2000 import tech roundup

Motor, Dec 1999 by Weissler, Paul

Toyota

Toyota could give techs a lot to learn even in a "carryover" year. Its two allnew models, the entry-level Echo and the Celica, help produce a laundry list of engineering changes for '00.

The Echo starts at under $10,000amazing for a Toyota-but the Echo is anything but "basic" transportation. The engine is a 1.5-liter DOHC fourcylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) of the intake cam and coil-on-- plug ignition. The 1.5 four produces 108 hp-1.2 hp, per cubic inch!

A quick look under the cam covers shows you can't even make an assumption about bolts. The WT housing is held together by five-head bolts. The cylinder head bolts are obviously 12-point internals, but don't think you've found another use for the old triple-squares you may have sitting in your toolbox from some European cars of eons ago. The ones on the Echo are a variation on Allen-- heads-basically two sets of six. Don't try to use a conventional Allen wrench to remove them. They're "plastic region" bolts, which means they aren't torque-to-yield. You can reuse them only with the right socket bit both to loosen and tighten. Sets of double-Allens will be available soon, no doubt.

The Echo's fuel system is a returnless type without a MAP sensor, just a mass airflow sensor, which is necessary for the computer to calculate engine load, a number that's used for WT adjustment. As on other Toyota engines, the VVT system permits enough valve overlap to eliminate the EGR valve.

The '00 fuel vapor control system diagnostics take a new approach on Echo, Celica, Corolla, Camry/Avalon/Sienna V6 and all Lexus models except the LX470. There's an additional solenoid valve (to close off the canister to outside air), plus new software that can distinguish between small and large leaks. During each drive cycle, the system goes through a computer-controlled "intrusive" test, a more precise procedure that can pull a vacuum and measure decay, plus check valve operation. The setup can trigger either of two codesP0440 for a "large leak" and P0442 for a small one Omm). Toyota provides a diagnostic tree for each one.

The Echo's charging system sends a digital signal to the engine computer, eliminating the conventional S terminal we normally use to probe for charging voltage. Instead, there's an M terminal for that digital signal, and a fully charged system reads perhaps 2 to 3 volts. So make sure you check your latest charging diagnostics to avoid replacing a good part.

Toyota is staking the front axle nut on the Echo and Celica, and warns against trying to spin it off with an impact wrench without destaking it first. The impact wrench may loosen the nut, but it also will strip the threads on the axle. This looks like it will be a phase-in, so check any new Toyota/Lexus before you pick up an air gun.

Rear drum brakes are standard on the Echo, and they're self-adjusting whenever the brakes are applied. That's a design that was dropped eons ago on domestic makes because it led to dragging brakes. Toyota feels its design won't suffer this problem. But if the drum does drag, just remove an access plug in the backing plate, insert a screwdriver and pry down on the spring-loaded quadrant adjuster to release the shoes.