The robotic transmission causes complaints among Corolla car owners due to its poor design and low reliability. Replacing a “robot” with an automatic on a Toyota Corolla allows you to increase the reliability of the car, but to perform the work you will need to contact a specialized service. It is impossible to carry out the conversion with your own hands or in makeshift conditions.

Replacing a robot with an automatic one increases the reliability of the car.

Reasons to replace a robotic gearbox with an automatic one

The robotic box on the Corolla is a mechanical unit with an actuator to drive the clutch. The electronic controller controls the stage selection servos without driver intervention.

The transmission is not a reliable system and needs to be repaired every 50-70 thousand km, depending on the operating mode. An additional disadvantage is worse acceleration dynamics, since the drives are characterized by increased inertia.

Mechanical problems

Common defects in transmission parts:

• accelerated wear of the clutch disc due to incorrect operation of the actuator;
• the transmission goes into emergency mode with an error code displayed on the screen in the instrument cluster;
• extraneous sounds when switching, resulting from incorrect clutch operation or a drop in oil level;
• a monotonous hum indicating excessive wear of the bearings.

Electrical problems

Basic faults related to the control unit or wiring harnesses:

• jerks at the beginning of movement due to errors during initialization of the control system;
• spontaneous transition to neutral due to overheating of the clutch disc.

Electrical problems are related to the control unit.

Problems with electronics are easily identified during transmission diagnostics using a scanner. The computer is connected to the OBD-II connector and the error codes stored in the memory of the control units are viewed. The received data is decrypted and a worn or incorrectly adjusted unit is identified.

But sometimes the cost of repairing a robotic gearbox is comparable to the cost of a car.

In this case, it is easier for the owner to remake the transmission and install a classic hydromechanical unit, removed from disassembled equipment and undergone diagnostics.

Box type

The first Toyota Corolla model was released by a Japanese car manufacturer back in the eighties. After that, it underwent more than 10 restylings. Robotic gearboxes were installed on Toyota Corolla cars with a 150 body and front-wheel drive. Similar machines were produced in 2007 and 2008.

Experienced car owners did not immediately like such machines. Their life resources were significantly underestimated. If with an automatic transmission you could travel 200,000 kilometers, then with a robot, at best, you would travel 120,000 kilometers before the first major overhaul.

Attention! Robots with dry clutches installed on budget front-wheel drive cars are considered especially vulnerable. Such manual transmissions quickly burn out and stop working. Many car owners do not want to install a contract robot. That's why they order a classic automatic machine.

Advantages of replacing a manual transmission with an automatic transmission

The main advantages of hydromechanical gearboxes over “robots” built on the basis of a manual transmission:

• increasing operational reliability due to the absence of electromechanical drives in the design;
• smooth switching of automatic transmission stages up and down;
• freezing of switching drives at low air temperatures is excluded;
• spontaneous inclusion of neutral is impossible;
• the ability to use additional automatic transmission operating modes;
• increased reliability due to the absence of a clutch;
• reducing vehicle maintenance costs by increasing the service interval.

Automatic transmission reduces vehicle maintenance costs.

The replacement procedure is carried out on Corolla cars with an E150 body. Instead of a 5-speed robotic gearbox, 4-speed automatic transmissions A244L, U340E or U441 manufactured by Aisin are installed. The units are designed for gasoline engines of 2.0 and 1.8 liters, respectively. The use of an automatic transmission leads to an increase in fuel consumption by 0.5-1.0 liters per 100 km (depending on external conditions). In return, acoustic noise is reduced, since at the same speed the engine speed in an automatic transmission is lower than the speed when using a manual transmission.

Results

Of course, it is possible to change the MMT to an automatic transmission or manual transmission. Numerous photo reports can be found on the Internet. Replacing a robot with an automatic or manual one has its advantages: for example, the car will become much more obedient and faster, since on many Corollas of 2007 and 2008 the main disease is precisely the robot, which stops working stably due to overheating or hypothermia. However, if it is possible to buy a car with a manual or automatic transmission, then it is better to change the car. This move will be safer, saving time and effort.

