robmac1

First of was it really 5 minutes and was the weather very cold? Shorter bursts of white smoke (steam) are normal if it's really cold weather it's simply condensation drying out. But normally only for a minute or so. I'm no Kluger expert but based on general experience if it's really bad and persists my thoughts are : If the white smoke is oil- The car over full with oil The stem seals on the valves are worn. The piston rings are worn The pcv (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is blocked If the white smoke is coolant/antifreeze- Blown head gasket Coolant leak into the induction system (vacuum operated heater valve?) Check if the white smoke has an oily smell or the exhaust is very sooty and black. Either way I'd hope the car has some kind of used car warranty. Keep us in loop as to what is found.

Hi Ian, You could join up (for free) and place a post with your request on here: http://www.teoc.ws/ It's lot closer than Australia and I'd think someone would know the ins and outs of getting bushes. Even if it's not strictly Estima business! You could ever ring " Buffalo Bob" (RCM Vehicle Repairs) who is a forum sponsor local number for you 07931 547438 cheers Rob

Hi Ian, Looking at Toyodiy website ( http://www.toyodiy.com/ ) the control arm is serviced as an assembly. So you will not find bushes from a Toyota source. The Lexus ES300 has the same suspension and parts are interchangeable according to parts cross reference. So you may be able find a Lexus in a breakers yard. The other option is measure up the ID the end of the control arm to ascertain the bush dimensions and have a look here:http://www.nolathane.com.au/index1.php You may well find something that fits or can be altered to fit by a minor trim with a hacksaw or a drill.. Last ditch is buy a larger bush and have it turned down by a machine shop to fit what you have. You also need to remember anything you find used will be similar condition to what you have unless the vehicle is in exceptional condition. So you need to decide if you would bother with used parts at all. Best of luck and let us know how you go. cheers Robert edit - sorry for banging on, I didn't read you post fully initially . Nolathane do list the bushes you need just use the car lookup.

I would have thought ALL engines that run on ULP would have hard seats.

Possibly the six stacker is in the dash. Most of dash units store the CDs within the unit. If this is the case there will be load/eject procedure for the CDs.

I guess it depends if you are trying to "make a statement" or focusing on usability. The defacto standard is blue. I'm noticing that members seem to missing links I post. I was intending to make a suggestion: not a criticism.

Didn't happen to the links in post#2 here: http://au.toyotaowne...estima-l-aeras/ I think it could options within the Tarago Forum? Edit: didn't do it in the above either. Possibly only the root of the site is linked as blue ???

Can we have links in blue? This is pretty standard practice on most forums.

Manuals for the Estima anyway were discussed here: http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php/topic/38767-service-manual-2002-estima-l-aeras/ (post 2). The service manual covers 2.4 Previa and Tarago. Owners manuals for Estima are here: http://www.jpnz.co.nz/afawcs0131169/CATID=8/subcategories.html * For some reason the Estima manual has disappeared of the list - they may be out of stock- They do them. I have one. Send an email. Try your local Toyota D(st)ealer for the Oz Taragos.

I had exactly the same symptoms on a 1990 TCR12. It just seemed to run too hot in Summer and occasionally got very hot overflowed. It ended up being a blocked radiator. I had the radiator disassembled and cleaned out out. The vehicle was sold recently with 300,000km and the engine still fine. There is a quick check. Turn on the heater at full fan and full heat and see if the engine cools downs/stops boiling. If the heater "fixes" it then it's likely to be blocked radiator. The heater adds some cooling capacity to the system. I suggest you look for the "simple" faults first. Let us know how you get on.

You may get away with doubling up on the load current of the body ECU rear light outputs. But for my money I'll play it safe and keep the current through the body ECU output transistors close to the design limit. I shudder at the thought of replacing/repairing a body ECU on a full import.

Let us know how you go...

Yamaha developed the cylinder heads for the Toyota 4AGE series of engines. So a partnership with them makes sense.

A Tarago towbar should fit. You will need to trim a section from the areas rear bumper. If you have rear parking soanar and the tow bar you find has side protection upstands you have to disable the soanar otherwise it sounds continuously. Most Areas models have reversing camera anyway. You need to factor the multiplexed electrics as well. The body computer senses the current being drawn by the tail, reversing and indicator lamps globes. You can't connect the trailer lamps to the vehicle rear light circuits. You will need an interface. I built a circuit using some switch transistors (2N3055) triggered off the existing lights (for a mates car). I used the rear power socket in the LHS rear to get the lamp power. You may be able to use something like this: http://www.jaycar.co...w.asp?ID=KG9142 Triggered off existing lights instead of the transistors. Since the trigger is only 5mA it should work OK. Imlachs have stocks of late model Toyota parts http://www.imlachs.c...u/home/home.asp and so do Just Toyota http://www.justoyota.com.au/ Tell us how you gt on

Shannons will insure Estimas. Pretty competitive as well when you consider the windscreen and tools cover and agreed value. You may need to ring them in person to get them to create a new listing for your model. They currently have a listing for 2002 Estima V6. (MCR 30) I believe the transaxle is the same for both the 2.4 and 3.0 versions. (A140E?) I suspect the V6 would be more likely to chew them up since they are 200 hp odd. It's not a major issue, on the entire TEOC forum two people have has issues. The symptoms are a gearbox full on neutrals. I suspect regular trans fluid changes are the key to longevity. I would recommend the V6, just effortless to drive. I'm getting around 550-650 km City driving per 70L tank of 98ULP. This is much better than I got from my previous TCR12 Tarago. And the performance is enjoyable especially when loaded and using the aircon. I see you are in Victoria. There is RAWs / Importer in Abbotsford. I got my Estima from them and they were honest to deal with. They comply many of the vehicles for other resellers. EDIT: Before you purchase the vehicle ask to see the images of the car in Japan, especially the dipstick image, if the oil looks black reject the car. 1MZFE engines are prone to sludge if not regularly maintained. If you want a contact name send me a private message.

