Hello. New owner here - have been given a 2003 by a friend and am just getting used to it. It had been sitting unused for about 10 years and so there are a few issues I am working through and so will probably be asking a few questions in the coming weeks.
My first question is how hot does the engine bay and the lid/panels around the engine get?
After a short drive to the shops and back (2 miles) my engine lid was VERY hot, and opening the engine lid the upper suspension cross brace above the engine was too hot to touch. Is this normal or do I have an issue?
The engine sounds and drives really well, engine temperature on the gauge looks good and it doesn't over heat, and other than an idling RPM issue I'm trying to track down all seems OK. But too hot to touch doesn't seem right to me and I'd like to know if that is normal.
Thank you :)
Hot engine lid is normal. There should be two panels of heat/sound deadening, in the lid but they're often removed with age. The engine bay heat seems worse because the exhaust is there too.
Fluctuating idle is usually the Idle Air Control Valve, part of the throttle body. They get sticky from lack of use.
Chances are that's it, but you could try getting the engine hot & bleeding at the radiator, - the bleed screw is under the left corner radiator mount as you look-in. If there's air in the system it can cause your symptoms.
I recommend running without the plastic undertray. When I see other members' cars I'm always surpised at how hot the engine bay gets with the undertray on.
I also run without the big shield above the back box and with a fully wrapped Toyosports exhaust.
My engine bay is a lot cooler.
But - the hotter engine bay doesn't seem to cause any harm....
Thanks both. So the upper suspension cross brace being too hot to touch is normal and expected? Just want to be sure so that I can stop worrying about it!
I've read a few things about removing the rear plastic tray under the engine and so might do that.
I'm planning to start taking the throttle body off today as it does sound like the IACV is most likely my issue and needs cleaning.
Thanks again.
Quote from: nickrhymes on June 22, 2026, 11:19Thanks both. So the upper suspension cross brace being too hot to touch is normal and expected? Just want to be sure so that I can stop worrying about it!
I've read a few things about removing the rear plastic tray under the engine and so might do that.
I'm planning to start taking the throttle body off today as it does sound like the IACV is most likely my issue and needs cleaning.
Thanks again.
Take a look in the 'how to section'. A lot of what you need to know is in there.