Clevo

Did you get this sorted out? I found it a little odd that you would have to remove the bumperbar. I other cars I've had that had this problems it's always been one of the seals around the light bulb that allowed fluids to get in...unless your headlight has a crack in it.

Thanks for all that info... will do some more investigating as soon as I have some access to equipment that allows me to raise the car safely. I'm remembering back in the ol days I used to drive an old Ford Transit van and the links between the gear shift and gear box used to come loose and fall off....needing me to jump out of the car in traffic, get underneath and slip the links back on...occassionally burning my arm when it rubbed against the exhaust pipe....

Hi Hiro, I'm going to check myself if there are gearbox drain plugs. I drive a manual. Followed some youtube clips to try and diagnose the gear stick problem. I do have a little bit of play if I try and move it lighltly say using my pinky finger. Not much but I think this sort of play is normal. What makes me think it's the gear stick that the problem is that sometimes it gets stuck/sticky shifting when the engin is off. Something does feel a little loose somewhere and like you I feel comprelled to have a look inside by removing the centre console and see if there is anything I can do. Other than this annoying problem the car is fun to drive. Just been reading the Australian release version of the car was limited to 85kw of engine power while the Indonesian and Russian version of this car got up to 120kw of engine power. Trying to now figure out if it's CPU controlled restrictions based on Australia's stronger pollution standards and can it be changed :).

Soudns like it could be the shims on the brake pads rubbing against something. Best get it checked out ASAP.

Yeah...sometimes it's hard to put into gear.....it can happen when cold or after driving for a while. I notice I have th push the clutch pedal hard to the floor to make sure I can change the gears smoothly. So I get caught out when I need to change gears quickly. Since the clutch isn't slipping nor does the pedal seem "soft" it seems to me all it needs is some adjustment to when pushing the clutch pedal releases the clutch. Some gearboxes are locked in.. so the oil never needs replacing. I didn;t think this car was oen of them but I could be wrong. Maybe I chould go up to 16" then :)

"throw" Arm should be Control arm bushings....

Welcome! And I can't help you with your question...

Does it sound like rubbing metal noise (but not the brake squeek) or does it sound rubbery. To me it sounds like it's something that is worth having it looked at but could end up being simple to fix with a bit of lube. Hard to tell when describing sounds....

I only posted the video just as an idea of what's possibly involved. To me, if you are concerned about wanting an airbag and you consider it a priority saftey enhancement...perhaps it's better to let an expert fit it in for you. I wouldn't assume anything when dealing with anything I would consider important. Just saying

My guess would be you are missing something big.... if it was that simple everyone would do it. I heard there is a glut of 10 year old 4-5 airbag euro cars on the market because it's not that easy to replace. here is a youtube link...so I guess it's possible:

In May, 2013 was in the market to replace my damaged car. I bought the 2000 Corolla hatchback. It was in excellent condition an up-to-date service log book going back to it's original owner. A couple of tiny dents ( which I'm learning to fix myself). Has a couple of mechanical issues. Nothing major. 1) Squeeky front end possibly suspension related (sounds rubbery) 2) Gear shift that sometimes gets a bit sticky when shifting gears. I self diagnosed this as needing a gear shift linkage adjustment or repostitioning the clutch pedal clutch release....or worse, a worn pressure plate in the clutch system. 3) ....and a few other things I spotted but wanted to see if the Mechanic spotted it too. Well anyway, it's up for rego in June so took it for it's 160,000 service, pink slip and safety check at the Goodyear Autocare in Lewisham. I had a VIP card I hadn't cashed in yet and wanted to give a local technician a go. After having my expectations managed I left the car with them for the day. Their diagnoses: 1) Front end worn bushes in the throw arms 2) Stupid gear shift wasn;t playing up with the mechanic....must be my clutch pedal technique then :) 3) They identified the other concerns I had..... weak battery, fine mist of engine oil somehow spraying in a line under the hood right above the near the timing belt and a slight leak at the front passanger strut. I was happy with the service they gave and the way they honoured the VIP card. Will deffo go back to them. However...he did mention a few things I was surprsied with and wasn't sure if it was true. 1) Gear box oil is not replaceable 2) Gear shift lever is not the adjustable kind (there cvould be some confusion with terminology here on my part for the following) but neither was the clutch pedal engament point. Other than that the car is in excellent condition... I also asked what the pros and cons were of replacing the 14" wheels with 15" wheels....what's the consensus on this if there is one? Thanks

Not an expert but could it also be the Gear stick cable links to the gearbox?

Thanks for explaining the term SECA. That all makes sense now.

Hello, Just about to purchase a Toyota Corolla Ascent Seca (2000). My wife and I hunted around. We were after a Corolla as my wife had a 1987 model which was a great run about. When that car was finally due to be passed on we ended up with a 1994 Mazda 626 (2.5 V6). A car my wife grappled with but I loved to bits after we did some essential repairs. Poor Mazda got rear-ended. Wife was driving and she's OK. Sad to see it go but saw it as an opportunity to buy something this century. Tossing up between a Corolla and a ford focus but I couldn't go by the bubble eye of the 2000 Corolla. Found a nice one at the price range we wanted (under $5000) with reasonable kms 140k and in great condition with all the original log books. We'll probably be the fourth owners judging from the limited history we know. Will need a couple of small things done like a new battery judging by it's recent service history reports but it's been looked after well in the past and will continue to do so. We pick up the car next week...the current owners were desperate to sell as they are going to NZ. Can't wait to buzz around in it. The test drive was very positive. I'll take this opportunity to ask a couple of questions... What does the "Seca" mean...not getting satisfactory answers on the net. I've seen Corollas without the seca badge. I'm aware the Ascent is a entry level but am I right in thinking parts will be easier to come by than say the Conquests or Levines ( I don't see many Ultras). For an entry level I'm OK with the Mod Cons of the car....even after the Mazda 626. I'm looking forward to joining in the community. Thanks PS Will post pictures when I get the car.....