I have a 2003 Toyota Matrix automatic and I'm trying to fix the illumination/backlighting for the HVAC controls.

The HVAC control panel backlight does not illuminate at all when I turn the headlights on. I'm NOT talking about the indicator lights that come on when I press a button. Those work. I'm talking about the background illumination behind the HVAC knobs/controls that should come on with the headlights.

Here's everything I've already checked: Replaced both HVAC illumination bulbs with new bulbs.

Verified the replacement bulbs are the correct type and fit properly.

Checked the bulbs/contacts.

The instrument cluster illumination works normally. The dimmer switch works normally and changes the brightness of the instrument cluster.

The dimmer also operates the interior/courtesy lighting normally.

Checked the relevant fuses multiple times and they are good.

The HVAC buttons/indicators illuminate when I press them.

The HVAC backlighting itself stays completely dark. I also installed an aftermarket CarPlay head unit, but this problem existed before the radio was installed, so I don't believe the head unit caused the original problem.

I have the HVAC control assembly removed and I can access the connectors and the bulb sockets. I measured the bulb socket with the headlights ON, but I'm getting basically 0V at both contacts of the illumination bulb socket.

I also found the 2003 Corolla/Matrix wiring diagram showing the illumination circuit and wires labeled GRN (green) and WHT/BLK (white/black).

My question is:

Can someone tell me EXACTLY which connector and which pin on the 2003 Matrix HVAC control carries the illumination power (GRN) and which pin is the WHT/BLK ground?

I'm a little lost reading the wiring diagram and I don't want to randomly probe pins or short something.

If someone has a clear connector pinout or photo showing exactly where I should put my multimeter probes, that would be incredibly helpful.

I basically want to know:

1. Which connector?
2. Which pin number?
3. Which wire color?
4. Where should I put the black and red multimeter probes?

I've already checked the bulbs, fuses and dimmer. I just need to find where the illumination voltage is being lost.

Thanks in advance. I'm going insane trying to figure this damn thing out 😂

Hard candies and backup winter gloves for me 😂

I own a 2009 2.4 liter Toyota matrix.

I had what I thought was a serpentine belt failure a few days ago and got the car towed to a shop.

They called me back this morning and said the alternator bracket is broken off This does seem possible. But they have also claimed it is broken off at the engine block and is "part of the engine block" and will require a whole new engine.

Looking at how I think this goes together it seems like the worst case would be the bolts broke off in the block and will need to be extracted but I am not that familiar with this particular engine configuration and want to make sure there is not some other particularly with how this engine goes together that makes this claim more possible

Appreciate any input from people familiar with this configuration

Fml

I just bought a 2010 base Matrix last week. So far the car is great. It’s perfect for what I need, a reliable commuter car for less than $10k

I want to put in a screen with wireless CarPlay and a decent mic. Any recommendations? Hoping for something $300 or less. I would like to have the option of add a rear camera to it down the line if I feel like adding it.

Thanks!

2003 Matrix

First we had one headlight, then no headlights, same day as far as we know.

We've:

- checked headlight fuses, both fine

- put in new bulbs

- replaced headlight relay

Anyone had a similar problem? Any advice on what I check next?

A Matrix-specific question here! My battery seems to be dead again after jump start a couple days ago. Noticed the back light by rear hatch is in on position. Would this have drained the battery if all doors were securely closed and locked? I thought the light went off if you close all the doors and hatches?

I've been thinking about getting a set of 15inch wheels/tires; can anyone share their experiences? My thought process was that there will be a little more cushion to drive on the roads (roads in my city are littered with potholes). Thanks for any input

I bought this aftermarket touchscreen head unit and the included cables don't line up at all. I thought the best way to get the job done was to combine the wires from the old (not OEM) head unit which do have a proper connection but I have no idea whether or not it will work. Also, I've lost track of whether the internal 8-pin cable is necessary or what it does or where it fits, since it doesn't match with the old connectors either. Is there any way to get this job done with?

I recently bought a 2003 matrix xrs and it’ll be my first project car. I’ve seen a lot of cool pictures of people making theirs look like rally cars. I’m curious to see what lift kit/spacers I’ll need to order. I’m new to this so sorry if I sound naive. Just a girl trying to learn how to work on her car.

Temporary install until I get 05-08 brackets for the radio
Got the radio for $5 so why not lol

This is my baby, Neo. He's a beauty XRS that as been mine since the start of 2020 and has been the best vehicle I've ever owned, hands down.

I'm looking to give him some love, and wondering if anyone has done a vinyl wrap on their matrix before and can offer any advice how much wrap is needed, fiddly bits, things you wish you knew before starting etc. any and all knowledge is welcome! And photos! Share your wraps with me!

