The Toyota Solara is known as a coupe with sporty styling. Like many cars, it has common issues owners have run into. This post reviews the top 5 Toyota Solara problems of the 1st generation, years 1998 to 2003.
Common 1st Generation Toyota Solara Issues (1998 to 2003)
1. IAC Valve Failure
Symptoms of IAC Valve Failure
- RPMs fluctuate while idling (tachometer should normally read around 500-700 RPMs)
Causes of IAC Valve Failure
Carbon deposits and debris can build up inside the IAC valve, affecting its functionality. While there may be another cause for fluctuating RPMs, IAC valve failure is the most common one on the 1st gen Solara.
How to Fix IAC Valve Failure
The idle air control (IAC) valve has three hoses and one electrical connector. Replacing it requires removing the surrounding parts and replacing the gasket.
Before replacing it, we recommend trying to clean the valve of any debris. If cleaning it doesn’t change the symptoms, replace the valve.
2. Oxygen (O2) Sensor Failure
Symptoms of Problems with Oxygen Sensors on the Toyota Solara
- Engine is running rich (too much fuel)
- Engine is running lean (too much air)
- Check engine light
- Engine performance issues—misfiring, sputtering, running rough
- Poor fuel economy
Causes of O2 Sensor Failure
The O2 sensors meter the amount of oxygen exiting the engine and signal the computer so it can make adjustments for combustion. If the O2 sensor is not running properly, it may cause some of the symptoms above.
How to Fix O2 Sensor Failure
Replace the O2 sensor.
3. Ignition Coil Failure
Symptoms of Ignition Coil Failure
- Engine performance issues like misfiring
- Check engine light
Causes of Ignition Coil Failure
The ignition coils send power to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel for combustion. If the ignition coils fail, it can cause runability issues with the engine like misfiring. Sometimes the spring in the coil can break, which affects its ability to power the spark plug. The boot on the ignition coil should also be pliable and squeezable. If the boot is dry rotted and cracked, moisture can get inside and cause performance problems. If moisture travels up to the electrical connector, it can corrode the terminals and restrict voltage. The spark plug wires can also corrode on the 1st gen Solara.
How to Fix the Ignition Coils
Clean off any corrosion from the connection points on the electrical connector or the spark plug wire. This may be a temporary fix.
If an ignition coil is defective, replace it. Consider replacing all of them if one is defective.
4. Engine Oil Issues
Symptoms of Engine Oil Issues
- Frequently low oil
- Oil sludge underneath the oil cap and in the engine
- Black smoke expelling from the tail pipe
- Oil leaking gaskets like the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket
Causes of Engine Oil Issues
You may find sludge underneath the engine oil cap and in the engine, which is from moisture accumulating inside the system from poor oil maintenance or from taking too long to change the oil between intervals. Black smoke means the engine is burning oil.
How to Fix Engine Oil Issues
If the engine is leaking, check it for other leaks. Replace any gaskets that are causing a leak. If there is sludge build up, run an oil system cleaner through the system and after driving for about 500 to 1,000 miles, change the oil.
5. Internal Engine Valve Problems
Symptoms of Internal Engine Valve Problems on the Toyota Solara
- Engine air intake issues
- Loss of engine power
- Engine backfiring
Causes of Internal Engine Valve Problems
The valves are located inside the engine and sit underneath the valve covers. The valves help the engine intake and expel air. If there are problems with the amount of air entering and exiting the engine, it’s likely a problem with the valve adjustment on the 1st gen Solara, and Toyota has recommended intervals for adjusting them.
How to Fix Internal Engine Valve Problems
Toyota has a recommended interval for adjusting the valves. Adjust the valves at each interval.
1st Generation Toyota Solara Model Years
- 1998 Toyota Solara
- 1999 Toyota Solara
- 2000 Toyota Solara
- 2001 Toyota Solara
- 2002 Toyota Solara
- 2003 Toyota Solara
Related Content
- Can a Bad O2 Sensor Cause a Misfire?
- Signs of a Failing or Bad Ignition Coil
- How to Diagnose an Engine Misfire
- Why is My Car Leaking Oil?
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Why It Happens, How to Prevent It, and How to Fix It