Preparatory activities

At the preparatory stage, it is necessary to determine the list of spare parts that will need to be installed on the car. Then you should decide on the places of purchase and calculate the costs of refurbishment. The box can be purchased at a dismantling facility in Russia or ordered in Japan; units delivered from abroad have mileage ranges of 40-80 thousand km and are in excellent condition.

It is recommended to service the automatic transmission (regardless of the place of purchase) with replacement of the working fluid and filters; the condition of the unit can be judged by the amount of wear products.

List of required spare parts and tools

To carry out the work you will need:

• hydromechanical gearbox, compatible with the engine available on the machine;
• mounting brackets and bolts for joining the gearbox and engine crankcases;
• automatic transmission wiring harness in the engine compartment;
• automatic transmission control unit;
• a computer for removing errors and programming the instrument cluster (the standard unit will not be able to show the operating modes of the automatic transmission);
• automatic transmission selector with cables and fasteners;
• box heat exchanger (original or homemade);
• trim elements for the center console in the cabin;
• set of wrenches and sockets (including torque socket).

To carry out the work you will need a set of wrenches and sockets.

There are companies in Russia that supply ready-made conversion kits (kits).

The kit includes an automatic transmission with a homemade heat exchanger, which allows you to leave the standard radiator in place and reduce the cost of work. A home-made traverse bracket is also installed, designed for a cushion from a robotic transmission. Buying an automatic transmission kit allows you to save time; the kit includes the necessary fasteners and decorative parts, the owner does not have to look for suitable spare parts.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the transmission on a Toyota Corolla

Algorithm of actions when installing a box on a Corolla E150:

1. Place the car in a garage box or on a lift.
2. Disconnect the battery and remove the protective shields.
3. Dismantle the robotic box with switching drives, actuator and control unit. To hold the engine in the engine compartment, you will need a hydraulic stand or jack with a wooden pad to protect the sump from damage.
4. Modify the automatic transmission bellhousing for the existing engine. To carry out the work, you will need a special welding machine; in artisanal conditions, modernization is impossible.
5. Install the automatic transmission rocker on the floor tunnel; to access the bolt heads, you will need to remove the center console. An additional hole will need to be drilled in the floor for the wiring harness, which will need to be sealed after the electrical wiring is installed. Connect the selector with a wire to the brake pedal, which will allow you to implement the mode of unlocking the speed selection mechanism when you press the pedal.
6. Remove the instrument cluster, from which you must disconnect the signal wire that allows you to display the number of the engaged gear in the manual transmission, otherwise the number 5 will flash, regardless of the speed and operating mode of the automatic transmission. Since the emergency indicator will be lit continuously, you will need to remove the LED or cover the pictogram with a piece of dark insulating tape.
7. Remove the speed switch block under the steering wheel (manual speed selection algorithm is not supported by 4-speed hydromechanical gearboxes).
8. Mark and cut off the bracket on the left side member amplifier that prevents the installation of the automatic transmission.
9. Upgrade the wiring of the engine compartment and install a new transmission control unit, reprogram the engine controller (automatic transmission requires different mapping).
10. Bore the lower attachment points of the automatic transmission to the engine crankcase to 14 mm, and then install the ring gear and gearbox housing.
11. Check the rotation of the automatic transmission hydraulic transformer, and then mount the axle shafts and attach the power unit mounts.
12. Install the electric starter in its original place and connect the antifreeze supply pipes from the throttle body to the gearbox heat exchanger.
13. Connect the electrical wiring, connect and adjust the length of the automatic transmission kickdown cable, otherwise when you sharply press the accelerator pedal, the car will accelerate sluggishly.
14. Install all removed shields and other structural elements and check the level of process fluids.
15. Carry out a test drive, if you detect any extraneous knocks or other problems, determine the cause of the defect and eliminate the malfunction. Please note that the conversion will not allow you to activate a number of functions (for example, cruise control). To activate the speed hold mode, reprogramming of the control units will be required.

