CARFIX

Toyota Corona TD (1998–2001)

The Toyota Corona TD and Corona Premio TD are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency, making them a popular choice for Kiwi drivers. Understanding their common issues and maintenance needs helps keep these Toyotas on the road for years to come. This guide provides insights into frequently needed parts, potential WOF issues, and maintenance tips to ensure your Corona stays in top condition.

Parts for the Toyota Corona TD

Known issues

Owners of the Toyota Corona TD and Corona Premio TD should be aware of a few common issues:
• Automatic Transmission: Delayed or harsh shifting, particularly when cold, can occur, especially after 150,000 km.
• Engine Mounts: Vibration at idle can indicate worn engine mounts.
• Rear Wheel Arch Rust: Coastal areas can accelerate rust development in the rear wheel arches, typically appearing from 180,000 km onwards.

WOF tips

When taking your Corona TD or Corona Premio TD for a WOF, be sure to pay attention to these potential failure points:
• Front Lower Ball Joints: Wear in the front lower ball joints is a common issue.
• Rear Trailing Arm Bushes: Check the rear trailing arm bushes for perishing or cracking.
• Handbrake Effectiveness: Ensure the handbrake is effective and doesn't have excessive lever travel.

About the Toyota Corona TD

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Corona TD or Corona Premio TD running smoothly. Here are some areas to pay attention to:
• Braking System: Inspect your brake shoes regularly. A rear brake shoe fitting kit may be required during replacement. Replace your stop light switch if your brake lights are not functioning correctly.
• Suspension & Steering: Keep an eye on your shocks/struts, both front and rear. The front sway bar links and lower ball joints are also wear items that should be checked regularly. Inspect the steering rack boot kit for damage.
• Engine Maintenance: Regular oil changes are crucial, so replace your oil filter every 10,000 km. The glow plugs in the diesel engine should be checked for proper function, especially during colder months. The cylinder head should be inspected in the event of overheating.
• Drivetrain: The clutch fork is a wear item. CV joints should be inspected for wear every 100,000km.
• Other: Replace your wiper refills as needed for clear visibility. Ensure your wheels nuts are correctly torqued.

Questions owners ask

What are the common WOF failure points for a Toyota Corona TD or Corona Premio TD in New Zealand?
When taking your 1998-2001 Toyota Corona TD or Corona Premio TD for a WOF, pay close attention to the front lower ball joints, as wear in these is a common issue. Also, check the rear trailing arm bushes for any perishing or cracking, and ensure your handbrake is effective with no excessive lever travel.
My 1998-2001 Toyota Corona Premio TD has delayed or harsh shifting, especially when cold. What could be causing this?
Delayed or harsh shifting, particularly when cold, is a common issue reported by owners of the 1998-2001 Toyota Corona TD and Corona Premio TD, especially after 150,000 km. This often points to potential issues with the automatic transmission.
Where can I get an oil filter for my 1998-2001 Toyota Corona in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 215 SKUs for the 1998-2001 Toyota Corona and Corona Premio, including oil filters. You can find the correct oil filter for your vehicle on the CARFIX website or at a CARFIX store in New Zealand.
What maintenance should I perform on the suspension and steering of my Toyota Corona TD?
For your Toyota Corona TD or Corona Premio TD, regularly inspect the front and rear shocks/struts. The front sway bar links and lower ball joints are known wear items and should be checked regularly. Also, inspect the steering rack boot kit for any damage to prevent further issues.
I'm noticing vibration at idle in my 1998-2001 Toyota Corona. What's a common cause for this?
Vibration at idle in your 1998-2001 Toyota Corona TD or Corona Premio TD can often indicate worn engine mounts. It's a common issue for these models, and inspecting the engine mounts would be a good first step.
How often should I change the oil filter in my Toyota Corona or Corona Premio?
Regular oil changes are crucial for your Toyota Corona or Corona Premio. You should replace your oil filter every 10,000 km to ensure proper engine maintenance and longevity.