG]

Hi,

The dashboard housing the radio has become “loose”. While on the right side the trim and the radio facia come together exactly, the left hand side now has a gap of about 1.5 cm. I have a rattling noise at a certain speed which I think may be because of this problem.

←

Other Corolla owners have reported radio head unit fitting problems (so I understand) but none as bad as being out by 1.5 cm...... are you sure you dont mean 1.5mm.

From your pictures it looks a better fit than mine.

As for dash rattles yes apparently some owners have reported this too (can't say I have any though)

Rattly windows... I don't have this either.........as you say yours is under warranty take it back.

Can't comment on Turkish built Corollas and quality issues as mine is made in the UK.

[Geriatric]

Hi,

The dashboard housing the radio has become “loose”. While on the right side the trim and the radio facia come together exactly, the left hand side now has a gap of about 1.5 cm. I have a rattling noise at a certain speed which I think may be because of this problem.

←

Other Corolla owners have reported radio head unit fitting problems (so I understand) but none as bad as being out by 1.5 cm...... are you sure you dont mean 1.5mm.

From your pictures it looks a better fit than mine.

As for dash rattles yes apparently some owners have reported this too (can't say I have any though)

Rattly windows... I don't have this either.........as you say yours is under warranty take it back.

Can't comment on Turkish built Corollas and quality issues as mine is made in the UK.

←

[Geriatric]

Hi I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons.

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box. I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor. When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have normal movement. Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

[Fmrl]

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Mine sort of goes in a bit (maybe about an inch) after the car has been standing on the brakes for a few seconds, it doesn't go all the way to the floor though. Have you checked your brake fluid level? Sounds dodgy.

As for the rattling stereo, have you taken the dash apart and had a look inside? It's quite easy to get at and you might discover what's loose (I guess this is all Toyota would do if you took the car in anyway... and probably charge you for the privelege).

I've secured the CD changer convertor unit with masking tape on mine just in case it ever started to rattle around. I've not noticed any other problems so far.

[vvtl-iboy]

I had the same problem with the dash on mine, not quite 1.5cm though, more like 0.5cm. The dealer just replaced the front section of the dash and it's fine now. No squeeks or rattles.

The only rattle I get from the window is when it's all the way up, but it's fine if you just move it down slightly, it doesn't even have to be open to stop this.

[acb]

Hi,

The dashboard housing the radio has become “loose”. While on the right side the trim and the radio facia come together exactly, the left hand side now has a gap of about 1.5 cm. I have a rattling noise at a certain speed which I think may be because of this problem.

←

Other Corolla owners have reported radio head unit fitting problems (so I understand) but none as bad as being out by 1.5 cm...... are you sure you dont mean 1.5mm.

From your pictures it looks a better fit than mine.

As for dash rattles yes apparently some owners have reported this too (can't say I have any though)

Rattly windows... I don't have this either.........as you say yours is under warranty take it back.

Can't comment on Turkish built Corollas and quality issues as mine is made in the UK.

←

←

The unit is correct - 1.5cm. If you have another look at http://www.geocities.com/cbonnici/toyota/dsc05232a.jpg above the air vent you will see a bit of plastic; that should not be visible; from the looks of it it might serve as a hook.

[acb]

Hi  I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons. 

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box.  I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

←

Hi Fraser,

I get back to you on the plate and the brakes.

[Geriatric]

Hi Have checked my windows and there is no rattle at any speed or any surface with the windows at an ich down. They are quite firm and cannot be moved at all in any direction by hand so it is difficult to understand what can be rattling.

My radio is the single CD model and the fit all round is exact and it would not be possible to fit it out of alignment as it fits exactly into the aperture.

I bet that it is a simple job to remove the radio . On my previous car it looked impossible till I found out the bits to remove that concealed the nuts.

On that car I also had a rattle which I thought came from under the dashboard and took panels off and tied up harnessing and other bits without success only to discover it had nothing to do with the dashboard and was the handbrake adjuster attached to the handbrake.

This is the first of many new cars (first Toyota) which,so far, has no faults.

Fraser

[corsol]

......

3. The dashboard housing the radio has become “loose”. While on the right side the trim and the radio facia come together exactly, the left hand side now has a gap of about 1.5 cm. I have a rattling noise at a certain speed which I think may be because of this problem. The following links are to photos of this problem (people using dialup please note that these photos are anywhere between 250 – 600 Kb)...........:

←

Ask your dealer for:

T/I REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR POP OUT / GAP BETWEEN IP UPR & CLUSTER

[acb]

Hi  I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons. 

