Toyota Matrix Q&As

Toyota Matrix

Question: How does a toyota matrix factory warranty work?
I purchased the car from a used dealership, but it still has Factory Warranty. The engine light is on and was told by the dealership that I could take it to my local Toyota Dealership to get serviced since it still had warranty, how does this work? ( its an 07 matrix)

Answer: Take the car to a Toyota dealership service department of your choice. They will put your serial number in the computer and can can tell you if the repair is to be done under warranty or could be your expense subject to what is needed to make the correction.

Question: Can I hook up a uhaul trailer to a 2005 toyota matrix?
I am planning a move from Houston to Los Angeles and would like to drive so I can bring some essential stuff with me. The movers will be taking everything else and that can take up to 2 weeks before delivery. Is it possible to hook up a small uhaul trailer to an '05 toyota matrix? I think it's FWD, not sure.

Answer: Todays cars must have towing built in to the body. You will have to get a hitch kit installed unless you car was made to do so. As for U-haul, they can do it for you someplaces or recommend where you can. I don't believe a Matrix is the best vehical for towing a trailer, unless it is small, 4'x 8' approx.

For the price if it is a short move get a u-haul pickup truck or try budget for the same.

Question: How do I find out if my 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS has Vehicle Stability Control?
I have a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS and am wondering if there's a light on the dashboard or something that lets me know if I have vehicle stability control?

Answer: Turn your ignition key on, any system like that will have an Icon that will light up when the ignition key is turned on, but not all the way to "start".

You will see an "ABS" icon for anti lock brakes, etc, stability control is a similar computerized system and should have an icon as well.
Once the car is started, if all systems are well, the icons go out.

Question: Can curtain airbags be added to a used 2005 Toyota Matrix XR?
Can curtain airbags for the front and rear passengers be added on to a used 2005 Toyota Matrix XR? I am thinking of buying a used 2005 Toyota Matrix XR that does not come with side curtain airbags. Thanks.

Answer: Yes but it would cost a fortune and you would need to be a Toyota tmechanic. You would have to purchase all the individual parts from the dealer and install without directions.

If you want one with side air bags keep shopping.

Question: Is there anyone who owns a toyota matrix and if you do how does it drive and is it a reliable car?
I am lookin for a better car, that is reliable, to purchase and i came across the toyota matrix and i loved since i saw it.

Answer: Yea. Its a great car and has plenty of power. I have a silver 08 FWD. Also, the new 09 came out and its pretty much the same thing with an awesome exterior look. The interior also has better seats. Anyway, the car is great for cargo and the driver and passenger have plenty of room. The 2nd row is kinda cramped but you can fit 2 ppl in easily.

Question: What do you think about used Toyota Matrix?
Looked at two 2003 Toyota Matrix today, booth look good, but what bothers me the transmission fluid was kinda too dark and dirty in both cars. Do you know if this particular model has any transmission problem? What other common problems do they have?

Answer: Toyota`s don`t have problems!I think you would be much better off getting a prius,I`m at 65.3 on this tank and laugh when I go past gas stations.Do some research Toyota's`s are great and the prius is out of this world,it is the most innovative automobile in the world bar none! Good Luck!

Question: Should I keep the Toyota Matrix or look for something else?
I inherited a Toyota Matrix and it still has extended warranty. But I'm not too crazy about the car. I don't hate it either. I'm having thoughts about looking for another car that is in the same price range if I sell the Matrix. If I sell it, I'd look for a used car, perhaps a '02-'03 Maxima. Obviously there are risks invovled if I do this since it most likely won't have any warranty among other things.

Answer: u should get rid of it because the matrix is very low in power n is not likely to be as safe as a nissan maxima
the nissan maxima is a powerful luxury n a very safe car

Question: Which has more storage space Toyota Matrix or Scion xB?
I'm looking for a car with as much storage space as possible while getting relatively low gas mileage and costing 16k or under. Any suggestions? Right now I'm between the Toyota Matrix or Scion xB (either used). Would probably go with whichever could hold more equipment.

Answer: Toyota Matrix:
http://www.toyota.com/matrix/specs.html
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2...
EPA passenger volume: 96.2 cu. ft., (93.6 cu. ft. if with moonroof)
Luggage capacity, rear seats up/down: 21.8 cu. ft. / 53.2 cu. ft.

Scion xB:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2...
Passenger Volume: 101 cu. ft.
Luggage Volume: 22 cu. ft.

Apparently the Scion xB may be a little bit bigger, but... I suggest that either you take all the stuff (or at least the largest of it) with you to the dealership to see if you can stuff it all in there, or take each of the cars for a test drive over to where you keep your stuff and then load your stuff into it. (check just HOW that space is arranged, that you don't have a wierd roof angle or tire well or somesuch in your way) Make sure that it all fits as you would like.

You may want to check out http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byEPAclas... and look at the "Small Station Wagon" category (where both the Matrix and xB are listed).

Question: Toyota Matrix XR check enging light Hard shifting?
I have a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR with automatic transmission. It has about 37,000 miles on it and the check engine light just came on, accompanied by hard shifting. I got it home and reset the gas cap, the light went off and the transmission went back to normal (smooth) shifting. It happened again today but now the light hasn't gone off and the shifting is very hard. Any ideas before I spend a bundle at the Toyota dealer?

