Little problems with my new car...

[Imprinted]

First off I just got my mr2 today and upon having my dad drive it home (I'm only 15) we found several problems.

1) The check engine light turns on for about a minute then shuts off. And the some time later turns on again. Common problem?

2) The headlights turn on and off randomly. And since we were driving home late that was a big problem. If you kinda hold the switch thing they stayed on so that probably where the wiring is bad.

3) Over 60 the steering wheel starts vibrating like crazy. Maybe a suspension problem?

4) The pump for the windshield washer fluid is broke. Where can one order one of those?

5) In fifth gear it suddenly slips out into neutral. I've read that that's a common problem. There is another mr2 being sold for parts near us so we might just use that transmission. How easy is it to replace the transmission in one of these cars?

That is all I can remember for now, I really want to get this thing running real smooth pretty fast but I don,t have a full license yet so no big rush. And I think sitting in that car, turning the key and hearing the engine start was one of the best feelings I've ever had. (It being my first car and all) Thanks for any help guys.

--Jeff

[Maticuno]

What an awesome car to have as a first. I guarantee it won't be your last either.

3) Could be a tire balance problem, or if it sat for a long time the old tires could have flattened out and held their shape. But it still wouldn't hurt to crawl under there to make sure all of the bushings and rod ends are still in good shape.

4) I was surprised to find that the pump is a fairly common part. Autozone had one in stock for like $15 when I replaced mine.

Good luck with the rest!

[Imprinted]

Thanks abunch! I'm sure it'll be a really fun car. I'll post some pics soon.

[dirocyn]

1) The check engine thing is common, you need to jumper the diagnostic terminals (they'll be under a cap labeled "diagnosis" in the engine compartment. There are plenty of threads on the forum about how to check them, also how to download the Big Green Book--probably the best resource for working on MR2s. If it's going off and on it's probably the O2 sensor, but get the codes first--no point replacing something if that's not the problem!

2) you're probably right about the switch, I'd take it out, clean it with electrical connector cleaner and put it back together.

3) possibly a tire, possibly something worn/bent/broken in your suspension (those bushings don't last forever, especially where it's hot and dry!) or possibly your alignment is bad. Since you're new to driving (and presumably mechanics), I'd have to advise you to take it to an alignment shop, they'll tell you what (if anything) is worn or bent, and adjust things so your wheels point straight down the road. It's probably $75 well spent, even if they say you need to replace some other suspension parts.

5) the 5th gear popout is common to most all mk1 mr2s, replacing your transmission with another used transmission probably won't fix it. It's a design "feature," if you hold your hand on the shift lever it'll stay in gear. You'll notice that when you take your foot off the gas and then accelerate, the shift lever pushes back. This is partly design, and partly because the engine/trans shifts on the motor mounts. Kirk's motor mount inserts (available at Twos R Us - Parts for Toyotas from Club MR2) are supposed to help. I've got some but haven't installed yet so I can't give an endorsement yet.

[muffinman]

Originally Posted by Imprinted

First off I just got my mr2 today and upon having my dad drive it home (I'm only 15) we found several problems.

1) The check engine light turns on for about a minute then shuts off. And the some time later turns on again. Common problem?

2) The headlights turn on and off randomly. And since we were driving home late that was a big problem. If you kinda hold the switch thing they stayed on so that probably where the wiring is bad.

3) Over 60 the steering wheel starts vibrating like crazy. Maybe a suspension problem?

4) The pump for the windshield washer fluid is broke. Where can one order one of those?

5) In fifth gear it suddenly slips out into neutral. I've read that that's a common problem. There is another mr2 being sold for parts near us so we might just use that transmission. How easy is it to replace the transmission in one of these cars?

That is all I can remember for now, I really want to get this thing running real smooth pretty fast but I don,t have a full license yet so no big rush. And I think sitting in that car, turning the key and hearing the engine start was one of the best feelings I've ever had. (It being my first car and all) Thanks for any help guys.

--Jeff

Welcome and cogratulations on your new(used) car

1. as mentioned before pull the code so you know whats causing the CEL
2.sounds like you already diagnosed your light problem so just check to see that the switch is properly connected
3.tires could be the problem if it's been sitting a long time. try jacking up the front and wiggling the tire to see if any thing is loose or worn out
4.i've never bought the pump new so i don't know how much they are , i got mine from the junkyard
5.is your car 85-86 with the c-50? some people say it's a common problem but luckily i've never had it. if you decide to get a used tranny you might want to look for the 87-89 which came with the c-52 and they say the problem was resolved. the tranny is actually very easy to change but while your at it make sure you replace the clutch while your there.

