Toyota Celica Common Problems and Solutions
Engine Failure
Problem:
The engine won’t start. If it does start, you can hear a rattling sound coming from the engine, and the check engine light may flash on. In some cases, the car will go into limp-home mode.
Solution:
Your timing chain tensioner has most likely failed and has a leak that’s preventing it from applying pressure. If you ignore this problem, your car will not be safe to drive, will fail its MOT, and will develop more and more faults. Order a revised timing chain tensioner from our parts list and replace it as quickly as possible.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Rough Idling and Misfires (All 1.8-ltr Engines)
Problem:
The car is driving roughly, misfires and backfires occasionally, and the check engine light is lit. The car may also stall often and lose power.
Solution:
The 1.8-ltr models of the Celica have a well-known problem with valve performance. A soft valve seat means that these can wear down very quickly, and the more they break down, the faster they corrode. You will have little choice but to remove the cylinder head and rebuild it using the valves that you order from BreakerYard. This is a big job, but there are a lot of walkthrough guides available.
Difficulty level
Valves
ABD Warning Light
Problem:
The ABS light is illuminated, but there is no noticeable loss of brake power.
Solution:
Very common on Celicas with high mileage, this will be a case of a worn-out wheel speed sensor. You can order a replacement from us and have it delivered while you clean any rust or debris from the mounting area. Check that the front wheel bearings are not rubbing against the ABS trigger rings, or you’ll have this problem often.
Difficulty level
Speed Sensor
Incorrect Gear Changes (All automatics)
Problem:
Your automatic is not changing gears at the correct time.
Solution:
In most cases, this will be a simple matter of the throttle position sensor being out of adjustment. Try moving it to where it should be. If that doesn’t sort out the problem, then you have a broken shift solenoid, which is quick to order from our drop-down parts menu.
Difficulty level
Transmission Solenoid
Chirping At Idle
Problem:
You can hear a high-pitched chirping sound on cold mornings when you first start the car and sit idle.
Solution:
Even if the noise isn’t too annoying, it’s only going to get worse if you dismiss it. The problem is your tensioner pulleys, which are close to breaking. Find new tensioner pulleys on our parts pages and replace any faulty ones.
Difficulty level
Tensioner
Squealing Sound When Starting
Problem:
You can hear a loud squealing sound when you start the car.
Solution:
This is an early warning that your auxiliary belts are on the way out. Order replacements from BreakerYard, have them delivered, and replace all of the worn or damaged ones.
Difficulty level
Auxiliary Drivebelt Tensioner
High engine idling
Problem:
If you are having an issue with high idling, you are not alone. There are a couple of rubber pipes which attach to the rear of the intake manifold which are known to crack or break over time. They can also detach from the manifold which results in this problem.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement rubber pipe and ensuring that it is fitted tightly should resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Gearbox problems
Problem:
The fourth gear syncro is known for failing on the Celica. If you are finding it difficult to engage 4th gear on the manual transmission version, this is most likely the cause of the problem. The video below explains how gear syncros work:
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement 4th gear syncro to resolve the issue. We can help you find a gear syncro at very reasonable prices.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
When you drive over rough surfaces or speed bumps and hear a knocking noise from the suspension, it could be one of two causes. It will either be the active link rods or the bushes which are causing the noise.
Solution:
You will need to check exactly which is causing the noise. Once you have identified if it is the active link rods or the bushes failing, you will need to replace the faulty part to sort the problem.
Difficulty level
Engine noises
Problem:
If you are hearing one of the following noises coming from your engine, you most likely have an issue with the auxiliary drive belt. If you are hearing a squealing or knocking noise coming from the engine, the auxiliary drive belt is the most likely cause. It is caused by a problem with a belt tensioner.
Solution:
Toyota made a revised tensioner to fix this problem. This was covered under warranty on most cars, but if yours was not covered, you are responsible for fixing it. Fitting the revised tensioner should resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Auxiliary Drivebelt Tensioner
Braking Issues
Problem:
The brakes aren’t as effective as they used to be, and there may be a grinding sound when applied.
Solution:
If your Celica has long periods of inactivity, you can find that the brake discs can rust very quickly. That causes the brake pads to wear out more quickly and may lead to metal grinding on the rusted discs. Order new brake discs and pads from our parts list and easily install them.
Difficulty level
Brake Disc
Sluggish Engine
Problem:
The engine feels sluggish when you drive.
Solution:
This is a commonly reported issue with the Celica and will be caused by a dirty fuel filter. Remove it and clean it thoroughly, as this may resolve the problem. In some cases, the filter will have been too blocked for too long, and you’ll have little choice but to order a replacement from our online store.
Difficulty level
Fuel Filter
