Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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  • edmund2460edmund2460 Member Posts: 293
    My 03 XLE-V6,21K miles has a creaking steering wheel, worse when cold. The dealer greased something on the last service, but it persists. Can anyone indicate whether this could be signalling a serious problem. It does not seem to be coming from the engine compartment but from the area where the shaft goes into the dash..Thanks.
  • queenkris00queenkris00 Member Posts: 8
    I'm looking at buying an Camry and I was wondering if the moonroof was a slide or a tilt one...I've tried looking on-line, but haven't been able to find my answer. Thanks.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    I like easy questions. The moonroof does both -- it can either slide back, or the rear edge can be tilted up -- your choice.
  • murray53murray53 Member Posts: 71
    Nowadays, most Camrys sold in the USA (as well as Honda Accords, Mazda 6s and Mitsubishi Galants) are assembled in the US, although many of the components are imported from Japan and other countries. It seems that the Japanese manufacturers still do build a more reliable car for the money.
  • queenkris00queenkris00 Member Posts: 8
    Do Camry's come with the option to have the audio controls on the steering wheel???
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    As of 05, steering wheel audio controls are standard on all Camrys.

    ~alpha
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    My wheel was lubed when new in 2002. It was fine until last week. It is again sqeaking in the cold. I guess they will lube it again. I am under warranty for 7/75 but would wonder who would pay for the lube every few years if I did not have the warranty? Sounds like another inherrent defect to me.
  • joecamryjoecamry Member Posts: 3
    I have a '93 Camry with 240,000 miles. Recently the steering wheel has been very hard to turn, especially to the left. The steering gets very hard every 1/4 turn of the steering wheel, and alternates, hard to easy, as the steering wheel is fully turned through the entire range (almost can't turn the steering wheel at the hard spots). Feels like something is sticking in the steering linkage? The power steering fluid is ok, and the belt is ok. Any ideas are much appreciated!
  • zzzzzz982000zzzzzz982000 Member Posts: 17
    Hi I have a 2002 Camry XLE with 50k miles. My power steering also has given the same behavior yesterday. When I turn it is harder than usual. And it does not return to straight when I release the steering wheel after the turn.

    Steering fluid is at the correct level. I checked the tires and suspensions and all seem ok. Anyone has a an idea
  • 99tcamry99tcamry Member Posts: 15
    '99 Camry here... Same problem. I noticed that it's really bad when backing up and trying to turn the wheel to the left. You have to struggle with it to get it to turn. Not good.
  • joecamryjoecamry Member Posts: 3
    Found the solution. The U-Joint located at the bottom of the steering column shaft was binding. I sprayed WD40 on the U-Joint, and it freed up. Steering turns fine now. The U-Joint was covered with dirt and road salt that finally caused it to bind up.
  • zzzzzz982000zzzzzz982000 Member Posts: 17
    Hello Joe,
    Thanks for your reply to the stiff steering wheel problem.
    Could you tell me where to find the U-joint. What does it look like.
    Thanks
  • cutedhcutedh Member Posts: 31
    I know this is a very silly issue and I will be glad if anyone can advise or suggest me as to how I can deter cats from climbing my car. I wash my car once a week and it seems like the cats like napping on the car especially on cold nights. My car is parked in a open carport since I live in an apartment complex. I am really sick and tired of seeing these cats climb my car after I have washed it. The owner of the complex will not do anything about it and I am really frustrated to see these paw prints on my car every night. Please Help!!!!
  • 1violinist1violinist Member Posts: 338
    How about using a car cover?
  • solara00solara00 Member Posts: 81
    While not a horrible problem, I do notice some hesitation in my V6 Camry. It's a little slow leaving from a stop, but I'm used to it.

    For the first time (after 13,000 miles) in my Camry I put in two full tanks of Premium BP/Amoco fuel. My tank was pretty empty, so I wasn't mixing too much mid-grade with the premium grade.

    It may be only my imagination or simply wishing, but I don't feel the hesitation that I have experienced since I bought the car new. Does this sound possible by just changing from mid-grade to premium? If this continues, I may decide the extra 7-10 cents per gallon is worth it. We'll see.

    I hope in a week, or two, I'm still sure that the hesitation is gone, or at least greatly reduced.
  • cutedhcutedh Member Posts: 31
    I do use a car cover but it is kind of ridiculous to cover the car everyday after i get back from work and then again take it out in the morning. Is there any other solution??
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    It is possible. Toyota does recommend premium for optimal performance. You will lose a little bit of power if you run regular.
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    I have never used regular unleaded for my 03 V6 Camry and the car has no hesitation whatsoever. Just an anecdotal evidence
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Get a big dog to pee on the tires - maybe that will keep the cat away.
  • coastdrivercoastdriver Member Posts: 18
    I wish it was that easy to remedy the electronic throttle hesitation-jerk problem.

