15 messages,
Last post on Nov 01, 2012 at 7:57 PM
You are in the
Toyota Corolla Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Toyota Corolla, Transmission, Sedan
#12 of 15 Re: 2004 Matrix Early Transmission Failure: Corolla also? [unbearable]
by kirstie_h HOST
Jul 16, 2012 (7:29 am)
That's not how the recall process works. I have NEVER seen a recall issued in response to a petition - they're generally a pointless waste of time.
The best way to call attention to vehicle issues is to report them to the NHTSA at www.safercar.gov. If enough owners report the same safety issues, the NHTSA will investigate and recommend or force a recall.
#13 of 15 Re: 2004 Matrix Early Transmission Failure: Corolla also? [unbearable]
by circuitsmith
Jul 22, 2012 (8:35 am)
I think that at least some of the early transmission failures are due to the fact that Toyota doesn't recommend changing the transmission oil except when the car is used for towing.
Unbearable, was the trans oil ever changed in those 98k miles?
I changed the trans oil in my 2006 Matrix at 21k miles after reading about early failures.
It was pretty dark with a metallic sheen.
It looked worse than the the oil coming out of my previous Accord after 30k miles.
I plan to change it again after another 20k miles and extend the interval if it looks cleaner.
I believe you have to do more maintenance than the manual recommends if you want a car to last far beyond the warranty.
Here are other "extras" I do to my Matrix
(and my Accord I sold running fine after 21 years and 220,000 miles):
Drain and refill the power steering reservoir once a year.
Flush brake fluid every 3 years.
Change serpentine belt, drain & refill coolant, change thermostat & radiator cap every 5 years.
Re-lube the caliper sliders when the brake pads reach 50% wear.
I plan to replace the spark plugs and check the valve clearance at half the recommended mileage.
Since I no longer drive every day (been riding a bike to work for 21 years) I charge the battery overnight every 3 months.
My last battery (in the Accord) worked OK when I changed it after 7 years.
I plan to change out the Matrix's battery in the Fall 2013.
#14 of 15 Re: 2004 Matrix Early Transmission Failure: Corolla also? [circuitsmith]
by terceltom
Jul 22, 2012 (10:24 am)
Sounds like a lot of extra work and expense for a car like a Toyota with such an impeccable service record.
Nov 01, 2012 (7:57 pm)
Hey so i have a 99 toyota corolla stock everything, its automatic and i want to change it to manual, and can anyone help me to know what to do and what i have to watch out for?