Letter Campaign to C&D and SCC about the Celica's Early Rev-Limit "GLITCH."

[Keyshawn]

I wonder WHY Toyota has been telling the magazines that have noticed (Car and Driver, Sport Compact Car) that the early rev-limit is a "glitch", when they apparently did it intentionally. I'm writing letters to both mags asking for them to help get an OFFICIAL answer from Toyota about this. The negative publicity might help pressure Toyota to fix this issue (Yeah, I know it's a long shot). It's worth a try, though. The mags might be more receptive to helping us if other peeps sent letters about this issue, too. Anyway, if you'd like to help, here is some contact info:

Sport Compact Car-
Editor
Scott Oldham
714-939-2584
scotto@mcmullenargus.com

Technical Editor
Dave Coleman
714-939-2607
davec@mcmullenargus.com

Car and Driver-
E-mail us at editors@caranddriver.com. E-mails intended for publication should include the name of the writer, and the town and state of his or her residence. We reserve the right to edit e-mails for accuracy, clarity, and length. (Note: Writers wishing to remain anonymous, or wishing to use imaginary names for dramatic or satirical purposes, must nonetheless include their true names and addresses for purposes of verification.)

[Keyshawn]

Thanks for the idea, msilvia!


Originally posted by msilvia
Sounds to me like they're being very deceitful. Haven't they claimed in two magazines now that the sudden 7500 fuel cutoff was just an odd glitch? And I thought they had never admitted (anywhere, ever) that they changed a thing on the 2002?

What I'm really surprised people aren't doing is organizing a letter writing campaign - not to Toyota, but to every magazine being told the rev issues are an isolated glitch. Especially a few from the site admins and such on official nc.org letterhead, backed by lots of follow up members from other Celica owners. Toyota dealers won't care how much you guys whine about this, but if you generate some actual bad press in a mag like C&D - especially if it shows that Toyota has been basically lying to its customers and the reviewing mags - then you may be able to get a change in 2003 at least. Better yet, maybe a recall/TSB/dealer fix for the "glitch" on all 2002s, since that would be potentially the only way Toyota could end up not looking criminal.

[Willis5050]

Good idea man, best not to sit around and complain but actually do something. You may want to consider copying and pasting what you write up here, and then the rest of us lazy bums can copy it and send it in email to the above addresses while just signing it. I have seen that tactic done before and it seemed to work pretty well. Plus we will have a lot higher numbers if all we have to do is copy it!

[MilinGTS]

glitch eh?
when they change this "glitch"

how about they put the rev limiter at 8600...where it needs to be.

yeah.

[eDriXxxX]

great idea...im gonna try also.

[eDriXxxX]

done. I just emailed them..hopefully I get a response...

[gts24]

Hey everyone. I emailed these guys like 3-4 weeks ago. Lets get this going. It'll take 5 minutes of your time. Be courteous in your email.

[TheX-Man]

Can i like lie? i would love to say i drive a 02 celica and have driven a 01 celica and the difference is unbelievable, and so on. hehehe I wish i had a celica. So you think I should lie? It would ocme off so much better.

[larryd]

good luck guys..

[Keyshawn]

Originally posted by Willis5050
Good idea man, best not to sit around and complain but actually do something. You may want to consider copying and pasting what you write up here, and then the rest of us lazy bums can copy it and send it in email to the above addresses while just signing it. I have seen that tactic done before and it seemed to work pretty well. Plus we will have a lot higher numbers if all we have to do is copy it!

I haven't sent my letter to Car and Driver yet, because I want to read the article before I say anything, and I can't find the May issue yet. However, here's the letter I sent to SCC:

[B]Dear Mr. Oldham,
I was reading the April issue of SCC and saw something interesting in the article, Eight Great Rides. In Dan Barnes

[WillyK]

Keyshawn,

Maybe just something in there to point out that some have tried to get answers from Toyota and haven't succeeded. SCC needs to try and use their influence to hopefully get straight answers and help their loyal readers.