The always on circuit is via the RAD1 fuse in the engine bay Fuse box The ignition switched circuit is via the CIG fuse on the driver's side foot well. The radio circuit is attached. You may have the two feeds reversed at the ICE unit. Many of the DVD/TV/USB/ Bluetooth players have fuses in limne with the harness behind the ICE unit , so check them too.

Caldinas are possibly the same as many JDM vehicles of the era, that is, MODB (multiplex OBD) I purchased one of these units: http://dtdauto.com/Product/Product_diagnostic/EFI%20Scan_E.htm It works a treat on my Estima.

The problem is the cost. You need the steering wheel, the cc stalk, plus the modified clock spring. I'm not sure if the Tarago with CC has a different ECU or additional CC electronics. Also some have a mechanical throttle and some have electronic. I know the 2005 Estimas which have an electronic throttle will accept same aftermarket kit as the Camry. http://www.teoc.ws/c...age__hl__cruise Post 18 on describes the aftermarket unit. Be aware this for an Estima (Japanese import Tarago) so it may not be possible on a local delivered vehicle. I would check with some of the aftermarket CC suppliers as they may have a solution.

ICE systems are cheap. This mob has an Australian Warehouse and you only pay local shipping and any Warranty return is local. http://www.erisin.com/page.html?id=74 Yes, I guess 4wd offers better traction.

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market, ie import. I considered a 4WD but my vehicle is largely for City usage. I figured carrying another 100kg around everywhere and the extra complication wasn't warranted. 4WD are very different to the local market Tarago and parts would be a definite import. The 1MZFE engine has a timing belt and should be replaced every 7 years or 100, 000km. I run mine on premium fuel. If you buy from a reputable RAWS importer and the car looks legit without too much wear on the trim then you should be OK. The compliance/registration procedure won't allow any vehicle with corrosion to be registered. A few of them, the one in Abbotsford for example, supply a service history. Check out the seals at the bottom of the doors these tend to get torn with lot's of use. It's like any used car you need to check things out in detail. You are aware that need a band expander to receive Oz FM and that the ICE system is designed for Japanese maps and NTSC (Japanese) TV and won't play OZ VCDs or DVDs. The sat nav is a basket case and many replace the entire unit. Owners manuals can be purchased here: http://www.jpnz.co.nz/afawcs0131171/CATID=8/SUBID=130/ID=40/SID=529005371/productdetails.html \Many times the seller will provide a manual in English.

Estimas are made in Japan for the residents of Japan. There are no English service manuals. There are two options: 1) Put your name on the list here http://www.jpnz.co.n...uctdetails.html and wait until they get 150 takers. 2) Download a "sorta" manual from here http://toyota.downlo...03-04-05-06.htm I chose the second option. The upside is that the wiring and general layout is pretty close to Estima from what I've seen. If you have a 2.4 4 cylinder you are better off than me. The manual covers the 2.4 and the Diesels (but not the V6). However it's generally good enough to get you through. Be aware the the Estima ICE (in car entertainment) systems are nothing like what is in this manual. But that is another story. Another useful resource for Estimas is here: http://www.teoc.ws/ Scroll down to " new Estima" at the bottom of the home page to reach Forums. "New Estima " up the top gives gives good info on fuse locations. EDIT: A quick look at the circuit suggests the load circuits to the fans are fused in engine bay fuse box (above the engine) The relay coils are supplied positive via the "gauge fuse" I'd looking in the drivers footwell fuse box http://www.teoc.ws/fuse-box-locations/#more-119 The negative of the coils are switched via the engine ECU which located behind the glove box in the the cabin on the extreme LHS.

Hi, I've got an Estima Aeras 3L. It has the 1MZFE engine and all the JDM features. If you buy the car to drive and keep then they are a good proposition. Be aware the V6 MCR30/40 Estima has a timing belt. Toyota suggest 100,00 km or seven year life. So see if you can cam belt replaced in the car purchase, if it hasn't been done already. It takes about 4 hours. The kit costs around $250 on ebay. Spark plugs are due at 100,000 km and require the inlet manifold to be removed to access. Mine has done 85,000 km so it's a job to look forward to. Estimas are flooding the market at the moment so there will no shortage of parts in the long term. Engine parts are the same as the Aurion and Camry of equivalent year. My last TCR12 Tarago did 300, 000 km wih nothing but brakes and suspension and a few starter motor contact sets. I hope this one does the same. I change the oil and filter every 7500 km and use a full synthetic oil. 1MZFE engines are known to gum up, so oil is cheap - engines are not. Most brake bits are the same as the local Tarago. I purchased the vehicle because it was bang for buck and because I paid less that $17k I expect to sell it for less than a local vehicle. If you buy a Estima it will 2005 (import regs) at the latest so it's 7 years old add five years to that and a dealer won't be interested in it anyway. If want a well made and appointed vehicle with surprising performance at a good price the Estima V6 is just the thing. But expect buy cheap and sell cheap compared to the local Tarago. Toyota Estima Owners Club (TEOC), a British forum, suggest that they suffer the occasional auto trans failure, the radiators have a tendency to crack on high mileage rough road vehicles and the oxygen sensors fail at 150, 000 km. So they are pretty reliable all in all. I really happy with mine. cheers Robert