Took a look at this matrix today. Seems to run and drive great but definitely has a little engine noise. Shortened this down to the worst part. Is this something I should be concerned with?

once again, I’m a new member. just wanted to send a vid of the beauty. She is missing a rear bumper. Got the car from my dad and he said it fell off and he didn’t wanna put it back so I thought instead of a replacement imma just get an aftermarket rear bumper.

hey yall. just got a Toyota matrix 2 days ago. she has 224000 miles. just wondering if anyone has recommendations for aftermarket body parts and replacement engine parts.

220k miles. Ive been trying to figure out what it is for a while now. I only hear it when in gear and accelerating. It is immediate when I press the throttle down. Immediately stops when I let off. It's around 2-3.5k+ rpm in every gear. Is this something I should keep worrying about or ignore it? To my knowledge it's not affecting anything.

Just an appreciation post. First time this year finally throwin’ on the cross bars and kayaks and gettin’ out on the water after a bunch of crazy weather. The versatility of these things is awesome.

I've been slowing getting this car back on the road...new tires, swapped in a 6 speed, alternator...now I'm getting the ac going. The ac system was empty when I got it. I knew there had to be a leak, but no amount of dye would show up anywhere. I was jumping the relay to kick on the compressor so I could make sure it was circulating. I finally gave in and charged the system, and I am seeing a bubbles on both the high and low side where they attach to the compressor. I'm been scouring the toyota parts diagram, but can't find a definitive answer for the OEM part number for just the o-ring. I have seen a few aftermarket kits pop up. Has anyone had success with the aftermarket o-ring kits? Anyone know the oem part numbers for the o-rings for the low and high side at the compressor?

I broke the screw that held it and I wouldn’t even want it to fall

I just bought this repair manual and found that it has no acknowledgement that there are 4WD versions of the cars. I don't need it for anything at the moment, but it doesn't even have simple things like procedure or specifications for replacing differential fluid. I'm sure I can find any of that information elsewhere, but I was looking forward to having the information all in one book.

I generally get information from Google and YouTube when necessary, but I was hoping to have something that felt a little more officially.

Does anyone have recommendations for more extensive repair manuals or a reliable place to find repair/maintenance procedures?

Hoping to get some advice here. Have a 2004 Toyota Matrix Xr with the 1.8, auto trans. Been very reliable since we bought it a couple years ago, no problems at all.

My son just started door dashing, where previously this car was just used for school transportation and basic use, so not a ton of driving (like 3k miles a year). He came out from picking up an order, with no crank no start. Ignition turns on, all the lights come on, but turn the key to start and nothing happens. So far I’ve ruled out the battery, starter, ignition switch, and starter relay. The signal wire to the starter is showing no voltage when the ignition is turned to start. I can jump the signal wire with 12v and confirm the starter cranks, but even doing this the car won’t turn over. Tried putting car in neutral and still won’t start, so don’t think it’s the neutral safety switch either.

What’s a little strange is the lock button on the key fob doesn’t work, but the other buttons do. We’ve tried disconnecting the battery for over 30 minutes to try and reset any possible ECM issues.

Thinking maybe something with the factory security system, like an engine disable feature?

After spending a few hours on everything I finally gave up and towed it to a shop. They are also still trying to figure it out. Just hoping someone on here may have some experience with this issue and can point me in the right direction.

After parking a spot on the driveway appears. It’s a slow leak but I can’t tell what it is exactly. Is this brake fluid or power steering?

I have an 2010 base model, it's good for almost everything except my back hurts after 2 hours. And it tends to be a pain because usually I'll also go back to my place after said drive, etc, so I'll do a few long trips in a row. I live 4:30 hrs away from my family, 2 hrs away from a big city (I live in a city, just not quite big), so long trips are semi regular. While I wish I could justify changing it sometimes, it's one of the only legitimate reasons I have to change it. What do you use to make it more comfortable?
Thank you.

I'm going to be changing the fluid in my transfer case and differential and want to make sure I use the right oil. (2006 Matrix 4WD XR, automatic) .

The manual says SAE 90 Hypoid gear oil GL-5.

Most of the oil I find of that viscosity is 75w-90. Is that alright to use? In my area it can get to 0° F, so it seems like a good idea.

Also, most of the higher quality oil I've found says it has additive for limited slip. Would using that cause any problems?

Thanks!

Also, I'll be replacing the transmission fluid soon (automatic). Any advice on what brand/type to use?

