Problems with '96 Corolla DX

[EtherealCereal]

I'm creating this forum topic on behalf of my older brother (with his permission) and his 1996 Toyota Corolla DX. He recently purchased it, and began having these issues within the last couple of weeks.

At the start, all that would happen is the horn would sound off by itself. Go over a bump and you'd hear it, that sort of thing. It then turned into something different and a bit more unusual; whenever he presses the horn, his parking lights come on, and vice versa. Now, turning the steering wheel doesn't seem to make a difference, so the original idea of it being the clock spring seems to be unlikely. I should mention that after he bought the car, he'd noticed what was left of a mouse nest in the center console, up under the radio. He's thinking either that mice chewed through some of the wiring and is causing a short, or it's a problem with the anti-theft device. If it's the latter, he would like to know exactly where it is, so he can troubleshoot with it.

This'll be more or less my first and introductory post. If there's any information from me about the situation that I haven't already explained, by all means let me know.

[ganda1f]

If mice went through the electrical installation, it sounds like you need to look over all involved circuits piece by piece and check for damage. I don't recall 7th gen Corollas having factory installed anti-theft device. If there is one, then it is likely aftermarket. Usually they end up somewhere under the dash, like steering column area, but honestly, if it is aftermarket, your guess is as good as mine regarding where it might be.

[EtherealCereal]

Each of the doors on the vehicle has a sticker that essentially says 'This vehicle is protected by Toyota Vehicle Intrusion Protection system.' That leads me to believe it was installed by the factory, but perhaps an optional extra that you had to pay the long dollar to get. Also, so far while there's plenty of evidence of mice, there's no chewed wires or any damage at all.

[Piloter]

Toyota offered a "VIP RS 3000" alarm system, I don't know whether it was factory or dealer-installed, but it was an option and was Toyota-branded as you've noticed.

Documentation that I could find on it is here:
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamo.../alarminfo.htm

In my installation, the main module for the alarm is under the driver's seat.

For what it's worth, the Chilton's guide has body wiring schematics, this may be a good reference point if he needs to spend some quality time with a multimeter.

[REN69]

he should check all the wiring, there's probably contact with metal going on.

[panama2005]

I also have Corolla 96, and tell your brother have the wallet ready, i bought this car for the reputation and mpg, but is really nasty know all the parts on the car and consumer replaceables, you will need to replace all car parts at least once and maybe twice if you keep the car many years

Basically at end you will have more knowledge than toyota dealers techs

I will put my car in an acceptable condition and sale it cheap to swap for 99 model asap

My best guess for your electric problem is check wiring and replace ECU because is also frequent replaceable

[MirrorEyes]

Only things that need to be replaced on these cars are the things that wear on any other car. They are old cars, putting some money into it is going to be a given.

And regarding your post Ethereal, my only suggestion would be what is already mentioned, "If mice went through the electrical installation, it sounds like you need to look over all involved circuits piece by piece and check for damage"

[speedy25]

i have battled rodent damage for the last 15 years in cars. Damage can be ANYWHERE and usually where you cant see. Go over the electrical diagrams and try to find a connection between those 2 circuits. Yes the clockspring is a good place to start and it still may be there even though you dont have the problem when turning the wheel.

-SP

[PhatRoyale]

Originally Posted by panama2005

I also have Corolla 96, and tell your brother have the wallet ready, i bought this car for the reputation and mpg, but is really nasty know all the parts on the car and consumer replaceables, you will need to replace all car parts at least once and maybe twice if you keep the car many years

Basically at end you will have more knowledge than toyota dealers techs

I will put my car in an acceptable condition and sale it cheap to swap for 99 model asap

My best guess for your electric problem is check wiring and replace ECU because is also frequent replaceable

Some early 1ZZ-FE's (1998, 1999 and 2000) were plagued by oil burning problems.