Thermostat replacement - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Salami1947 · 04-24-2011, 09:12 AM

My '96 Prizm is not heating up properly, runs cold.
I understand that a system flush and thermostat will probably fix the problem.

I'm wondering if I should also change the ECT sensor while I'm at it and is it worth the extra $ to get factory parts over aftermarket?

Car has 146,000miles on it.

Thanks

Bitter · 04-24-2011, 09:21 AM

the ECT sensor does often go bad on these with age/miles. Typical symptom will be that on cold starts it will stumble and run very rough for a minute or two or even stall after a cold start.

Salami1947 · 04-24-2011, 09:30 AM

Thanks for your help; I think I'll change it even though my car is idling fine right now.
Any opinion on factory or aftermarket parts for this ?

Bitter · 04-24-2011, 09:34 AM

I honestly do not know. Aftermarket would probably be OK. Mine had a bad one and on cold starts it would do as I described above. It first only did it when it was very very cold and cleared itself up pretty fast (20-30 seconds), but then as time went on it did it when it was only about 40 outside and persisted for 2 minutes or longer if it was very cold. It would run very rough, lumpy, and the exhaust would smell strongly of gas.

Salami1947 · 04-24-2011, 09:58 AM

Thanks again for your opinion. I appreciate the honest advice that one gets here.

BTW, I found this car a couple of months ago for $850 on Craigslist. I can't believe how dependable this car is. Needs a little bodywork, but I'm waiting for it to get warm. I need a summer project.

Bitter · 04-24-2011, 08:54 PM

Want a parts car to go with it? $400, runs, needs a little work, trans is iffy.

96coroll · 04-24-2011, 11:21 PM

I want one! But i'm in toronto so to much work 400 is hella cheap for a corolla considering the major competition me have here with people shipping the 7th gens to afganistan. reselling them for 3 to 5 thousand.

Salami1947 · 04-25-2011, 07:05 AM

Thanks for the offer, but I don't have anywhere to store a car so I can't do it.

Bitter · 04-25-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96coroll

I want one! But i'm in toronto so to much work 400 is hella cheap for a corolla considering the major competition me have here with people shipping the 7th gens to afganistan. reselling them for 3 to 5 thousand.

Yea, gimme that guys contact info! I'll sell it to him gladly. Around here it wouldn't sell.