a few questions (1992 Corolla) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

karugs · 03-01-2005, 12:55 AM

Now I'm stumped if our Corolla is a DX or LE. The trunklid has no emblem on it, I just assumed that it was a DX because I see identical Corollas driving about with a DX on the trunklid.

1. Anyway, we have a coolant leak. I checked below and the lower radiator hose is tight, so is the left transmission cooler line, but both show signs of coolant (moderate amount). The right transmission cooler line has no coolant drops and is dry and tight. Could this be a sure sign it's the radiator? It's not OEM (Discount Radiator Center model). My uncle said it's the cap, but I remember changing it before. The cap and surrounding area is dry, but the coolant keeps running out. Yesterday there was some dripping coolant, now there are just tiny droplets. I'm worried that the radiator will blow anytime because of freeway driving (increased engine load).

2. Transmission -- is ours a four or three speed? It's a 1992 model, on the shifter it has D and D2, as well as an L, aside from the P, R and N. On this site (http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/gener...6/article.html) it says that 1992 only had four speed models, but I just want to be sure. There is a shift lock button, but no overdrive button whatsoever. Also, on the same site mentioned, it says 1992 year models only had LE, so no DX.

"The coupes were discontinued after the 1991 model year. Aside from a few new paint colors, the only change for 1992 was that you could only get the highline LE sedan with the four-speed automatic."

3. Is anybody selling parts of their car? On the A-pillar there is a black trim covering the outside left edge of the front windshield, it was loose and yesterday somebody seemed to rip it off (including the top left corner chrome piece). The three white fasteners are still intact, save for one that is kinda torn a bit.

4. Lastly, the horn seems to not work. I opened the horn pad and checked the contacts, all seems to be OK. But when I checked it today it does not sound, only sometimes. Seems that the fuse is OK, since it sounded a few times. Could it still be the contact pad on the steering wheel? My mom tells me (she drives it mostly) she has to press hard on the horn pad to make it sound, but even doing that only gives her a few beeps out of several attempts.

Sorry for the lengthy post, didn't want to post several threads about a single car. Thanks for reading, I appreciate any input on these.

***REN69*** · 03-01-2005, 09:42 PM

Question 1: How many times do you hear the transmission shift??

is it.. vrooom! shift, vrooooom shift, vroooooooooooooooom
or vrooom! shift, vroooom! shift, vroooooom! shift, vrooooooooooooom..

if its the first.. then you got a 3 speed, if its the second one you got a 4 speed.

The rad could have a small crack, try looking for a leak while the car runs.

The horn contacts could be worn out, if not the horn itself needs to be changed. dealerships should sell the contacts for the horn.

karugs · 03-02-2005, 11:00 AM

I can't tell as I don't drive it often. I'll ask my mom to drive it hard and count the shifts. I know it's a silly question but given my condition I had to ask. I'm also sure some of you have the exact same car as ours, so a description of how the shifter is provided (no overdrive button, but has a shift lock button).

Thanks

CraigW · 03-02-2005, 11:47 AM

LE or DX could be tricky, Tach, cruise, PW, PL = LE

3 speed automatic, which maybe a tip to trim level.

karugs · 03-02-2005, 02:11 PM

Sorry, I failed to mention--no tachometer, no cruise, no power windows. It has blue cloth seats and interior trim (including dash, door panels, and carpets), the rear seats have no headrests, rims are 13 inchers, and mirrors are manually operated (lever). It has a center rear lap seatbelt, if that helps.

The shifter, again, has no overdrive button. It has a shift lock button on the front left corner of the base.

Exterior is white paint, the bumpers are also color-coded white. Front bumper turn signals have white lenses. Taillights have red turn indicator lenses. Between the taillights, the trunk also has the continuation of the taillight lenses (red also). Has a third brake light too.

edit: We do not have an owner's manual. It seems the car has been through at least 5 owners from Sta. Clarita/Sta. Ana, Arizona, Nevada, Long Beach, and Bakersfield...according to maintenance receipts. Currently has 207,xxx miles.

