Toyota Matrix Battery Draining:  Causes + Diagnosis

If your Toyota Matrix’s battery is draining, it’s something that’ll need addressing right away.  If it is draining while your Matrix isn’t running, something is drawing current that shouldn’t be. If the battery drains while driving, there’s likely an issue with your car’s alternator. The two primary causes for a battery to deplete are parasitic … Read more

Toyota Matrix Won’t Accelerate: Causes + How to Fix

If your Toyota Matrix won’t accelerate, that is a serious cause for concern.   If your check engine light is on, get a code scanner and see what trouble codes are stored in the PCM (powertrain control module).  They can provide valuable insight as to what the problem may be and help you narrow down … Read more

Toyota Matrix: Pulling to the Left

A vehicle that is pulling to the left can be dangerous to drive.  In the US, left is the direction of oncoming traffic.  This makes pulling to the left even more dangerous than pulling to the right.  Keeping straight when your Toyota Matrix wants to veer into traffic makes driving stressful.  If your Matrix pulls … Read more

Toyota Matrix: Pulls to the Right → Diagnosis

When your Toyota Matrix pulls to the right, it makes driving difficult.  Keeping straight when your Matrix wants to veer off the road is dangerous, and takes all of the joy out of driving.  Fixing a vehicle pulling to the right should be considered a high priority repair.    Toyota Matrix Pulls to the Right … Read more

Toyota Matrix:  Oil Leak Diagnosis

If you’re a Toyota Matrix owner, you’re likely aware of the common issues that can arise with your vehicle. One of the most frustrating problems is discovering an oil leak. Not only can it be a messy hassle to clean up, but it can also be a sign of a more serious issue. Gaskets and … Read more

Toyota Matrix:  Leaking Water Diagnosis

  If your Toyota Matrix is leaking water, it could mean a few different things are happening.  Some water is completely acceptable.  It depends on the situation.  It really depends on where you’ve found it, and if it is really water. Coolant or Water? If you are trying to figure out if your Toyota Matrix … Read more

Toyota Matrix:  Oil On Spark Plug Causes

If you’ve found oil on your Toyota Matrix’s spark plug, it should be a cause for concern. It doesn’t necessarily indicate a major engine problem.  When there is oil on the spark plugs is usually caused by a bad valve cover gasket or O-Ring (overhead cam engines).  There can be other causes as well. Any … Read more

Toyota Matrix:  Bad Wheel Bearing Noise Diagnosis

If your Toyota Matrix is making a high pitched noise or hum, it could be a sign of a bad wheel bearing.  There are several different vehicular components that can make a squeal or hum.  That’s why it is important to know the other warning signs of a  bad bearing before just going in and … Read more

Toyota Matrix: Brake Sticking → Causes & Diagnosis

  Your Toyota Matrix’s braking system is the most important safety feature on the vehicle.  If it does not work properly, it can put you in a situation where you can be injured or killed.  There are quite a few different situations that can cause a caliper to stick. Toyota Matrix Brakes Sticking Symptoms Smell– … Read more

Toyota Matrix:  Maint Reqd Light Meaning

  The Toyota Matrix’s maint reqd light indicates a service interval has been met.  These intervals happen at mileage or time intervals (typically every 5000 miles/6 months).  The maintenance required light is standard in all newer Toyota vehicles, and helps insure long life and dependability by making sure factory maintenance intervals are met.   Toyota … Read more