Monkey Boy 1

Couldn't upload the photos earlier due to poor signal coverage at work. This is the circuitry on the ECM/TCM module. and you can see the brown gunk coming from the capacitor. Yes, I am fully aware that the capacitors only go on one way.

Well, the latest update is that I had a look at the inner workings of the ECM/TCM. Two of the capacitors had failed, (leaking out over the circuit boards). one of them actually fell off the PCB as it was so corroded. It looked as if it had also wrecked come of the circuit tracking, I cleaned up all that I could, put it back on the car to make sure it still fired up, which it did., and then took the car for a spin to see what would happen. Very surprised that the car now seems to work perfectly, changing gears where it should, kicking down a gear or two depending on acceleration & speed. It even worked perfectly on a 400 mile round trip from Norfolk to Hampshire for Simply Japanese show. I have purchased some replacement capacitors (25p each) 50v 10uF which I will probably solder in place over the next month or so when the car is coming off the road for a bit more suspension work. So watch this space .

I have changed both solenoids in the box but to no avail, so my last resort is the ECM/TCM to be repaired / changed. Finding one is like looking for the Unicorn of all unicorns. The unit controls both engine & gearbox, hence the A140E designation. So repair seems to be the next best option. (unless someone out there is breaking a JDM Vert Auto.)

Looks as if my ECM/TCM unit is playing up on my Gen6 vert auto. I am trying to find recommendations for any companies who members have used for diagnostic/repairs to these units. More and more I am hearing about breakdowns in solder connections or capacitors going bad on these units, so any advice, recommendations would be greatly received Problem is that the car virtually misses out 3rd gear when changing up through the gears and goes straight to 4th Overdrive. Will not kick down when accelerating. Had the fluid changed twice and both solenoids changed but still have the issue. As these cars are pretty uncommon, hardly anyone has any info or background on them and parts are hard to track down for the 3S-GE/A140E powertrain.

Black Cars Matter

Looking for an expert in the Celica auto transmission or an auto transmission specialist in the East of England. Got an issue (1995 JDM Vert ) where there is no kickdown over 50mph. (quite scary when overtaking) Overdrive is on and does not turn off. (press button and nothing changes) Fine through the gears from stand still. 1st-2nd OK, then goes 2nd to 4th with probably a second or two in 3rd. Put it into PWR mode and floor it, Can red line in 1st & 2nd easily then goes into O/D (4th) Will not kick down. Going to do a A/T fluid change first of all, then see what happens. Just hoping it is not an ECU issue. But before I start changing things which don't need changing,just wondered if anyone out there has either had similar issues or know of someone who could help.

Todays task, Took car for MOT, passed. (with a couple of advisories). Fitted wheel spacers to see how wheels sit (certainly needs lowering now) Started investigating an auto box issue I may have. Started pricing up for MOT advisories (rear shock & all springs replacement) to add to the list of parts already sorted for brake and suspension rebuild Re-Waterproofed the roof.

Once you filter out the Americans, then usually yes

Both FB & Forums have their own advantages & disadvantages. If you need to look for info on a site then the Forum is OK to navigate, but for instant & quick replies then FB is by far a quicker platform. For clubs, a dedicated web page works to the clubs advantage as they can charge people to use and limit access to certain pages. FB is free. Sadly, IMHO,the dedicated web forum has had it's day. People want quick replies to questions when working in their cars, With the web page, you could wait weeks for a reply, FB you can get an answer within seconds. Also in trying to find rarer JDM parts FB has been very good as there is a world wide membership. Many clubs run their pages from FB without a hitch. For me, being a Gen 6 convertible owner, FB is by far a more superior platform to get info & parts from owners, sharing info and advising.

Dragged the ol' vert out for its first meeting of the year

Another one of the Vert from the weekend.

His & Hers at a Performance car meet at the former home of Lotus F1 team at Ketteringham Hall. Norfolk

Taken at a local performance car club meet

Interesting, I asked this question on one of the Gen 6 FB pages about how the Mainland Europe owners cope with E10 fuel. So far ALL of them have said no issues. The plot thickens.