Does a 1997 Toyota Celica have a timing belt or chain?
Yes. A 1997 Toyota Celica uses a timing belt, not a timing chain.
In that year, Celica models were offered with several engines, including the 1.8L 7A-FE, 2.0L 3S-GE, and 2.2L 5S-FE; all used belt-driven timing. There were no factory chain-driven Celicas in the US lineup for 1997, though there were variations by market.
Engines and timing systems
Common engines offered in 1997 Celica
The following list shows common 1997 Celica engines and confirms they use belts for timing.
- 1.8L 7A-FE — timing belt
- 2.0L 3S-GE — timing belt
- 2.2L 5S-FE — timing belt
Across these engine options, the Celica relied on a belt-driven timing system, which requires periodic replacement to prevent engine damage.
Maintenance and replacement guidance
To keep a 1997 Celica reliable, plan for timing belt maintenance according to the engine and driving conditions. Below are general guidelines, but always verify with the owner's manual or a Toyota service center.
- Typical replacement interval: about 60,000 to 90,000 miles (97,000 to 145,000 km), depending on engine, model, and driving conditions.
- Look for signs of wear or failure: cracking, fraying, missing teeth, glaze on the underside, or oil contamination around the belt area.
- Also inspect ancillary components: tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump, as these are often replaced together with the belt.
Following these checks helps avoid unexpected engine damage if a belt fails. If in doubt, replace the belt proactively or consult a technician to inspect the belt condition and timing components.
Summary
The 1997 Toyota Celica relies on timing belts rather than chains for its engine timing. With multiple engine options in that model year, all used belt-driven timing systems. Regular belt inspections and timely replacement are essential to prevent costly engine damage, and owners should reference their specific engine code and manual for exact intervals.
Does a 1997 Toyota Corolla have a timing belt or chain?
Corollas made between 1990 and 1997 use a timing belt. Toyota Corolla timing belts typically need to be replaced about every 60,000 miles.
What engine does a 1997 Toyota Celica have?
Engine
| Base engine size | 2.2 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
Does a Toyota Celica have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota Celica Timing Belt ought to be changed periodically so as to protect against engine damage; they tend to stop functioning after driving around 100,000 miles. Toyota Celica Timing Belts are not high priced, but replacing this part tends to be a very involved process, resulting in a big repair bill.
What year did Toyota stop using timing belts?
Toyota did not stop using timing belts in a single year, but transitioned to timing chains for most models around 2009. Some models transitioned earlier, while others continued to use timing belts on certain engines even after this date. For example, the Toyota Camry switched to timing chains around 2007 for most engines, while the 4Runner continued to have some belt-driven engines until 2009.
- Around 2009: This is when most Toyota models completed the transition to timing chains.
- Individual model variations: The exact year depends on the specific model and engine.
- Toyota Corolla: Switched from belts to chains in 1998.
- Toyota Camry: Transitioned to chains for most engines around 2007.
- Toyota Tacoma: The 4-cylinder engine had a timing chain from 1995, while the V6 engine used a belt until 2005.
- Toyota RAV4: Used belts from 1996-2000 and chains from 2001 onwards.
