Timing belt change for Toyota Aygo

NornIronRose

Had a warning light appear on my 2012 Aygo last week. Diagnostics showed the timing belt was stretched. Milage is around 45k.
The mechanic said that Toyota had to change it and would charge about £2k. He said that the only other option was to drive it til it died then change the engine at a cost of around £1k. 
Does anyone know if this is correct? I'm going to ring Toyota. I've just been working really intense days at the minute so haven't had the chance to get through when I was free. 

Ebe_Scrooge

I've never heard of a timing belt that "has" to be done by a main dealer (unless you're talking about something that's fixed under warranty, and I doubt that's the case on a 2012 car).  Whilst it's not a small job (it involves a fair bit of labour), it should be a routine and common job that any decent mechanic can do.

Do you have any other decent independent mechanics locally that you could ask?  £2K sounds an awful lot (though perhaps not surprising at main dealer prices).

facade

Most Aygo use a chain, except for the 1.2 PSA engine, which uses a stupid "belt in oil" idea (Ford & VW love it- see what it has done to their reputation for reliability ).

Changing the belt is relatively easy, only half the car has to come apart, but to do it properly, there are so many checks and replacements caused by debris from the belt that it costs a fortune.

Possibly oil pump, VVT solenoids, turbo oil feed.....

Then while the belts are off new waterpump and tensioners....

I'd be surprised if you could get a good engine that doesn't need the belt doing for £1k

The belt has to be checked for swelling (because it soaks up the oil it is running in- Duh!) every 12 months/12,000 miles.

I'd get a price from a good independent.

I wonder if the timing problem is actually VVT solenoids blocked with belt debris........

daveyjp

The 3 cylinder Aygo engine doesn't have a belt.  Its chain driven so I suggest you get confirmation from the mechanic.

If the car is less than 10 years old, less than 100,000 miles and has had a Toyota service in the last 12 months this matter will be covered by warranty.

Goudy

For the 2005 to 2014 models.
The 1.0L petrol engine (1KR-FE) has a timing chain.

The 1.4 D4D diesel engine (2WZ-TV) has a timing belt.

I hear to replace the belt on the 1.4 D4D it's an engine out job which is why it's so expensive.

You might find a independant Toyota or Citroen/Peugeot specialist might be a better option.

daveyjp

The 1.4 diesel hasn't been available in a UK Aygo since about 2007.

Goudy

If it's the 1.0L petrol it's likely the chain has stretched.

Seems it's not unheard of when you search for timing chain problems with Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107.
(they are built in the same factory with the same engine)

A chain kit for one of these isn't that expensive and hear the labour is between 4 and 5 hours, it appears a far simplier job than the engine out D4D model.
£2k seems excessive unless there are other problems, again a Toyota, Citroen or Peugeot specialist might be the way to go.

If it is stretched and you continue to drive the car will be down on power, rattly and there's a good chance the chain will jump the sprockets or snap and ruin the engine. 

NornIronRose

Thank you all. Sorry for the delayed reply but I've been very busy all day. 
Will try to find a decent independent who does Toyota and get a second opinion. It is the 1 litre Aygo. Hasn't had a Toyota dealer service. I bought it just over a year ago. 
As always, I am so grateful to the good folks on MSE who are happy to help and guide. 

sun-n-moon

I'd try a few simple checks myself first before I'd believe the diagnostics. They can be wrong. Check the oxygen sensor is good. Disconnect and reconnect the battery to see if the engine light stays on. Is the car driving ok?

NornIronRose

Just popping back to update you. 
Took it to a different garage that was highly recommended by someone I trust. 
Timing chain had stretched. Mechanic was able to lift it off with one finger! Absolute miracle that it hadn't gone and taken the engine with it. 
Got that fixed, plus other jobs. Filters, oil change, water pump and few other bits. All done plus MOT for £580. 
Compared to the bill I could have been looking at, I think I got away lightly.
Strange that when I drove it today, the heater worked so well compared to normal, which is great coming into winter. Maybe it's because of the filters being changed. 

As always, very grateful to yiu all. 

400ixl

The water pump pushes hot water around the system which includes a heat exchanger for the heating inside the car.

The cambelt turns the pump, so if the cambelt was loose it was not likely turning the pumps as well as it should. Could also have been the pump itself was worn and not working very efficiently.