Edmunds Answers questions

1986 Toyota Tercel 3ac valve stem seals.

seter — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:17:08 GMT

Anybody know if you can replace the valve stem seals with the head still on the vehicle?

This car smokes a lot especially cold. It is more of a white smoke than anything. If the egr valve was stuck open or burnt, would this cause the symptoms?

I need a Key Blank for a 1992 Toyota Tercel - the generic blanks don't work - where can I get one?

qsuze — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:00:56 GMT

I have tried several times with the local hardware stores and the ones that they have made me do not work - I need the correct key blank but i cannot seem to locate one??

92 Toyota Tercel 5 speed is getting less than 50% normal gas mileage.

lsccbud — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:30:49 GMT

I just got this car. It has new plugs and wires,air filter. Runs well except at low RPM it chuggs more than normal. White smoke at start up. Good power and
acceleration. But it seems to be getting only 10-15 mpg in relatively easy combined driving! Any suggestions? A shop teacher friend mentioned old antifreeze carrying metal particles may interfere with computer settings for fuel regulation. I don't know what else to check. My skills are moderate but electrical is not my strength.
I'm looking for between 25-35 mpg with this car.
Thanks for any ideas!

92 Toyota Tercel DLX 5 speed is dumping fuel into cylinders after changing O2 sensor. What else to check?

lsccbud — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:27:36 GMT

I posted this before and did change the O2 Sensor. It has gotten worse and won't run at all. Plugs soaked with gas (good spark), gas in oil. Seems that for some reason it is calling for gas constantly...Map sensor? Computer Module? Fuel pressure regulator/or damper? ? Don't know where to go with this.
Air filter is clean, injectors checked out,vacuum lines good.
Thanks

I have a 91 Toyota Tercel. What's leaking on the floor on the passenager side?

littlelost — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:09:22 GMT

in the fron where the passenager puts their feet. I want to know if the air conditioner has a leak or a hose coming into the cabin is leaking? What can I do?

Oil leaking near the back of the engine. Toyota Tercel.

sgomez — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:26:03 GMT

I put oil in my car to the recommended level on the DIP stick after I
started it,it starting to leak on the floor near the back of the engine however you can't see the leak but it's on the ground could this be a
cracked head gasket or ? what could be doing this it doesn't take long
for it to come out thanks

Toyota Tercel front wheel drive vehicle leaks oil.

sgomez — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:08:26 GMT

I purchased this car very cheap the owner told me it leaks oil
my husband checked all components when you start the car the oil
will come out really quickly even after the maximum amount is put
into the engine there are no loose bolts or problems with oil pan
it leaks somewhere close to the carborator just below it about 3 inches
could there be a problem head gasket or ? keep in mind this is Front wheel
drive not rear wheel so the engine is sideways

1989 Toyota Tercel. Replaced thermal fan switch and the fan cooling relay. Cooling fan still does not work.

teradercel — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:03:58 GMT

Functional tested fan, it works. Is there any other component in the circuit for the cooling fan to work. Continuity is good. Anyone got any ideas?

Toyota Tercel On/Off thermal fan switch.

teradercel — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:47:36 GMT

I didn't know about that other switch. Is that the one that is right next to the other one on the housing?

Main breaker relay on a Toyota Tercel.

teradercel — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:41:46 GMT

The main breaker relay continuity checked out good. So I have a new thermal fan switch, a new cooling fan relay, and checked continuity on main relay. What else could be causing this. There is not much to this circuit. I believe I'am lost for ideas at this point.

Toyota Tercel fan not working.

teradercel — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:24:37 GMT

In theory, you should be able to ground the wire going to the thermal switch and that should kick the fan on.
This is what you had mentioned in the first post. It was the one thing I didn't do. So I did it and the fan would not come on with the ignition switch on. Then I decided to have the car started then do it. Well when I ground the terminal there is a noise that comes from under the air filter housing, around the carb area. Is there another mechanism that I'am missing here. So either way it did not turn on with that check. What does that tell us?

