Turned out to be a bad gas cap. Installed a new one, drove for about 60 miles. Next start up, light doesn't come on anymore. It's been a little over 400 miles,no light and the cap "burps" now like it's supposed to.

Fix-it shop wanted $900 to replace entire evap system because, "that's what the code means". Complained to owner and got back $92 bucks I was charged for the code and two free oil changes. Service rep apparently has had numerous complaints against him about repair orders (hint owner: you shouldn't base his salary on commissions).

They never checked the components to see which if any was defective nor did they pressure test the cap. Owner explained that's what the $92 charge is for, not just reading the code. He was pissed and the service rep is probably gone. Sorry about that but how many others were ripped off before me?

I want to spend around $16k for a daily driver. I am coming out of a lease of an 07 Acura TL, so needless to say I've gotten use to luxury. I was thinking of getting a BWM 325ci, but they are of course more money. I just missed a cream puff 06 with 10,000 miles for $17k, but that is a rare price for that model and year Beamer.
Anyway, I know the body changed for 2005, but what features/upgrades are must haves in future year models? I suspect I will wind up in a 2006 for the price range I am looking in, but if the 07 is a must have, let me know why.
Also, how good is the stock stereo & navigation in the SLE model?
Would I be better off getting one without nav and adding it myself with an aftermarket system like the Pioneer?
For the price is the SLE a better value, or should I get an SE and do a few upgrades like XM and/or navigation?

Needless to say any and all opinions regarding which year, trim packages and features will be appreciated.

:chug:

I just got pushed out of my lane on the Queensway here in Ottawa by some old F@cker in a Cadillac CTS this morning which in turn wrinkled my front passenger fender ...then he just took off!
So if there is a fender out there that is original pearl white and in nice shape please contact me as I'd rather change it than fix/paint it. (2000 Solara)

Tim

In the past year or two, the seat belt on the driver's side of my 06 Solara has been squeaking any time I have it on. The squeak is definitely coming from somewhere around the assembly that the seat belt runs through at its highest point (where it's attached to the side wall of the car, before it comes down across your chest). I've noticed that there are two plastic pieces that kind of rub against each other in that assembly, but I'm not sure if that's causing the squeak or if it's something internal to the belt assembly. Again, the squeaking only happens when the seat belt is on, and seems to only happen when the seat belt is tugged a certain way.

I'm probably going to try some WD-40 on it to see if I have any luck, but I was just curious if anyone else has experienced this issue or has suggestions of what to check. Thanks!

After replacing the master switch and tearing apart the under dash to find fuses and relays, the problem was the wiring between door and fender.

All I did was to stretch the green wire from the switch going through the door and instantly the window worked. I know I have a short but right now it's working. In warmer weather I'll pull it apart and run a new wire.

I doubted it was the wires because all the other functions from the master switch worked so I figured why just this one window. Well, turns out all the advice from the different threads about windows and locks not working paid off. Too bad my EYE-talian heritage made me too thick headed to try the wires first.

My check engine light went on and the OBD II gives error code PO446.


I'm thinking the gas cap is no good even though it seems tight and it clicks when being closed otherwise why no "burp" when it's opened.

Any suggestions.

Thanks everyone

WANTED! TRD SPOILER KIT FOR 2008 SOLARA convertible
Any Direction or good discount dealer would be appreciated- Joe
Thank you!
Joe in pa

Joe@fcgerlach.com

Any ideas what this code means? It came on with tank about half full more than two days since gas up (about 3/4)? Any chance it could be the gas cap? It seems to fit okay and click when turned but I noticed no "burp" when I open it before refueling.

Thanks

removed to general forum since it's a shared engine.

MODS: Please delete if necessary.

hello...1st time toyota owner...2000 4cyl. solara...120,000m...had a couple of leaks, up high on engine...changed VC gasket, but still have leak on drivers side of engine...can't find it...looks like it's behind the coil pack bracket...maybe oil seal or plug?...any info would be appreciated...thanks....

Is it very difficult to replace the valve cover gasket? Is $300 a fair quote from a mechanic to replace it?

2004 Solara. Car in garage today. Heard honking and ignored. After an hour went outside to find it was my car. Turned off alarm and visually inspected. No damage or signs of tampering. Garage door was opened and it was very windy with this Noreaster today but I saw nothing. Got into car and it wouldn't start. No clicking just nothing. 3 hours later went out again and it started right up. Checked battery & got 11 before starting. Checked alternator while running & got 14. Battery is a new one - installed by Toyota dealer in July. Any thoughts?

Bojangles

The drivers side window stopped working. The passsenger side works fine from the mkaster switch control. I figure contacts were worn out so I replaced the switch but no success.

Does one fuse control both windows? Where exactly is/are the fuse(s) located? Could it be the window relay? I fear it's the motor and that doesn't look too easy to replace/

Thanks

I just bought an 01 Solara, 92k miles, V6 5spd. I looked all over to find one of these things (actually drove 4+ hrs round trip to buy it), and so I was a little distracted during the test drive, drove it gently, and didn't notice some rough shifting.

Mainly there is a little bit of a clunk and (sometimes) gear grinding when going into 3rd or 4th during quick shifting. That's quick shifting, not speed shifting. It mainly happens during the short throw between 3rd and 4th...I'm still new with the car so the clutch is still 100% depressed between shifts. The gear grinding, when it happens, is present but does not prevent it from going into gear. It's just a quick "buzz" before it goes in (not forcing). I'm also noticing a bit of a "thunk" in the clutch petal when disengaging at the top of 2nd, and a thunking almost release from tension in the shifter coming out of 3rd. If I pause for a split second in neutral, the 3rd to 4th thing doesn't happen. HOWEVER, I can go from 5th to 3rd at highway smoothly without releasing the clutch and w/o tach matching. I can do the same w/ 4th, but there's still a clunk going in, but NO grinding.

I've done some quick googling, and some people say that this could be regular wear and a good synthetic will fix it. I have 4qts of royal purple gear oil at home ready to go in if you guys agree. Some people w/ similar situations say it's a throwout bearing and replacing the clutch would fix it. The clutch is a little spongy, catches high, and I could see it causing problems. Still others say it's a syncro thing, which sucks, except for the transmission itself is covered under the certified preowned warranty...I just don't wanna pay the $50 deductible if Toyota is gonna tell me that it's a clutch problem.

If any of you guys have had similar problems, or are technicians and know the answer I would appreciate your responses. Unfortunately, I've had the car for 4 days and don't know nearly enough about it yet to diagnose. Thanks in advance!