Celica Forums General Discussion General Celica problems

Hello, My name is David Knust. I'm from Indiana. My celica is beginning to have some problems. Every time I turn the car on, especially when it rains, a belt begins to squeal very slightly, but it's been getting worse. Also, there is a lot of engine hesitation upon the first push of the gas after starting the car. Once I get going everything is fine though. I was wondering if anybody had any ideas or thoughts. Anything would be appreciated. Thanks\

David Knust

Also, how much would it cost to turn my 7th generation celica into a convertible?

the belts are wet after it rains, it goes away after the car is on. Happens to me too. no big deal. The hisistation is normal, your engine is warming up. The oil is warming up and you engine is being "relubricated". Thats why the rev limiter is at 7 when you start your car. Its not good to rev your car and such and such when you start it. the convertable is a bad idea, you should just buy a new car, it'll cost the same. The celica isn't structurely stable to have the top cut off

IMO i dont think 7th gens make good convertibles appearance wise

If you have a CAI its common that it hesitates. Belt, same thing is happening to my with this rain in Souther Cali. I sprayed some Belt Dressing, you can buy this at any autoparts store. Runs about 4 bucks. It lubricates the belt as well the pulleys. Squeeking gone.

Ive seen a convertible, does not look that great.

the belt dressing is not lub.. it some how makes the belt grip better.. i dont know how that takes away the squeal but thats what the dealer told me

Belt squeek? Reminds me of the good old days where some folks in my country just use a soap bar to fix it. Sound funny at first but it work, my mom had a 94 Lancer in the Philippines and the belt squeels like a piglet when she turns on the AC. This guy next door to us who's a mechanic just grab a soap bar and start rubbing it on the belt. Squeel when away since then.

David, stop by your local Toyota service and ask them about it. Don't have them check it first coz it will cost you, but i'm pretty much sure just by describing it to them you'll get your answers.

Oh and don't even think of turning a 7th gen Celica to convertible Major props to you if you get it done but I personally don't like it.

Sounds like the common belt TSB. and MAF prob. Try cleaning you MAF and if belt dressing doesn't do the job get the belt tensioner replace along with the belt. Warranty should cover it.

by turning the 7th gen into a drop-top, you'll compromise the structural stabilty of the car. unless you have some custom work done, like a roll cage with a custom convertible top to go over it.

The belt problem is common, especially when it rains, for Celica. If you still under the warranty, just go change a new one for free from your dealer. My friend did that twice for free. Mine is out of warranty, so I spent 300 bucks for that, and the squeal goes away.

HESITATION!

yes the same thing with me. my belts squeal also.

Is the hesitaion very severe? for me I could put the petal to the metal and the car would creep very slowly until 5 seconds or more. It happens sometimes only, do you think it might have anything to do with the belts? like timing belt not turning the cam right?

What is the name/brand/product model of the belt dressing that is best to use? Also, how much do you put on?

my belt squeals upon cold start, but after a minute or two it goes away

Thats what I was thinking.

Don't even bother.

After hundreds of posts about the belt and tensioner I'm amazed we still come back to it week in and week out.

If the noobs read half of those they would know that belt dressing does not fix the problem, further more it can even make it worse. That has been my experience the same as many other long time Gen7 owners.

New belt is the only fix, some have reported the Goodyear Gatorback belt lasting the longest. The toyota belt will continue to wear out over time again and again, I am on my 3rd.

There is no TSB that I know of on this, so once your out or warranty its your problem and your dime.



Can we talk about what the best exhaust and CAI is. Please I never get enough of those, sheesh.