Avensis 1.6 T Reg Issues

[GeorgeJoseph]

Just to check. If the CD Player switches on sometimes and does not some other times ,does that show a dying Battery? My CD player ( clarion) sometimes works and sometimes doesnt . Tried pressing the reset button...but nothing happens. Anything I need to check?

[GeorgeJoseph]

Hello All,

I got the cars Battery checked by a kwik fit center nearby and they said that the alternator is charging and that Battery is in good state as well. But the starting problem remains. When the car is cold , the first key turn has to be long enough to start it and even is it does start ,the engine seems to be gasping for fuel. But once it starts, the next start is pretty quick. Any ideas if this is the starting motor on its way out?

Cheers,

G.

[Mark McCulloch]

Hiya,

I also cannot comment very much on the technical side but what I would say is these cars very rarely have very many problems however I do believe the gearbox to be a common one as i am on my third gearbox in 3 years of owning a V Reg 1.8 Avensis however up and above that I have never really had any other major problems.

[telsun]

George I've got probs with my avensis over heating which is quite possibly due to the thermostat going by the advice that I have received on here. I've managed to locate one from IEZURA (thanks for the link), but I can't find it on my 2.0 CDX can anyone have a look in their Haynes manual and tell me where it goes!? Thanks

[GeorgeJoseph]

George I've got probs with my avensis over heating which is quite possibly due to the thermostat going by the advice that I have received on here. I've managed to locate one from IEZURA (thanks for the link), but I can't find it on my 2.0 CDX can anyone have a look in their Haynes manual and tell me where it goes!? Thanks

Hello Telsun,

Sorry I am a day let in this reply, the thermostat is located on the coolant pump at the front right hand end of the cylinder block for the 2.0 engine. You will have to remove the rubber ring and put onto the new thermostat. If you need more help let me know.

Cheers,HTH,

G.

[GeorgeJoseph]

I didnt replace the thermostat yet , bcos , the guy who sold me the car has a lot of other work on it in warranty period...once the car switches on....the lights switch off....is this an issue?

That's normal

Hello Gazza and all the tech gurus,

Thanks for the advice and tips, Sorry I forgot to update that I did change the thermostat myself. couldnt drain the engine block since , I did not have a lot of space. But I did top up the coolant and the car guzzles it when it switches on and the car temperature now goes to mid wayo in 5-6 minutes. Moreover, its a dream to drive now , specially when some of the coolant fell onto the engine block. I know it sounds stupid, but I guess since the thermostat is now working, the revs are less and hence I shift gears at the appropriate rpm and so , the car is a dream.

I just am a bit concerened that the fans on the radiator never switch on or rather, I have never seen them on.Yesterday , I checked that the top hose from the rad was hot and then in idle I revved a bit and the thermostat opened up and the bottom hose too opened, but the fans never switched on. Any amount of over revving never puts the temeperature above normal and also , never switches on the fans. But this is only a concern, the temperatue is still in acceptable ranges.

The only other trouble is the starting trouble.

Any comments and pointers will be appreciated.

Cheers,

G.

[GeorgeJoseph]

I didnt replace the thermostat yet , bcos , the guy who sold me the car has a lot of other work on it in warranty period...once the car switches on....the lights switch off....is this an issue?

That's normal

Hello Gazza and all the tech gurus,

Thanks for the advice and tips, Sorry I forgot to update that I did change the thermostat myself. couldnt drain the engine block since , I did not have a lot of space. But I did top up the coolant and the car guzzles it when it switches on and the car temperature now goes to mid wayo in 5-6 minutes. Moreover, its a dream to drive now , specially when some of the coolant fell onto the engine block. I know it sounds stupid, but I guess since the thermostat is now working, the revs are less and hence I shift gears at the appropriate rpm and so , the car is a dream.

I just am a bit concerened that the fans on the radiator never switch on or rather, I have never seen them on.Yesterday , I checked that the top hose from the rad was hot and then in idle I revved a bit and the thermostat opened up and the bottom hose too opened, but the fans never switched on. Any amount of over revving never puts the temeperature above normal and also , never switches on the fans. But this is only a concern, the temperatue is still in acceptable ranges.

The only other trouble is the starting trouble.

Any comments and pointers will be appreciated.

Cheers,

G.

Hello All,

I did some investigations on the forum and removed the engine temp sensor's lead from the engine block. As Gazza mentioned , the fans did switch on when i turned the key without starting the engine. Also , when I switched on the AC the fans started working again. I guess, because of the cold temeperatures, the fans really dont have a need to turn on. The only thing left is my starting trouble. Any ideas of how to isolate this issue?

Any help is appreciated,

Cheers,

G.

[gazza1286]

George

Have you checked the plugs?

These engines must have platinum or Iridium plugs. They last around 60K and 30K respectively. Has a previous owner neglected to change them or worse still put standard plugs in for cheapness??

Wrong or old plugs (even one) will have a dramatic effect on starting.

[GeorgeJoseph]

George

Have you checked the plugs?

These engines must have platinum or iridium plugs. They last around 60K and 30K respectively. Has a previous owner neglected to change them or worse still put standard plugs in for cheapness??

Wrong or old plugs (even one) will have a dramatic effect on starting.

Hello Gazza,

How do I know if the spark plugs are in bad shape? Any idea how much the spark plugs would cost? Is it something I can do?

Cheers,

G.

[gazza1286]

Yes it is a DIY job. If the existing set are platinum and worn out you will see that the cntral core end is slightly rounded as opposed to perfectly conical.

a set of Platunum will cost about £30. Available locally at any decent motor factor or online:

http://www.ferodo-brakes.co.uk/pages/prici...ns/ngk_apps.htm

These come pre-gapped. Unbolt and swap. Very simple

[GeorgeJoseph]

Yes it is a DIY job. If the existing set are platinum and worn out you will see that the cntral core end is slightly rounded as opposed to perfectly conical.

a set of Platunum will cost about £30. Available locally at any decent motor factor or online:

http://www.ferodo-brakes.co.uk/pages/prici...ns/ngk_apps.htm

These come pre-gapped. Unbolt and swap. Very simple

Hello Gazza and all,

Small update , my car now does 21.9 miles per gallon( was 15.876 miles per liter before changing the thermostat), for normal in city driving - is this ok , or should I be expecting more? I just wanted to know about the tool should I be using to remove the spark plugs...I saw a couple of them on eBay...are these generic things enough or should I also be looking at the diameter and size....

Another silly question , Should I remove the top of the engine to see if its belt has been replaced? If it is not replaced, I am thinking I will replace it myself - is this wise?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers,

G.

[gazza1286]

The plug wrench you need is 5/8". There are two types:

(i) With handle attached. I've never used these so can't recommend them. I'm unsure what leverage you could get to loosen stubborn plugs

(ii) like a socket. You will need some extension bars from your socket set to rech the plugs which are deep inside the engine. Best to tape the joints together so they don't slip apart. Care, plugs should not be over tightened.

To check the timing belt it is possible to remove a plastic cover on the side of the engine. offside (same side as the oil filler cap). 4 x 10mm bolts. Sometimes the garage will put a sticker on this cover stating the date/mileage when last changed. The belt will clearly idicate if it is a Toyota part. If it doesn't then it might have been changed. If it does..... who knows!

The timing belt on this engine is extremely difficult to change. Leave it to a professional.