Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • railroad17railroad17 Member Posts: 18
    Just read about every article regarding the sludge issue with Toyota vehicles and after an interesting chat with a Toyota service rep (which, predictably said there was no problem), I decided to use synthetic oil on my next service period (84000 km). It was a bit more expensive but since I don't have to change oil for 1 year and I get better mileage out of it anyway, I thought it would turn out to be about the same with regular oil.

    Next move is to have the 1997 Camry switch to the same thing, but not for another 2,000 km.
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    whats the conversion km to miles?
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
  • samv3samv3 Member Posts: 8
    Would appreciate if anyone can tell me how to check air leaks through the windshield. I had my windshield replaced but i can hear a different noise like air coming from outside but very hard to find out by using hand while driving. Can anyone give me any guidance on this.

    Thanks
  • soberssobers Member Posts: 496
    now tell me how many lbs would be 1 gallon of water!! :-))
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Or thereabouts.
  • railroad17railroad17 Member Posts: 18
    Sorry, forgot you yanks still use the imperial system. 84000 km would be about 52500 miles.

    I have 148000 km(92500 miles) on my Camry and runs well so far. However, I do see blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe for a few seconds when I do a cold start but turns into white thereafter. Would that be the same symptom for the sludge problem?
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    If it's a 4cyl it's most likely a ring problem. Fairly common, but no long-term issues I'm aware of. If the smoke bothers you it can be fixed and isn't that difficult to do.
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Hi,
    I am pretty much all set to get a 2002 Camry,I've found one with the options I want on it and the color as well... I have a Camry all ready and it's a 94 and I've had it for 7 years, It'll be 8 years this coming summer.. I am getting a new one and my Mom is going to take the 94 Camry.... What I want to know is if there are any transmission problems and any engine problems? I love my 94 Camry, I haven't had any problems with the car, it's a excellent car and I am pretty sure I'll love the 2002, I just want to make sure that there's no bugs or anything in the 2002s...
    Sunshine60105! :)
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    You have read the posts on the sludge problem, didn't you? Consumer says design flaw. Toyota says consumer negligence. You'd have to decide which way to go. Also, I have heard people say the generation of Camry that you currently have (92 - 96) was the last of the good Camry.
  • railroad17railroad17 Member Posts: 18
    It is a 4 cyl and I hope its just a minor issue. I think I will bring it for a service ahead of time since this sludge issue is starting to bother me. I just bought the car in January and had I known the sludge problem then I would not have given it a thought.

    But since I have the car now I might as well just take care of it and hope that the issue is something that's blown out of proportion.
  • railroad17railroad17 Member Posts: 18
    Does anyone here actually has a vehicle with the sludge problem and if you do can you tell us what your experience was (how was it diagnosed? Did the engine just sputtered and died?, did it gushed out goey black stuff?)

    what kind of treatment did you get from Toyota regarding your complaint?

    We have read about all the reports from various articles but we haven't heard first hand experiences from actual owners on this board. (Unless, I wasn't looking well enough)
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Not all of the Camrys have the sludge problem and all a person has to do is test drive the Camry to see if the car is slugish.. I test drove a 2002 Camry and it was fine... I requested to be notfied when a white Camry with the options I want on it and it's come in... My sister's Mother in law has a 2000 Camry and she loves it, she hasn't had a bit of trouble with it... The only thing that I am concerned with is the Transmission and Engine and there hasn't been any complaints on that and I've decided that I am 1099% sure that I am going to get a 2002! Everybody has a bad experience with a Toyota product now and then because it was made poorly because some person was in a hurry to get the job done.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I don't think the 4cyl is included in the ones that may or may not have a problem.
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    I posted this in the oil filter topic

    Well, I needed to be sure the hacksaw still worked so I cut up 3 filters today that fit my car, a 1994 4 cyl Camry.- about 90% of camrys are 4 cyl.
    .
    I bought a Purolater Premium plus L14476 ($2.48) from Advance, a Supertech 4967 from WaldoMart for $1.97, and a Castrol MaxPro (WIX) cm4967 from K Mart for $3.49. This is really Donald Trump level finances – what ---$8?????

    What I saw:

    Overall height of the outside, and diameters were all the same, though the filter media size inside varied surprisingly. Weights were about the same.
    The Castrol/WIX and Supertech had the same and biggest 8 holes on the base plate– Pureolater had 8 smaller inlet holes – I don’t know if that’s good or bad.
    All the media looked about the same. Purolater and WIX were same color, ST was a little lighter. Non of the media was "fuzzy".
    ST had AA stamped on base like some AC filters.

