In the early 2000s, the Toyota Corporation introduced a new line of AZ engines, which became an adequate replacement for one of the most popular series of S series engines. In particular, 1AZ-FE became a replacement for one of the most popular engines for the middle class of cars - 3S-FE. However, Toyota did not achieve the same range of configurations and modifications with the new unit as its predecessor. Like many lines of conventional gasoline engines, this series received a modification 1AZ-FSE - a model with direct fuel injection. This internal combustion engine is less common in Russia, but is also worthy of the attention of buyers. Today, such engines continue to be installed on a number of classic models, but more modern units are sold in Russia.
Main technical characteristics of the engine
The power units of the series are universal, so their characteristics are not characterized by excessive power delivery or amazing torque. The Japanese tried to make a unit that can withstand high mileage without repair, has practical timing chains, and also has a minimum number of serious problems.
Here are the main characteristics of the 1AZ-FE engine:
| Production | Japan (Kamigo, Shimoyama) |
| Series | 1AZ |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| Unit volume | 1998 cc cm. |
| Rated power | 145-150 hp |
| Peak power, rpm | 5700-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 190-200 N*m at 4000 rpm |
| Cylinder block | aluminum |
| Motor weight | 131 kg |
| Fuel supply | injector (for FE modification) |
| Cylinder arrangement | in-line |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| valves | 16 |
| Piston stroke | 86 mm |
| Cylinder diameter | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.6 – 9.8 |
| Fuel | gasoline, not lower than 95 |
| Environmental approval | Euro 5 |
| Fuel consumption per 100 km: | |
| - city | 11.4 l |
| - mixed | 9.8 l |
| - track | 7.3 l |
| Oil consumption per 1000 km | no more than 1000 g |
| Oil type | 0W-20, 5W20 |
| Oil volume in crankcase | 4.2 l |
The best oils
In the RAV4 engine, in addition to the original Toyota 0W-30 or 5W-30 (and other oils), the manufacturer also allows the use of analogues from other manufacturers. But not all owners have the opportunity/desire to fill in original oil, the reason: cost, lack of oil change stations in nearby and distant auto shops/or oil change stations and the presence of counterfeits on the market.
When choosing original Toyota oil, we recommend that you read the recommendations in publications on the difference between a fake and original oil: the difference between a fake in plastic and the difference between a fake in a tin can
The selection of good and optimal oils for RAV4 engines is quite large, but in this article we have highlighted motor oils that are especially popular not only among owners of the XA30, but also other modifications of the Toyota model range. In addition, these oils have proven themselves well not only among owners of the Japanese automobile industry. This list is very useful if the choice in your region is limited, and there is no opportunity or desire to order in an online store.
Summer 5W-30
- Addinol Super Power MV 0537 5W-30
- Chevron DELO® 400 LE 5W-30
- Delphi Prestige Super Plus LL 5W-30
- Lukoil Genesis Armortech A3/B4 5W-30
- Kixx G1 5W-30 ACEA A3/B4
- Kixx G1 Dexos1 5W-30
- Lukoil Genesis Armortech A3/B4 5W-30
- Mobil1 FS 5W-30
- Mobil1 x1 5W-30
- Motrio Ultra Oil 5W-30 API SL
- NGN Profi 5W-30
- Petro-Canada Supreme Synthetic 5W-30
- Texaco Havoline Energy 5W-30
- Total Rubia TIR 9900 FE 5W-30
- Valvoline Maxlife 5W-30
- Wolf Vitaltech 5W-30 D1
- ZIC X9 LS 5W-30
Winter 0W-30
- Castrol EDGE Turbo Diesel 0W-30
- Mobil1 ESP LV 0W-30
- Shell Helix HX8 0W-30
- Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30
- Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W-30
Summer 5W-40
For those who prefer to pour thicker oils based on their own considerations and desires:
- Lukoil Avangard Ultra CI-4/SL 5W-40
- Lukoil Lux Synthetic 5W-40
- Meguin Megol Super Leichtlauf 5W-40
- Mobil1 FS x1 5W-40
- Motorex Xperience FS-X 5W-40
- Motrio Ultra Oil 5W-40
- Idemitsu Zepro Racing 5W-40
- Motul X-cess 8100 5W-40
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40
- Shell Helix High Mileage 5W-40
- Texaco Havoline Ultra 5W-40
- Valvoline Synpower 5W-40
Winter 0W-40
- Akkora PRO 0W-40
- Amsoil Extreme Power 0W-40
- Amsoil Signature Series 0W-40
- Castrol EDGE 0W-40
- Eurol Synergy 0W-40
- NGN Synergy 0W-40
- Motul 300V Trophy 0W-40
- Mobil1 0W-40
- Mobil1 FS 0W-40
- Rowe Synth RS 0W-40
- Valvoline Synpower 0W-40
