New user, general question 2004 Echo - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

s1l3nced · 11-25-2010, 06:01 PM

Hello all. I believe this is my first post here on TN.com. I've bought my 2004 Toyota Echo 4dr hatch LE this passed summer. It's been great, usually 500-600km/tank and only costs me $40 to fill up! This is also my first car. I've done my fair share of research and have concluded that this car is a great economical car for a student to commute.

I'd like to get started on some DIY projects, and need your knowledge, people!

I have the Owners Manual, and it shows me a little bit on what I can do for the car, however I've never worked on cars growing up, and would like to start. I figure it's a good skill to know to save a few bucks!

I know how to change the oil (my friend taught me) and i know how to fill the radiator with coolant, etc.

I basically only know the basics.

I just bought a mechanics tool set, because obviously I'll need tools to do work.

Can anyone guide me in the right direction on where I can go, or any tips in general on how I can learn some stuff on my own? Something small to start with and get used to things?

How did you guys get good with cars?

Thank you for reading, have a great night!

JNEG · 11-25-2010, 06:15 PM

Hard to say, it was such a long time ago, but it's sure satisfying when you realize that you don't need to pay a small fortune to someone else to do something you could do just as well (or better)!
Try these sites:

http://autorepair.about.com/

http://www.auto-facts.org/DIY-auto-repair.html

vic benson · 11-25-2010, 07:55 PM

My father was an aircraft mechanic during the war and when I was a kid we lived in Zimbabwe, Africa. There were no auto stores there and he had to make parts by hand to keep our cars running. I guess I picked up stuff from my father. Became a passion and have always enjoyed working on cars. Took a night school class on the basics one year. Other than that it is a matter of just trying to do it yourself. There are lots of manuals available. Just like paint by numbers.

vic benson · 11-25-2010, 07:58 PM

My philosophy has always been that if a man can put it together then a man can take it apart and put it back together. No magic.

vic benson · 11-25-2010, 08:04 PM

In fact I believe that a person can reassemble a machine better than the man can on the factory floor

s1l3nced · 11-25-2010, 09:45 PM

Thanks for your replies. I've researched a bit more, apparently there's a repair manual for most cars. I've tried looking up one for Toyota Echo 2004, no luck. Thanks again for your replies!

JNEG · 11-25-2010, 10:12 PM

Try "Mitchell Repair"- I got a CD from them for my '00. If you find a book let me know!

***arabianobsession*** · 11-26-2010, 01:11 PM

Haynes/Chilton are good for the basics too, if you can get them. Most parts stores (at least here in the States) carry them.

***arabianobsession*** · 11-26-2010, 01:16 PM

And FYI, I'm a 21 year old female. When I was 17 I bought my first car and didn't know a damn thing except how to drive it and put gas in it. I grew up in a car family and wanted to know it all. So, because all the guys thought it was stupid that a girl wanted to work on cars, they wouldn't help, and I ended up teaching myself. To me, it's simple. You take something apart, you put it back together in reverse order.

I started small, replacing bulbs, changing oil, replacing air filters, etc. Soon I was doing things like alternator/battery replacements, radio installs, tranny pan drops. Now I've replaced transmissions, rebuilt a couple of engines, and done all sorts of different things. Just take it slow, give it time, read over repair manuals, get familiar with your car. Once you've done that, venture over to a different engine, different car, learn a wide variety of things. It's great!!!

AE86Bill · 11-27-2010, 10:23 PM

nice choice on a car. I'm trying to find an 04 5dr hatch in Canada to import to the US. Post up pics of your car!!!

But Iv been working on cars for about 9 years now...I learned by trial and error. In the beginning, if i didn't know how to do something...it usually just took me a little longer to do the work. Also see if you need help, just post up on here and we will help the best we can or ask your friends if they know how.

s1l3nced · 11-29-2010, 02:48 AM

Thanks for the replies everybody.

I've checked into Canadian Tire and asked one of the reps there if they had the repair manual for the '04 Echo. He said no, and he said that he doesn't think that books been made yet.

I'm wondering if this is true because I can't find the book anywhere online.

JNEG · 11-29-2010, 08:45 AM

That's why I suggested the Mitchell CD- I went through the book search a long time ago, and came up empty as well! There are the generic repair books, but no Echo specific ones I know of.