Quirky celly woes, ever encountered these?

[nnarth212]

Thanks for your experience and consideration!

My 90' celica has a few quirks. Most pressing is a sunroof that will slide open, but refuses to slide shut. When i depress the "slide close" switch i hear a click, which leads me to believe the motor is geting juice, but is gummed up. Apparently it was working intermittently before. Does anyone have anyinfo about the circuitry to test, or do i simply have to tear apart the headliner and commence the learning process!
--On other cars ive worked on there is a manual crank for closing in emergencies, but i have found no info in the Chiltons or otherwise regarding this.

Another question concerning me is when the car is at cruising speed it has a steering-wheel vibration. Tires and balance has been checked. Can this be a worn suspension component or an imbalanced rotor. This little cellica has 212,000miles on her and has had a bit of history concerning warped rotors...what components should I examine first!?!

Finally, when the vehicle is motionless but with the engine on, it seems that the low rpms shake the car, and it makes unusual noise some kinda pulsing that is quite noticeable under the bum (butt). This to me seems like an AUTO tranny issue/ torque converter. The tranny has no other issues other then this weird noise at idle...

Thanks again for your time!

Colin Helmuth

[hydropkd]

try and check motor mounts on left and right...

[kingofchighs]

Listen to your exhaust. Is it a jumpy sound comming out of the exhaust like it isnt firing right?

[Kiddo]

Well, As far as warped rotors go, I believe overtorqued lugnuts can warp the rotors. Other than that I don't quite know.

As for steering wheel vibration, I'd check the tire tread first, overly worn tires could cause this problem. Otherwise I'd check the CV-joints. Make sure the rubber boots aren't torn or otherwise leaking grease. (Also, of course, make sure they aren't simply not leaking due to a lack of grease to leak) Giving them a squeeze and maybe a little wash with soapy water should show you any problem spots (And washing them could extend there life - so you can't go wrong there)

Mine is a 5spd so I couldn't help you on automatic transmission problems, I don't ever intend to own an auto But I agree you should make sure all the pistons are firing properly, listen for uneven firing, check the spark plugs and wires, uhm, thats about the extent of my knowledge...

Hope that helped.

-Jeff

[nnarth212]

I had the thing balanced and rotated, vibration is resolved, but car, even with cheery alignment is pulling left. I was told i may need a camber kit or something like to resolve this pull; and that it is likely caused by sagging suspension...This doesnt sound too far off @ 215 k miles!

The auto tranny shakes the car midly at idle still, if i pput her in Neutral and then back into D the pulsing doesnt come back for a few moments... sounds like the Torque converter...?!?

Finally, what are symptoms of failing auto tranny? I too am used to a clutch so these Autos i have inherited are becoming quite botherSOME!!

Thanks for your time and attention!
Colin H