Toyota · E170 · 2013-2018
Toyota Corolla 1.6 Valvematic specs and common problems
A sedan known for its low failure rate that holds its value on the used market. The 1ZR-FAE chain-driven engine is long-lived. A leaking water pump and VVT-i rattle on cold start are the most common problems. Don't neglect CVT fluid changes.
01 / 07
How much oil does the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic take?
The Corolla 1.6 Valvematic takes about 4.2 litres of 0W-20 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: API SN / ILSAC GF-5.
- Approval
- API SN / ILSAC GF-5
- Alternative
- 5W-30
- Manual 6-speed
- Toyota GL-4 75W · ≈ 1.9 L
- CVT Multidrive S
- Toyota CVT Fluid FE · ≈ 4.0 L (drain and fill)
- Coolant
- Toyota Super Long Life Coolant · ≈ 6 L
- Brake fluid
- DOT 4
02 / 07
Timing chain and maintenance
No replacement interval
The chain usually lasts the life of the engine. Regular oil changes are enough.
- Oil change
- 15,000 km or once a year
- Spark plug
- Iridium · 60,000-90,000 km (30,000 km on LPG)
- Valves / tappets
- Hydraulic tappets.
- Air filter
- 30,000 km
- Power
- 132 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 160 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
- Displacement
- 1,598 cc
- Fuel
- Petrol · Naturally aspirated
- Valvetrain
- DOHC 16V, Dual VVT-i and Valvematic
- Injection
- Multi-point sequential injection (MPI)
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual / CVT (Multidrive S)
- Emissions
- Euro 5 / Euro 6
03 / 07
Tyre size and pressure
- Original size
- 205/55 R16
- Alternative sizes
- 195/65 R15 · 225/45 R17
- Bolt pattern (PCD)
- 5x114.3
- Centre bore
- 60.1 mm
- Wheel
- 6.5J x 16 ET45
04 / 07
Is the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic suitable for LPG?
Sequential LPG system, Valvematic-compatible ECU
- Toroidal tank
- 630/200 toroidal tank, ≈ 47 L gross
- Valve protection
- Required
- Because of the Valvematic system, LPG should be installed by an experienced company.
- Valve recession may occur on cars without valve protection.
05 / 07
Corolla 1.6 Valvematic common problems and fixes
- #01
Water pump leak
Medium Risk80,000-150,000 km
- Symptom:
- Coolant loss, pink residue under the pump, bearing noise.
- Cause:
- Worn pump seal.
- Proper fix:
- The water pump is replaced and refilled with Toyota coolant.
- #02
VVT-i rattle on cold start
Low RiskAfter 100,000 km
- Symptom:
- A few seconds of ticking on first start, P0011.
- Cause:
- The VVT-i sprocket is loose until oil pressure builds.
- Proper fix:
- Use oil of the correct viscosity. If the noise lasts longer, the VVT-i sprocket is replaced.
- #03
CVT judder when pulling away
Medium RiskAfter 100,000 km
- Symptom:
- Judder when pulling away, revs rise but the car accelerates slowly.
- Cause:
- CVT fluid never changed.
- Proper fix:
- Change with genuine CVT fluid and adaptation.
06 / 07
Common fault codes on the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic
07 / 07
Frequently asked questions
How much engine oil does the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic take?
The Corolla 1.6 Valvematic (1ZR-FAE) takes about 4.2 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 0W-20; look for the API SN / ILSAC GF-5 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.
When should the timing chain on the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic be replaced?
This engine uses a timing chain. No replacement interval. The chain usually lasts the life of the engine. Regular oil changes are enough.
What tyre pressure should the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic run?
With the original 205/55 R16 tyres, 33 PSI front and 33 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 36 front / 36 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.
Is the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic suitable for LPG?
Conditionally suitable. Because of the Valvematic system, LPG should be installed by an experienced company.
What are the common problems of the Corolla 1.6 Valvematic?
The best-known problems are: Water pump leak, VVT-i rattle on cold start, CVT judder when pulling away. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.
Other Toyota models
Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·