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box.  I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

←

Hi Fraser,

I get back to you on the plate and the brakes.

←

Hi Fraser,

I can confirm that when I just start the vehicle the first time I can slowly press the brake to the floor, second pump onwards become more difficult.

[acb]

......

3. The dashboard housing the radio has become “loose”. While on the right side the trim and the radio facia come together exactly, the left hand side now has a gap of about 1.5 cm. I have a rattling noise at a certain speed which I think may be because of this problem. The following links are to photos of this problem (people using dialup please note that these photos are anywhere between 250 – 600 Kb)...........:

←

Ask your dealer for:

T/I REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR POP OUT / GAP BETWEEN IP UPR & CLUSTER

←

Thanks for this info. I'll be taking it in on Friday and will be quoting you a verbatum. :bookworm:

[Geriatric]

Hi  I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons. 

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box.  I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

←

Hi Fraser,

I get back to you on the plate and the brakes.

←

Hi Fraser,

I can confirm that when I just start the vehicle the first time I can slowly press the brake to the floor, second pump onwards become more difficult.

←

[Geriatric]

Hi  I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons. 

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box.  I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

←

Hi Fraser,

I get back to you on the plate and the brakes.

←

Hi Fraser,

I can confirm that when I just start the vehicle the first time I can slowly press the brake to the floor, second pump onwards become more difficult.

←

←

[Geriatric]

Hi  I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons. 

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box.  I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

←

Hi Fraser,

I get back to you on the plate and the brakes.

←

Hi Fraser,

I can confirm that when I just start the vehicle the first time I can slowly press the brake to the floor, second pump onwards become more difficult.

←

←

[Geriatric]

Hi  I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons. 

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box.  I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

←

Hi Fraser,

I get back to you on the plate and the brakes.

←

Hi Fraser,

I can confirm that when I just start the vehicle the first time I can slowly press the brake to the floor, second pump onwards become more difficult.

←

[Geriatric]

Hi  I do not believe your hatchback was made in Turkey as they only assemble saloons. 

If you look at the Plant No stamped on the car plate details it should be 273 which is the UK plant where hatchbacks are made.

Mine is a January model D4D with the 1.4 engine MMT box.  I do not drive with the windows down a bit but will try and see if they rattle.

I believe the lack of airflow, which I also experience, is down to the fresh airv filter which does keep the dust out; but not if you drive with windows open!

One odd thing which I have not obtained an answer to is the fact that with the car stationary and the engine running or stopped it is possible to slowly press the brake pedal to the floor.  When moving the car brakes are very good and the pedal seems to have  normal movement.  Are you brakes like this?

Fraser

←

Hi Fraser,

I get back to you on the plate and the brakes.

←

Hi Fraser,

I can confirm that when I just start the vehicle the first time I can slowly press the brake to the floor, second pump onwards become more difficult.

←

[Geriatric]

Hi Thanks for reply re brakes. A friend's Audi A3 brakes are the same and both use the same Bosch system so it would seem this is normal. Cannot understand where the fluid goes and how the system works. Could not find anything on the net. It is more noticeable on mine because you have to press the brake to put in neutral and gear before moving off.

Hope you get your problems solved. It is annoying when things are not as they should be .

Fraser

[acb]

Hi  Thanks for reply re brakes. A friend's Audi A3 brakes are the same and both use the same Bosch system so it would seem this is normal. Cannot understand where the fluid goes and how the system works. Could not find anything on the net. It is more noticeable on mine because you have to press the brake to put in neutral and gear before moving off.

Hope you get your problems solved. It is annoying when things are not as they should be .

Fraser

←

I'm no expert, but always thought that the system built up pressure in the braking system when the vehicle was on. The gear shifting and the brake have no relation in my case.

In my case I am in the unluck situation of having driven for 4 years the previous model of the vehicle (which my wife now drives). This puts me in the unfortunate situation of being aware of shortcomings between this model and the one before it. For example, in the older Toyota the scan button on the radio would scan for radio stations and upon tuning into one would pause for 10 seconds and then seek again. The radio on this vehicle lacks such a feature. I used to use this feature considerably.

[spwolf]

Hatchbacks are built only in UK and Japan, and based on my experience, UK plant has better fitment.

As to the scan feature, I am sure there are some positive things to find about new corolla, eh? It is 3x more refined car than the old one ever was, very upmarket.