2007 Toyota Camry Problems and Repairs

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Comments

  • w9cww9cw Member Posts: 888
    My experience with the cruise control in a 2007 Camry SE with the 4-cylinder and 5-speed auto is as follows:

    In absolutely flat terrain, the cruise control works fine. Set it at 70MPH for example, and it holds the speed very well.

    However, with even a slight increase in grade - for example a long grade over another interstate highway, etc. - the cruise sometimes drops from 5th to 3rd gear, and the tach instantaneously jumps from around 2K to around 5K. Typically, the shift is from 5th to 4th, but also quite often from 5th to 3rd gear.

    I think the basic problem is that with Toyota's search for the Holy Grail in fuel economy, the 5th gear's ratio may be too high a numerical gear for the 4-cylinder's torque. At such a low RPM while crusing between 65 and 70MPH, there's insufficent torque to maintain the speed set with the cruise even with a slight increase in grade. Thus, the kick down to 4th and even 3rd gear.

    I believe this problem is specific to the 4-cylinder, and not the V6 - which developes greater torque at lower RPMs.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    I think you've nailed it.

    This squares with my experience in my '05 Camry 4-cylinder 5-speed auto. I don't get all bent out of shape over it, I just take it out of cruise when climbing steeper grades on the interstates (as when going through the Appalachians near where I live).

    When descending the steeper grades, I might turn off overdrive (downshift to 4th) and hit "resume" on the cruise.

    On my daily commute in my '04 Camry 4 with the older 4-speed auto, I know exactly where the cruise will force a downshift going uphill, so I cancel the cruise before that happens. I can do a better job with my foot preventing downshifts from occurring. When the road levels out, I hit "resume."
  • 07xle07xle Member Posts: 177
    My cruise control has NEVER gone from 5th to 3rd directly.

    It will drop out of lockout (increase about 500 rpm), then drop into 4th gear (still an overdrive gear) and go up another 500 rpm.

    If it cannot maintain the speed, it will drop into 3rd (go up to 4,500 rpm) going up mountain passes.

    The horsepower and torque are low below 3,000 rpm.

    Don't want it to shift to 3rd? Turn the cruise off.

    If the cruise did not not hold the set speed, there would be owners griping about that!
  • escambiaguyescambiaguy Member Posts: 35
    "Don't forget the requisite coffee-can fart-pipe exhaust, the "No Fear" windshield sticker, and the "Type R" plastic badges. All those are guaranteed to add at least 100hp to any Japanese vehicle."

    That's funny, I gotta remember that!
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    no complaints about the TSB is good. improvements in shift performance is good. it's also good to know a bit more of the what, why and how so people will know if it applies to them or not.

    now i don't suppose you'd want to take your vehicle which is working absolutely per design and have it done? :surprise:
  • foxwood_21foxwood_21 Member Posts: 31
    I drove my car more this weekend... Really the car is much more peppier and the lag time is gone its like a different car
    I have 14k on my car new I really hated the car and wated to trade it but now i think i will keep the car Its a big improvemnt get the TSB done Guys.
  • jetjockgjetjockg Member Posts: 80
    What exactly did the dealer mechanics do?
  • polar1polar1 Member Posts: 2
    Can someone point me to the TSB for the '07 Camry? I went to link http://rapidshare.de/files/35029520/298.pdf.html mentioned in post #1920, but I don't see the TSB. And I've looked on the NHTSA web site at http://199.79.180.162/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm, but they do not list a TSB like the one described on this forum.

