[Diagnostic Charges]

My son recently saw the engine warning light go on and took the 2000 Corolla to the dealer. They charged $65 to diagnose (get the code) and tell him it needed a VSV valve. Total cost for part and service: $169.97 Canadian. Plus the $65 diagonsis fee. Total $234.97

He originally took the car to the dealer to check out his left turn signal (only left) which would flash intermittently. This was not a bulb issue but required a whole new switch column "switch dimmer)--$293.

Could someone tell me if these prices are reasonable? Is this diagnosis charge absolutely necessary? What happens if you operate the car with a faulty VSV valve?

Thanks

Noramor

He could have taken the car to any parts place (like AutoZone) and they would have pulled the trouble code for him free of charge. If the code indicated that he needed the valve, they would have gladly sold him one and he could have changed it himself or had somebody else do it. For a lot less than $235 I'm sure. The stalk switch could be found at a junkyard for maybe $50.

Yes, I guess these charges are reasonable for a dealership. As for the diagnosis charge, some shops will waive that if you allow them to do the repair. I don't know what a VSV does, but it probably has something to do with emission controls.

[Switching Horns]

Did you do this project or do the 08 horns sound differently? I know there are a ton of improvements in your model over mine.

Sorry for the slow response...been a little layed up. Thanks, sounds like it's worth a try.

TL

I just recently changed out the horns on my '08 RAV4. It came from the factory with pathetic road-runner beep-beep horns. A lot of RAV owners were replacing them with the Camry horns which cost around $40 each. You need 2, a high note and low note. I went to Advance Auto Parts and got a matched pair of "El Grande" horns made by FIAMM for around $20. They are well made (in the USA!) and mounted easily. The connectors from the original horns plug right into these, although they don't lock in place like the originals, but they aren't going anywhere. The difference in sound is amazing! It sounds like a big truck now.

[Owner's Manual in PDF format?]

Hello Toyota fans!

Does anyone have the Owner's Manual in PDF format? It's for the model Corolla 1999

Thanks in advance,

Randall

Go to this site and sign up:

http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/

Enter your VIN and then go to the owner's manual tab. You can then search and view individual chapters of the owner's manual in PDF format. Using search keywords such as wheel, tire, key, etc., you can bring up all the chapters. Use the "save a copy" feature of Adobe Acrobat to save each chapter to your hard drive. It's a little tedious but it works.

Hope this helps!