Auris Annoyances

[dpb]

OK, I got a bit annoyed (under statement of the year) about the sat nav unit and iPod "integration" kit being so !Removed! awful, that I've managed to get escallated through the customer care team and they're now canvassing me about things they could fix without physically modifying the car. These are in "usage" scenarios rather than just what's wrong, they want to know what I want to do.

So here's a few that I've come up with (I'm obsessed with the nav/iPod being crad, sorry) but I'm looking for any other ideas:

- Navigation unit's in motion lock out should be able to be overriden by user

- Front passeneger should be able to program navigation unit while moving

- bluetooth phone kit dialing should support access to contacts list while moving

- bluetooth phone kit should support Blackberry devices (won't sync contacts)

- bluetooth phone kit should automatically pair with any available known handset (last active device if more than one present)

- CD and iPod playback should support fast forward and fast rewind, not just track skip

- iPod integration kit must work like an iPod! At a very minimum, it must display information about the playlists

available and during play, the current artist/title/track.

- Traffic Announcement function can be cancelled when in announcement mode by steering wheel control (press

Mode button to return to previous radio mode)

- Fuel indicator should show correct capacity and only alert when less than 5L remaining (currently around 9L = 80+ miles!)

- Fuel range should use actual capacity x mileage to show estimated distance

- Shift indicators should be able to be switched off

I've got loads more "annoyances" but they'd all need some hardware mods (for example, the fan controls are too low and not very usable... you need to squint quite hard to see what mode you're in). Anyone else want to propose some firmware fixes?

[Grippen]

OK, I got a bit annoyed (under statement of the year) about the sat nav unit and iPod "integration" kit being so !Removed! awful, that I've managed to get escallated through the customer care team and they're now canvassing me about things they could fix without physically modifying the car. These are in "usage" scenarios rather than just what's wrong, they want to know what I want to do.

So here's a few that I've come up with (I'm obsessed with the nav/iPod being crad, sorry) but I'm looking for any other ideas:

- Navigation unit's in motion lock out should be able to be overriden by user

- Front passeneger should be able to program navigation unit while moving

- Bluetooth phone kit dialing should support access to contacts list while moving

- Bluetooth phone kit should support Blackberry devices (won't sync contacts)

- Bluetooth phone kit should automatically pair with any available known handset (last active device if more than one present)

- CD and iPod playback should support fast forward and fast rewind, not just track skip

- iPod integration kit must work like an iPod! At a very minimum, it must display information about the playlists

available and during play, the current artist/title/track.

- Traffic Announcement function can be cancelled when in announcement mode by steering wheel control (press

Mode button to return to previous radio mode)

- Fuel indicator should show correct capacity and only alert when less than 5L remaining (currently around 9L = 80+ miles!)

- Fuel range should use actual capacity x mileage to show estimated distance

- Shift indicators should be able to be switched off

I've got loads more "annoyances" but they'd all need some hardware mods (for example, the fan controls are too low and not very usable... you need to squint quite hard to see what mode you're in). Anyone else want to propose some firmware fixes?

I have a few some firmware others are bugs that they should try to fix in the new ones and recall to the shops the ones that suffer from that problem:

- The fuel issue you mentioned

- Possibility or making it optional to activate the option of auto locking the doors when when car goes above 20km/h or so

- Change the place of the onboard computer options but this also requires hardware so hardly doable.

- Place some light signaling in the windows open/close buttons, passenger side and drivers side window control of passenger side.

- Replace the radio control buttons on the steering wheel with a module with at least 1 or 2 more options like the mute

- Fix ratles in dashboard in my case mostly on the passenger side. Recall cars with this problem and fix them.

- Fix noise in breaks I think this is reported but they should start calling the customers and ask if such problem occurs. Then recall them to shop. I reported this to a service garage and they said they couldn't notice but I still notice it specially in reverse.

I think thats all from my side.

[Parts-King]

I hear where you are coming from, but some of the ipod integration fuctions are not supported. The kit is an approved ipod kit, so Apple must be happy with the functions it supports. With your bluetooth issues, it is possible to do updates to your phone to improve compatability, not all phones are able to do this but some do. Blackberry are renowned for not syncing in a variety of vehicles, I'm not sure if thats Blackberry or the device they are hooking up to!