    Thanks!
  • kingfo001kingfo001 Member Posts: 4
    Hi Chuck, FYI, Its been over two months since the trans and torque converter was replaced on my V6 SE 07 Camry to fix the RPM flare issue. Its still running great with no RPM flares problems, getting 29-32MPG normal driving. Yours probably needs the same as I too had the valve body replaced initially and it didn't clear the problem. :)
  • jetjockgjetjockg Member Posts: 80
    I took my 2007 Camry LE into the dealer this morning for the TSB. They didn't know about so I told them to look it up. They finally found it and downloaded the new program to a small portable unit. After downloading they plugged it into my car. It took about 30 minutes to transfer to my computer. After the upload with the portable unit still attached we took it for a test drive and looked for certain readings. I asked if the process could be reversed and was told yes. It is just like flashing a computer BIOS and just as dangerous. You do not want to lose electrical power during the process! It was like driving a different car no delays or hesitations. For those of you who refuse to admit you have a hesitation-- Try it you'll like it!
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    "now i don't suppose you'd want to take your vehicle which is working absolutely per design and have it done? "

    No, I won't get it done unless I become unsatisfied with the transmission's performance. So far, I haven't experienced any hint of 'hesitation', my fuel econ is great, and don't see a need to mess with anything yet.
  • 07xle07xle Member Posts: 177
    Mine is fine as is also, everything works fine!!!!
  • 07camry07camry Member Posts: 2
    Looks like you are right on! The sound does correspond exactly to operation of the steering column locking actuator. The dealer says that they evaluated other Camrys on the lot similarly equipped as mine and heard the same noise. No else has complained of this noise, however, according to the dealer. Guess I'm being too fussy..............
  • exploder750exploder750 Member Posts: 159
    Hopefully this fix won't allow the program to re-learn itself back into hesitation. Keep us posted on how the reflash works long term for you.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Hi Kingfo, thanks for your update. I'm waiting on my dealership to contact me on the next step. I'm encouraged by your success though I have been contacted by lativ( from this forum) who recieved a transmission replacement a week ago and said her RPM flare has come back. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated, Thanks again, Chuck
  • rmartinez1rmartinez1 Member Posts: 12
    Last week I bought a 2007 camry I-4, LE built in August and was curious if the fix was already in place when the car was built or if I need to take the car in for software update. Just wondering if build dates or vin numbers are available regarding the upgrade without taking it in to the dealer to check the version code.

    I bought it for my wife, though it rides a little like her old 2000 buick century (which she likes).
  • patcof2patcof2 Member Posts: 12
    Would this "fix" take care of the very irritating shift search going at 30 or 40 mph? If I try to maintain a constant say 40 mph I get a feeling like someone is hitting the brake petal. Transmission searches back and forth. Would this fix it? :confuse:
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    Well, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" as the old saying goes.
  • gillesmtlgillesmtl Member Posts: 55
    Glad if I was of any help. I would compare the noise with another car's - If different in ay way, I would have a note entered into the vehicle's TIS file, in case it breaks down the day after the warranty is over...
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    "Last week I bought a 2007 camry I-4, LE built in August and was curious if the fix was already in place when the car was built or if I need to take the car in for software update. Just wondering if build dates or vin numbers are available regarding the upgrade without taking it in to the dealer to check the version code."

    Yes there is a way to determine if your Camry has the updated ECU calibration.

    1) Pop the hood up and look to the lower driver side coner of the hood for a sticker titled "Toyota Motor Corporation: Authorized Modifications. The followeing modifications have been made:" followed by two numbers. The fist is 89611-##### which is ECM part number. The second is the Callibrations ID... ########. Call your service dept to determine if "3#######" or what ever code is here is the updated code.
  • jetjockgjetjockg Member Posts: 80
    drjames, You are absolutely correct! That is where my sticker is, but on my official invoice the dealer tech wrote "recalibrate ECM PCM Engine and Transmission" with no mention of the TSB. If someone calls the dealer and wants to know if that particular vehicle has been modified and the car isn't there to check the label how will they know? Unless the dealer documents it somewhere else. Why not document on the invoice? Is Toyota trying yo hide somthing?
  • jamiecarjamiecar Member Posts: 17
    I've also been experiencing the so-called hesitation/lack-of-power problem with the 4 cylinder engine. I believe the new TSB that came out on Sept. 29/06 applies to this problem in the U.S. Does anyone know if this fix is also available in Canada? I called my local dealer and they know nothing about it.
  • jetjockgjetjockg Member Posts: 80
    The TSB is EG056-06 ECM CALIBRATION: ENHANCEMENT TO SHIFTING PERFORMANCE & SMOOTHNESS. I had to tell my dealer to look for it. It takes about 3 hours labor most of which is consumed finding the TSB and dowloading the program. The tech. told me the program is twice the size of normal TSB's Maybe your dealer does not want to use 3 FREE hours of labor. Let me know how they write up the maintenance and how they write the corrective action.
  • jamiecarjamiecar Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for the reply. I do have the TSB number and I gave it to the service manager at my local dealership. They are more than willing to do the fix, no matter how long it may take. His only concern was that it may not be available in Canada yet. I haven't seen any Canadian postings that indicate it is available here. I hope they find it soon as this problem is becoming a safety issue - I'm afraid I'll be rear-ended.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    jamiecar, I'd suggest printing the TSB out and taking it with you.