I dunno something like that

[kabal57]

done.
I hope they listen to us
everyone send those emails!!
even you 2000-2001 owners!
we need all the help we can get guys
Id do it for you if my situation was reversed :D

[gts24]

I'm a 2000 owner and I sent email a long time ago. Keep it up everyone. Kabal57,,, still lovin the sig......................................

[CelicaDetective]

If Toyota fixes that problem, and heck boost the redline for 2003 ... they just sold a 6-speed GTS. I'm in the market.

Mike

[NSX_GTR_LM]

sent mine

[kabal57]

Originally posted by gts24
I'm a 2000 owner and I sent email a long time ago. Keep it up everyone. Kabal57,,, still lovin the sig......................................

lol thanks man :thumbup:
I hope some toyota guy sees that one day and realizes how badly they screwed up on that one.

[atehrani]

ttt, sent an e-mail to SCC a few months ago regarding the exact same issue. No response. :(

[TRD-GT]

i sended one too

[NoCones]

I haven't seen the SCC article, but I've looked at the C&D one a couple of times. Where does it say that Toyota told them it was a glitch. Sounds to me like they came to that conclusion on their own.

[msilvia]

C&D seemed to feel that the problem was a unique glitch on their test car, so its worth pointing out to them that the car they tested was not simply problematic, but in fact reresents what is now the Celica.

SCC 8 Great Rides Celica Article (http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/archives/features/feature01_0402f.shtml) says the following:

"Toyota also has its power steering dialed in with superb feel, yet low effort, and the 2ZZ-GE engine is the silkiest, best-sounding four-cylinder in the world. And yes, I've thrashed on an S2000. Our 1000-mile old test car, however, was held back on the dragstrip by a premature 7500 rpm rev limiter Toyota says was a glitch in the car's ECU."

[jotan82]

good catch, i didn't even notice...

tell us any details/replies when you get an answer

[racinjason]

Xman: Don't lie. That's the last thing we need is for people to send BS letters to them to get this fixed. If you would get found out, we would all look like a joke.

[gts24]

So we've got 365 views.............. how many of you have actually emailed? come on everyone, if you email post here...

the whole process will take maybe 5 mins out of your busy lives.

[Keyshawn]

C'mon ALL 2002 owners out there. Try to make your voices heard. This might be the ONLY chance you have to make Toyota confront what they did with the low rev-limit in national magazine. Just like gts24, I don't even own a 2002 (I have a 2000), but I'm pulling hard for you guys nonetheless. But this campaign DEFINITELY will NOT go anywhere happen unless everyone lends a hand. Let's see if we can make this happen:)

[Keyshawn]

Here's my letter to Car and Driver. C'mon 2002 guys, I think they'll have to listen if ENOUGH of you guys send a letter also:

[B]Dear Editors,
In Patrick Bedard

[gts24]

Here's something I question. Why would Toyota do this and then back down? I'm just trying to think like Toyota U.S.A.

You are head of operations for Toyota. What would justify raising the rev limiter for you?

IMO, the justification can already be seen. There is a letter in an older MotorTrend that a friend of mine had from a reader.
The letter stated "I'm going with the RSX because it had better power and 0-60/ 1/4 mile times.

What a crock. Anyone wanna argue that magazine times dont' help sell a car?

They do, sadly they do. This person undoubtedly missed the other points of the review and headed straight for the "specs" sidebar and completely didnt' even care that the Celica will out handle that thing any day and time of the week.

[TheX-Man]

racinjason

thanks I was wondering if someone would say yes or no. Ok well I haven't sent anything yet, but damn I wish I could be apart of this.

[Keyshawn]

Originally posted by TheX-Man
racinjason

thanks I was wondering if someone would say yes or no. Ok well I haven't sent anything yet, but damn I wish I could be apart of this.

You don't have to own a 2002 to help out. I don't . Go ahead and email them honestly about your concerns. We need all the help we can get.

