Two questions - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

pengwin · 09-22-2009, 10:25 PM

hi, i just bought a used 1992 corolla DX auto w/ 145k original miles ($900). So i was driving it at night and wow...the headlights are terrible, i have flashlights which can light more of the road up. is there any special bulb i can use or something?

also, my thermostat is most definitely bad, i can drive the car around for hours and the temp needle will not go above a quarter of the way. i had an 89 corolla at one time and the it was easy to replace the thermostat, it was the hose at the top of the engine but it seems like they moved it to the bottom for the 1992's is there an easy to replace the thermostat down there, it just seems like there's no room to work..

thanks.

Createdtoburn · 09-23-2009, 01:09 AM

Well first of all, go to your nearest parts store and buy some Sylvania SilverStars. Or Silverstar Ultra if possible. That's what I have, very nice at night and it's a good reputable brand.

And honestly if your car isn't getting hot that's a good thing. If it isn't causing any problems (not sure why it would) then I wouldn't worry about it. These engines are just small and stay cool really well, my car has never really gotten over the middle even in hot weather.

phatride4ever · 09-24-2009, 10:03 PM

Your thermostat isn't broken, the engine drives cold. Mine does it too. It was 100degrees today and my gauge was right under halfway

***SCT*** · 09-24-2009, 10:36 PM

I hope your headlamp lens aren't fogged. If so, just clean them. And yea, get the Silverstars, they're good... I forgot which I bought, but they were $40 a pair.

Yea, mine NEVER went over half. It usually stays under it before the fan kicks in then drops to like almost a quarter at it's coolest running temp.

RobMilkshakes · 09-24-2009, 10:54 PM

your thermostat is probably stuck open. these engines do run rather cold but when it comes to winter time, if you live in a colder climate, it is not a good thing having your engine run that cold, meaning no heat.

freakinbox · 09-25-2009, 01:53 AM

Mine runs between 1/4 - just below the 1/2 mark... and even then the heat that comes out hurts my hand if I leave it infront of the vent for to long. My fan NEVER shuts off, haven't been able to figure it out yet to fix it. Still can't hurt to change the themostat though since it's cheap and easy. Flush the fluid while you are at it.

canadianae92 · 09-25-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freakinbox

Mine runs between 1/4 - just below the 1/2 mark... and even then the heat that comes out hurts my hand if I leave it infront of the vent for to long. My fan NEVER shuts off, haven't been able to figure it out yet to fix it. Still can't hurt to change the themostat though since it's cheap and easy. Flush the fluid while you are at it.

sounds like a short in the fans wiring... i know there is one section if you disconnect it, it stays on...... I have this problem but haven't bothered with it yet.

RobMilkshakes · 09-25-2009, 08:15 AM

mine used to run above 3/8 and below 1/2 most of the time. The heat was always ridiculous from it so if its near there you're fine but you mentioned it never went above 1/4, so it may be a bit cooler.

phatride4ever · 09-25-2009, 11:38 AM

Well you can definitely hear if the fan is on. The fans are loud on these cars. Mine will kick in right before the halfway mark.

darth-grantius · 09-27-2009, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatride4ever

Well you can definitely hear if the fan is on. The fans are loud on these cars. Mine will kick in right before the halfway mark.

Mine only ever came on when i ran it on the lower octane which the previous owner did. one day i switched to the higher ocatne and not only did the thermostat read alot lower but the engine stopped dieselling and pinging and my milage increased

Donald · 09-27-2009, 11:13 AM

The A/C high/low pressure switch will turn the fan on also if the wire comes loose or breaks.

phatride4ever · 09-27-2009, 01:02 PM

darth-grantius, what do you run now, 91 octane?

Ghostyman · 09-27-2009, 02:16 PM

For the headlights, the best bang for your buck will be Autopal H4 housings from eBay. Get the e-code ones for $40 shipped with bulbs. After that, anytime a bulb goes out you don't have to replace the whole housing, just the bulb itself. There are some very good H4 bulbs available although I haven't had any issues with the stock Autopal bulbs.

Don't get the cheaper eBay housings. They are garbage. I have a pair on my Corolla and they're worse than stock. I have the Autopals in two other cars and they're nice.