    What city are you in anyway?
  • humbhidesihumbhidesi Member Posts: 7
    I just got this done for my car which had lot hesitation issues to start with. Believe it or not, it's completely different now and runs great. No hesitation or shifting problems at all. It's unbelievable.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    Great! That's now 7 for 7 happy owners. Now, enjoy that Camry.
  • exploder750exploder750 Member Posts: 159
    Keep everyone posted of the long term effects of this fix; ie return of the hesitation a couple weeks later.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    "Keep everyone posted of the long term effects of this fix; ie return of the hesitation a couple weeks later."

    I've already asked for the same thing at the other forum, but considering the 'fix' was different programming codes. There's no reason that I can think of for the hesitation to occur if what was causing it was replaced, no?
  • jetjockgjetjockg Member Posts: 80
    patcof2, There is still a little of that 30 or 40mph stuff. My wife thinks it happens at 30mph and I think it happens at 40mph. Hopefully it will learn it's way out. Let's face it! This is piecemeal fix to a badly designed transmission. One of my great aunts used to say "You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear"
  • exploder750exploder750 Member Posts: 159
    I've already asked for the same thing at the other forum, but considering the 'fix' was different programming codes. There's no reason that I can think of for the hesitation to occur if what was causing it was replaced, no?
    Only time will truly tell.
  • ilovecars1ilovecars1 Member Posts: 119
    I am not sure about other cars, but my honda accord does this at around 30-40 mph. It is very evident when you merge to interstate from local road and want to increase the speed. I think it is a 4 cyl engine problem.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "Let's face it! This is piecemeal fix to a badly designed transmission." ((

    Except for one inconvenient minor detail: the 5-sp automatic is a carryover from the past several years. It worked fine in prior models. It's the 6-sp automatic used with V6s that's brand new.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    It's not the engine, it's the gearing, which means the transmission.

    BTW, did you get a Honda Accord? If so, good choice!
  • ilovecars1ilovecars1 Member Posts: 119
    No, I did not get a honda accord. I already have one, that my spouse uses. I want to get a camry 2007 after all these fiasco is over.
  • jamiecarjamiecar Member Posts: 17
    BTW, I'm in Ontario, Canada. Just for your information, I was notified by Toyota Canada today and apparently there is no fix available here. The EG056-06 TSB only applies to U.S. vehicles and the logic is different. I was told that they understand my concerns but there is no solution at this time........ good answer, huh? :confuse:
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    Since the logic is different in Canada, did they say there was no solution or no problem (in Canada)?
  • jamiecarjamiecar Member Posts: 17
    They admitted there is also a problem with the 4 cyl. 5 spd AT in Canada, but only with a select few. I was told that most 4 cylinders do not have the hesitation/lack-of-power problem which obviously is no consolation to me. I have to really wonder if they will find a fix. Keeping my fingers crossed after such a big expense.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    "I'm in Ontario, Canada. Just for your information, I was notified by Toyota Canada today and apparently there is no fix available here. The EG056-06 TSB only applies to U.S. vehicles and the logic is different. I was told that they understand my concerns but there is no solution at this time........ good answer, huh?"

