Overdrive

[gavinveronica]

I have had several imports in the last 12 months and thought I would give a Sera a go. It seems very nice and comfortable, so I will keep it a while.

The car has 1 fault and that is the overdrive, the car will not go into the final gear, although the light on the dash works and the button on the gear stick also works, is this a common fault or can anyone tell me which switch on the gearbox, may need a clean (I hope)

[toyotasera.co.uk]

I am going to guess that you have a faulty thermostat.

The Sera should reach the half way point on the water temp gauge within 5 minutes of starting on a cold start. It should stay there pretty much regardless of speed or traffic conditions.

The automatic gearbox will not go into overdrive until the water temperature reaches a certain level - one of the sensors near the thermostat tells the gearbox when this happens.

Replacing the thermostat is a very easy job, takes about 30 minutes maximum and the parts cost around £ 15.00

The overdrive gear is counted as the fourth gear.

[Jim in New Zealand]

These Sera/Glanza/Cynos overdrives actually ALL give TWO extra speeds. :D 4th comes in at around 40-60kph, depending on load, and freewheels like 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Then 5th comes in at 78kph with no freewheel. On early cars ('90-'92) 5th used "converter lock-up" ie NO slippage, and also would NOT kick down to 4th above 78kph, but COULD drop to 3rd if you're vicious! :ffs: My '90 Sera gives 41mpg. The later improved transmissions CAN delay 5th, depending on load. Also they CAN drop to 4th at, say, 100kph, and are MUCH nicer to drive. Also they DO have converter slippage in 5th, but still DON'T freewheel in 5th, for brakes protection. My '96 Glanza gives 38mpg. ;) If you follow all that, maybe now you can figure out what YOURS is doing!

[NooDleSuk]

It's not his now, it's mine mine mine!!! I've worked out the niggles and overdrive seems to work just fine.

[toyotasera.co.uk]

yay congrats.