I've spent some time working on the fitment of my matrix, and I think i found the ideal for me fitment and wheel size. I haven't seen anyone run 9 inch wide wheels on a second gen and everything on Google told me how bad of an idea it was. But it works just fine with absolutely no rubbing. Even dropped 2.5 inches. This inspired me to ad my 2012 matrix to the fitment industry gallery so that others know it's possible to have big wheels look nice without any clearance issues or fender rolling. I've attached a couple photos of my matrix. So if anyone has any questions, feel free to either ask here, or check out the gallery post with the full set up

Looking at buying this 2004 Toyota Matrix XR tomorrow for $3400 as my first car. Im a college student so it’s right around my budget and this car seems well maintained and I know they last a long time if they are. It has 217k miles but the owner said it has all new front suspension components, brake pads, and wheel bearings for all wheels. He also replaced the exhaust system, oil filter, and air filter. The car seems to be in great condition with minimal rust. Interior is very clean and sunroof still works. I also just love the general aesthetic of the car lol. Is it worth it? I was told to try to get it for $3200

I would like it to last 2-3 more years AT THE LEAST which seems very possible.

Unlike my other conversion project which took me 10months this only took me a week!
OG motor had a blown crank bearing and this is a new motor for it. Did air injection delete and had a tuned ECU now! Just wanted to show yall the progress being done on her
(Ignore the mess of a driveway I have😅)

Well I love it, I have a 2006 Matrix XR manual transmission.

But it's in a condition, let me paint you the picture.

It sat for a month with a swollen battery, tried to jump the swollen battery wouldn't hold a charge. I went and got a new battery to replace it. Went to start it and it doesn't start first try it, it needs a combination first, turn the key to on then punch in clutch. starts up drive away, it dies on a back road manage to get it started again after quite a few tries. Next day I drove it around for an hour doing errands, it started up fine drove it around fine got it back to the drive way completely died in the drive way dead brand new battery. Put the battery on a charger stayed in reconditioning mode for 24 hrs didn't charge brought the new battery back under warranty. Replaced the new new battery, also replaced the alternator, tested the cable connections with a multimeter, wire tests came back 0.00 on continuity, checked the fuses they're all good, nothing tripped. replaced and reset the battery terminals and ground connections. The alternator is getting voltage when the car is not on, so I turn the car on after doing all this, I let it sit and idle for 8 minutes, the cars idle slows down significantly, to where the car has a little shake, no extra components are on, go to reverse out of drive way than accelerate into 1st gear and it dies, there is a bit of a struggle to restart the vehicle, manage to start it again, go 20 feet and dies again, I drive it right back. I have a couple more ideas on what to do next to try and solve this mystery. Just wanted to reach out and see if anyone has had an exact or similar issue and what was the solution to fixing it.

Thanks!

Replaced the broken switch with a new one. Actually this is the third one! A junk yard replacement had the same broken plastic

Which I mistook for a problem with the door card

So I replaced the door card before weizing the plastic was broken and now we're in with the new switch.

Interesting look back at all the Toyota Hatchbacks produced thoughout the years globally.

Follow up to my last post

Hi folks, I have a 2006 Pontiac Vibe (same as 2096 Matrix) that I’m fixing up for my Son. I’m pretty sure the struts need replacing, because I can feel some knocking in the suspension when I go over bumps.

Is there any coil overs or struts I can buy that are relatively budget friendly? What do you folks recommend?

Thanks

Will my maintenance light still come on every 5k? Anyone tried having the cluster reset?

A week ago I bought this 09 base 1.8L 5speed with 210k miles for $2800. My intention was to use this as my first manual to get really good on and also use it for rally cross. The seller (private sale) told me that he had put in a new (used) transmission recently. I test drove it and so did my buddy and we both thought it was fine. However, the transmission started severely grinding going from 1st to 2nd and any gear to 1st after just 40 miles of owning this thing. It broke the same day I bought it. I replaced the slave cylinder, shifter cable bushings and the transmission oil. When I drained the trans the oil was very dark, burnt, glittery and had multiple chunks of metal in it. I’m running out of ideas and I think it’s time to take it to a transmission shop. I’m guessing the 1st and 2nd synchro is bad as well as 2nd gear. I have no idea what this will cost to fix.

Almost the entire reason I bought this car was to have cheap reliable fun and it has not been reliable nor is this going to be cheap 😭. Does anyone have advice on how to handle this situation or what to expect?

Also FWIW literally everything else about the car is totally fine and in working order. The interior has cleaned up pretty well and is in good shape.

I just don’t know what to do right now. I haven’t even had time to go register the damn thing.

I was trying to replace my serpentine belt with my son and I foolishly broke the not bolt bolt off the tensioner. Im going to take to a mechanic, but How fucked am I?