Can an emission control box cause a no spark problem? Are these the same as an ECU? 1989 Toyota Tercel.

teradercel — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:52:54 GMT

1989 Toyota Tercel, Emission Control Part#89550-16250, 5 speed, 3E engine(carb), located center of dash on the floor mounted on brkt. with a connector plugged into it.

Could a leaky slave cylinder cause my 95 Toyota Tercel clutch to engage even when fully depressed?

allenparkmi — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:49:09 GMT

145K miles

My tercel's stereo compartment is too small for a stereo to fit.

tercelsrock1 — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:33:08 GMT

I don't know if I need to cut a bigger one, or just fit it in somehow.

Does anyone have a stereo wiring diagram for a 1993 Toyota Tercel?

tercelsrock1 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:04:17 GMT

I had one from a website, but it was unreliable.

1995 Toyota Tercel runs rough and stumbles off idle, until revved up.

smokey11 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:48:48 GMT

1995 Toyota tercel runs rough and stumbles off idle, until revved up.

What should I pay for a 1990 Toyota Tercel?

PabloNuevo — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:04:47 GMT

I found a 1990 Toyota Tercel with 74,000 miles. It is immaculate, almost "mint" if I can use that term for such an unremarkable car. I know that Toyotas last forever, and this one is in near perfect condition. Runs like new, looks new.

However, it is being sold at a Toyota dealership. Their internet "sale price" is $4998. The KBB excellent retail value is $2440. Edmunds TMV is $1340. After a visit a few days ago, and now some haggling on the phone, they are down to $3700 incl. tax and license. Does anybody think this is an ok deal? This is considering the car looks and drives like it just came out of a time machine from a 1990 new car lot.

Paul

Is there a rear disc brake conversion kit for my 92 Toyota Tercel?

icy — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:13:27 GMT

The stock braking system is Disc in the front and Drum in the rear. I would like if possible to convert to Disc brakes in the rear as well.

I have 1991 Toyota Tercel 2 door stick. My ca'rs rpms keeps going up and down without giving gas. HELP.

need2fix4me — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:13:50 GMT

I started my car after getting off work last week, and I couldn't get my car to idle. Alls it did was making my rpms go up and down never adjusting to an idle. I drove it home from work which is about 25 miles and by the time I got home my car was registering hot. What I would like to ask is, is this a timing problem, and can this be fixed by adjusting the timing? Or could this be that my throttle control sensor has gone bad?

I would appreciate any suggestions since I am alone and don't have much money to spend on a mechanic. I try to do most of the tune ups and repairs
myself.

How much should I sell my 1995 Toyota Tercel for?

wolfetundra — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:44:27 GMT

I've looked the vehicle up on kbb.com and it's valued 3rd party at about $800 (based on my zip code [95002])

Details:
Mileage: 300,000 (Estimated)
Engine: 4-Cyl. 1.5 Liter
Transmission: 4 Speed Manual
Drivetrain: FWD

Known Issues:
-Recent front end accident. Minimal damage caused - front right headlamp and turn light mounts damaged, hood latch damaged.
-Transmission has an estimated life (if used daily) of 6 months.
-Feels as if gears slip during high reving.
-Battery leads should be cleaned possibly replaced.
-Right motor mount slighty loose.
-Minor rips/tears to interior.
-Minor chips/scratches to the paint.
-Minor dings and dents.
-No present rusting.
-Passenger window crank is missing cotter pin.
-No radio (stolen - harness still present).
-No AC. (optional equipment)

1 mechanic (not a reputable shop) said I "should" replace the transmission "in a car that old" at "his" shop. So I don't hold much weight in his opinion, but I listed his statement anyway.
3 mechanics stated the motor mount was loose, but isn't loose enough to cause concern and, currently, is not worth the money to have it repaired. That was their "professional" opinion.
1 retired mechanic told me I should replace the battery leads (the cables that attach to the battery), at the least clean them.

What would you estimate the value at.