OEM Fog Lights for 2009 Toyota Matrix (Base - 1.8l engine)

[dchev]

Hi Guys,
I just would like to ask, if you know where I can find OEM Fog Lights for 2009 Toyota Matrix Base. I have seen them on Canadian Toyota Matrix, but not in USA. I will appreciate any ideas?!

[jdhog]

Get someone to ship them from Canada, or go aftermarket.

Another idea, my boss at work has a company car yaris. It has fog lights and they look just like they might fit the matrix, just a thought.

edit: actually I just measured them and the housing is a lot smaller so scrap that idea

[jdhog]

I was browsing the accessories available for the (US) 09 base model yesterday and noticed that it does actually show a fog light option for the base model now!! I hope it's not a typo or something.

Here's the info I found, It's listed as a 'package'. Browsing the accessories catalog online at my dealer (ricetoyota)

Packages Sport Package: Includes Front & Rear $270
Spoilers and Integrated Front Fog Lamps

[dchev]

My Toyota Dealer showed me all parts that I need to buy in order to install fog lights on my 2009 Toyota Matrix Base. It will cost me around $600-700, so I will postpone doing it for right now.
Also, there is another obstacle - I do not know, if wiring is on the car (coming from the factory). Do you have any idea?
With or Without fog lights, I love the car!!!

[jdhog]

That's weird that on the toyota site it lists the package as a lot cheaper, what a bummer. I really don't know if the wiring is already there but I would bet that it is. I should have looked while I was under the car changing the oil today. I bet the harness is just zip tied out of the way or something.

[dchev]

I just checked out Toyota website, and it is so cheap that they offer Sport Package for $270. However, if you have noticed, there no Toyota Matrix in SouthEast USA that has this package.
I will wait for now, and I hope that I will be able to find everything cheaper in the next 6 months.
By the way, what do you think about changing the engine oil of your car?
Is it more difficult or the same as previous generation Corolla/Matrix?
I think that oil filter will be a small challenge; however, I will get used to it.

[jdhog]

Regarding the oil change. I think it was the easiest I have ever done.

I went out to AAP and got the 65mm 14 flute oil cap tool for $4.95
it fits over the cap and has a 3/8 drive for a ratchet or breaker bar.
I was actualy able to spin mine off by hand, I think because I got my first change at the dealer it was a lot easier to move than from the factory.

Oil drain plug is 14mm I think

My drive is on a hill so, I can use a set of rhino ramps and get the car pretty level and then slide under it to do the business.

Took me about half hour if that, and i used PP 5w20
Oil filter kit number is 04152-YZZA6

Lets keep our fingers crossed that the 'sport package' is for real!

[jdhog]

Oh yeah and when you get done there is a procedure to reset the oil maintenance reminder - (it is in the owners manual) you basically turn the key off while it's in trip A then back on while holding the button then it flashes until it reads zero.

[dchev]

Thanks jdhog for this valuable information. I still have 3000 miles to go before I change my oil.
I got 65mm/14 flute oil cap tool already. Also, I will start using Mobil 1 synthetic oil at 5000 miles with grade 0W20. WalMart has it for $23 a bottle of 5 qt. It makes sense to me to start using this oil.
If I can get 2-3 mpg better mileage using this oil, I am all for it.

[jdhog]

No problem, it sounds like you are well prepared. I wanted to go 0w20 but found PP going for about $4.60 qt and got 4 of them, plus I topped of the other .4 qt with some gtx I had laying around....

Regarding MPG, I joined a hypermiling forum yesterday wich has some good ideas on increasing it (cleanmpg.com) They recommend upping the tire pressure to the max pressure listed on the tire wall (which is 51psi on my goodyear eagle) I think that's a bit high but I did take them all up to 40psi.

The thing now rolls like it's a runaway train. I can coast in Neutral a whole bunch and I bet it will make a big increase in MPG. I also have a TRD drop in air filter on order from the dealer. My next purchase will prolly be a ScanGauge.

[dchev]

My Matrix is 1.8l engine/auto trans., and I get between 33-38MPG. The tire pressute is kept at 32PSI. I am very pleased with gas milleage. I talked to Toyota mechanic about replacing my air filter with K&N air filter, and he did not recommend it. He says that K&N air filter uses oil and some of this oil can get on air censor and mess up engine performance (in a long run). Toyota TRD filter has got oil also, so I do not know..... I am a little bit conservative, so I will keep using a Genuine Toyota air filter .

If you do not mind me asking, what is scanguage?

[jdhog]

Scangauge plugs into the OBDII port and gives you lots of real time info regarding the engine, mpg, etc etc So as you are driving you can get feedback on how to drive for best mpg. I think the newer scangauge can even read diagnostic codes if you get a Check Engine Light.

[corlon]

my dealer said more then likely it is not pre-wired for foglights.