2004 service advice needed - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

sdtoyota · 06-30-2006, 03:16 PM

I have a few issues I need serviced on my 2004 corolla (32k miles) and would appreciate some advice.

Note that I am not a Do-it-yourself guy when it comes to cars. But due to money restrictions, I am willing to learn right now.

1) My car is leaking water under the glove compartment (inside the car). The dealership said this is due to condensation buildup and possibly a clogged hose. They want to service my air condition system for about $200 and they said that should take care of the problem.
In otherwords, they aren't sure it will fix the problem. I want to know what service the air condition system means. The dealership saw that my cabin filter was pretty dirty. I think they just plan to change my cabin filter. Do you guys know if they will do anythign further that is worht the money? Or should I just try changing the cabin filter on my own and see if the problem goes away? How difficult would it be to change the cabin filter?

2) Transmission fluid is dark purple. I realize I need it flushed. I think they want like $200+ to flush my transmission fluid and power steering fluid (we will get to that). How much is a fair price to get the transmission fluid flushed? I think I will stick with the dealer on this, since it seems difficult for me to do.

3) Power steering fluid is dark. Needs flushing? How often does it need to changed or flushed? Is this a minor thing that I can do it mself? How much would I be charged.

Thanks for our help.

Flashmn · 06-30-2006, 03:35 PM

1) yeah it sounds like the condensation water drain is clogged, might wanna take a look at that when you replace the cabin air filter, do it by yourself if you want.

sdtoyota · 06-30-2006, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmn

1) yeah it sounds like the condensation water drain is clogged, might wanna take a look at that when you replace the cabin air filter, do it by yourself if you want.

I have the 2004 corolla service manual, which I found in one of the stickies on these forums. Where does it tell you how to unclog the water drain? I don't even know where the water drain is?

Also, for replacing the cabin filter, the manual says:

2. REPLACE AIR CONDITIONING FILTER
(a) Remove the glove compartment assembly.
(b) Remove the filter case from the filter outlet.
(c) Remove the filter from the filter case.
(d) Replace the filter with a new one.
(e) The installation procedures are the removal procedures in reverse order.

It doesn't show any pictures though. Are there any pictures? I am not sure I know how to navigate through the manual.

I did find the "AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ASSY." And it has a picture of "Cooler Unit Drain Hose No.1." Is that it and how would I get to it and unclog it?

I am goin to try to unclog the water drain and replace the cabin filter today.

alltracman78 · 06-30-2006, 09:43 PM

The ac drain hose is in a separate place then the cabin air filter.
For the filter, pull down the glove box.
Reach in both sides, and you will feel/see the 2 "pins" that stop the box from coming any further down.
You need to squeeze these out [push in twards the center], so the box will drop down more.
Behind it you will see a black or white plastic piece that looks something like a bar.
It might say something on it.
You need to remove it [it will have some type of clip holding it in].
The filter is inside this.

As far as your water leak.
I guaruantee your ac hose is clogged/disconnected.
You don't need a complete ac service to fix this.
Get under the pass dash.
You might have to peel up the bottom of the carpet [I can't remember exacts on the Corolla], but what you are looking for is a black rubber hose about 2x as thick as a pencil.
It will go through the firewall into the engine bay.

You need to pull it off the ac evaporator [it slides on and off], pull it out of the hole, and run a coat hanger or such through it.
Water will probably flow out when you remove it, so be ready.

sdtoyota · 06-30-2006, 10:14 PM

Thanks so much! Great instructions, I got the cabin filter replaced. I'll unclog the hose tomorow.

alltracman78 · 07-01-2006, 06:53 AM

BTW, are you sure you need those fluids flushed at this point?
It seems a bit early.

sdtoyota · 07-01-2006, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alltracman78

BTW, are you sure you need those fluids flushed at this point?
It seems a bit early.

I'm not sure, I don't know what the transmission fluid color was when it was new. The dealer showed me the fluid strip and mine looked a lot darker than the good fluid so I figured I was in trouble. But the car was hot at that time. Does that make a difference?

Looking at this picture now and comparing it to my fluid from my cold car:

My fluid doesn't look brown, like the bad trawnsmission fluid. It's still got a pinkish hue to it. It's more of the "Good" color, but a lot darker. Maybe its a mix of bad transmission fluid and new transmission fluid? I did put some fluid a couple of months back when I saw it was low.

So do I need it flushed? And what is a good price for that? I am in New York, US.

alltracman78 · 07-01-2006, 03:32 PM

If it is in between, you are fine for now.
You have a ways to go....

As for price, it all depends on where in the country you are..
I don't know for NY.

sdtoyota · 07-01-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alltracman78

The ac drain hose is in a separate place then the cabin air filter.
For the filter, pull down the glove box.
Reach in both sides, and you will feel/see the 2 "pins" that stop the box from coming any further down.
You need to squeeze these out [push in twards the center], so the box will drop down more.
Behind it you will see a black or white plastic piece that looks something like a bar.
It might say something on it.
You need to remove it [it will have some type of clip holding it in].
The filter is inside this.

As far as your water leak.
I guaruantee your ac hose is clogged/disconnected.
You don't need a complete ac service to fix this.
Get under the pass dash.
You might have to peel up the bottom of the carpet [I can't remember exacts on the Corolla], but what you are looking for is a black rubber hose about 2x as thick as a pencil.
It will go through the firewall into the engine bay.

You need to pull it off the ac evaporator [it slides on and off], pull it out of the hole, and run a coat hanger or such through it.
Water will probably flow out when you remove it, so be ready.

Okay I found the hose. And I was able to take it out of the floor hole.

However,it is pretty tight on the A/C evaporator. It feels like if I pull it too hard, it will snap. Are you sure it slides off?

alltracman78 · 07-01-2006, 08:40 PM

Oh yes, it slides off.
The Corollas are tight [I just had a lady in that FLOODED her Corolla. We had to replace the carpet it was so bad...].

You can try to twist it and pull at the same time.

sdtoyota · 07-05-2006, 06:32 PM

Okay I need two replacement parts (long story)

The cabin filter lid or top (its missing).
And
The AC drain hose (it ripped a little).

Where could I get these items? A link would be helpful since I am not sure what they are called.

JohnO356 · 07-05-2006, 09:26 PM

Filter lid is most likely a dealer item. Take the old hose to Advance Auto, etc. I'm sure they could match it up with something.

On your auto trans-- I would recommend against a flush; just have it drained, filter replaced, and refilled. I have never had a trans flushed, it can cause problems (moves dirt around, clogs things up, etc). The trans service should cost about $65-$75 at an independent garage. Stay away from a dealer unless it warranty work. One thing a dealer's service department knows is how to overcharge.overcharge.