Summer 5W-20
Classics of the genre according to Toyota:
- Quaker State Ultimate Durability 5W-20
- Petro-Canada Supreme Synthetic 5W-20
- Redline 5W-20 Motor Oil
- United EcoElite 5W-20
- Wolf Vitaltech 5W-20 D1 Dexos1 Gen2
Winter 0W-20
- Castrol EDGE Supercar A 0W-20
- Quaker State Ultimate Durability 0W-20
- Idemitsu Zepro 0W-20
- Kixx G1 0W-20
- Mobil Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20
- Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W-20
- Petro-Canada Supreme Synthetic 0W-20
- S-Oil Seven Red1 0W-20
- Shell Helix Ultra 0W-20
- Toyota Motor Oil 0W-20 08880-12205
ATTENTION
: it is important to remember that the greater the demand for oil, the more likely it is that you will buy a counterfeit from a dubious seller
What to choose?! If it is difficult to decide on the wide range provided to you, we will give examples of those brands of motor oils that are chosen by the owners of the RAV4 XA30:
2.0 1AZ NGN 5W-30 PROFI Profix 5W-30 Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 Toyota 5W-40 08880-80375-GO Toyota Premium Fuel Economy 5W-30 (08880-83389) Toyota Motor Oil 5W-30 (08880-10705) ZIC X9 LS 5W-30 2.0 3ZR Idemitsu Zepro 0W-20 Kixx G1 0W-20 Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W-20 Petro-Canada Supreme Synthetic 0W-20 Shell Helix Ultra 0W-20 Toyota Motor Oil 0W-20 Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 2.2 2AD Toyota Castle Diesel Oil DL1 0W-30 AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 A5 KIXX G1 5W-30 Liqui Moly MFC Molygen New Generation 5W-30 Lukoil Genesis Armortech JP 5W-30 Mobil 1 ESP Formula MOTUL 8100 Eco -clean 5W-30 REPSOL PREMIUM TECH 5W-30 Bardahl XTC C60 5W-40 Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-40 MOTUL 8100 X-cess 5W-40 3.5 2GR Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 Fuchs Titan Supersyn 0W-30 Gulf Formula G 0W-30 Castrol EDGE 0W-30 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-30 Petro-Canada Supreme Synthetic 0W-30 Shell Helix Ultra 0W-30 Lukoil Genesis FE 5W-20 United Eco Elite 5W-20 Amsoil Signature Series 100% Synthetic 5W-30 Kixx G1 dexos1 5W-30 Liqui Moly Top Tec 4600 5W-30 Mobil1 x1 5W-30 Pennzoil Ultra 5W-30 XADO Atomic Oil 5W-30 Shell HX8 5W-40
However, it is better for you to make your own conclusion based on the availability of the product range, financial capabilities, and the credibility of the seller. In order to protect yourself from counterfeit products, we first advise you to contact the official website of the oil manufacturer.
If you find it difficult to choose, we suggest you use our mini-service for selecting oil online.
Toyota powertrain design
The lightweight aluminum cylinder block and the excellent VVT-i gas distribution system were important achievements of the unit. The electronic throttle made the engine easier to operate, made it more stable and eliminated a number of potential breakdowns. The cylinder axis has a design feature - an offset relative to the crankshaft axis. This was done to increase the service life of the sleeves.
Engine block 1az-fe
The plant did not determine the service life of the engine, but reviews allow us to form an opinion about the service life of the unit. A mileage of 300,000 km is considered normal. With higher mileage, problems arise that indicate serious wear and tear of the main mechanisms and parts.
The attachment runs for a long time and does not cause problems. The generator on some cars requires replacement after 200,000 km. In the cooling system, problems can only be caused by the thermostat, which does not like the Russian winter. The valve mechanism itself, as well as the entire cylinder head system, do not cause problems. It is important to monitor operating conditions and ensure good maintenance.
Gearboxes for 1AZ engine
The boxes were installed with traditional mechanical and automatic ones. The 6-speed manual serves quite well and does not cause any problems. Automatic machines are distinguished by unconventional behavior in D4 modes and some variants of forced transmission engagement. But this is not a question for the engine, but for the automatic transmission itself. The structure of the box is quite complex, and one of the big problems for owners of such cars with an automatic transmission will be the high cost of repairs.
1AZFE Service Regulations
Proper care of the 1AZFE engine, as well as the automatic transmission, will make it possible to operate the engine without major repairs for 500 thousand kilometers. The engine operating book contains not only a description of the engine parameters, but also maintenance periods.
