Is my $3900 "STEAL" turning into a robbery?

[Chiadog]

Found a new "chink" in my new 2005 Vibe. Noticed that the ATF cooling coil in the radiator is NOT hooked up (see pic.)!
Car fax lists an accident in 2008. So, 4 years and 100'000 miles approx. without an ATF oil cooler.
It gets better. Also NO engine cooling fan! the 40amp fuse was blown. Also since accident? At least this now explains the black tar-sludge under the oil cap.
I hope Toyota engines and trannys are TUFF! We shall see.
chiadog

[zyzyix]

Good ,luck in that regard.

[Canker]

I really doubt the cooling fan hasn't worked since 08. Engine would have blown up long ago. Probably just happened.
Did they just hook the cooling lines for the trans together?

[SeattleJeremy]

The factory installed radiator does not have a transmission oil cooler. It's common for aftermarket radiators to come with this feature and never have it hooked up to the transmission.

Have you had any cooling problems? Is there a fan on the radiator? Have you replaced the fuse, did it blow again?

[Chiadog]

Hey Canker,
CarFax lists one accident in 08. Looks to have been a good hit - Original inner wheelwells are there and are worn-out where tires wore thru them. I'm assuming new radiator/ AC radiator as both show NO damage. Underside of engine oil cap was caked with black/brown tar, showing overheated engine.

Hey Seattle J,
1. My brothers 05 (bought new) has the in-radiator ATF cooler (comes with AC option?).
2. Cooling problems? - NO, but I have only driven it 200 miles on the highway in the rain. The engine cooling fan runs fine now (with new 40a fuse) when I turn on the air conditioner. I have not driven it since fan fuse replacement, waiting for title and fresh fluids, etc.

Thanks Guy's,
chiadog

[bluneon]

sludge under the oil cap does not indicate overheating. it indicates insufficient oil maintenance.

[Chiadog]

Yes, to the oil maintenance. That's what I've read in one of my manuals. But i am guessing when it comes to breaking-down oil, there's more than one way to "'skin a cat". Especially since this car had no operational cooling fan.
chiadog

[cq358]

But shouldn't be the fan come on when the AC is turned ON? I see AC line from your pic, and Factory never use gear clamps for hose as well looks like they had changed the rad as well.

If you have an automatic, it should have those transmission line connected to the rad as well. I not sure about the States, but 100% of Toyota in Canada has transmission line run to the rad.

[Chiadog]

Hey CQ,
From what I understand, You are correct on all accounts!
I discovered the non-functioning radiator fan while troubleshooting the non-functioning air conditioning. The 40amp fuse for the engine/air conditioning fan was blown! Replaced the fuse and now have great air conditioner, plus the fan runs at high engine temp as it should.
On the Tranny cooler. I have re-connected it, as I believe ALL auto transmission Vibes came from the factory with the radiator ATF cooler.
A little history on the car, 2005 Vibe. I bought the car in August 2012. Inspection showed a pretty major front-end hit in its past: Both plastic inner wheel wells are worn thru from contact with the front tires.
The repair for this damage was half-fast, if you know what I mean. They installed new parts - radiator, AC condenser, etc. But, never hooked-up Tranny cooler or tested the air-conditioning. If only cars could talk!
chiadog

[cq358]

Hey Cdog,

Since the purpose of this car is a beater, as long as car can stop and drive properly enough to get certified that all you need.

Corolla /Vibe is a very easy vehicle to fix so I think even the front end pushed in, as long as the car is tracking straight, there is no cut at any of the wiring harnesses during body repair (causes electrical problems), car fired up and not stalling, that basically all you need. Can turn A/C on or all power window stuff are considered a bonus.