What's wrong with my Toyota auto gearbox?
My 2013 Toyota Avensis Verso has an auto gear problem. It drives fine when it's cold and the gear change is perfect. Even in reverse it's fine, but it stops moving after two to three minutes driving and reverse won't engage either. What is the problem?
John Kerry (London)Dec 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi John,
We asked Toyota Ireland about this and here was the response:
"We would need a lot more details. However, it sounds like a multi mode transmission issue. This car need to be pluged into a diagnostic tool. I recommend that it's taken to a Toyota dealer for a diagnostic check."
Hopefully it doesn't prove too expensive to rectify...
Are 2005 Alfa Romeos reliable?
Are 2005 Alfa Romeos reliable?
John Hegarty (Cork)Nov 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi John,
Well, you haven't mentioned a specific model so it's a little hard to tell. In 2005, Alfa was making the 147, 159, GT Coupé, Brera and Spyder - all of which fall into classic recent Alfa territory. That is, more reliable than their reputation would have you believe, but less reliable than the industry best of Honda and Toyota. In other words, if you're contemplating buying one, make sure it's been properly well cared for in the past, has a full service history and decide now that you're not going to be put off by minor electrical malfunctions and tantrums.
Let us know how you get on
My Toyota Avensis won't start. What to do?
My 2008 Toyota Avensis diesel has just 75,000 miles on the clock, is fully serviced and running well until a week ago. It now will not start and my mechanic cannot get into the diagnostics to find fault.
What now?
Joseph Mcgowan (Donegal)Nov 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Joseph,
It's impossible to diagnose such a thing from afar I'm afraid. Any decent mechanic should be able to try several things without having to resort to diagnostics. I'd suggest you take it to another if your current one is giving up...
How much to import my Toyota from the Middle East?
Hello, hoping this query finds you well. I am SO happy to find a site like this :) (especially for those women among us who aren't the most clued up on all car issues)
I'm hoping to be moving back home early mid summer 2015 and am hoping to bring my SUV with me... if it's financially feasible to do so. I'd be importing it from where we bought it in the Middle East in 2008 (2009 model). It's a Toyota Fortuner GX2 2.7 five-door petrol - I can't find exact or approximate costs for a VRT band on this, what road tax be like for it or get online insurance quotes for it either, so am wondering if you could throw any light on this for me please, as I'd rather avoid the case of some possible nasty shocks by doing my homework from now on this.
Many thanks for any advice at all. Rosemarie, from Cork.
Rosemarie O'Riordan (Cork)Nov 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Rosemarie,
OK, good news - if it's coming in with a transfer of residence, and you can show that you've been the owner and user of the vehicle for at least six months prior, then it's basically free. There may still be a small fee payable for re-registering the vehicle (Revenue seems to be oddly coy about this fact), but basically once you can show it's yours and you're moving home, then you can bring it in for nothing. Just make sure you alert Revenue to the presence of the vehicle within seven days and then get the re-registering done within 30 days.
Road tax, I'm afraid though, will be payable at the top rate of €2,350 per annum, which is a nasty bill to have to foot every year. Insurance costs are likewise probably going to be hefty, as it's a vehicle most Irish insurers won't know even exists. Your best bet, in terms of running costs, may be to sell it before you leave and use the cash to get yourself something a bit more tax and insurance friendly when you get here.
Let us know how you get on
Are the lights in the Toyota Auris weak?
Are the beams very short on dipped headlights in the 2008 Toyota Auris? I find it difficult to drive in country area at night. Should there be a certain wattage in dipped headlights?
Sinead Lally (Galway )Nov 2014 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
All headlights have to conform to basic standards, but they do vary from car to car. If you feel your beams are unsatisfactory it may just be that they are incorrectly adjusted. A quick visit to your local garage should get that fixed.
If it's not that, you can try replacing the bulbs with newer or brighter units. Or potentially fit a set of spotlamps that work on dipped beam (suitably set so they don't dazzle oncoming drivers of course).
How economical should my Toyota Avensis be?
What economy should I be getting from my 2011 Toyota Avensis estate? It's a 2.0-litre diesel with 90,000 miles on the clock.
Stephen Woods (Drogheda)Expert answer
Hi Stephen,
Well, according to the official figures, you should be getting 55mpg on average. If you're not getting that, or something near it, then you need to consider a few possibilities:
Are your tyres up to the correct pressures? Has the car been serviced lately, and given an oil and filters change? Are you carrying around lots of extra weight in the car or have you got a roof rack or roof box on top?
If none of these helps, maybe you need to take a look at your own driving style. Lighter throttle openings, earlier gearshifts, a bit more anticipation - that sort of thing.
Hope that's of some help
Why did my Toyota Corolla break down?
Hi,
My Toyota Corolla broke down on the M8 while driving to Dublin. Had the car for seven years no problem. It gave a clicking sound a few times and then suddenly started slowing down. I stopped by the hard shoulder and opened the bonnet to see smoke coming out of the engine. I got the oil indicator and thought it needs oil. I topped it up, but now the car won't start. I called breakdown assist who took me to the nearest garage. It just doesn't start now. What is wrong with my car?
Dwtdil D (Cork)Nov 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi there and sorry to hear about your issue. That sounds to us like a blocked gauze in the oil pick-up in the sump. This gets clogged up with dirt and debris and the oil pump can't cope with the blockage. The end result is starvation of oil to important areas of the engine like the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, which could result in terminal engine damage.
A decent mechanic should be able to diagnose it properly for you. Hopefully we're wrong...
Why is my Toyota Verso's indicator glowing?
In my 2002 Toyota Corolla Verso 1.6 petrol the indicator bulb is glowing steadily. The battery and alternator are fine. What's up?
Milan Malik (Ennis)Nov 2014 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Milan,
It sounds to us like a bad earth or, surprisingly common, an incorrect bulb. Try changing that first to see if it cures the issue.
Why are my Toyota's carpets wet after rain?
I have a 1996 Toyota Carina 1.6 and the floors are all wet after rain. What is the problem?
Thanks
Gemma Quinn (Ennis)Nov 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Gemma,
You’ve got leaky seals either on the windscreen, the doors or the sunroof if there is one. Check for any obviously loose or ill-fitting rubber anywhere you can see it, but the best bet is to get to a garage and get the seals replaced.
1998 Toyota Corolla 2.0 diesel: timing belt or chain?
1998 Toyota Corolla 2.0 diesel: timing belt or chain?
Shane Walsh (Galway)Nov 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
That car has a timing belt.