89 MkI SC, I just bought it

89Mr2Supercharged · 10-07-2008, 06:31 PM

I have just purchaced an 89 MR2 SC Ttop for $2300(I talked him down from 2700), I have wanted one of these cars for a long time and now I have one; I just have to fix it up a bit. I have a few questions and I have allready tried numerous serches to find my answers but I still have a few questions.

It runs alright, there is no exhaust right now, it sounds actually quite nice without the muffler, its really not even too loud!

Also, the Speedometer is not working, I hear that this is a common problem. This has probably been addressed many times, perhaps link to where the post would be about this would be nice.

Also the automatic window on the passenger side rolls down but not up, or at least only 1 out of 10 tries doest it roll up.

Also the illumination of the instrument pannel doesnt work.

Anyway, some of you may have allready dealt with these problems and I would be grateful for you input. (I also understand that its and old car and sometimes they have quirks like this!)

I am excited to get this going, I have heard so much about the MR2

Thanks!

o6spdracer · 10-07-2008, 06:53 PM

Congratulations on your purchase. Post some pictures and show off your ride!

I have an MKII, but I'll try to address your questions to the best of my knowledge:
1. Unless you live outside of CA, you should probably get an exhaust.
2. Here is a link to your speedometer question: MR2 Technical Knowledgebase - MK I Speedometer cable 101
3. Here is a link to your electrical issues: MR2 Technical Knowledgebase - Electrical Problems 101
4. Regarding your windows. Its probably a window regulator or power window gear (check out Twosrus.com for a replacement to the OEM). Good thing its not a motor.
5. The lights in the gauge cluster could be an electrical issue or just a faulty dimmer switch. Change out the dimmer switch first and take out the gauge cluster and wiggle the connections in the back if the dimmer switch isn't the culprit. While its out, you can change out the bulbs to leds (look up board member BEN for help on this)

If you need some OEM replacement parts, contact Aaron Willis at Lithia Toyota (awillis@lithia.com). He has an MK1 as well and is very knowledgeable. Since he is a board sponsor, he gives us great discounts on new OEM parts. Congrats again and welcome to the board!

89Mr2Supercharged · 10-07-2008, 11:05 PM

Hey thanks a lot for your input. The info was very helpful. Man I'm so excited to weld the exhaust back on(it rusted through) But I will have to wait until at least Saturday because I have work and school.

One more quick question, I notice that spot where the the CD player sits is larger than in most cars, my car doesn't have a cd player right now. How would I get one to mount right, my guess is that I will have to find some sort of an adapter to mount it right.

Thanks

o6spdracer · 10-08-2008, 12:21 AM

No problem. I would suggest you order your cd player from crutchfield. Most of them come with all of the harnesses and install tools to make the fitment look 'stock.'

muffinman · 10-08-2008, 10:01 AM

Welcome

for the problem with your instrument panel , when you turn on the light switch do all of your other lights come on?
as for the stereo you can find what you need at most local electronic stores.

where are you from?

89Mr2Supercharged · 10-13-2008, 10:05 PM

I am from Utah, Actually I was able to fix one of the electrical problems already. I took apart the dash only to find that the windshield wipers were disconnected! No, the dash does not light up when I turn the lights on, perhaps it is the dimmer switch or the bulbs are out(but would all of them be out?)

Jackstand Queen · 10-17-2008, 09:53 AM

If the speedo cable is not the problem, its the speedo gear mounted on the top rear side of the tranny.

Its a plastic gear wheel that turns on the differential gear. Toyota sells a shaft with a new plastic gear on it. If your speedo cable isn't the problem. The gear in the tranny probably is.

10-07-2008, 06:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
89Mr2Supercharged No Skills Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 16 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	89 MkI SC, I just bought it I have just purchaced an 89 MR2 SC Ttop for $2300(I talked him down from 2700), I have wanted one of these cars for a long time and now I have one; I just have to fix it up a bit. I have a few questions and I have allready tried numerous serches to find my answers but I still have a few questions. It runs alright, there is no exhaust right now, it sounds actually quite nice without the muffler, its really not even too loud! Also, the Speedometer is not working, I hear that this is a common problem. This has probably been addressed many times, perhaps link to where the post would be about this would be nice. Also the automatic window on the passenger side rolls down but not up, or at least only 1 out of 10 tries doest it roll up. Also the illumination of the instrument pannel doesnt work. Anyway, some of you may have allready dealt with these problems and I would be grateful for you input. (I also understand that its and old car and sometimes they have quirks like this!) I am excited to get this going, I have heard so much about the MR2 Thanks!

10-07-2008, 11:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
89Mr2Supercharged No Skills Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 16 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Thanks Hey thanks a lot for your input. The info was very helpful. Man I'm so excited to weld the exhaust back on(it rusted through) But I will have to wait until at least Saturday because I have work and school. One more quick question, I notice that spot where the the CD player sits is larger than in most cars, my car doesn't have a cd player right now. How would I get one to mount right, my guess is that I will have to find some sort of an adapter to mount it right. Thanks

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10-07-2008, 06:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
o6spdracer Nothing Clever Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,734 Thanks: 1 Thanked 96 Times in 91 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Congratulations on your purchase. Post some pictures and show off your ride! I have an MKII, but I'll try to address your questions to the best of my knowledge: 1. Unless you live outside of CA, you should probably get an exhaust. 2. Here is a link to your speedometer question: MR2 Technical Knowledgebase - MK I Speedometer cable 101 3. Here is a link to your electrical issues: MR2 Technical Knowledgebase - Electrical Problems 101 4. Regarding your windows. Its probably a window regulator or power window gear (check out Twosrus.com for a replacement to the OEM). Good thing its not a motor. 5. The lights in the gauge cluster could be an electrical issue or just a faulty dimmer switch. Change out the dimmer switch first and take out the gauge cluster and wiggle the connections in the back if the dimmer switch isn't the culprit. While its out, you can change out the bulbs to leds (look up board member BEN for help on this) If you need some OEM replacement parts, contact Aaron Willis at Lithia Toyota (awillis@lithia.com). He has an MK1 as well and is very knowledgeable. Since he is a board sponsor, he gives us great discounts on new OEM parts. Congrats again and welcome to the board!

10-08-2008, 12:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
o6spdracer Nothing Clever Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,734 Thanks: 1 Thanked 96 Times in 91 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	No problem. I would suggest you order your cd player from crutchfield. Most of them come with all of the harnesses and install tools to make the fitment look 'stock.'

10-08-2008, 10:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
muffinman Brain Surgeon Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Posts: 1,811 Thanks: 24 Thanked 102 Times in 99 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Welcome for the problem with your instrument panel , when you turn on the light switch do all of your other lights come on? as for the stereo you can find what you need at most local electronic stores. where are you from?

10-13-2008, 10:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
89Mr2Supercharged No Skills Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 16 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I am from Utah, Actually I was able to fix one of the electrical problems already. I took apart the dash only to find that the windshield wipers were disconnected! No, the dash does not light up when I turn the lights on, perhaps it is the dimmer switch or the bulbs are out(but would all of them be out?)

10-17-2008, 09:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
Jackstand Queen Cage Fighter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 677 Thanks: 52 Thanked 56 Times in 53 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	If the speedo cable is not the problem, its the speedo gear mounted on the top rear side of the tranny. Its a plastic gear wheel that turns on the differential gear. Toyota sells a shaft with a new plastic gear on it. If your speedo cable isn't the problem. The gear in the tranny probably is.