Toyota Problems

Toyota's fifth-generation RAV4 model is built in three different plants in Japan, one in China and one in Ontario, Canada. The three plants (Obu, Takaoka and Tahara) are located in Aichi prefecture, and will service different world markets (including Europe and Australia).

Toyota's RAV4 soft-roader is rated by the manufacturer to tow up to 1500kg if using a trailer with brakes, or 750kg if the trailer doesn't have brakes. That is the maximum, which means I wouldn't plan on towing boats with the RAV4 as even small boats will be over 750kg once you include the weight of the trailer and associated gear.

The Ascent, SX, ZR and Hybrid models use a 205/55-16 tyre, while some SX models were available with a 215/45-17. If in doubt, check the writing on the side of your tyre for either of those numbers.

Corollas do not come with an alarm standard, though all new cars sold in Australia for the last couple of decades have immobilisers fitted to the factory ignition system. To disable these you will need to be handy with wiring, or get an auto electrician to do this for you.

You haven’t told us anything that might help to identify the problem you want to fix. I guess you want to replace the pump, which is an electric pump in the fuel tank. Take it to a mechanic and get them to fix it.

I doubt that you have any comeback on Toyota, but have the engine checked by a Toyota dealer for the cause of the failure and then you will have some idea of the possibility of a claim.

Adjusting headlights is a tricky, finnicky process which involves parking the car on dead-level ground 3m away from a perfectly flat surface and making measurements to ensure the cross-beam of your headlights hits just the right spot on the wall. However, you can also take your car back to the dealership and have trained technicians set it up perfectly for you, while you sip on a cup of coffee and read what Jennifer Anniston is up to in the latest trash rag. Adjusting headlights isn't a job for an amateur, given you could blind other motorists or find yourself unable to see if you get it wrong.

Toyota did have a spate of diesel engine failures some years ago when it was discovered that the fuel injector seals were leaking and letting fuel into the oil stream.

Sludge would build up on the oil pickup and eventually it be blocked and the engine would lose oil pressure. As you say the pickup can be inspected through the oil drain hole, so you should be able to see if there is a problem there. It is worthwhile changing the injector seals every 45,000 km.

Talk directly to Toyota’s customer assistance service (1800 869 682) and clarify what part was replaced, and why they say it isn’t covered by the warranty.

Push in the button on the side of your Smart Key, and pull the tab holding in your emergency (manual) key. This allows you to unlock the car if your Smart Key's battery is flat. Once you remove the manual key you can split the Smart Key case in half using the emergency key, exposing the battery. Pull down on the tab holding the battery in and the battery will pop out. Replace it with a new CR1632 battery (some use a CR2032 battery) and snap the Smart Key back together!