IMHO bluetooth is nothing more than a pain in the :censor: no two phones are the same and they seem to work perfectly or very poorly. I switch my phone off, its a lot easier and quieter, I am being flippant, but bluetooth has always had compatability issues, right from the early versions, I'm sure it has got better, but tell that to somebody who's phone will not connect or work properly.

Kingo

Just a quick back on topic edit, I dont like the way the drivers seat belt folds back fully against the B piller, its a pain to reach accross and get hold of the belt sometimes. mine could also do with a 6th gear as well

[OldSkoO1]

I would change the ability to turn off the shift indicators and the fuel consumption / millage remaining and warning beep does seem to come on a bit early. Thing is i can't afford not to trust it incase i run out of petrol. Thats another thing, i dont like the block fuel indicators; at least with a needle you can see it gradually go down and you know when its gone the wrong side of 0 you really do need to fill up :)

So everything i would change would be about fuel reporting. I have no other really annoyances i really like the car. THere is an odd squeak from the drivers side dash thats started happened after i had my windscreen replaced but that only happens when i go over bumps.

[Nir Hendler]

Things i whould like to be better in my Auris 1.6 Petrol MMT

- More accurate fuel km feature, i know i can do 550km - 600km with full tank, why when i get out from the fuel station the computer says i have 470km to do.

- The MMT gear box need to be improved, the changing shifts is not as smooth as it should be, especially between 1st and 2nd gear.

- The quallity of the dashboard meterial, it looks and feel too cheap and i hope the i can keep it's "new" situtaition for the next 4 years but i don't think it will happen.

- The front windows cleaners, if i use them driving more the 70km/h i start getting water all over my window, the drain is not good (i had the same problem with my prvieos corolla)

- Warning beeps are really annoying some of them is right but some (like the low fuel) is incorrect or too early while i have atlest 10l in my tank.

- The iPod adapter, more control features fro the radio and text info is needed.

That's all i can thing about now

[Fred6370]

I would like to change that ugly red hazard button in to a grey one...

[Aldridge Andy]

For me...

Passenger side dashboard squeaks and creaks where it meets the windscreen pillar. Toyota must be aware of this common issue.

The door lock button on the drivers door switch panel is difficult to find and determine status in the dark.

If my squeaks were eradicated, which I doubt they ever will be the car would be first class.

[dpb]

Right folks, you've given me some ammo to go back to Toyota with.

I think they've now let dealers know about the dashboard rattle from the passenger side (on UK vehicles) and apparently it's a wiring loom brushing against the ventilation tube. The fix seems to be to pack the area with flame retardant damper material... didn't make a jot of diffence to me as it came back after my first trip down a cobbled street. Also had a bit of a down side as I now can barely hear the horn if I press it!!! Someone has suggested that they make a mod to the engine bay bulkhead and that works but my dealer knows nothing about that :(

Hand't noticed the unlit window and lock switches... that is annoying and maybe a little dangerous too.

BTW, you can change the door autolocking thing... it's quite a complicated sequence of ignition on/off and door open/close that I'm sure I read in the manual... or maybe on the Toyota website.

I'll keep you posted and I'm hoping to be on the new firmware beta test :)

---

And btw, I happen to work for the world's largest mobile producer and I must say that bluetooth is a total doddle as it has a heap of compatible standards... most other companies get it right and I've used some fantastic kit in my time. I would surely have thaought the the Blackberry range were VERY typical devices for owners of the T180... a sporty small family hatch.

I'll also escallate my complaint to Apple about their "approval" of a kit that 'integrates' the iPod which clearly doesn't integrate (defined as make complete, whole, bring together seemlessly and perfectly)

[JohnB1965]

I'll also escallate my complaint to Apple about their "approval" of a kit that 'integrates' the iPod which clearly doesn't integrate (defined as make complete, whole, bring together seemlessly and perfectly)

Thank you for pursuing this issue. I am also very disappointed that the ipod is so badly supported by the sat navigation system. I bought the lovely Corolla Verso Sol Pack and then have this crap ipod integration for 300 euros so I cannot listen to my podcasts or audiobooks. I will write to Toyota too. I was not told at the time of ordering that my ipod integration would only play 6 playlists! The car may be great, but this stands out as a big error. Do people here think that this can easily be fixed, eg with a new gps dvd or does it require more?