If you need new oem parts , contact Aaron from Lithia Lithia Toyota of Springfield - Toyota MR2 Message Board



How much longer do you have to wait to start driving?

[Papo J]

Originally Posted by dirocyn

5) the 5th gear popout is common to most all mk1 mr2s, replacing your transmission with another used transmission probably won't fix it. It's a design "feature," if you hold your hand on the shift lever it'll stay in gear.

This is not true, the pop-out is only common on early MK1s (85, 86 and some 87) with the early tramsmission and it's caused by worn output shaft bearings and has nothing to do with the engine mounts. If that was true all MR2s would have the same problem with the transmission including the SC and MK2s and they do not.

[Jackstand Queen]

There is a thread in this forum called "Mr2 as a first car".

MR2 For a First Car

When you get yours running, and license in hand . . . . the car will handle so well . . . that you, in your inexperience, MIGHT think there's nothing it can't do.

Every early teenaged owner of an MR2 in my neck of the woods has totalled their MR2 within 6 to 8 weeks of ownership.

Youth is a form of insanity. I can honestly say that when I was in my mid-teens . . that if I had a car that would go 250 MPH, I'd have gone 250 MPH regardless of weather, traffic, road conditions, etc. But if you survive your youth, the reward is dull, boring sanity.

[dirocyn]

Originally Posted by Papo J

This is not true, the pop-out is only common on early MK1s (85, 86 and some 87) with the early tramsmission and it's caused by worn output shaft bearings and has nothing to do with the engine mounts. If that was true all MR2s would have the same problem with the transmission including the SC and MK2s and they do not.

You know what? I was talking without the benefit of knowledge, I just know my own car and my research has all been aimed at the 86. Thanks, Papo and Muffinman, for pointing out the fix. If I have to have the engine or trans out for any reason, I'll be looking for a c-52. Though I'm sure my worn out motor mounts can't help.

[Imprinted]

Originally Posted by muffinman

Welcome and cogratulations on your new(used) car

1. as mentioned before pull the code so you know whats causing the CEL
2.sounds like you already diagnosed your light problem so just check to see that the switch is properly connected
3.tires could be the problem if it's been sitting a long time. try jacking up the front and wiggling the tire to see if any thing is loose or worn out
4.i've never bought the pump new so i don't know how much they are , i got mine from the junkyard
5.is your car 85-86 with the c-50? some people say it's a common problem but luckily i've never had it. if you decide to get a used tranny you might want to look for the 87-89 which came with the c-52 and they say the problem was resolved. the tranny is actually very easy to change but while your at it make sure you replace the clutch while your there.

If you need new oem parts , contact Aaron from Lithia Lithia Toyota of Springfield - Toyota MR2 Message Board



How much longer do you have to wait to start driving?

I'm pretty sure it's not the tires but something in the suspension and stuff. This weekend we're gonna take it down somewhere and have them see what's wrong with it and maybe fix it if we can't. I have 30 hours of driving time so I need 20 more till I get my provisional. And then I can take one other unlicensed person, but as many licensed or family members as possible. But it being a two-seater that's no problem.

Originally Posted by Jackstand Queen

There is a thread in this forum called "Mr2 as a first car".

MR2 For a First Car

When you get yours running, and license in hand . . . . the car will handle so well . . . that you, in your inexperience, MIGHT think there's nothing it can't do.

Every early teenaged owner of an MR2 in my neck of the woods has totalled their MR2 within 6 to 8 weeks of ownership.

Youth is a form of insanity. I can honestly say that when I was in my mid-teens . . that if I had a car that would go 250 MPH, I'd have gone 250 MPH regardless of weather, traffic, road conditions, etc. But if you survive your youth, the reward is dull, boring sanity.

I'm already very cautious when it comes to unfamiliar vehicles. I got my motorcycle license about 8 months ago and my first bike was a 1991 Hawk gt which is a perfect beginners bike but at the beginning of January I had to take the front wheel off of it to replace the tire. So my brother told me I could ride his stunted out '05 636 to school so I was all YAY!!! Everything was going fine until I had to come home. I got off the freeway and hit a bump going about 55-60 and since it didn't have a steering bumper yet I went into a tankslapper and laid it down going probably 40ish. But since I was wearing a helmet, gloves, boots, and a leather jacket. I was fine. All fine except for a LOT of road rash on my left knee. So I'm really cautious now. Lesson learned. The very hard and painful way.

[killermillermr2]

Originally Posted by Jackstand Queen

Youth is a form of insanity. I can honestly say that when I was in my mid-teens . . that if I had a car that would go 250 MPH, I'd have gone 250 MPH regardless of weather, traffic, road conditions, etc. But if you survive your youth, the reward is dull, boring sanity.

So True, So True.

And congrats on the car!