Useful tips and general recommendations

Integrating an automatic transmission instead of a robotic one does not create problems when passing a technical inspection or performing registration actions. Russian legislation classifies units as a single type. If the owner intends to install a mechanical box instead of a “robot,” then difficulties may arise during registration. When selecting a compatible automatic transmission, you should choose units that match the power and engine size and support electronic diagnostics for quickly identifying faults.

If the car owner does not have repair and maintenance skills, it is recommended to contact a specialized service center. The automatic transmission installation procedure will take from 3 to 7 working days (subject to the delivery of components). The price ranges from 80 to 90 thousand rubles. including spare parts. Most workshops provide a guarantee of 6 months or 10 thousand km for the work performed.

The list of free additional services includes an inspection with filling of fresh fluid into the automatic transmission, which is carried out 2-3 thousand km after installation.

Auto service "TOYOTA-ROBOT"

Consent to the processing of personal data for the purpose of fulfilling the request

By joining this Agreement and leaving your data on the Website toyota-robot.ru, (hereinafter referred to as the Website), by filling out the form fields, the User:

• confirms that all the data he provided belongs to him personally;
• confirms and acknowledges that he has carefully read the Agreement and the conditions for the processing of his personal data indicated in the fields of the form (registration), the text of the agreement and the conditions for the processing of personal data are clear to him;
• gives consent to the processing by the Site of the personal data provided as part of the information for the purpose of concluding this Agreement between him and the Site, as well as its subsequent execution;
• consents to the transfer of his personal data;
• expresses agreement with the terms of processing of personal data.

The owner of the website toyota-robot.ru is the Limited Liability Company "CONCORD"

TIN 7806129404 OGRN 1027804177675 Address: Russia, 195273, St. Petersburg, st. Rustaveli, 31, lit. Ah, pom. 3

The user gives his consent to the processing of his personal data, namely, the performance of actions provided for in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Art. 3 of the Federal Law of July 27, 2006 N 152-FZ “On Personal Data”, and confirms that by giving such consent, he acts freely, of his own will and in his own interest.

The User's consent to the processing of personal data is specific, informed and conscious.

This consent of the User is recognized as executed in simple written form for the processing of the following personal data:

• name;
• telephone numbers;

The user grants toyota-robot.ru the right to carry out the following actions (operations) with personal data: collection and accumulation; storage for the periods of storage of reports established by regulatory documents, but not less than three years, from the date of termination of the use of services by the User; clarification (update, change); usage; destruction; depersonalization; transfer at the request of the court, including to third parties, in compliance with measures to ensure the protection of personal data from unauthorized access.

This consent is valid indefinitely from the moment the data is provided and can be withdrawn by you by submitting an application to the site administration indicating the data specified in Art. 14 of the Law “On Personal Data”.

Withdrawal of consent to the processing of personal data can be carried out by sending the User a corresponding order in simple written form to the email address (e-mail)

The Site is not responsible for the use (both legal and illegal) by third parties of the Information posted by the User on the Site, including its reproduction and distribution, carried out in all possible ways.

The site has the right to make changes to this Agreement. When changes are made to the current edition, the date of the last update is indicated. The new version of the Agreement comes into force from the moment it is posted, unless otherwise provided by the new version of the Agreement.

The current version of the Agreement is located on the page at: toyota-robot.ru.

This Consent is recognized by me as my written consent to the processing of my personal data, given in accordance with Art. 9 of the Federal Law of July 27, 2006 No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data”.

With this Consent, I confirm that I am the subject of the personal data provided, and also confirm the accuracy of the provided data.

I understand that by registering and/or submitting a request to receive an offer, and/or subscribing to receive promotional information on the Site, I confirm my written agreement to the terms and conditions described in this Agreement.