[PoweredbyRICE]

this is off the subject..but Kabal how the f*** did you get a TRD quickshifter to fit into the 02 shift gate?...i was wondering because when they gave me a new tranny and new shift gates, my TRD quickshifter did not work causing failure to go into reverse and stuff. So if you claim u have an 02..then how did you do it?

[gts24]

Originally posted by PoweredbyRICE
this is off the subject..but Kabal how the f*** did you get a TRD quickshifter to fit into the 02 shift gate?...i was wondering because when they gave me a new tranny and new shift gates, my TRD quickshifter did not work causing failure to go into reverse and stuff. So if you claim u have an 02..then how did you do it?

He did it because he simply took out the shaft from the TRD SS and placed it in the stock plastic thingy. Try it and it will work for you too.

[EzRidA]

02' owner and I sent an email to both SCC and C&D. Hopefully something gets done.

-Dan

[kabal57]

Originally posted by gts24


He did it because he simply took out the shaft from the TRD SS and placed it in the stock plastic thingy. Try it and it will work for you too.

yup, thats what I did. I could have got a b&m or twm, but I preferred the TRD so I just took apart the stock housing, and put the ss rod into it. works great.

[kabal57]

oh ya, Send those Emails people!
this is our chance! we can't afford to blow it
7600 = :bang:

[gts24]

let's go everyone. come on ,,,, even if you don't have an 02 write these guys.. it will take 5 mins outta your busy schedule!

[eDriXxxX]

Dave Coleman from SCC responded..but he didnt say much..just that they were asking a toyota technician about it...

[Keyshawn]

Originally posted by eDriXxxX
Dave Coleman from SCC responded..but he didnt say much..just that they were asking a toyota technician about it...

Sounds good. C'mon, fellas. Let's try to get the rev-limit question into the magazine. Maybe if enough peeps email them, we'll get published in their letters page where Toyota and everyone else will see it. If you haven't emailed yet, please take 5 minutes out of your day and send one. Here are the links again:

Sport Compact Car-
Editor
Scott Oldham
714-939-2584
scotto@mcmullenargus.com

Technical Editor
Dave Coleman
714-939-2607
davec@mcmullenargus.com

Car and Driver-
E-mail us at editors@caranddriver.com. E-mails intended for publication should include the name of the writer, and the town and state of his or her residence. We reserve the right to edit e-mails for accuracy, clarity, and length. (Note: Writers wishing to remain anonymous, or wishing to use imaginary names for dramatic or satirical purposes, must nonetheless include their true names and addresses for purposes of verification.)

[Keyshawn]

If you don't have time to write your own email, feel free to copy, paste, and send the my emails:

To Car and Driver-
[B]Dear Editors,
In Patrick Bedard

[B-GTS]

Here's Dave's response at SCC from the email I sent a while ago and just the other day after reading this post. Sounds like Toyota is ignorant with everybody, doesn't matter if your big or small.

"I'm trying to get an answer from them." ----Dave's quote.

> To: davec@mcmullenargus.com
> cc:
>
> Subject:
>
> Dear Mr Coleman,
>
> After reading the below article
> http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/archives/features/feature01_0402f.shtml
> "Our 1000-mile old test car, however, was held back on the dragstrip by a
> premature 7500 rpm rev limiter Toyota says
> was a glitch in the car's ECU."
>
> I was particularly interested if Toyota has addressed this so called
> "glitch"? with your staff.
> I am a 2002 Celica GT-S owner effected by this glitch and no doubt
> countless other
> 2002 owners will be as well.
> I have addressed Toyota HQ and my dealer about this issue and they have
> all come up empty
> handed for an explanation other than Toyota does not publish redline specs
> and or fuel cut off specs.
> Unfortunately as every one knows pre 02 cars never had this issue.
> I'm at a loss of what to do next. So I'm hoping your publication has more
> power
> than a single individual and they have responded to you about the
> glitch....
>
> Any comments would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks and best regards,

[Keyshawn]

B-GTS,
Excellent, well thought-out email! I think we are really close to getting this "glitch" problem out in the open and in these magazines. Hopefully, a few more emails will get us noticed and get us in the mags. Has anyone from Car and Driver responded yet? That is an even more well-known mag than SCC, and we need their pull to expose this issue on a national level.