    1. Center Tube Holes – WIX has the spiral tube and the others have a rolled and crimped tube, but the WIX has only a small number of flow holes, even though their holes are bigger. The SuperTech and the Purolater had both the same looking type tubes and lots of small holes, which I think is better for even and more flow distribution to the pleats of the filter media. The WIX had room for more holes. Winner? Purolater and ST

    2. Bypass relief valve springs – Wix has a nice coil spring with the "range" you get with coil springs, the other two have the flat leaf type spring. I am not sure which is best. This feature may never be used unless you are starting in very cold climates or get the filter real dirty. Winner: ?????

    3. Antidrain back valve – important to me as the Camry filter is mounted upside down. I think the winner was the Purolater as the surface it sits on is a rolled ring on the hidden (inside side) side of the baseplate that gives lots of places for the drain back valve lip (a piece of rubber) to seal. The base plate outside is flat and Purolater must have added this ring for a seating surface. The ST and WIX filters have the valve lip just sit on the flat baseplate steel, and the sealing surface is "reduced’ on the inside side by the flow holes and on the outside side by the spot weld dimples, leaving only a small sealing area.
    Winner: Purolater in my opinion.

    4. Filter Size. Even though the filters were the same height, the media area was not. The Pure and the ST were about the same height, the WIX media was shorter visually compared to the Purolater. The WIX media glue job on ends looked a little better than other two, that were about the same as each other.
    Number of pleats: Purolater 52 ST 42 WIX 38. Are more pleats better? It may not matter.
    I cut the media out and measured it. The media is not very stretchy even though someone said that earlier. If a piece is say 40 inches long when pulled out, you may get only another 1/2 inch out of it by really pulling on it.

    The sizes I got were;
    Purolater: 50.25 long x 1 7/8 high = 94.2 square inches $2.48 sale price
    SuperTech : 40.5 x 1 3/4 high = 70.8 square inches $1.97 everyday
    WIX 39.5 long x 1 5/8 high = 64.2 square inches $3.49

    I was surprised the WIX was smaller by such a big number cause the box says it holds 20% more dirt than "the leading filter". Wish we could find out who that is.

    But the Purolater has 46 % more filter media than the WIX. Either Purolater is "throwing away" lots of filter media nationally, or the WIX is too small or will fill up quicker.

    Based on the bigger media and the better anti drainback valve I vote for the Purolater.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Fascinating post. I would love to hear what a person would find if the Toyota filters were included in your experiment.
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
    When I first purchased the Camry V6 in 92 I had no choice of filters (92 was first year of new engine design) and for about 2 years ran the Toyota filters. I used/use oil analysis at least once a year.


    When they became available I switched to the Amsoil filter (Used their oil since 1000 miles, 7500 mile change interval) and the analysis indicated a noticeable difference in the level of wear metals and silicon that showed up in the analysis. Much better then the OEM Toyota. Not truly scientific but I believe IMHO that the Amsoil/Hasting, Mobil 1 and Pure One filters are the only ones to use and filter better then OEM.

    On the air filter side a similar analysis has shown that the OEM filters do a better job of silicon reduction then aftermarket including the foam "lifetime" filters from Amsoil and K&N. So, no Toytota oil filters but Toyota air filters are the best in my experience.


    By the way, you can save a bunch of dollars by ordering wholesale genuine Toyota parts (everything from belts to starters etc) directly from this dealer. I have used many times and the cost, including shipping is about 30-40% less then dealer prices. I then have my independent mechanic put them on if I cannot do so. http://www.toyotapart.com/

  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    Cliffy - who makes the 4 cyl Toy filters?
    If I knew, I would prob buy those from the dealer - they are like 4 or $6.
    They used to be japanese made I thought as they came with a seal over the end that you had to pull off - this was to keep dirt out. never seen that on a US brand.
    reason I do not buy factory toyota is that some OE Honda filters look like frams with the cardboard and i fear Toy might be similar.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I don't know who makes them for Toyota now. I know they are expensive, but they are supposed to be extremely good. I've seen cut outs of them next to Frams and the difference was obvious. There was much more filtering area. There were other differences that jumped out at me, but it has been a while and I forget what else it was.
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    I have a '87 Camry 4 and I have been using the Fram filter. I just bought some Purolator Premium Plus filters and the number that I got was "L22821". Is this the right Purolator number? I see your '94 uses "L14476". Did I get the wrong filter number? Did Toyota start using a different filter for the 92-96 4-cylinder engine?
    By the way Purolator Premium Plus filters are $4.99 here. Is $2.48 regular price at Advance? Thanks in advance for your answers. By the way, I have heard that AC Delco Duraguard are also good oil filters.
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    the filter for your car is different dont know when the change was maybe 92?

    yes the 2 for $5 price is a sale but they run it ever other month it seems. Pure ones are $5
    south carolina

    HEY CLIFFY ask the parts guy who makes them for Toyota
    somebody must know who reads this forum.
    big question is; is it Japanese or US made?
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    I don't think a test drive is assurance that the car won't have a sludge problem. Besides, the problem, as I understand it, doesn't manifest itself right away.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    HAVE A DIFFERENT FREKIN 4cylinder engine (which is the one sunshine is talking about). There should not be a sludge issue with this new engine, at least not one that is more prevalent than in vehicles of different makes.
    ~alpha01
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    It appears you guys would be interested in the following links. Good reading if you are really interested in which filters are best and worthless.