Answer: Check engine light has nothing to do with the transmission (hard shifting issues). When your check engine light goes on, it means there is something not working properly with your engine and emissions system, basically from your gas cap, fuel tank, engine to exhaust system. Looks like you solved your check engine issue by recaping your gas cap. If your check engine light pops up again, go to autozone or kragen borrow their OBD II and read the code, then comeback here or ask a mechanic friend regarding what may be wrong based on what code the OBD II machine told you.

Regrading your hard shifting, check your fluid tranny fluid levels first, inspect for leaks. Your tranny is too new to have problems.

Question: Do the roof racks for the toyota matrix make noise if you add them on?
I currently do not have roof racks on my car but I am thinking about buying some, but I don't want to get them if it whistles and all of the other stuff. Does anyone have a matrix with the toyota manufactured rack? If so does it make noise?

Answer: Yes they do make a noise and will affect your fuel consumption Mick

Question: What year did the Matrix Toyota come out?
I want to know what year the first Matrix toyota was made. How much would it cost buying a used Matrix?

Answer: Matrix came out in 2003. It's built on the same platform as the current Corolla. A newly redesigned model is due out for the 2008 year.

More details can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Matrix

You can do a search for the 2008 Toyota Matrix. There are spy photos out for the new model which will be slightly bigger.

Question: I have a 2003 Toyota Matrix that i need help with a fog light installation!?
2003 Toyota Matrix-Basic Model with no fog lights or factory switch. I purchased lights with wiring and a switch off of ebay to match my car. I bought a factory switch as well because i want it to look professional. How do i get the wires from the old switch to the factory switch...if i splice it...it looks like i have 7 different wires to my 3 prong connection of the switch? Any ideas?

Answer: most cars with factory fog lights will turn off when the high beams are turned on and most aftermarket light kits have a relay so not much amperage goes through the switch so you have a little of everything so I suggest that you wire it up like an aftermarket kit and use an ohm meter to find what teminals on the factory switch will be closed[on] or open[off] and connect the wires like it says in the aftermarket kit but using the factory switch

Question: What type of tires come stock in a Toyota Matrix, XR, 2005, Four Door, FWD?
What type of tires come stock in a Toyota Matrix, XR, 2005, Four Door, FWD?

I'm looking to replace tires, and want to match. If you know speed rating, heat rating, and estimated tire life, that would help as well. Car is not here with me, and I'm shopping online. I couldn't find the tires brand/model/ratings that came with original car. I do know the size is P205/55R16

Answer: Brands are mixed. toyota has their tires made for Toyotas although can be matched with any other tire, same size. Tires are zr rated. they use Toyo, Michelin, Bridgestone, Firestone,and Goodyear. I do not know how they decide which brand and how they choose which brand goes on each car.

Question: How much is my 2003 Toyota Matrix worth?
I have a 2003 Toyota Matrix AWD. It has about 90,000k and is in great condition. It has remote starter, tinted windows, new stereo and speakers, vindow visors, seat covers, door sill protectors and bumper protector. If I decided to sell my car, how much should I be asking for it?

Answer: kelley blue book at kbb.com then calculate the money change

Question: Changing Spark Plugs in a Toyota Matrix?
I do most work on my 2004 Toyota Matrix XR (oil, air filter, coolant, tire rotation, transmission fluid, etc.) and will need to change my spark plugs soon. Is there anything special I need to know about changing the plugs in a Matrix? Most cars I've worked on have been pretty straightforward, but I want to be sure before I do anything.

Answer: nothing special just make sure engine is cold and don't over tighten and make sure to use a good japan plug like denso or ngk
iridium tip

Question: Will repairs/parts be expensive in future for a toyota matrix AWD that isn't made anymore and is rare to find?
Eventually, a 2006 toyota matrix awd I'm eyeing to buy will need some sort of repairs or parts replaced. The AWD version of the matrix is no longer made (after 2006), and rumor is that the production of all matrix's will cease in 2008. How much will this effect the availability/cost of parts and price of repair for this car in the future? Say 10 years from now? Will it be significantly more expensive than repairs/parts for a similar type of car still in production, say like a subaru outback ?

Answer: According to US Law, Toyota must provide repair parts and service to all vehicles sold in this Country. Since Toyota is such a huge auto-maker, there should be zero concerns.

Question: Toyota Matrix Air Conditioner Fan making noise?
I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix XR with 70,000 miles on it. Today, I turned the AC full blast since it was super hot and I heard a whirring sound for a bit and than a big pop with dust coming out of the vents. After that, I always hear a ticking sound when I turn on the fan whether in AC mode, without or in heating mode. It sounds like something is obstructing the fan.....I hear Tut Tut Tut. Anyone have any ideas what it could be?

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer: sounds like something has come loose and is hitting the fan you need to pull the fan motor out to check it

Question: What does the xR stand for in the Toyota Matrix?
Ive always wondered what the xR stood for on my matrix. To date, ive thought it ment experimental rally, beacause if that was so then the xRS would stand for Experimental Rally Sport and that seems to make sense. But a part of me still does not believe this is really what it means. Anyone know for sure??

Answer: Why are all the answers here stupid? Were supposed to answer peoples questions.

You're right. It mean experimental racing.

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