    I have tried every type of fuel available. Premium Unleaded, Regular Unleaded, and Mid-grade. I still have a persistent hesitation flaw in my '05 Camry SE.

    My next fill-up will be at my local airport. I hear JET FUEL works wonders! :-)
  • solara00solara00 Member Posts: 81
    Thanks for the feedback. For the first 13,000 miles I've used BP/Amoco mid-grade.

    These last two tanks I tried premium grade and I'm certain that the hesitation has been reduced. I'll be interested to see how the gas mileage changes (up or down) after three or four fill ups.

    Thanks again.
  • bklynguybklynguy Member Posts: 275
    "These last two tanks I tried premium grade and I'm certain that the hesitation has been reduced. I'll be interested to see how the gas mileage changes (up or down) after three or four fill ups."

    maybe your car finally got tired of pissing you off ;) My parents plan to rent a 2005 Camry LE V6 next week to find out for themselves (they're interested in the XLE V6 but the engine/trans is the same of course).

    Just curious, anyone here has the factory NAV in their Camry XLE or SE V6 ?
  • solara00solara00 Member Posts: 81
    I have the factory NAV. I like it. It's not voice-activated as in some newer systems, but it's very good in my opinion.

    Some say it's not "intuitive" to use, but it seems relatively simple to me.

    I don't know that I would buy another new car without a factory-installed NAV system. Especially, as prices come down.

    If you need a specific question about the NAV answered, let me know.
  • bklynguybklynguy Member Posts: 275
    "If you need a specific question about the NAV answered, let me know."

    thanks.

    -Teddy
  • 1violinist1violinist Member Posts: 338
    I'm considering the Solara SE Sport 4cyl. 5-spd manual transmission. Any known issues/problems with this model? Is the 5-spd manual the same one used in Celica GT? I like the power of the V6 but you can't get manual transmission with it, and the 5-spd automatic has the "hesitation" issue because of the throttle control. Your feedback is much appreciated.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    The 4-cylinder has plenty of power, even with an automatic, and the 5-speed should extract even more out of it. I don't know if it's the same as the one in the Celica, but it's definitely the same as the one in the Scion tC. It's a sweet transmission according to Car and Driver's review of the tC.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I have driven the 5-speed camry and it is very peppy.
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    Yes, get cat traps and then call animal control to come and pick up any cats you catch or ask the apartment management to instruct residents to keep their animals inside.
    There is little you can do to keep cats off your car otherwise.
    You could put a spiked clear plastic chair mat on the hood and roof of the car, but that isn't much easier than just using a car cover.
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Articles/articleId=104898

    The front looks much nicer than the sort of bland North American version. Wonder why the manual tranny is only a 5 speed ? Should have been a 6 speed.
  • coastdrivercoastdriver Member Posts: 18
    I tried the "battery disconnect solution." Unhooked both the positive and negative battery cables, and let the car sit for 2 hours.

    Seems pretty stupid, but what the heck.

    Well, my new Camry is a stubborn girl! She just laughed at me, and continues on her merry way of hesitating, jerking, pausing, and going into limbo while trying to decide what gear to use.

    And to think, I even splurged and gave her a nice healthy swig of Premium fuel for her tummy! She just hicupped, belched, farted, and smiled at me and thanked me for the shot of whiskey.

    Last seen staggering down the 405 freeway, southbound.....

    I give up. Just live with it. In my next life, I'll buy an Infinity, a BMW, or a Mercedes... or an old '65 Chevy pickup.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    I've read that switching back and forth between fuel octanes isnt really advisable. Do you have a 4 or V6? If you have V6, run premium for at least 5 tanks, and see if that helps anything.

    Also, have you contacted your dealer?

    ~alpha
  • surjn98surjn98 Member Posts: 34
    When is the next Camry redesign? The present one has bland styling-This includes the boring dash layout!!
  • bklynguybklynguy Member Posts: 275
    I like the styling of the current generation (5th gen) better than the 4th generation inside & out, but you're right there is room for improvement on the dash.

    The 6th generation Camry should make its debut in the Summer of 2006, 16-18 months from now. However its possible that Toyota may decide to introduce the next Camry/ES 350 earlier than that.
  • solara00solara00 Member Posts: 81
    Alpha,
    I'm sure you're probably right, but what's the reasoning behind not switching back and forth between fuel grades? I have used 89 octane except for the last 2 tanks when I used 93 at Amoco.