I hope this is enough info. When my mom gets home I'll check the imprinted numbers in the engine bay (engine # perhaps, or chassis #).

Thanks again

CraigW · 03-02-2005, 03:32 PM

DX with 3 speed auto.

karugs · 03-02-2005, 09:02 PM

Craig, thanks!! That clears my mind now on what transmission filter kit to get.

Also, does that mean it has 3 forward gears? Why is it that when I floor the gas pedal while on the freeway, it can downshift?

I'll wait until the car gets cold, then I'll go check it out tonight. If it's too dark I'll try tomorrow.

I'll also recheck the horn contacts as per Ren's tip.

Thanks again. Will keep u updated...

CraigW · 03-03-2005, 06:22 AM

All autos have a "kick down" linkage for extra power when needed.

karugs · 03-07-2005, 04:32 PM

OK here's an update:

We replaced the radiator cap as per my uncle's opinion and it was not the problem. Turns out the radiator now leaks more coolant than before. So we're shopping for radiators now. Can anybody point me to a good quality but inexpensive radiator?

www.radiatorexpress.com sells theirs for $105 I think. Anything lower? The car has lots of other problems too so we want to squeeze in as much repairs with the least cost of labor and parts possible.

This site sells theirs for $116 (metal tank): http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com...tion=000641878

My mom will contact the local Toyota dealer later, they're open until 10pm.

If my mom decides to have the transmission fluid replaced, we also found a site that sells the 3-speed auto trans filter kit for $23.69. The second site I posted ships free above $70.

So to sum up, first project is the radiator. Next is transmission filter kit. Is this easy to replace? Just get under there and remove the bolts, take it out carefully, and let the old ATF drain out? My uncle hasn't done it yet so he suggested we go to a shop. One shop who knows me will charge $80 for it. Good? Bad?

Thanks again

89molavi · 03-07-2005, 05:34 PM

Also beware that u probably have a differential that is filled from a different place. It is behind the tranny. Mine was empty for a while and now make a howling noise!!

karugs · 03-07-2005, 08:04 PM

What do you mean differential that's filled from a different place? You mean aside from the ATF dipstick? We're leaning on having it done at the shop, it seems we might not have the resources to do the job either. But we'll see.

Any other recommended radiator sellers? Thanks

89molavi · 03-08-2005, 06:13 PM

"What do you mean differential that's filled from a different place? You mean aside from the ATF dipstick?"

Yes, if it is the 3spd auto u probably have a separate diff. It is in the same assembly, but the bolt is in the rear, bellow the steering. Tell the shop to check it for you. It is kind of difficult to get to from above.

karugs · 03-08-2005, 10:48 PM

89molavi,

Thanks for the heads up. I'm used to a rear drive so the differential is definitely independent of the transmission. I figured that would be the same, but it seems like other cars have the differential inside the A/T itself.

So, if I have the ATF (and filter) changed, that's all there is right? I don't need to worry about the differential draining as well? I remember that the transmission uses ATF while the differential uses a different fluid.

karugs · 03-10-2005, 08:20 PM

OK the UPS guy arrived today and I wasn't home yet so he'll be back tomorrow. Now my question is are there any quirks in installing the radiator? I think it should be the same as others. Drain coolant, remove all hoses, transmission cooler lines, the cooling fans, and lift. Right? Installation is reverse. Flush cooling system and top off radiator with antifreeze?

Also, how many quarts are in the transmission? We got 3 quarts of Pennzoil ATF for high mileage cars (it has 208,xxx miles). I know we can't drain all the fluid in there...so what's the ballpark figure for the amount you're going to get (for those who have done it already)?

Lastly, can somebody tell me the specs of fluids in this car? I need info on the amount of ATF, engine oil, power steering fluid and coolant as we don't have an owner's manual. Thanks again