Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Wiring Harness Issues on Modified Cars

Symptoms

Random electrical faults, misfires, no-start conditions, erratic gauge behaviour, blown fuses, intermittent boost control problems.

Cause

Modified A80s often have wiring that's been spliced, extended, and re-routed by multiple owners. Each modification adds potential failure points. Poor soldering, scotch locks, exposed splices, and incorrect wire gauges are all common.

Fix

For a car with extensive wiring issues, a complete engine harness replacement is often the most cost-effective solution.

Aftermarket engine harnesses from Wiring Specialties and similar suppliers are available ($800-2,000).

For targeted repairs, trace each fault systematically with a multimeter, repair with proper soldering and heat-shrink, and re-loom with split conduit.

Cost mentioned in fix

$800-2,000

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Other known issues

Minor Electrical

Instrument Cluster Pixel Fade

The LCD displays in the instrument cluster (odometer, trip computer, clock) lose pixels, segments of the display stop working, making the readout unreadable.

Minor Electrical

Power Antenna Motor Failure

The power antenna doesn't extend or retract, or extends/retracts partially. Grinding noise from the antenna motor.

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Sequential Twin-Turbo System Failures

A flat spot or hesitation in the 3,500-4,500 RPM range during full-throttle acceleration. Boost may spike or surge unpredictably. The car feels fast below 3,500 RPM and above 5,000 RPM but stumbles in the transition zone.

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Turbo Seal Wear (High Mileage)

Blue smoke on cold startup (oil pooled in the turbo housing overnight drains into the exhaust when started). Blue smoke on deceleration (intake manifold vacuum pulls oil past the compressor seals). Oil residue in the intercooler piping. Increased oil consumption without external leaks.

Minor Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Timing Belt Failure

Catastrophic engine damage. The 2JZ is an interference engine, if the timing belt breaks, the pistons strike the open valves, bending them and potentially damaging the pistons, head, and block. The engine stops instantly and will not restart.

Critical Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Cam Cover Gasket Oil Leaks

Oil seeps from the edges of the cam covers (rocker covers), running down the sides of the engine. Oil smell from the engine bay. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold (fire risk on the turbo side).

View all 17 Supra (A80) problems