Regulations for maintenance of the 1AZFE engine:
- antifreeze and engine oil are replaced after a mileage of 10 or 20 thousand kilometers. Depends on the natural conditions in which the car is operated;
- crankcase ventilation is cleaned after two years of operation;
- spark plugs are changed after a run of 30 thousand kilometers;
- Thermal valve clearances are adjusted after 30 thousand kilometers;
- belts for 1AZFE attachments are changed closer to forty thousand km;
- The cat collector is changed after 60 thousand km. Because individual areas in it begin to burn out.
Pay special attention to the three weak points of the 1AZFE engine - the fuel pump, the intake manifold, and the cylinder head.
Attention! Annual preventive maintenance of 1AZFE will save you from problems with these units. By eliminating the malfunction in time, you can extend the life of the motor.
What cars were the 1AZ-FE engine installed on?
The list of models for this unit is small. A modified version of the FSE with direct injection was installed on a wider range of models. The unit described today serves under the hood of the following cars:
- Toyota Camry (in some countries Aurion) 2006-2009;
- Toyota RAV4 (also installed on RAV4 Euro) from 2001 to 2006;
- Toyota Avensis Verso (Picnic in some countries) from 2001 to 2009.
Despite the fact that the units are no longer installed on new cars of the concern for the Russian Federation, they are still produced and sold as spare parts for car repairs. The bulk of the Russian market is represented by Camry and RAV4, but Avensis Verso was practically not sold here, there are only cars imported used from Japan.
Major problems with 1AZ series engines
Despite the fairly high reliability of these units, they also had childhood diseases. It is important to note that even new engines did not get rid of most of the problems. Many unpleasant little things, such as breakage and the need to replace pushers, often lead to large-scale work - liners, replacement of standard parts with repair-size pistons, for example. But these are isolated problems. It is worth remembering about more widespread troubles:
- Breakage of the cylinder head mounting threads. The gasket does not help; antifreeze accumulates on the back wall of the block. The geometry of the structure is lost, the block is sent to the trash heap, and expensive repairs are needed.
- Vibration at idle. This also results in an idle problem. Cleaning the fuel supply system, EGR, and idle air valve usually helps. Replacing the unit installation cushions also partially relieves vibration.
- The motor jerks. 1AZ-FE is susceptible to carbon deposits, the intake manifold must be cleaned. If this does not work, you will have to look at the VVT-i valve or even change the lambda probe.
- The revolutions are floating. Also often with this symptom, the engine stalls and fuel consumption begins. The culprit is the EGR system, which was not installed for the European market, only in Japanese versions. It is recommended to disable it on a good service.
- Increased consumption after 200,000 km. Most likely, you will have to change the injectors, and also look at the injection pump system. It is quite possible that you will need serious engine capital with good investments.
Review of faults and methods for repairing them
Let's talk about three weak points and repairing the main faults. The fuel pump wears out faster with domestic fuel. The 1AZFE model engine requires fuel with an octane rating of at least 92, ideally 95.
The intake manifold is made of plastic. Although it is replaceable, it lasts longer in the European climate than in the harsh Russian climate. The cylinder head is not repairable and does not like overheating. Any overheating causes the thread to stretch. Therefore, you need to change the oil and antifreeze on time to prevent overheating. Especially in the summer.
Problem: Pressure sensor. The fuel pressure sensor likes to malfunction. It may give incorrect information about rail pressure. It closes and there is a problem with starting the 1AZFE engine. The electronic control unit stops responding to turning the key in the system.
How to fix a problem with a pressure sensor . The sensor cannot be repaired. Better to buy a new one. But this one will cost $150. Car owners get out of the situation by buying used ones at a car wrecker.
Problem: Throttle body. Unstable low idle.
Solution. Cleaning the throttle. You should be aware that if the combustible mixture is lean, the damper may not take part in the operation.
Problem. Error in swirl flaps. These are devices that, under low loads, close half of the intake valves. Equipped with valve. The car owner may not notice it, since it does not affect the behavior of the car in any way. However, a valve malfunction error appears on the display.
Solution. The valve and its electrical part must be replaced.
Problem. Jumping idle speed. It occurs due to the fact that the oil seal located in the fuel injection pump is worn out. It prevents gasoline from getting into the oil. In the event of a breakdown, gasoline is easily mixed with oil. Malfunctions begin in the operation of the fuel injection pump and the 1AZFE engine as a whole.
Solution. Replacing the 1AZFE oil seal.
Problem. Noise and ringing in the engine. Misfires. In a similar way, the timing belt becomes unusable.
Solution. The timing belt should be replaced every 200 thousand kilometers.
Problem. The sound of pistons is heard. This means that the cylinder-piston group is wearing out. This is a weak point in 1AZFE engines. A strong ellipsoidal shape of the cylinders appears. This is what the knocking indicates.
