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MOTRS

Celica (A20/A40)

1970-1981 / Coupe / Liftback / Japan

All Celica (A20/A40) problems All workshop issues
Common Electrical

Alternator Failure

Symptoms

Dim lights, slow cranking, dead battery, charging warning light.

Cause

Worn brushes, failed voltage regulator, or bearing wear. Standard failure mode for any 50-year-old alternator.

Fix

Rebuild or replace. Cost: $80--200.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $80

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Other known issues

Critical Electrical

Wiring Deterioration

Intermittent failures, non-functioning accessories, dim lights, difficulty diagnosing faults.
Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or thinning floors, particularly in the driver's and passenger's footwells. Wet carpet after rain. Road noise increases.
Critical Body and Structure

Lower Quarter Panel Corrosion

Rust and perforation in the lower rear quarter panels, behind and above the rear wheels.
Minor Body and Structure

Inner Guard Corrosion

Rust in the engine bay around the inner fenders and strut tower bases.
Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion

The rocker panels soften, crumble, and lose structural integrity.
Critical Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Oil Leaks

Oil seepage and dripping from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and timing cover.
View all 18 Celica (A20/A40) problems