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Toyota Corona i (1989–1992)

The Toyota Corona i, a familiar sight on New Zealand roads in the late 80s and early 90s, offered reliability and practicality for families. Owners appreciated its dependability as a step up from previous Corona generations. This wiki provides useful information to help you maintain and understand your Corona i.

Parts for the Toyota Corona i

Known issues

Owners should be aware of potential issues that can arise with older Corona i vehicles. These include automatic transmission problems (harsh shifting), oil leaks from the engine (particularly around the distributor), and dashboard cracking due to sun exposure. These issues are more commonly observed between 150,000 and 250,000 kilometers. Regular maintenance can minimize the risk of these problems.

WOF tips

When taking your Corona i for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, it's a good idea to be aware of common watch points. These often include rust around the windscreen and rear wheel arches, excessive play in steering components, and brake performance, particularly the rear shoe brakes. Addressing these issues before your WOF can save you time and hassle.

About the Toyota Corona i

Maintenance & Care for Your Corona i

Keeping your Corona i in good shape involves regular maintenance and addressing potential issues proactively.

Here's a breakdown of key areas:

Engine Care
• Oil Leaks: Monitor for potential oil leaks, particularly around the distributor area. Addressing leaks promptly can prevent more significant engine problems.
• Coolant System: Regularly check the condition of your radiator cap and coolant hoses. Consider replacing your coolant every few years.
• Sensors: The coolant temperature sensor/sender can affect engine performance. A faulty sensor may require replacement.

Transmission Attention
• Automatic Transmission: Some Corona i owners have reported harsh shifting or other automatic transmission issues. Regular servicing and fluid changes are crucial. Consider consulting a transmission specialist if you notice any problems.

Underneath the Vehicle
• Drive Shafts: Inspect the front drive shaft components, including CV joint boots, for wear and tear. A damaged boot can lead to CV joint failure.
• Steering: Check the steering rack boots for damage, as this can lead to contamination and premature wear of the steering rack.
• Wheel Bearings: Ensure proper lubrication with appropriate wheel bearing grease, especially on the front wheels.

Other Considerations
• Dashboard: The dashboard can be prone to cracking due to sun exposure in New Zealand's climate. Using a sunshade can help protect it.
• Rust: Be vigilant about rust, especially around the windscreen and rear wheel arches.

Questions owners ask

What are some common problems I might encounter with my 1989-1992 Toyota Corona in New Zealand?
Some Corona owners in New Zealand have reported issues such as harsh shifting in the automatic transmission, oil leaks (especially around the distributor), and dashboard cracking due to sun exposure. These issues are more commonly observed between 150,000 and 250,000 kilometers. Regular servicing can help minimize these risks.
Where can I get a replacement radiator cap for my 1989-1992 Toyota Corona in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 213 SKUs for the 1989-1992 Toyota Corona. Check the CARFIX website or visit a store to find a suitable radiator cap and coolant hoses for your vehicle. We also stock parts like oil filters and brake pads.
What should I watch out for when getting a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) for my Toyota Corona?
Common WOF failure points for the Toyota Corona include rust around the windscreen and rear wheel arches, excessive play in steering components, and brake performance, especially the rear shoe brakes. Addressing these before your WOF inspection can save you time.
How often should I change the oil in my 1989-1992 Toyota Corona?
The recommended service interval for the 1989-1992 Toyota Corona is every 10,000km. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health and preventing oil leaks, a common issue in older Coronas.
My Toyota Corona's automatic transmission is shifting harshly. What could be the problem?
Harsh shifting in the automatic transmission is a known issue for some Toyota Corona models, especially those with higher mileage. Regular servicing and fluid changes are crucial. Consider consulting a transmission specialist for diagnosis and repair.
Are there any common issues with the steering on the 1989-1992 Toyota Corona?
Yes, it's important to check the steering rack boots for damage. Damaged boots can lead to contamination and premature wear of the steering rack. Also, check for excessive play in steering components when preparing for a WOF.
What type of wheel bearing grease should I use on my 1989-1992 Toyota Corona?
Ensure proper lubrication of the wheel bearings, especially on the front wheels, with appropriate wheel bearing grease. Consult your owner's manual or a mechanic for the correct type of grease for your Corona.