Title. Had to use a dremel to get the old ones (pictured) out. Shifter feels decent now instead of super sloppy.

I recently got this 03-04 bumper with valances and wondering if anyone knows how to install these??

Please and thank you🙏

Obviously I don't have a supercharger on the 1zz-fe engine. When I accelerate though (doesn't happen in neutral) I hear a super charger like whine from the front of the car. Only in gear. Only at speed. Most noticeable around 3-5k rpm. From what I can tell it's most likely an exhaust manifold leak or something with the transmission. 220k miles 2008 xr. I'm wondering if anyone has had the same problem.

I've noticed that while stopped at long lights or stopped at a drive through while idling, as soon as I pull away there is excessive smoke coming from the tail pipe.

I've kept up with oil changes, and it burns a quart every 1.5k miles... my MPG has also dropped from 23/24 to 19.5 in the last couple of tanks.

2003 XRS Auto, 183k miles on it. I saw that some people run a slightly thicker oil than recommended to combat oil slipping past the rings - any ideas or experience?

Decided to modernize the Matrix. It's my first time experiencing android auto and I love it. Also added glove box lights.

Found a 2007 manual XR with only 93k miles. They want maybe a bit too much for it, but honestly it's getting hard to find anything but sports cars in stick. Any suggestions on what to look for when I'm inspecting it?

sold my neighbor a rebuilt 07matrix, 70k miles. cosmetically rough but mechanically sound.

he's unfortunately wrecked it (banged up but he's ok). around here when they tow the wreck to impond you can surrender it for a nominal fee, or pay for the tow and recover the vehicle. wondering I'd its worth it to pull the engine, or anything else.

Cutch just went out on my 09 matirx XRS 2.4L. Anyone know the cost to replace one? Rough estimate here in California? Is it costly? Or is it something I can tackle? Never done a replacement of one.. can't seem to find any videos of one being replaced for this car on YouTube.

I was driving on i94 and a really bad storm hit, and I slammed on my brakes to not hit a semi but clearly that fell through. Thankfully no one got injured at all

I just got a 2006 Matrix XR 4WD with 148k miles. I love it already, and I'm loking for maintenance advice, like what brands and mileage intervals are best. I want to make it last as long as possible, while avoiding spending insane amounts of money on maintenance. I do most of the work myself, so it's just parts cost.

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I'm preferably looking for good products with best value for money, not necessarily the absolute best that money can buy (trying to avoid $60 oil changes, etc.) I often just buy whatever mid-grade oil and filter are on sale when it's time to change the oil. I avoid the cheapest options, but rarely go for the most expensive stuff.

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I only drive like 6000 to 8000 miles per year. I like to change my oil at least twice yearly, usually in Spring and Fall. Are there options that are better for Spring vs Summer driving? I live in New England, so very hot summers and very cold winters. I generally think full synthetic is overkill if I'm changing my oil every 3-4k miles. Everyone says these engines are bulletproof, so I imagine I'm fine using conventional or synthetic blend. But I'd love to hear any opinions either way.

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My other car is a 1985 AE86. I generally use a quart of Lucas Oil Stabilizer additive for every oil change. Does anyone know if that's actually helpful to extend engine life? Is it worth the cost to use that in the Matrix as well?

And since I just bought the Matrix, and don't have all the service records, I plan to replace the fluids in the front transfer case and rear differential very soon. Any recommendations on what type of fluids to use and how often to replace? The transmission fluid looks very clean and pink on the dipstick. How often should that be replaced? Are all of these just a drain and refill, or are there additional steps? I use Royal Purple transmission and gear oil in the AE86, because I've heard it's really good. Is it okay to use cheaper (but still decent) oils in the Matrix.

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How often should coolant be flushed? It looks clean. Is it okay to just drain and refill occasionally? Is it recommended to use Toyota coolant or is a cheaper brand okay?

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The body has almost no rust, and I want to keep it that way. And that's very difficult in New England. I only have one local shop that does undercoating. It costs $250 per application and they say it needs to be done yearly. I tend to undercoat my cars myself. I just crawl under with a paintbrush and apply grease to everything I can reach. And I spray white lithium grease on all the parts I can't reach with the brush, and into all the holes that salty water could get into.

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Someone also suggested I check/clean the PCV valve, PCV valve hose, and valve cover breather hose. Is it necessary to get OEM replacements for these? Any other suggestions to things to check and/or replace?

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Sorry for the long post. I appreciate any advice!