IF you read this site regularly, you’d know that our longterm Auris Hybrid has not been well. The issues started early in October last year when a mild shudder was felt through the drivetrain. This was coupled with an engine-warning light. I delivered the car to Market Toyota Culemborg the next morning, hoping that it was a small issue that would be fixed in a day or two. Little did I know…
After several days, the hybrid-specialist technician called to say that he had tried new plug leads and coil packs but eventually a replacement ECU had fixed the problem. However, on the way home from the dealership, the problem was still evident. The car was collected a day later for further diagnosis. After several weeks without success, a technician was flown in from Johannesburg.
After inspecting the Auris, he ruled that the transmission was faulty. However, after a swap for a new one the problem remained. The car was then moved to a regional technical centre for analysis. In an attempt to eliminate the culprit, replacement parts were ordered from Japan. After trying the new items, it seemed that the driveshafts were to blame. With a new pair in place, the car ran perfectly.
The Auris was returned mid-December (2013), some 10 weeks later. You would assume that, with the raft of electronics monitoring every system, fault finding would be simple, but it seems that even today you need an experienced mechanic who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty to find a solution.
Since that date the Auris has been doing duty as my daily runner, usually in between test cars and travel, and during this time has exhibited no problems whatsoever.