New Owner - Help Please

[crunchy_with_ketchup]

Hi,

Just wanted to say thanks to all who have posted on here for the great advice.

I have just purchased a 1997 R reg Carine E 1.8GS Estate with 79,000 miles for £1500, which seems like a fairly good price. Have managed to find out about various stuff I was concerned about, including alternator drive belt "rattle", which is now sorted.

I do have a trio of queries still though:

1. How do you remove the fascia panel around the radio? I want to replace the Toyota 58408 unit with my own CD/MP3 player from my old car. I tried the two screws at the bottom (under heater controls) but the panel didn't appear to want to come out, and I don't like to force things (broken too many cars before now).

2. There is a slight knocking noise, sounds a bit like something hitting the bottom of the car, or a door that's not closed properly (doors all secure, and nothing obvious underneath). I did think this was the spare wheel cover rattling, but doesn't seem to be. Its quite quiet, and only heard on uneven surfaces. Not sure if I am just paranoid, or if there is a common fault I should look for?

3. The car was having problems starting from cold. Was fine if it had been started in the last 4-5 hours, otherwise took a bit of cranking to start. I have now replaced the Battery, which has vastly improved cranking speed, but it still seems a bit reluctant to start from stone cold. Is there anything special I need to do when starting? Any cold start issues? Or do I just need to start wading through every ignition/fuel fault known to man? I won't be working on the car myself (gave that up years ago) but can't afford to spend more on repairs than absolutely neccesary!

Thanks

Martin

[Beardie]

1. Radio Fascia a tricky one, but pulls straight out. Grab it as best you can and pull. Its held by 4 spring type clips that push back on. You'll then need to unplug the demist, fog and hazard switches before getting at the radio via 4 screws.

2. Knocking could be an exhaust or the drop links on the rear. You'll need a allen key and spanner to remove them. if that fails, best to use a grinder to get them off the anti roll bar. About £10 for pattern parts and about £40-£50 for genuine.

3. Check timing and spark plugs. Should have the platinum or Iridium plugs in your car.

[crunchy_with_ketchup]

1. Radio Fascia a tricky one, but pulls straight out. Grab it as best you can and pull. Its held by 4 spring type clips that push back on. You'll then need to unplug the demist, fog and hazard switches before getting at the radio via 4 screws.

2. Knocking could be an exhaust or the drop links on the rear. You'll need a allen key and spanner to remove them. if that fails, best to use a grinder to get them off the anti roll bar. About £10 for pattern parts and about £40-£50 for genuine.

3. Check timing and spark plugs. Should have the platinum or Iridium plugs in your car.

Thanks Beardie. Followed your advice on the stereo, and had no probs (except having to fork out £14 quid at Halfords for the wiring conversion kit!). Think the "knocking" might actually be an internal rattling, as I never notice it when I have stuff in the boot, but will keep an ear on it. The starting appears to be fine now, though I suspect there is a cheap set of plugs in there, so will check those when I have enough money to so something about it (certainly wont be buying those from Halfords!!)

Martin

[yaris781]

id take it back mate, you can them on eBay half the price. i never use Halfords well over the odds

[crunchy_with_ketchup]

id take it back mate, you can them on ebay half the price. i never use halfords well over the odds

I know, there are loads of places online where they are cheaper, but I was in a hurry, and now its in....

Martin

[Prefab]

Hi,

I have a 1997 Corolla GS 1.3.

I've also got a the Toyota 58408 head unit, can anyone advise me on how to get it out? I can't see any slots on the sides, after removing the front.

Also, does anyone know if this head unit has an iso connector?