The Toyota Cresta VVTi, a popular import to New Zealand in the late 90s and early 2000s, offered Kiwi drivers a comfortable and relatively luxurious experience without breaking the bank. As these vehicles age, understanding their maintenance needs and potential issues becomes crucial for keeping them on the road. This guide provides valuable information for Cresta VVTi owners in New Zealand.
The Toyota Cresta VVTi is known for a few common issues as it ages:
• VVTi Oil Consumption: The VVTi engine can develop oil consumption issues, particularly beyond 150,000km.
• Radiator Top Tank Cracking: The radiator's plastic top tank is prone to cracking and leaking.
• ABS Module Failure: ABS module malfunctions can occur, triggering warning lights.
When taking your Toyota Cresta VVTi for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, be particularly mindful of the following points:
• Rust: Pay close attention to rust around the windscreen and rear window, as this is a common WOF failure point.
• Lower Suspension Arm Ball Joints: The lower suspension arm ball joints are another area that often requires attention during WOF inspections.
Maintaining your Toyota Cresta VVTi involves keeping on top of regular servicing and being aware of potential problem areas. Here's what you need to know:
Recommended Maintenance:
• Air Filter: Regularly replacing the air filter helps maintain engine performance and fuel efficiency.
• Automatic Transmission Filter: Changing the transmission filter at appropriate intervals is essential for the health of the automatic gearbox.
• Brake Pads (Front): Inspect and replace front brake pads as needed to ensure safe braking performance.
• Bump Stops (Front): Inspect the front bump stops for deterioration and replace them to protect the suspension.
• Clutch Slave Cylinder Kit (If Applicable): If your Cresta is manual, keep an eye on the clutch slave cylinder.
• Drive Belt (Alternator): Inspect the alternator drive belt for cracks or wear and replace promptly.
• Exhaust Flange Gasket Pipe: A leaking exhaust flange gasket can cause noise and emissions issues.
• Knock Sensor: A faulty knock sensor can impact engine performance. Replacement may be necessary.
• Oil Seal (Crank Shaft Rear/Rear Main Bearing): Oil leaks from the rear main seal should be addressed promptly.
• Radiator Cap: A functional radiator cap is vital for maintaining proper cooling system pressure.
• Shocks/Struts (Rear): Worn rear shocks or struts affect handling and ride comfort. Consider replacement.
• Steering Rack Boot Kit: Protect your steering rack from dirt and debris by inspecting and replacing damaged boots.
• Suspension Bush (Radius Arm Front): Worn radius arm bushes can affect steering and handling. Inspect during servicing.
• Valve Cover Bolt Seal/Washer: Leaks from the valve cover area are common; replace seals as needed.
• Valve Stem Seals: Worn valve stem seals can lead to oil consumption and smoking, especially on older engines.
Typical Issues:
Many Cresta VVTi owners have reported a few common problems as their vehicles age:
• VVTi Oil Consumption: The VVTi engine is known for potential oil consumption issues as mileage increases. Regular oil level checks are crucial.
• Radiator Top Tank Cracking: The plastic top tank of the radiator can become brittle with age and crack, leading to coolant leaks.
• ABS Module Failure: ABS module failures are not uncommon and can lead to warning lights and loss of ABS functionality.