Hoping Toyota quickly gets its act together on this issue

John

Brussels

[Parts-King]

---

And btw, I happen to work for the world's largest mobile producer and I must say that Bluetooth is a total doddle as it has a heap of compatible standards... most other companies get it right and I've used some fantastic kit in my time.

I wish I could share your good thoughts on bluetooth. I get calls all the time saying how this or that doesnt connect. My Nokia would not connect to my colleagues Sony Erikson the other day, when the previous day it did, so I'm afraid I will have to disagree with you. Maybe it is the kit Toyota use, but that excuse cant be used for not being able to connect to my colleagues phone.

Kingo

[JohnB1965]

I just visited toyota.jp and looked up the word ipod. I don't understand Japanese but there is a picture of a GUI for the iPod. I wonder if something is in the works for the sat nav screen?

The link is:

http://toyota.jp/dop/navi/lineup/option/ipod_cable/

Ipod interface

JohnB

[mbrennan29]

Right folks, you've given me some ammo to go back to Toyota with.

I think they've now let dealers know about the dashboard rattle from the passenger side (on UK vehicles) and apparently it's a wiring loom brushing against the ventilation tube. The fix seems to be to pack the area with flame retardant damper material... didn't make a jot of diffence to me as it came back after my first trip down a cobbled street. Also had a bit of a down side as I now can barely hear the horn if I press it!!! Someone has suggested that they make a mod to the engine bay bulkhead and that works but my dealer knows nothing about that :(

Hand't noticed the unlit window and lock switches... that is annoying and maybe a little dangerous too.

BTW, you can change the door autolocking thing... it's quite a complicated sequence of ignition on/off and door open/close that I'm sure I read in the manual... or maybe on the Toyota website.

I'll keep you posted and I'm hoping to be on the new firmware beta test :)

---

And btw, I happen to work for the world's largest mobile producer and I must say that Bluetooth is a total doddle as it has a heap of compatible standards... most other companies get it right and I've used some fantastic kit in my time. I would surely have thaought the the Blackberry range were VERY typical devices for owners of the T180... a sporty small family hatch.

I'll also escallate my complaint to Apple about their "approval" of a kit that 'integrates' the iPod which clearly doesn't integrate (defined as make complete, whole, bring together seemlessly and perfectly)

I have had a look but cannot find anything, do you think you could have a look and se if you can find where you have seen this and maybe post it on here for those that are interested im sure people would be most grateful. I know i would be.

[Aldridge Andy]

I had a customer satisfaction form to fill in a day or two ago, as Toyota World say they like to get it right first time, everytime.

I simply filled in the "text boxes" with "please contact me when Toyota release a Technical Buliten informing you how to fix my sqeaky, creaky, and rattling Auris".

800 miles on the clock and the trim squeaks and rattles still haven't settled down! Grrr!

It's a pity all the roads aren't straight and as smooth as glass. Sadly a right hand corner, or the slightest roughness on a road and the car starts to talk to me!

[Grippen]

I had a customer satisfaction form to fill in a day or two ago, as Toyota World say they like to get it right first time, everytime.

I simply filled in the "text boxes" with "please contact me when Toyota release a Technical Buliten informing you how to fix my sqeaky, creaky, and rattling Auris".

800 miles on the clock and the trim squeaks and rattles still haven't settled down! Grrr!

It's a pity all the roads aren't straight and as smooth as glass. Sadly a right hand corner, or the slightest roughness on a road and the car starts to talk to me!

Same here my man and I'm almost near the first service 12000 km and still this stupid rattle and some squicking but its the rattle that bugs me most. On service I will report this and other bugs and I trully hope they solve it.

[mbrennan29]

Think i must have the only silent Auris!!

Mine has no squeaks or rattles at all and is totally silent. I have done 1600 miles so far

[Enda07]

There are too many warning beeps and noises!

