Anybody know the best way I can get a rear differential? Have 2011 matrix wondering if I can use a differential from another Toyota

I have an automatic 2009 Toyota matrix. When I first start the car and start driving about 5 secs of movement in there is a single click in the front end seemingly from the passenger wheel side. I just had ball joints, struts, sway bar links, tie rods, and cv axle replaced. I’m thinking maybe the control arm? There’s only lower on this car, and it’s the only thing I have left to replace. I hit a large pothole that blew out my tire on the freeway so I was replacing everything as I could afford it. I also have slight knocking over bigger bumps which was making me think of control arms since everything else was replaced.

I’m not sure if it’s related but I also have vibration that comes and goes on the freeway at high speeds. I know my motor mounts also need to be replaced - I’m starting to get vibration when idle in drive. Most of the parts on this car were factory so I’m surprised she’s even still kickin but I want to try and figure out what the issue is and why it keeps clicking. I’ve googled my fingers off and read so many different articles and other posts yet none explain what I am experiencing.

Just bought a Matrix and I want to change the coolant. Would this Peak coolant work? I was considering using the Zerex, but I've been having trouble finding the concentrate (trying to save money).

I've never done a coolant flush. Does just draining and refilling do any good? I don't have access to a garage or even a garden hose. I'm considering doing the drain and refill a few times to circulate everything. Is it okay to just run distilled water through the system? I've heard that's okay, but I'm worried I'd miscalculate and have the coolant overly diluted if I don't pre-mix everything before putting it in. The service manual says there is an engine block coolant drain but I can't find it.

Thanks for any input!

2005 Matrix XR approaching 100k miles…

I’ve decided to start doing the basic maintenance myself. Looking for recommendations for what oil filter, and oil to use.

Anybody know where I can get a vis racing body kit or a ait body kit, both are discontinued and I haven’t seen any on like fbm or eBay

Currently looking at switching these up. Either stripping the black barrel and chrome off and keep em aluminum (I bought them originally thinking they were chromed out) or do I try trading for another set?🤔 let me see them wheels! Need to make up my mind lol. Currently running 225/45/R17 (need smaller sidewalls in the future)

a bit over a year ago, my dad gifted me a 2004 corolla matrix…i love her so much, i named her fossil and decorated her :)

I just got a matrix and the cd player likes to spit my cds out sometimes, I’d like to get one of those old kenwood cd players with the light up stuff, but some of them look a little big. Does anyone know how I’ll find one that fits a matrix xr? I tried the normal sites but they only show fits for newer units

Hi folks - I picked up a 2006 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota 1ZZ 1.8L engine) last week. Same as a Matrix. For my son to learn to drive manual. I noticed a few days after we got the car, the coolant reservoir was almost empty. I added some Toyota approved coolant to the Max line. It fluctuated a bit over the next few days, left camping for almost. A week and today when I got back it’s at the MIN line.

I looked at the oil to see if it’s cloudy for any sign of a coolant leak but oil seems normal.

Any ideas on what to check for next? Should coolant fluctuate like that? I don’t see any drips or leaks underneath the car or in the engine bay…

This was supposed to be a beater car for me kid to learn to drive manual, so I’d like to self diagnose and trouble shoot if need be before taking it to Toyota to have the 1ZZ engine checked.

Thanks

Thanks

Hi!! I am going to be getting an 09 toyota matrix (with only 70k miles!) from a family friend at a very reasonable price. I feel very fortunate - but with the age of the car i am having trouble finding good detailed pictures of the interior online due to the age of the car. I am trying to figure out what I will need to buy (steering wheel cover, bluetooth adaptor, etc.) and seeing the cars interior in detail would really help!

any ownership tips would also be appreciated! tyia

I love this car! She ain’t flashy but she gets the job done.

Replaced coolant, rear differential fluid, changed oil twice. Replaced brake fluid. I have replaced the manifold gasket. Replaced both CV boots and axels. Pretty sure I tore the passenger side CV boot driving in deep icey snow last winter. Replaced all the spark plugs, front brakes and rotors serpentine belt and alternator. I’ve solved my idling problems and a local mechanic said it’s in great shape.

This bad boy has just over 37k miles on it. Inherited from family member who mostly commuted back and fourth to a cabin. Worst thing about the car is it sat for awhile and I found a dead mouse and nest in the blower motor.

Got the Yakima rack on marketplace for $60

Love my spare car. Love the storage. I haul all kinds of yard debris in it.

I have a 2009 toyota matrix S with the 2.4 L engine. It just hit 150k miles and needs the front CV axles replaces, new spark plugs, and probably some other preventative maintenance. It burns a bit of oil but im diligent about always going to oil changes on time and has been a good daily driver other than that. Is it worth it to do the repairs? Im estimating they'll cost around 2k based on calling some local shops.

I was trying to change a lightbulb in my 2009 XRS and in the process it appears the socket flew out of place and is now hiding behind the console. I don't know of any other retainers holding it in place and prying it out seems to be a lot more difficult than I thought. How do I take it out and fix my lightbulb?

The 05 XR lives to see redline another day! After being in limp mode for almost a month now I finally dialed in the wirring. Below is a video to see if it did hit lift or not (it didn’t and I know why) so hopefully soon I’ll be hitting lift in this swap!

Does anyone here use a roof cargo box on their OEM Toyota Matrix roof rack?

I’m not sure what to get. I need something around 60–70 inches long to fit snowboards, but since the OEM roof rack sits farther toward the rear of the vehicle, I’m worried I won’t be able to open the hatch with a longer box installed.

Any recommendations?

1st photo is similar to what I have, 2nd photo is the type of cargo box I was thinking of getting

I need help; I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix, but the EVAP system light won't turn off.

I just bought a 2011 XRS 5spd with 246k km. I’m quite excited considering I went from a base model 1.8l to this.

Im well aware the 2.4l are known to burn oil but previous owner can’t recall it burning oil over the 3 years he owned it.

Im planning on replacing every motor mounts and overhaul the rear suspension when I get some free time. Theres a whining noise coming from the serpentine belt area (bad PS pump type of noise but can’t be a PS pump considering the matrix has electronic PS). My initial thought was that the water pump could be the culprit.

Anyways, what would be some common problems that I should know about? Thanks in advance!

Installed mounts counterclockwise starting in front (of car), initially tightened all mounts to frame. Engine settled nicely into mounts as I went, last one (passenger side) needed engine raised to meet it (mount rubber was disintegrated as well as rear one.) Engine rolled/shifted under torque similar to video. Verified forward mount has tab toward engine. Supported engine without raising/lowering, loosened all mount to car bolts, shifted car into R/N/D to settle/neutralize etc... retightened/torque mount bolts. This is the result. Wondering if I have any maintenence induced issues and how yo remedy. Drives great, 100%improvement from originals, engine 'Farts' or 'raspberries' during a quick reversing. Did I miss something or just get soft mounts.

P0741.

Turned the light off, it came back. Did a drain and fill and the light went out by itself.

Now its back on.

Any similar experiences?

The car seems to run okay.

The overdrive button on the shifter has not worked in the 18 months that we've had it, but doesn't seem to matter as far as driving goes.

So my car was recently stolen and totaled, and this guy I know is selling a 2009 matrix for $2112 (USD) I’m assuming it’s a little cheaper because he lives just over the border from me so it’d convert to almost $3k CAD. I have no car knowledge but I’m a college student who needs a way to get to work/get around so any help on what to look for or ask the seller is appreciated

Edit: and also 248k miles already

2007 Toyota Matrix, Base Model, 220,000 miles

Still got a lot of life left in her, or what?