    You will have to take out the message and spaces in the middle of the URL's. Then copy/paste the URL. For some reason this site will not allow a URL longer than 115 characters.


    ======================


    http://www.dorianyeager.com/ (remove space)oilfilterstudy1.html


    ======================


    http://ntpog.server101.com/reviews/ (remove this message and the spaces) filters/filters.shtml


    ======================


    http://kozmik.guelph.on.ca/gtdproject (remove this and the spaces) /fluids/oil_filters.htm


    ======================

  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    HEY
    how about somebody cut up a 4 cyl toyota filter and measure the filter area?

    Thanks
  • 3pointstar3pointstar Member Posts: 45
    FILTER
    ------
    From my observation, the Toyota filter has noticeably more filter paper stuffed into the cylinder than typical filters like FRAM. If you go to the dealer they may have a small brochure on the filter and it shows a cutaway picture of the filter.

    SLUDGE
    ------
    As for the sludge problem I think it is an issue for some of the last generation 4 cylinder engines beginining in model year 1998? Anyway, for someone who has the dealer change the oil every 2500-3000 miles, I can't believe some people would drive their cars up to 6,000 miles on conventional oil before replacing it! It's a grey area as to who's fault it is and I can understand Toyota's hesitancy to be more generous on their part with this issue.
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
    You will notice that whenever you see a disply of filters cut open whether it be Advance Auto, AutoZone, Napa, or a Toyota Dealership THEY ALL comapre it to a Fram.

    A no brainer. Now ask them to compare their filter to a Mobil 1, Pure One, Hastings or Amsoil and see the diff?
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    What do you mean by sludge? :)
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Fram used to be one of the best oil filters around but like many manufacturers they have made their filters cheaper. I do not have personal knowledge of this but a professional person took apart several filters a couple of years ago and found out that Fram was using less reliable parts than they previously had used (plastic, etc.). This person stated that Purolater Premium Plus and AC Delco Duraguard were very good filters. I still say that changing oil and filter every 3000 miles makes good sense. If one does STRICKLY highway use you might get by with a little longer schedule. Remember that motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine.
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    I've never actually seen the stuff, but I would say it means what the word generically means -- that the oil in the engine developes a gummy deposit.
  • kenm6kenm6 Member Posts: 14
    I have a 1999 V6, my left turn signal started acting funny. Can anyone tell me where is turn signal flasher located? What does it look like? Is it easy to do-it-yourself? Is it expensive? Thanks.
    Ken
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Our 1997 left turn signal started flashing freakisly fast when activated- the problem was a short in the system, and the fast blinking is the fail-safe default. It doesnt have anything to do with the bulb, or at least didnt in ours. We just waited until the next oil change and had the dealer fix it (for free), since we were coming up on the change soon anyway.
    ~alpha
  • msnerdmsnerd Member Posts: 6
    Hey there

    I have owned a 93 Camry LE and currently own a 98 Camry LE. Both of these cars have been great. My 98 though, despite having a slightly better power to weight ratio, seems slower than my 93 did. It seems to have to rev a lot higher to go up the same hills than my 93 had to rev. Both of these cars were purchased used, so I wonder if maybe the engine of my 98 was not as well maintained? My 98 only has 42,000 miles on it though (32,000 when I bought it). Would getting one of those engine cleaning/flushing things done next time I change the oil help, or does anyone else notice that the 97/98's are slower than the previous generation? (BTW: I check for low tire pressure pretty often, so I don't think that is it)
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    This happened a couple of times in my '97, and the cause was the same: poor contact between the front turn signal bulb and its socket. I removed the bulb and cleaned the contacts -- use a pencil eraser in the socket, gently -- problem solved!
  • bobccabobcca Member Posts: 5
    I test drove a 1998 Camry with approx 100,000 miles on it. It seems to have a groaning/creaking noise in the front end when doing low speed turns or turning the wheel when standing still and it seems to be on both sides of the car. Could it be struts, tie rod ends, ???????? Also, does the 1998 4 cylinder have a timing belt or chain???? Is it an "interference" engine?????
  • bobccabobcca Member Posts: 5
    Why does the owners manual warn against using single ground platinum plugs???? It recommends only the dual ground platinum plugs from NGK or Denso.
  • rutger3rutger3 Member Posts: 361
    Anyone know where to get front floor mats for a 99 that fit,without having to pay $85 to the dealer for a set of 4 originals.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    try ebay, seems like I've seen them in the $40 range.
  • elmoblatch1elmoblatch1 Member Posts: 134
    Try an auto salvage yard....any car that was totaled would be a likely candidate.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Common problems with suspension bushings on Camrys. With those kinds of miles, wouldn't be a bit surprised if new bushings are in order, including the ones that tie the front sway bar to the rest of the suspension.
  • tiger8tiger8 Member Posts: 120
    Toyota says only 3,000 engines out of 3 million have a sludge problem, only .1%

