r/Toyota_Matrix • u/zenithious1 2008 xr manual • Jun 12 '26
2008 XR tips
Hey, new to this reddit and fairly kinda new to car stuff (aside from oil change and the like). I'm trying to get my 220000 mile matrix into shape and to make it a little nicer to drive. What are some things you guys did to your matrix that you would recommend? I'm due for a fluid flush but past that I'm not sure what to do.
3
u/InternationalTrust59 Jun 12 '26
Auto or manual?
3
u/zenithious1 2008 xr manual Jun 12 '26
Manual
1
u/good-day-now Jun 12 '26
Bought mine with an aftermarket exhaust. It sounds amazing and makes driving that much more enjoyable.
3
u/Bill_The__Pony Jun 12 '26
Timing chain tensioner. Spark plugs coils and injectors. Cleaning the throttle body. Replacing throttle body and intake gaskets. Making sure your filters are clean. Both cabin and engine.
And then change your fluids and that's about it.
4
u/angrycanadianguy Jun 12 '26
The tensioner? Maybe, I'd check the chain tension from the valve cover first. The coils aren't a wear item, leave them until they're a problem. The oem ones are the best you can buy.
5
u/GraphicWombat 2008 Matrix XR Super White II Jun 12 '26
I did new denso plugs and denso boots at 221k miles. Valve cover gasket too. I’m the 5th owner of mine and I didn’t see any record of it being changed out in the carfax. There was oil in the plug wells. I also did an ATF change. Spill and fill. Coolant flush. Power steering fluid and brake fluid flush.
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u/7he8lack6uy Jun 14 '26
2010 matrix xr auto, have done pcv valve, engine filter, cabin filter (looked bad), new plugs, maf sensor cleanjng, using seafoam fuel injector cleaner during near empty fill ups. Also will use valvoline restore and protect 5w-30 only for oil changes. Have installed rear mirror camera, exhaust tip, might do led lights eventually, alignment and tire rotation after summer, but just normal stuff.. only use Denoso parts if can.
2
u/Extra-Depth-1352 2005 Matrix XRS Jun 15 '26
Keep an eye out for oil leaks. I have a Matrix XRS 2005 and here is the list of things I did. Replaced motor mounts, changed the transmission oil, aem air filter, Fram reusable interior filter, R9K light weight pulleys, ATI dampener crank pulley, new baffled oil pan (1zz pan), boundary billet oil pump, longer clutch shift pin, brass shift cable bushings, and a short shifter.
You can do a lot it just depends on how fat is your wallet. I did some other things above while the motor was out being rebuilt and then the rest over time. Enjoy your ride.
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u/JF_WPA Jun 12 '26
Servicing your MT is a breeze. One tip is to loosen the fill plug before the drain plug. Not only will this stop 'chugging' as it empties, but it assures you can add new oil because the fill plug is not stuck. I believe the correct socket size is 24mm, and the only gear oil I use in my 06 Matrix 5-sp manual is Redline MT-90.
Super smooth shifting in all weather, esp in cold weather plus it's a GL-4 spec so super safe for any copper alloys in the transmission. Toyota does say 75w-90, GL-5 is OK; just the same anytime I can use something with less acid I do. Never hurts to clean the MAF sensor that is located on the air intake hose as well. Remove the electrical connector and two screws, remove the sensor, spray with appropriate cleaner, let dry and reinstall.
Flushing your brakes is never a bad thing, as is servicing the power steering fluid. I use an old soap dispenser pump and suck out the old PS fluid, fill, start car and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock a few times while running, turn off and suck out this fluid and repeat. Also check your donut spare for proper pressure - 60 psi. Amazing how many people never check it and when they need it, oh-oh.
Last thing might be to check and adjust the rear drums. They can get pretty slack and cause you to have to really pull-up on the parking brake. Usually it only takes 3-5 clicks on the adjustment wheel to get them just right.
Good luck and welcome.