    If I don't see much difference, I may go back to 89 grade. I have noticed that the hesitation in my V6 XLE is better, but maybe not enough to keep putting in premium grade.

    Thanks...
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Can one special-order a new Camry with options that are not typically found in the Midwest region but are listed as options in the Camry brochure. Specifically I am asking about ordering the VSC/Side Airbags option on a new XLE I4 Auto. This option is never found on a Camry in the Midwest region.
  • hank2hank2 Member Posts: 76
    One of the ways that cat owners can train cats to stay off counter tops is to scare them. Some stores like PetsMart will have these noise makers. Or you could buy a mouse trap (Don't use a rat trap because it could kill the cat). Put a little peanut butter or tuna fish on the trap and place it on the car where the cat visits.

    If you want to be just a little kinder, you could carefully put the trap in a small paper bag, so the cat can smell the "safe" bait, but won't contact the trap. Then when he messes with the bag, the trap will spring.

    The noise should sound like a cap gun and scare the cat. Either he will learn to avoid the car ... or he will learn to avoid tuna fish :-)

    Let us know what the eventual solution is.

    - hank2
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Using a mouse trap without a bag or some kind of protective covering over it in this manner would be very cruel as it could severely injure a cat. Even with a protective covering, the chances of injuring the cat still exist. I hope no one will do any such thing.

    Seems to me a car cover or a humane trap or direct confrontation with the owner of the cats are the only reasonable actions. Doing something that will harm the cat is unconscionable in my opinion - it is not the cat's fault that it has fallen into an irresponsible family ...
  • john_fjohn_f Member Posts: 30
    Yes, you can spcial order as long as you can wait 3-4 months. I did this in Houston to get a Camry SE V6 with VSC, side curtain airbags, and adjustable pedals. The wait was long but worth it. I paid invoice. Good luck!
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Why in the world does it take that long? Do you feel that you got just as good of price as if you got one off the lot? Invoice is a very good price and I thank you for responding.
  • hawks1hawks1 Member Posts: 57
    Any suggestions on the brand of tires I should be looking at for my '02 Camry? I've got the originally equiped Michelin Energy's (16" wheels). They're ok but want to consider others.
  • bklynguybklynguy Member Posts: 275
    "Why in the world does it take that long?"

    I heard that every few months Toyota leaves some room in their production schedule for camrys with "special" combinations/features like a XLE 2.4L with VSC/side airbags. Based on online inventories, most 4-cylinder XLEs in my area (NY/NJ) only have the side airbags. Toyota should make VSC/side airbags standard on all of their vehicles.
  • 1violinist1violinist Member Posts: 338
    Anyone got good pics of Solara in Arctic Frost Pearl? I couldn't find one in the brochure or at Toyota web site.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Anyone have real world figures for the 3.3 liter engine?
  • jet1234jet1234 Member Posts: 16
    Funny you ask - I was about to post the same message.

    Anyway, in my SE V6, I have been getting 19 MPG in the city (advertised as 21 MPG), and 28.5MPG highway (advertised as 29 MPG).
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Thanks. Those are terrific numbers, on par with what I get on my Olds Intrigue. I'm looking to "upgrade" without taking a significant mileage hit and this keeps the SE V6 on the list.

    I really liked the one I test drove a couple months ago. Are you happy with yours?
  • rev4rev4 Member Posts: 38
    I have a 2002 XLE with the 157hp engine. Does anyone have any accurate information on the difference in performance/gas mileage/etc between the 157hp engine and its transmission vs. the 160 hp engine and its transmission. I noticed that there is not much difference in the torque between the two. Just curious.
  • john_fjohn_f Member Posts: 30
    Fred: I believe I actually got a better price than one on the lot, because in the Houston area, many Camry's have high markup add ons "extra mile package a, b, c...". I got a better deal by not having to deal with that.
  • jet1234jet1234 Member Posts: 16
    I am pretty happy with my SE V6. However, you won't get the quick pick-up, like you would a Honda. The car takes about 1,000 miles to get used to your driving, so it may shift jerkily for a while, but in my experience, that goes away. The 5 speed takes a little bit to get used to. Overall, I think it's a well-built car.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    We've got the same drivetrain in our 2004 Highlander. Other than the slight hesitation I experience occasionally, it's a very nice vehicle.
  • dekesterdekester Member Posts: 322
    I've got an Olds Intrigue, also.....Be warned that the Camry seats are not as comfortable as the Olds'. The seat bottoms are shorter and the entire seat does not go back as far as the Olds', either. I find my legs are not as straight driving my wife's Camry than in my Intrigue and long red lights with foot on the brake is annoying due to this.

    This is just my observation, so no one go off on me, please!
    Deke
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