Automobile / Toyota / Tercel

Toyota Tercel Repair Questions and Answers

Answer: Yes, there is a special crimping tool to replace the radiator tank, but it is not a job for an inexperienced person to try. In view of the fact that your car is 14 years old, we high recommend you replace the entire radiator assuming it is 14 years old. This will save you a lot of frustration.

Question: 1991 Toyota Tercel mileage: 91,000. At my recent oil change today, I was told I had a "tear" in one of my CV boots. Wasn't told which side. Told I could have the boots replaced and get a transmission "flush" for about $550. This was at a Toyota dealership. Is this a little high for replacement parts and labor or is it right on the money? I think I'd like a second opinion on the matter and so did not get the repair work done.

Answer: The tear in the CV boot is something that should be taken care of before problems that are more serious occur (CV joint failure). As for the price, check with other mechanics in your area that are recommend by friends.

Question: 1994 Toyota Tercel  mileage: 128,972. A year ago I had a valve job done on my car. A year later some rough driving. Took the car to two different places told I needed another valve job. Took the car back to the place that did the valve job, valves are fine. Mechanic told me #4 compression 220 #2 compressions 75. States I need the rings to be replaced parts $140 labor $650. Sound reasonable? States the cleaned everything started the car and oil got on the spark plugs again. Sound like a ring job? Reasonable rate?

Answer: First off, the numbers for the compression check are confusing. The best way to tell if you need another valve job or the rings replaced is by doing a cylinder leak down test.

Question: 1993 Toyota Tercel mileage: 96,000. My water pump is leaking and I was wondering on a Tercel, does the timing belt have to be removed to change the water pump? I am a shade tree mechanic and know how to change a water pump out but have been told on a lot of foreign cars the timing belt is attached to the water pump. It looks like it is an external water pump. Can you help?

Answer: Yes, the timing belt does have to be removed. It is an excellent idea to replace the timing belt if it has not been recently replaced along with the water pump.

Question:  1995 Toyota Tercel  mileage: 91,000.  Dear Bob and Ken:  My problem concerns my 1995 Toyota Tercel, 91,000 miles, 4-speed manual transmission, most recent oil change was about 1800 miles ago, and no major repairs since purchasing the car at 40,000 miles.   I recently made a 1600-mile trip from Virginia to Colorado; I had the oil changed, fluids topped-off, and air filter replaced.   Additionally, I had an emissions inspection done a few weeks before, and the results were excellent.  Approximately half way through the trip and some very bumpy interstate driving in Arkansas and Oklahoma, my "Engine" light came on.  I pulled over immediately to check under the engine, checked the oil level, belts, hoses, etc. and found no noticeable irregularities, except that the overflow container for the radiator fluid was empty.  There was still plenty of fluid in the radiator itself, but I replaced the fluid/water mixture anyway.  I noticed no odd smells or drivability difficulties, so I continued driving.  I stopped overnight and the following morning, I checked my owner’s manual and it said that this light comes on due to a problem with the engine's electrical system.  Being that the roads were rough, I suspected maybe a fuse had been knocked out, so I removed, inspected, then replaced all of the fuses.  I started the car and the engine light was off.  I continued driving, but after about 6 hours of interstate driving (70-80 mph) the light came on again.   Still, I did not notice any smells, sounds, or drivability problems.  I continued to drive as I was in the middle of nowhere and arrived in Colorado, still with the engine light on.  I spoke with a technician about this before and his recommendation was that the oxygen sensor could be the problem.  I have researched the function and possible problems of the O2 sensor and it seems like if that were the culprit, my exhaust would smell like "rotten eggs" OR produce a black smoke (depending on lean or rich mixture).  Is this correct?  Or could the sensor be malfunctioning WITHOUT a real problem with the mixture?  What type of problems could develop with continued driving?  Could there be another cause to the engine light coming on?  Is there some way to check the sensor myself without having to take to a mechanic?  Could the missing radiator fluid have caused something to go wrong (I have noticed no leaks in the overflow tank since)?  Could the change in altitude cause something?  I apologize for the length of this, but wanted to make sure to get all of the information here.  Thank you in advance for your help!

Answer:  You probably do have a faulty oxygen sensor.  With 91,000 miles on your car, it would be good practice to replace it anyway.  If your problem persists, then scan the computer for fault codes.   Oxygen sensors go out of range at times, but still work.

Question:  1995 Toyota Tercel  mileage: 82,000.  I am replacing the spark plugs in my Toyota Tercel.  The manual calls for twin ground electrode spark plugs.  The replacement from the charts says I can use Autolite 3924.  My question is--If I use the Autolite 3924, which is cheaper, will I hurt the car or its performance.

Answer:   The Autolite plugs will not hurt your engine, however, you will probably find the recommended spark plugs will perform better.

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