[B-GTS]

I was thinking.....
Maybe we should collect everybodies name with a 2002 GT-S, like a petition and send a letter directly to the president of Toyota HQ and Toyota Japan. Certainly this will get a reaction.

What do you guys think?
Should we start a new forum so people can post their names?
I'm sure we could have 2 seperate sections of support as well.
Of course the 2002 owners, but also the rest of the members on the board who are concerned, but do not own 2002 models with the "Glitch"

Let's hear your comments.

[pepsiman]

i sent mine 5secs ago.
I feel bad for yall 2002 GT-S owner
My 2000 GT-S ' rev limit is over 8k(close to 8200)..
Good luck!!!

[kabal57]

I'd add my info to a petition in a heart beat. I really want some kind of response to this issue.
Would someone be able to put a petition together? we could spam all the other celica boards and prob get quite a few signatures on it.
anyone else interested in this?

[MihoKiyo]

Im not good at writing petitions but if someone wanna do it they can use www.petitiononline.com... it'll be easier then to have everyone write a letter to toyota.

[Keyshawn]

Originally posted by B-GTS
I was thinking.....
Maybe we should collect everybodies name with a 2002 GT-S, like a petition and send a letter directly to the president of Toyota HQ and Toyota Japan. Certainly this will get a reaction.

What do you guys think?
Should we start a new forum so people can post their names?
I'm sure we could have 2 seperate sections of support as well.
Of course the 2002 owners, but also the rest of the members on the board who are concerned, but do not own 2002 models with the "Glitch"

Let's hear your comments.

Originally posted by MihoKiyo
Im not good at writing petitions but if someone wanna do it they can use www.petitiononline.com... it'll be easier then to have everyone write a letter to toyota.

This is a GREAT idea! However, starting next week, work's gonna start to get hectic. I'm not gonna be able to organize this petition. Would someone else be able to step up and run with this idea?

[pepsiman]

I'll be glad to sign it for you guys!

[BRAK]

S H I T ill sign it .... I WANT AN ANSWER!!!!!!! ... and a fix!!!:angry:

[wahili]

anyone ever take their celica in (pre-rev limiter 7th gen celica) for something and it comes back limited...

[MihoKiyo]

ttt

[kocheroni]

I have a 2001 GT, but this is what I wrote:

Dear Editors,
In the April 2002 Issue of C&D, there was an article named "Four wedges and a buble". One of the cars in this test was the 2002 Toyota Celica GT-S. Although I don't own a 2002 GT-S, some of my friends do, and they have found that the "glitch" reported in your issue was not a glitch, but infact something found in all 2002 Toyota Celica GT-S's. My question to you is, if Toyota reported this as a glitch, do they intend to raise the rev-limiter for the following years and fix the 2002, or is this something they implemented for a specific reason. In addition, I question why Toyota has an 8000+ redline on the 2000-2001 year and also on the new Matrix XRS. I'm concerned about this issue not only for my friends, but also for the whole Celica community, because we would all like to see the Celica be one of the top sports cars that it deserves to be. Thankyou for your time.

Mike Koch

[rocket celica]

email don't mean jack Shiiiit. you gotta either call them or mail in a letter certified

[Keyshawn]

ttt

[gts24]

good call on the TTT.

Come on everyone, it'll take 3 mins of your time to email these guys. You'll be doing the whole community a favor.

[MihoKiyo]

ttt?

[4sfed 4]

Originally posted by kabal57


lol thanks man :thumbup:
I hope some toyota guy sees that one day and realizes how badly they screwed up on that one.

Yep.....I test drove a 2003 Matrix XRS yesterday and it had an 8200 rev limit for sure. I hit it about 10 times on the test drive :D

[oo_snoopy]

and why does the 2000 auto gts have the early rev too? come on its slow enough as is.