Solution. Complete replacement of the 1AZFE cylinder block.
Problem. Eat oil in large quantities. The problem is stuck piston rings.
Solution. Replace piston rings.
Problem. Malfunctions with the phase shifter and valve. Errors appear during phase regulation. Since the phase shifter is initially installed unreliable straight from the factory. Despite the improvements of these devices by Toyota engineers.
Solution. Replacing the phase shifter. Cleaning the clutch, which is located on the clutch control valve.
Attention! The 1AZFE cooling system pump is changed every 150 thousand kilometers.
Do the valves in the engine bend if there are problems with the timing belt?
This model of the unit is equipped with a chain, and many motorists consider this system indestructible. But the problem is that chain jumping will become a serious nuisance. When you remove the valve cover after a problem like this, you will be surprised at how damaged the cylinder head system is. At high speeds, it not only bends the valves, but destroys the entire head without a chance of recovery.
Chain 1az-fe
Another problem is that such motors do not last very long after repair. The restoration itself is not easy, since specific turnkey dimensions and unusual factory clamping requirements for parts create problems. Just look at the tightening torque of the connecting rods, which must exactly correspond to the factory manual. It is also not easy to select pistons, especially if repair sizes are needed. When it comes to capital, it is often easier to find a contract motor.
Operational features of the 1AZ-FE motor
Many people confuse this series with 1ZZ engines. Engines with the ZZ designation have a smaller displacement, are built specifically for the American market and have much fewer childhood diseases. When looking at the pros and cons of purchasing a new AZ powertrain, you'll find more benefits. But when choosing a car with good mileage, such an engine can cause a lot of trouble. Among the operational features it is worth noting the following features:
- sellers often repair cars poorly before selling them, masking cracks in the crankcase and other problems;
- Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the short resource, as for Toyota power plants, this is also a big nuisance;
- expensive components are another drawback; when servicing, even an original alternator belt will not be easy to buy;
- high service requirements - the oil filter, oils, antifreeze and other consumables must be of very high quality.
1az-fe under the hood of rav4
But there are also significant advantages of the unit. Among the advantages are good service of the fuel system, reliability of the timing system at low mileage. Many car owners in Eastern Europe install LPG, and the engine does not lose its service life. It is enough to change the spark plugs and monitor the oil level. You won't have to carry out more thorough and expensive diagnostics to keep your power plant running. Even with bad fuel, there are usually no serious problems.
List of car models in which it was installed
The 1AZFE modification engine can be found on the following vehicles:
- Toyota Avensis is a mid-size car with three body types;
- Toyota Verso - belongs to the Avensis model;
- Toyota Vista - a sedan for the domestic market;
- Toyota Camry is a full-size family sedan;
- Toyota Rav 4 is an all-wheel drive crossover.
Similar article Technical characteristics of the OM 904 Mercedes Benz engine
The 1AZFE modification engine can also be found on some other Toyota vehicle models.
Tuning and modification of the 1AZ-FE engine
The issue of refinement and increase in power practically does not arise until 150 thousand kilometers. But after this milestone the engine loses some power. Given its robust design, the power unit can be easily improved using both software methods and hardware tuning.
The main possibilities for increasing power are as follows:
- Chip tuning using software methods (Stage 1). You can increase the power of the unit to 165-170 hp without harm to the engine.
- Boring. You can bore the cylinder block, and the output will be a 2AZ engine with a 2.4-liter volume and significantly increased thrust. But the cost is unrealistically high.
- Supercharging The turbocharger kit from TRD, for example, is suitable for this engine. Of course, you will need an intercooler, new injectors, a thicker cylinder head gasket and other minor modifications. Engine potential – 200 hp. without changing the piston group.
Also, during tuning, the catalyst is removed, a direct-flow exhaust system is installed, EGR is removed, factory restrictions and software blocks are removed (Stage 2 tuning). All this will help to achieve freer breathing of the motor, which will give more freedom of movement. But if tuning is incorrect, engine wear will be excessively high.
Conclusions - reliability and practicality of the 1AZ unit
This engine is not the most reliable of the Toyota line. But the engine can easily reach up to 300,000 km without significant changes in power and basic characteristics. It is worth remembering that Toyota needs good oil and optimal consumables. If operation does not meet factory specifications, the fuel system and cylinder head will begin to create problems already in the second hundred thousand mileage.
The service technicians claim that the 1AZ-FE is quite repairable, but its restoration is quite expensive. Therefore, in case of serious breakdowns, it is often more profitable to find a good contract motor from Japan. Before installing such engines, it is better to disconnect and remove the EGR unit.
