Any Advice For A New Corolla T Sport Vvtl-I Owner?

[Srazash]

Hi there everyone,

I've just recently made the jump from my old 6th Gen Celica to a newer Corolla T Sport VVTL-i, the 2002 model, I managed to get it at a bargain basement price on the basis it needs a LOT of tlc before it is even road ready but it's all in hand with a good mate who is also a mechanic.

I've already been told about a potential issue with the heating matrix that I'm ensuring I safeguard against, and there are a few other items that I've got pretty much sorted as well but there are a few little things I want to get done so it is 100% pukka and I was looking for some advice:

- Right now I'm using the emergency key to unlock the doors and using a single bent key to start the car, I'm planning on getting the key un-bent by a local cobblers (who also cut keys) and I've ordered some blanks to steal the plastic casing and buttons from. Ideally I'd like at least one more key, as close as possible to the manufacturers with the FOB and coded to my car, is this something that a could get done by a key cutter? I've seen some advertise online they can cut and code keys for Toyota's, but just wondered if they were any good or if I would be better off going to a dealership? Or even if there is a specialist in this sort of thing I might be better of going to?

- Also, in the centre dash - you have the astray at the bottom, then a compartment and the AC/climate controls above that - it's the lid on that middle compartment that is hanging off, I'm 80% sure that it just needs the hinge is either loose or just needs adjusting, and I've seen a youtube video showing how to get access to behind this part of the dash to have a look. I was wondering if it was possible to get just the lid somewhere? I've seen the entire unit, which has the compartment with it for £100+ on eBay but I'd like to avoid that if possible. (I've attached a picture for reference on this).

Obviously if you have any general advice or tips, I would really appreciate anything you could tell me in terms of running, driving and maintaining the Corolla.

Thanks!

[roks]

Hi Srazash,

I had that lid hinge broken off on my 2004 corolla, I ended up buying a 2002 console on eBay, there are 2 tabs at both ends of the lid, if they are intact, then you'll have to look for the springs behind the console, may have fallen off.

As for the keys, mine only came with one. I got a blank from eBay (just name sure its the same type) and got it cut for a fiver, then programmed it myself as Mr. T wanted silly money £160 or something. Search in my profile, post the procedure that worked for me on another thread.

[Srazash]

Ah that's brilliant pal!

I figured there might be a spring or something, it's not fallen off it just keeps falling open, I'll give that a check later on. I've got some blank keys ordered (was going to take the plastic Shell and buttons off of one) but I'll get one cut and take a look at your guide for coding it up.

Cheers!