The only warning noise in my previous car was for headlights, which worked great as a reminder.

With the Auris (on stopping) there are so many alarms that it becomes confusing and defeats the purpose.

I'm constantly leaving the headlights on because the seat belt alarm continues to sound when stopped (even with the engine off!?). The headlight warning sounds when the keys are removed but I now associate the sound with seat belts and so ignore it - until I get out and see the lights on (if I'm lucky)...

The MMT box also has some annoying glitches. Sometimes when I select reverse (when stopped) a warning chimes and the accelerator doesn't respond until the warning has finished.

It would be nice if the clock (and possibly temperature) always displayed - I'd like to see fuel consumption but still have the time displayed.

[Xana]

Hand't noticed the unlit window and lock switches... that is annoying and maybe a little dangerous too.

BTW, you can change the door autolocking thing... it's quite a complicated sequence of ignition on/off and door open/close that I'm sure I read in the manual... or maybe on the Toyota website.

I'll keep you posted and I'm hoping to be on the new firmware beta test :)

Any news about the doors autoloking ?

In the manual isn't nothing about it...

Is there a new firmware for the Auris ECU ?

[Jp-Auris]

hmm the things id change would be the washer jets, good where theyve put then, like under the bonnet but when driving about 30mph once you use them you need to keep on wiping your windscreen to get the excess water off because water keeps on flicking back on the windscreen, to me thats annoying

also the rear seats, i didnt realise they were sooo heavy, i had them folded donw to fit a hockey bag and hockey stick in ( incase you didnt know hockey bags are massive!! including hockey stick which is about just under 6foot long) after taking the gear out im putting the seats back up, i can even push the seats back up while sitting in the front seat, i had to climb in the back and lift it up..., it was an easy job when i had the 03 yaris again to me thats annoying

[NCC_1701_C]

Speaking of annoyances, how does 1 switch off the light regarding the passenger airbag.

My light showing that u cannot strap a baby chair into the passenger chair and it stays on from start to end.... not temporary.

[konakid]

Speaking of annoyances, how does 1 switch off the light regarding the passenger airbag.

My light showing that u cannot strap a baby chair into the passenger chair and it stays on from start to end.... not temporary.

I WOULD CHANGE THE WHOLE CAR !!! CANT WAIT !!! ONLY ANOTHER YEAR TO GO !!! LOST LOADS AND HOPE THE CREDIT CRUNCH DOESNT PERSIST SO I CAN GET A VW SOCORRO !!!

LOL

[balli hi]

Everything, everyone else has already mentioned, plus...... what is the point of the first gear in the 1.6 auris because you put your foot down but dont actually go anyware, before you have to change up to second gear, and then you get that clonk from underneath, so i would change those.... also i am sick and tired of having to clear the water off the seats every time i open the doors to get in after its been raining .

basically the roof does not have a drip groove runing adjacent to the top of the doors, the roof edge curves downwards, and hey presto, when you open the doors [ worse on the back ] the rain water falls onto the seats.. great designe toyota, back to the drawing board me thinks

[GregP]

Everything, everyone else has already mentioned, plus...... what is the point of the first gear in the 1.6 auris because you put your foot down but dont actually go anyware, before you have to change up to second gear, and then you get that clonk from underneath...

You are right. The gearbox in Auris 1.6 is very short. The first gear is to short an then you have 3000 rpm with 60mph. The sixth gear would be nice especially for long motorway journeys.

[Zolder]

Main annoyances:

- very bad wipers

- 3 different levels of light intension in the interiour

- bad quality of the interiour plastics (sensitive for scratches)

- very unreliable gas indicator

- a lot of squeeks and rattles

- warning light for airbag stays on on center console

- quality of stereo installation

- high fuel consumption (2.0 D4D: +6.6 l /100km)

- ergonomics of trip computer, etc

- gaps between panels and switches

- vibrating steering wheel

- seats not suited for long distance driving

- noise level inside (especially +120 km/h)

Zolder

[Modena]

The car is great except two things:

1. Plastics inside can scratch easy, especially where the keyhole is.

2. I can't stick my arm out the window to "sit" it while driving... the pillar sits too close and makes it impossible to have my elbow out.