Ask the Car People.SM


Matrix Transmission Problems

556 messages,  Last post on Mar 07, 2013 at 5:41 PM

You are in the Toyota Matrix Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Matrix, Transmission, Wagon

Messages Page 44 of 56

#426 of 556 Re: 03 Matrix - Another Transmission Issue Case - Canada [03matrixissue] by marjo

May 27, 2010 (4:17 pm)

Replying to: 03matrixissue (May 27, 2010 12:50 pm)
Hi. I'm also in East Coast Canada, Halifax. My Toyota died in 2007 with 85K as well. Just 6mths past warranty. They paid 60%, so I still had to spend $2000. Hopefully the age of yours won't make it harder for you. Had to fix mine in Fredericton since it happened while in Maine. Heard whining noises all the way to Boston and back, and made it to Maine before it died. Thought I had a muffler problem. I was one of the early posts on here at around message 83 or something. Sucks that there is nothing in the news about this one. Not enough of us I guess, and no one has died! I sold mine after the repair. My email is mhlaur at hotmail.com in case you'd like more info.

#427 of 556 Toyota Response to Matrix Transmission Problem by cefyne

Jun 01, 2010 (5:10 pm)

After sending a message to Toyota to tell them about my transmission problems, they called me today. They recorded my issues and gave me a number. The number keeps track of the problems and can help me extend the warranty if needed. This can't be done through the dealers, the dealers will only tell me I am out of warranty. The warranty for the transmission is 60,000 miles and my 2006 Matrix just passed 60,000 miles. I appreciate their attention and tracking of this situation. My post 411 describes the information I sent to Toyota.

#428 of 556 torque converter problem for 2008 Matrix by hunkymon

Jun 02, 2010 (2:03 pm)

My check engine light comes on sometimes and will go back off after a coule of hundred miles. I had the scope put on it and it showed torque converter problem. Does anyone know what that involves? It started happening right after I bought the car in Nov. 2007. I took it back to dealer and they said it was a gas cap problem. I'm thinking they just didn't want to bother with the transmission on warranty.Thanks
 
Bob

#429 of 556 Another 03 matrix transmission bites the dust by jah61

Jun 02, 2010 (9:32 pm)

Add one more to the list of 03 matrix manual transmissions to fail at under 80,000 miles. Very frustrating. This car has been well cared for and serviced regularly. I've lost my faith in Toyota.

#430 of 556 One more 2004 with a disapointed owner. by geekfelix

Jun 06, 2010 (6:15 am)

Me too - 2004 Matrix 5 speed. Trans failed around 68,000 but began making noise long before. Total cost to date is around $3000 for transmission repairs. Toyota customer service offered $200 assistance since I did not use a Toyota dealer for repairs.
 
I think our problem here is that we will never get Toyota to acknowledge this issue because this really isn't their car. Here in the USA this model was also sold as the Pontiac Vibe. There are reports of the Vibe having similar problems:
 
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0dad00
 
The Vibe and Matrix appear to have been built at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUMMI

Here's a link to fascinating podcast about the history of the NUMMI plant:
TAL - NUMMI
 
It is mentioned in the above podcast that NUMMI was a joint venture with GM and once Toyota phased out their production they took the parts quality control with them.
I thought I had bought a Toyota product which was also being badged as a Vibe for Pontiac dealers. In the end it appears that I bought a Pontiac with a Toyota Matrix emblem stuck on it.

#431 of 556 Matrix Manual Transmission Problems by drgrumpus

Jun 06, 2010 (9:35 am)

First, the Matrix is a Toyota product. The Vibe was the rebadging. My 2005
5-speed was built in Canada. The transmission is outsourced, however. Aisin, I believe.
 
Now, here is a warning for those who have not had trouble: Don't continue to drive until the tranny self-destructs. This will cost you $3000+. When you first hear a strange sound-like a muffled rattle, get the transmission repaired. I did this with a reputeable local shop plus new clutch for about $1400. I've put 7000+ miles on it since with no problem.
 
There is a fool-proof test for the suspect bearing. Start the car with the transmission in neutral and the parking brake set.. With the engine at idle, engage the clutch and listen for that muffled rattle. Then disengage the clutch and listen carefully. If the frequency of the rattle and sound level diminish to nothing, it is the countershaft bearing. It is not the throwout bearing, since that bearing is loaded and running at engine idle speed with the clutch pedal depressed.
 
The problem is in the front countershaft bearing, not the input shaft bearing. The countershaft is constantly thrust loaded except in 4th gear. In all other gears, the torque goes from the input shaft into the countershaft, then to the output shaft. Helical gears in the box generate the thrust load in proportion to the torque being transmitted. In 4th gear, the torque goes straight through from input to output shaft, therefore no thrust load on the countershaft.
 
The countershaft bearing is accessible without pulling the tranny, so you don't need to replace the clutch. Your mechanic can pull the driveshafts and remove the back cover. The contershaft, gear, and bearing can then be removed. The bearing will have to be pressed off. A new bearing is only about $50, so the parts are cheap. Labor is 2-3 hours. Make sure the mechanic puts new axle seals in before putting the whole thing back together.
 
So, hopefully, this message will get to those who have the telltale noise, but no complete failure yet.
 
A final suggestion: Drive in 4th gear as much as possible. Any speed between 40 and 65 is ok for that gear. This will prolong the life of the bearing.
 
Good luck

#432 of 556 Re: One more 2004 with a disapointed owner. [geekfelix] by indgomtrx

Jun 06, 2010 (9:41 am)

Replying to: geekfelix (Jun 06, 2010 6:15 am)
The Matrix was/is built in Canada. If you look up Toyota Matrix in wikipedia, the information on the side will show that the assembly was/is Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

#433 of 556 Re: Matrix Manual Transmission Problems [drgrumpus] by jah61

Jun 07, 2010 (7:54 pm)

Replying to: drgrumpus (Jun 06, 2010 9:35 am)
I heard the noise for over a year. Took the car to the dealership twice to have the noise evaluated. Service center assured me there was nothing to be concerned about. Yea, right...

#434 of 556 Re: torque converter problem for 2008 Matrix [hunkymon] by starmover

Jun 14, 2010 (8:42 pm)

Replying to: hunkymon (Jun 02, 2010 2:03 pm)
Hi everyone. 2005 Matrix automatic with 85K miles. Transmission started jumping into gear, check engine light came on. My personal mechanic sent it so the transmission shop, he changed the fluid, but thinks the issue has something to do with a computer problem. Advised me to take it to the dealership. After reading this thread, I'm thinking I should ditch this car.

#435 of 556 2003 Matrix Transmission "issue by skc3

Jul 08, 2010 (7:32 pm)

Messages Page 44 of 56

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement