Did I Push My Yaris Too Hard?

[s2k]

Hey guys,

My poor Yaris seems to be in a lot of pain, its not so noticeable when just doing standard city driving but when you get to 40mph+ there is like a weird whining noise like as if something is struggling? Its kinda hard to explain but if you let the car coast you can hear it whine down as the car slows. I had to take a trip to the airport last night and it was like it was practically screaming at me when I got to 70. Its only a 1L 99 GS and I understand there is a fair bit of engine noise but this is completely new. The rev counter isnt anything unusual either so thats that idea gone. I haven't done any long journeys recently and when I do I don't go much further than 80 as a rule. The problem just seems to have developed over the last few weeks.

Now I admit I'm not very knowledgeable about cars but one of my first thoughts was the Battery, as I had recently been having poor performance on cold days and stuff like the headlights dimming for a second as i first rev the engine (after it being parked outside all day). I found out the water level in the Battery was kinda low so I topped it up a smidgen, but various people have said its better to replace the whole Battery. I'm planning on doing this but figure there is probably much more too it than than a simple battery fault? If that's even related of course. Like i mentioned earlier it sounds as if the engine is straining, could it be that I have simply pushed it too hard and now im paying the consequences?

Also to add, I had my car serviced about a month ago and the guy changed the spark plugs and oil filters around which made a huge difference in power but he did point out that the battery looked like it had seen better days. He's not a Toyota specialist I hasten to add though. So do you guys have any ideas? I really hope I haven't caused some serious damage

[Red Yaris 54]

Hey guys,

My poor Yaris seems to be in a lot of pain, its not so noticeable when just doing standard city driving but when you get to 40mph+ there is like a weird whining noise like as if something is struggling? Its kinda hard to explain but if you let the car coast you can hear it whine down as the car slows. I had to take a trip to the airport last night and it was like it was practically screaming at me when I got to 70. Its only a 1L 99 GS and I understand there is a fair bit of engine noise but this is completely new. The rev counter isnt anything unusual either so thats that idea gone. I haven't done any long journeys recently and when I do I don't go much further than 80 as a rule. The problem just seems to have developed over the last few weeks.

Now I admit I'm not very knowledgeable about cars but one of my first thoughts was the battery, as I had recently been having poor performance on cold days and stuff like the headlights dimming for a second as i first rev the engine (after it being parked outside all day). I found out the water level in the battery was kinda low so I topped it up a smidgen, but various people have said its better to replace the whole battery. I'm planning on doing this but figure there is probably much more too it than than a simple battery fault? If that's even related of course. Like i mentioned earlier it sounds as if the engine is straining, could it be that I have simply pushed it too hard and now im paying the consequences?

Also to add, I had my car serviced about a month ago and the guy changed the spark plugs and oil filters around which made a huge difference in power but he did point out that the battery looked like it had seen better days. He's not a Toyota specialist I hasten to add though. So do you guys have any ideas? I really hope I haven't caused some serious damage

I doubt if the Battery would give you the symptoms described.

I would check that the spark plug connections are on tightly (You say that the plugs were changed recently).

As you only had it serviced one month ago, why not go back to where it was serviced and suggest that they sort out the problem.

Let us know how you get on

[T V O R]

Hey guys,

when you get to 40mph+ there is like a weird whining noise

can hear it whine down as the car slows.

The problem just seems to have developed over the last few weeks.

the headlights dimming for a second as i first rev the engine

So do you guys have any ideas? I really hope I haven't caused some serious damage

Sounds like a slipping alternator belt.

Open the bonnet and you will see the belts on the left hand side of the engine. When the engine is TURNED OFF, check to see if there is any slack on the belts especially the one that goes round the alternator by pushing with your finger.

Not sure of the tension required but I’m sure someone will tell you, something around a couple of centimetres if that at an estimated guess.

I’m sure you haven’t damaged it.

The Yaris is virtually bullet proof

[dead_bodys_everywhere]

dont all 1.0's whine ?

[LittleM@n]

About the tension required on the belts, you have in your Yaris book how many inchs it should move when you push it with your finger. I don't remember right now, but I think it's about 1".

If you never changed them you can try this option. They shouldn't be more than 10 quids.

Also change the batery if it's old. I recommend 45Ah one. It's bigger than the standard 35Ah, so you have more energy stored if the alternator ever brake down, and the problems like lights dimmed and other stuff will dissaper. I have a 45Ah one and if I start the lights before I start the engine, the lights stay the same way whatever. You got the ideea.

About the strange noise...it seems to me from your describing something about the gearbox, or the distribution...try to keep the engine at the same revs in each gear (let's say 3500 rpm) for enough time and see about the sound. If in the 1st and 2nd gear it's normal, and the higher gears makes the sound, it's the gearbox nor the transmition. Or any other rulment. Or...it's about the wheel balance...or...

...

...I think i remember this sound...I keep repeat it in my mind and I can't remember from where. It's a strange and scary noise that I heard it before, 2 or 3 times, but I can't remeber where (even what car)...

And if I'm not wrong it was the Yaris...and I escape it by reving to 6000rpm...but not for long. After some time my alternator broked down. Not sure if was the same noise, but kind of.

So keep your self armed with some Battery cables, to get power if the Battery goes before getting a new one.

[dawesy]

it could also be the alternator itself,that too would cause the starting symptoms you described.

also when the service was done was the gear oil checked? worn bearings can also cause a whining noise.

to test the drive belt start the car and put everything on, heater fan on full, headlights dipped and mainbeam, heated rear window, aircon (if fitted) and foglight. if your belt is slipping that will highlight it. also whilst all these are on if you have a multimeter set it to volts dc (20v if not autoranging) and connect to the Battery terminals (+to+ -to-) you should read 12.5-13v when loaded any less you have an alternator issue.

does it make the whining sound when stationary and you hold the engine at high revs (3500-4000) if so depress the clutch if it goes then its a gearbox problem if it worsens then it could be your clutch release bearing is worn