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Toyota Matrix Check Engine Light

48 messages,  Last post on Feb 01, 2013 at 10:25 PM

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

Messages Page 5 of 5

#40 of 48 Re: Check Engine light [circuitsmith] by hunkymon

Mar 08, 2011 (2:42 pm)

Replying to: circuitsmith (Jan 18, 2011 6:41 pm)
My 2008 Matrix check engine light was on. On the scanner it came up as torque converter. Had the transmission rebuilt. 200 miles later light came on again. Had it rebuilt second time under warranty. Light still comes on periodically, but turns off after couple hundred miles. Haven't had it checked since the last rebuild, but I'm afraid it will come up as torque converter. It's off warranty now so I'm just buying time.

#41 of 48 Re: Check Engine light [hunkymon] by circuitsmith

Mar 13, 2011 (12:45 pm)

Replying to: hunkymon (Mar 08, 2011 2:42 pm)
What was the code number? It will look like P0123.
The torque converter isn't inside the transmission, so rebuilding the trans doesn't make sense.
Anyway that didn't solve your problem. Like I said, an error code does not point to a particular problem.
I would take it to a independent transmission shop (NOT AAMCO or Cottman!). Maybe they will be competent.

#42 of 48 check engine light on by hunkymon

Mar 13, 2011 (6:18 pm)

Thanks cirsuitsmith. I'll have it checked when it comes on again.

#43 of 48 Re: check engine light on [hunkymon] by circuitsmith

Mar 14, 2011 (11:00 am)

Replying to: hunkymon (Mar 13, 2011 6:18 pm)
My last post should have said at the end:
 
Like I said, an error code does not point to a particular part.

#44 of 48 Re: Check Engine light [pattih1] by chickihow

Oct 19, 2012 (9:59 am)

Replying to: pattih1 (Jan 18, 2011 4:53 pm)
omg...my check engine light has been on since about a month after i bought my car...used. computer said it was the catalytic converter.
car ran fine for 3 years...now it is acting up and the mechanics are saying it is the transmission, but i have talked to a man who owns a transmission shop and he said it sounded like the catalytic converter. i work a car dealership and i feel like i am getting the runaround.

#45 of 48 Re: Check Engine light [chickihow] by jiminyc

Oct 21, 2012 (8:26 am)

Replying to: chickihow (Oct 19, 2012 9:59 am)
My Matrix is 2003, I bought it new. I've had issues with the check engine light coming on over the years. At one point about 4 years ago a mechanic replaced a catalytic converter for about $300 - he had it custom made at a muffler shop. Toyota would have replaced the whole exhaust assembly I'm told, about $2,000. The mechanic said there are two catalytic converters and if the light came back on the other one would have to be replaced. It did not come back on so apparently he knew what he was doing. I've had it come on a time or two since then but it goes back off on its own. Same mechanic charges $50 to diagnose the code so I gave it a little time - maybe it's the fuel cap, who knows?

#47 of 48 Cat Converter by hunkymon

Feb 01, 2013 (10:15 pm)

The only option is to get a different brand. Toyotas are famous for check engine light being on. Fat Joe at my dealership charged me $195 to turn it off and still didn't correct the problem even though it was still under warranty. The engines last a long time, but everything else is shit, inc. the transmissions and smog. I guess it's a trade off.

#48 of 48 Re: Check Engine light [chickihow] by lvormny

Feb 01, 2013 (10:25 pm)

Replying to: chickihow (Oct 19, 2012 9:59 am)
I have a 2003 Matrix XRS with a 2ZZ-GE engine with a continuous check engine light. I have multiple diagnostics and repairs done on the vehicle to pass smog inspection over the past 5 or 6 year and have spent thousands of dollars. The light stays off just long enough to pass the smog test and is then returned to me with the light still on. I HAVE paid a Toyota dealer $95 to run diagnostic also. They said the ECM is corrupt and can't be flashed and the cat has to be replaced for over 2k!!
 
People PLEASE file a complaint with Toyota, so this recall can happen!!
 
Toyota's response to my complaint is this.
 
Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
 
We are sorry for the concerns you are having with your 2003 Matrix.
 
It has been detected that the ECM for certain 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix models equipped with the 1ZZ-FE
engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured.
 
Your year model of Matrix Engine Control Module (ECM) is not a part of this recall.
 
Please be aware the information you have provided is used in combination with warranty claims and other customer contacts to track trends with our vehicles. If in the future a Special Service Campaign (SSC) or recall is issued that would cover your specific issue and you have already made repairs to the vehicle, Toyota would review your repairs for reimbursement at that time.
 
We again apologize for the situation you encountered with your vehicle and we are sorry for any inconvenience or expense you have incurred.

Messages Page 5 of 5

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