    This is misleading because it's not necessarily the final tally. No one knows (including Toyota) how many MORE engines out there will EVENTUALLY sludge up.
  • john339john339 Member Posts: 229
    The first model year of the affected engines in the the Camrys was 1997. The complete list of affected models and years are in the Automotive News article.


    http://www.kmov.com/business/business_stories/NEWS_020219_toyota_engines.html


    Automotive News Article:


    http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38302

  • kenm6kenm6 Member Posts: 14
    Alpha, 210delray:
    Thanks for your info. I tried to remove the front signal light plastic cover to replace the bulb, but not successful. I removed the plug-in pin on top of the housing, but no way I could take the cover off. Do I need to remove the battery and the head light first? Seemed very complicated. Please help. Thanks.
    Kent
  • canoe2canoe2 Member Posts: 128
    I was planning to purchase Camry V6 SE next month but after had heard about sludge problem, it' made me to postpone my decision.
    It seems affect most of V6 engines and there is no changes in design for 2002 V6 Camry compared to last model. I do not believe the statement of poorly maintenance that causes the sludge inside the engine. It looks like more design problem for Toyota/Lexus engines. Would you pay $$$ for Lexus car and then ignore to take care it ?
  • since89since89 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone found a reliable on-line after market site for 2002 Camry accessories. Looking to purchase a bra, fin, and some nice wheels. The sludge issue seems have taken over this site. However, I haven't hear from anyone that has actually experienced the problem. Toyota service is no better or worst than the rest. Pretty much all car manufacturers and dealerships attempt to frustate you to the point of not returning when there is a problem. I've owned Ford, Chevy, VW, and Toyota cars. By far the Toyotas have been my favorite.
  • storytellerstoryteller Member Posts: 476
    A friend has a new 2002 LE that emits a strong sulfur smell from the tailpipe. Dealer says engine is good. The only solution that works so far: keep windows up and keep moving. The smell is bad when he garages the car at night.

    Anyone have this problem? Anyone have solutions? Thanks in advance for any help!
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
    Well, that is what the Lexus rep told me Sat at the auto show. People buy a Lexus and don't change the oil for 20,000 miles. Not sure who to believe. I did ask how much they charged for an oil change, he said $50. I said WOW. He said, well we wash the car and rotate the tires for that price as well. Like who cares. I don't want you creating swirl marks on my car with the high school kid and a rotary buffer or rotating tires that don't need rotating. Anyway!

    There is no doubt in my mind that when Toyota re-designed the V6 in 97 model year they altered a critical component or system and it is causing sludge in some engines but the common factor of why some and not others is the question. they need to find the cause of the problem because telling owners to chagne the oil every 3000 miles is not the answer in todays. competitive car field. Other manufacturers, including older toyotas with the same V6 92-96 do not have that problem.
  • castleownercastleowner Member Posts: 42
    Just got the camry 2002 LE:

    1. I think the playback of the cassette deck is a tad bit slower. i.e; the same song on any other deck is the right speed. I tried a camry LE rental too, and it was also slow. Any other folks observe the same thing?

    2. OK, I think the rear speakers must have cost $1 because they sound terrible and the only thing making up for it is the positioning of the 4 front speakers, but they aren't the best quality either. Even my 10 year old Chevy has better base speakers.

    Has anyone else noticed these, and what solutions did you use. I would consider getting the speakers replaced, but don't want to spend too much, and I don't know which ones to replace.
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    Help me guys! I just decided to switch from a trouble prone Ford to a Camry. You know the story from the Toyota side, you pay more up front but get a better car with less maintenance. Well my wife's '96 RAV4 (62K) is in need of a muffler. Our choices are: 1) After market $300 or Toyota OE w/life time warranty for $410. Either way this sounds like a lot for a muffler and brackets. Anyone know what the associated costs are for later model Camry's.

    Am I wrong/nuts for letting the dealer do the $410 repair....am I nuts for not spending $3k less on a Taurus?
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    The reason your wife likely needs a new muffler is because she doesn't drive the vehicle. Short trips/not driving much is really hard on mufflers. We've had Camrys with over 200K miles on them and the original muffler was as good as new. They last longer when kept at operating temps. You should be able to get a lifetime warranty on the aftermarket as well.
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