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2003 Toyota Matrix XRS, strange combo of problems


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JojoRiver11
Novice

Feb 20, 2022, 11:18 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1216 views)
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS, strange combo of problems Sign In

Hi there, my old Matrix has started doing some weird things in the last few weeks.
After I've been driving it for one or two minutes, a chirpy/ticking noise starts coming from under the hood. Seems like on the driver's side. At first it's when I'm accelerating a bit or going up hill, but as the car warms up a bit more, the sound mostly keeps going.
Once I've driven it for 6 or 7 minutes and turn off the engine there is a hot smell and it looks like steam comes from under the hood, driver's side close to the windshield. It only lasts for a second or two, but it's worse if I drive it more (I've been worried about it so only use it for very short drives)

This might be unrelated, but seems to have started at the same time: My interior heat never heats up, it seems to be blowing cold air, and there must be some humidity in it, because it fogs up the inside of my windshield when I have it set to blow there.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Feb 20, 2022, 11:41 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1207 views)
Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS, strange combo of problems Sign In

All your symptoms are pointing to a coolant leak and now low coolant level.

You need to do a cooling system pressure test to locate the leak.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 20, 2022, 11:43 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1205 views)
Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS, strange combo of problems Sign In

Check coolant level NOW! This odor or noise than this is in line with a coolant leak on hot engine and belt(s) as equipped now heat will not work kinda proves it.

Don't just fill it up - high bet right now have it pressure tested and hope it's not a serious damage issue now just to know for sure this could be very BAD to your engine,

T



JojoRiver11
Novice

Feb 20, 2022, 12:48 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1198 views)
Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS, strange combo of problems Sign In

Thanks for the responses! I don't remember my engine light on the dashboard going up, but maybe it wouldn't from such short drives.

My mechanic is about a 6 minute drive away, do you think it's safe to drive my car there?


JojoRiver11
Novice

Feb 20, 2022, 1:04 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1189 views)
Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS, strange combo of problems Sign In

Would it be okay to do the 6 minute drive to the mechanic? I can take it easy.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 20, 2022, 1:21 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1183 views)
Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS, strange combo of problems Sign In

Not really! If you even filled it up, it's not really full so easily. There's probably air trapped that is hard to know it's full either a vacuum fill or know that cap or last pressure valve is the highest spot in whole system.

That if you ran it, and was touching feeling for warmth where to expect it WITH HEATER blasting if it warmed up I might say yes - later. If you can do that make a run for it ask yourself is it worth it if not already a leak or gasket issue you might be ok but not for the 6 more miles?

Tow it just has to be my suggestion but if you can tell them now if they/shop are the last tow if things are NOT good already.

Even if air is real cold where you may be it doesn't take long for any violation of ability to hold pressure to exceed boiling points acts as air again.

You're call if you see the fool leak and may not and fixed it rent a pressure tester and also be ready to pull spark plugs see it any are wet with coolant.

Risky stuff I have to say no driving if anything do add 50/50 water + antifreeze now if somehow there's only plain water in it just maybe minimize the damage.

This really smacks of one thing already lead to another problem without lots of testing you can't really know where it's at now high hopes it isn't damaged now don't add to it,

Tom






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