22nd Mar 2004, 15:44

I absolutely love my 2000 celica GTS, but, oh the problems I've had! I bought my car used with 43,000 miles on it. Immediately I found myself back at the Toyota dealership with problems. The first time the check engine light came on it was the fuel injection, the next week it was the charcoal filter, followed by replacement of all the valves! This has been an ongoing annoyance. The trouble is that I really do love my car, but it seems to be more trouble than it is worth. Just last week I picked up my car from the dealership after they had had it for 32 days, 4 days after that, the check engine light is back!!! Does anybody have any suggestions or have you experienced similar problems?! I am totally hopeless.

4th Jun 2004, 14:34

I have a 2002 Celica GT. So far it's working great. I have read that in most cases the check engine light comes up when the O2 sensors are dirty, or when you install/replace the intake without disconnecting the battery terminals. You can do a search at celicahobby.com. It has great info about our Celicas.

28th Aug 2004, 01:30

Hi, yeah I have had pretty much the same problems as up above. I have a 2000 toyota celica GTS and I thought that it was only my car that was acting weird. well my light went on too and I went to get a diagnostic and they said it had to do with the fuel system, most likely my fuel filter. I am going to change it and see if it helps, I will get back to you asap.

15th Feb 2005, 14:25

HESITATION HESITATION . the problem started a while back and I've been replacing parts left and right, took it for a diagnostic (no help), and still not fixed - First I did the spark plugs, no good, then the fuel filter+pump (they are sold as one), then I heard it could be the emissions system, changed my Evap "VAC" (thing on the airbox, (when I bypassed this, my car worked great... then the problem came back) ). and just yesterday I "fixed it" with a new throttle position sensor... only to find this morning that it was all a big sike!... my check engine light came on later a month or 2 after the prob. started (p0441), I think my new EVAP fixed that tho.

When it warms up, its fine...???!.. also just recently - ONLY WHEN I PUT GAS IN MY CAR - it would not idle and die out, I have to hold the gas pedal down and turn the key, rev it a lot, then its fine???!!!

Anyone solve this???

20th Feb 2005, 00:46

Hello, I think I may have a solution to the problems that people are having (I think!!). My 2000 Celica GT VVT-i was giving me 'check engine' light problems and it was stalling after each fill up of gas; the solution was to get a new gas tank and seal. My mechanic told me that the problem was that there was no vacuum in the stock gas tank and it was either leaking the gas vapour or it was leaking gas. He fixed the problem by getting a new part and it has been off ever since. The other problem that I was having with my Celica was the fact that it was sluggish at low RPM; the solution was a new cold-ram engine intake system with new spark plugs. Apparently, the spark plugs on the stock GT (and GT-S I assume) are not that great, and they need a better air/spark mixture in order to really give it that kick in 1st. Keep in mind, that this modification altered my gas mileage; from 39mpg to about 30-32mpg. Other than that this car is my dream car. At 20 years old, I could not afford a S2000 or 350Z so this is the next best thing in my price range. I will be installing a veil-side body kit with TRD suspensions and 18" gun metal alloys with Lambourghini style doors this year along with a TURBO kit. I will keep you guys informed on how well the TURBO kit performs and how much of a difference it will make. Hope I've been helpful!

6th Mar 2005, 15:42

Hey guys I don't have a Celica, and now I'm really considering not getting one, but the problem you are having sounds similar to a problem I was having with the cold start valve on my Audi. Your car may be running too rich. I had exactly the same problems until I replaced the relay for the cold start valve. You may want to look down that line of diagnosis.

13th Mar 2005, 16:57

Actually, the stock spark plugs for the GT and GTS are top of the line Denso Iridium plugs. Basically the best you can get. The sluggish starts are typical of any 4 cylinder, as they have poor torque, the celica is a prime example.. with very little low-end and a whole lotta high end scream. My GTS has 101,000 on it and I haven't replaced a single thing. Only CEL I got was when I put on my aftermarket intake, which went away after cleaning the Mass Airflow Sensor and resetting the ECU.

23rd Jul 2006, 15:41

I have a 2000 Celica-GT and it also has problems similar to what is listed. When first starting the car, it sometimes sputters, rpm drops and dies out. After a couple of tries, it finally gives in and works fine. The car has no problems once it is warmed up.

Sometimes though, it stalls in the middle of the road after pressing the gas at a stop sign or light. Fuel injection fluid didn't help and before sending it to the dealer, I wanted some input and suggestions concerning the car. Any ideas???

7th Sep 2006, 07:15

I have a 2000 Celica GT with 108000Kms (65000miles). Last fall, I noticed that when I am in 1st gear and give it a shot of gas to start out from a light, it sputters and sputters until I take my took off both the clutch and the gas, then it slides forward. Then all winter is was fine, no problems what-so-ever. Then in the late spring, the problem came back. I assume its the humid weather causing a problem with the air/gas mix. I guess new plugs wouldn't hurt as they are probably stock. The check engine light has come on and the problem is pretty bad. I have not taken it to the dealership yet because (be reading this blog), I have a feeling they will find nothing or tell me their is a problem with the fuel system. Thanks, but no thanks. I don't know a whole lot about cars, but I would certainly believe that it is a fuel problem. Has anyone solved this mystery yet?

14th Sep 2006, 12:58

Okay I'm rolling a 2000 Celica GTS Manual... yeah the car is a bit sluggish but at the same time I noticed a MAJOR difference with the type of gas I use. Amocco/BP, Exxon, Mobil all suck really badly. But when I got to Shell and use their High-test...BAM! My car drives like new again. I get the quick, nimble acceleration and the engine sounds strong on idle. So my suggestion is ALWAYS Use 93 and play around with different stations and see how that works for you.. I did and I love mine all over again.