Toyota Matrix: Running Hot → Causes

If your Toyota Matrix is running hot, it is a serious problem.  If it gets too hot, it leads to overheating.  A hot engine is usually caused by a few different things, such as the thermostat, water pump, radiator, or outside conditions.     Toyota Matrix Running Hot Symptoms Obviously, the main symptom of running … Read more

Toyota Matrix Rod Knocking Diagnosis

A rod knock is a very serious problem.  If your Toyota Matrix has a knocking rod, it’s almost always going to be caused by a failure of the rod bearing or the rod caps (leading to a spun bearing) or lack of oil.   If you do have a rod knock, don’t ignore it for … Read more

Toyota Matrix: Bad Torque Converter → Symptoms + Diagnosis

Your Toyota Matrix’s torque converter is responsible for converting the energy generated by the engine at the flywheel and transferring it to the transmission, creating a bridge between the engine and the transmission.   In the Toyota Matrix, a bad torque converter is often caused by bad transmission fluid, worn clutches, bad seals, or loose … Read more

Toyota Matrix Battery Light: Why It’s On and How to Fix

If your Toyota Matrix’s battery light is on, it is trying to warn you that there is an issue with the charging system. The charging system itself is relatively simple.  The battery light comes on because the voltage level at the battery is too low. Quick Facts Common Causes Faulty Battery, Bad Alternator, Battery Cables, … Read more

Toyota Matrix Power Steering Fluid Leak: Causes and Solutions

One of the most common problems that can happen with a vehicle over time is it’ll begin leaking power steering fluid. Without the power steering system, your Matrix would be very difficult to drive.  Most of the weight of the vehicle is absorbed by the power steering system, making it feel much lighter than it really … Read more

Toyota Matrix Burning Smell: Causes + How to Fix

A burning smell is one of the most troublesome problems you can experience in a vehicle.  If your Toyota Matrix has a burning smell, there are many potential causes.   Typically, the smell is caused by some type of fluid (oil, trans fluid, etc…) hitting the exhaust or other hot parts of the engine or … Read more

Toyota Matrix:  Burning Oil Diagnosis

  The engine burning oil is one of the most common problems that a vehicle can encounter, particularly one with high mileage.  If your Toyota Matrix is burning oil it is typically caused by piston rings or valve guides.     How Much Oil Consumption is Normal? Most auto manufacturers are hesitant to tell you … Read more

Toyota Matrix P0463: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit → High Input

  P0463 is a moderately common OBDII trouble code that can occur in your Toyota Matrix.  It indicates that the vehicles computer has detected an inaccurate fuel level reading.  It shouldn’t affect the drivability of your Matrix, but it can be inconvenient. Your Matrix will get the P0463 code when the signal coming from the … Read more

Toyota Matrix: Backfiring Causes

  One of the more jarring vehicle problems that you can experience is a backfire.  It sounds like a shotgun blast and can scare you if you’re not prepared for it.  If your Toyota Matrix is backfiring, common causes include improper engine timing, bad spark plugs, engine running rich, and plug wires (if so equipped). … Read more

Toyota Matrix:  Oil in Coolant Diagnosis

If you’ve recently checked your Toyota Matrix’s coolant, and it looks almost like it has butter in it, then you probably have oil in it.  Oil in your coolant is most often caused by a blown head gasket. It can also be caused by a cracked head or even a bad radiator (well sorta, you’d … Read more