Toyota Carina Common Problems and Solutions
Heater Slider Fault
Problem:
The dashboard heater slider only works when it's in the 4th-speed setting.
Solution:
Your blower resistor has reached its end of life and will need to be replaced. Order a new blower resistor, and we'll deliver it straight to you. Then, remove the two screws and unplug the wiring harness for the heater. Install the new resistor, and normal function should resume.
Difficulty level
Malfunctioning Brake Lights
Problem:
Your brake lights don't turn on when you press the brake pedal.
Solution:
You need to check that your bulbs haven't blown and that the fuses are all working. If they are all fine or you have replaced everything, and the problem persists, then you have a faulty brake light switch. You can find a replacement switch on our parts list.
Difficulty level
Brake Light Switch
Multiple Attempts Before Starting
Problem:
It takes several attempts to get the engine to turn over.
Solution:
Check your battery cables and make sure that they are all tight and clean. Then check your engine/gearbox earth strap for the same. If all looks fine, inspect the positive lead from the engine to the starter motor and make sure that there is no damage and that the lead is connected. If everything looks good, then it's likely that your starter motor has worn out, but you can order a new one from us for quick delivery, and it's an easy installation job.
Difficulty level
Starter Motor
No Heater and Overheating Engine
Problem:
You can get no heat from the heater inside the car, and your engine has started to overheat, especially when the weather is low temperature.
Solution:
You have a problem with your coolant flow which is preventing circulation through the heater core. Take off the radiator cap and start the engine. Add coolant and maintain RPMs at 2000 while you have the heater turned on. This should remove any air pockets and resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Rubbing Sound From Front
Problem:
You can hear an unusual rubbing sound while driving that disappears when you apply the brake.
Solution:
Your brake discs are loose. This is fairly common on the Carina, and you'll be able to rock and rotate them using your hands. This is a simple matter of tightening the bolts to keep the discs more secured. You may need to order replacement brake pads from BreakerYard if they have become excessively worn as a result.
Difficulty level
Brake Pads
Excessive Vibration
Problem:
The car vibrates when you're driving slowly, and you apply the brake. The brake pedal pushes back aggressively and squeaks.
Solution:
If you're lucky, this will be nothing more than an unevenly worn brake disc. Check all of your discs and order replacements from our parts list as needed. If your brake discs look fine, then your ABS has developed a fault and will need to be replaced.
Difficulty level
Brake Disc
Engine Stutter
Problem:
The engine has started to stutter regularly when at low revs.
Solution:
Check your spark plugs and the spark plug leads, and order replacements from our parts list if they are damaged or worn. If that doesn't resolve the issue, then you'll need to clean out the throttle body and replace the sensors inside it.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
Are you hearing a knocking noise coming from the suspension when driving over speed bumps or rough surfaces? This is usually caused by anti-roll bar bush failure.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement anti-roll bar bush to sort the problem.
Difficulty level
Anti Roll Bar Bush
High idle
Problem:
A known issue on the Carina is high idling. This problem is usually caused by a blocked air control valve.
Solution:
You can clean out the air control valve to fix the problem. You can watch the video below to see how to do this:
Difficulty level
Engine management warning light
Problem:
If you have noticed that the engine management warning light has switched on the dashboard, then the usual cause of this warning light is the lambda sensor failing. One symptom of this failure is a higher than normal fuel consumption.
Solution:
Replacing the lambda sensor will sort the problem.
Difficulty level
Engine misfiring
Problem:
If you are finding that the engine is misfiring, a common cause of this on the Carina is a faulty throttle body. This problem can also mean erratic idling, with the needle moving up and down instead of remaining constant.
Solution:
You can clean out the throttle body to stop these faults. If this does not fix the problem you will need to fit a replacement throttle body to sort the issue.
Difficulty level
Throttle Body
Steering rack failure
Problem:
The Carina is known for having trouble with the steering rack wearing prematurely. One symptom of this failure is hearing a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. The power steering fluid reservoir is also known to leak. This can cause damage to the steering rack due to a lack of power steering fluid.
Solution:
You should keep a check on the power steering fluid reservoir, ensuring that the levels are as close to maximum as possible. This will help avoid any damage to the steering rack. If the steering rack is damaged, you will need to fit a replacement one to resolve the issue. We can help you find a cheap replacement steering rack.
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