    I know some of the dealerships in Toronto are doing this TSB, such as Dixie Toyota and Downtown Toyota. That said, whether you are closer or not to Michigan or Buffalo... if you are willing to, you could take that TSB with you to the states for a day trip and get it done. It should still be under warranty.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    "I think it is a 4 cyl engine problem."

    I actually would agree that some may not be used to the smaller displacement and power of an I4, and let's face it... the 07 Camry isn't a small car anymore.
  • baxter2baxter2 Member Posts: 5
    I called my dealer on Monday and arranged for the reflash on Weds. I took a copy of the bulletin with me. It took about an hour. Difference: Pre-flash: On the way there I could barely get the car out of my sub-division due to hesitation and trans. shifting (always seemed worse on cold start)Post flash: The car no longer hesitates (and believe me I have tried) - when I hit the accelerator hard the car goes (novel concept)and the transmission seems to shift smootly at all speeds instead of constantly shifting/searching. I did notice that they had not placed the modification sticker on my car, but they probably did not have them available because my car was the 1st TSB completed-I passed this on to the service manager who will have the sticker put on later. If any of this changes after more miles I will post follow-up information.
    I don't know if this has any effect on the cruise control issue and while there are other issues (paint, AC) I am not happy about I am no longer trying to sell the car.
  • jetjockgjetjockg Member Posts: 80
    Except for one inconvenient minor detail: the 5-sp automatic is a carryover from the past several years. It worked fine in prior models. It's the 6-sp automatic used with V6s that's brand new
    I was just quoting what the Toyota letter said about the newer version.
    "The poor response you described typically surfaces either when the accelerator is depressed fully to the floor or when depressed an aggressive manner. The NEWER VERSION of the Camry has transitioned from a manual throttle linkage to an electronic throttle control system. The electronic throttle control monitors the everyday driving habits of the operator and then tailors itself to make the most efficient gearshifts.
    There was also a 2003 TSB that dealt with delay. When Toyota Customer Experience called me yesterday the person talking to me said that her Lexus had the problem for the first year. The Avalon had problems also according to an article posted on this forum. The delay problem has affected several models for several years.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    with the new TSB that takes care of shifting (possibly due to the lean conditions?) does the mileage stay the same or is there a drop? It would certainly be worth keeping track of that.
  • santhon2santhon2 Member Posts: 6
    Just had mine done this morning after waiting an hour.The dealer first told me mine was up to date. I asked him how that could be since i had the car since April and the TSB just came out this past Friday. Come to find out they hadn't seen the new TSB so i had to wait another hour for them to download it and do the reflash.

    They didn't apply a sticker to the inside of the hood and said that was for when its done at the factory. I can't believe a customer has to tell a dealer about a TSB and then have them argue with you about it.

    Anyway, it seems to accelerate smoother and shift better. Its also has alot more pep. It does still have a little hesitation but only in the downshift from 4 to 3 i think.

    I'll upate this after the drive home in traffic and see how it does.

    I also noticed the dealer put a scratch on the bumper after i got to work, what are the chances of them admitting that they did it or am i better off forgetting about it?
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "I also noticed the dealer put a scratch on the bumper after i got to work, what are the chances of them admitting that they did it or am i better off forgetting about it?" ((

    Can't hurt to bring the matter to their attention. But, don't be surprised if they shine you off. If you want to attempt a paint scratch repair yourself, go on Do-It-Yourself-Network's website and access Kevin Tetz' instructional.
  • agnostoagnosto Member Posts: 207
    You should insist for the bumper damage and have them fix it for you and hopefully no further damage is done on the vehicle. I usually, if the damage is not bothering to me, I leave it alone since I do NOT want more damage on the vehicle ... very frustrating as most of dealerships are incompetent and have no respect for others property.

    As an FYI, I got a new 2007 TCH and found blue pen ink on the armrest and now I am not sure if I want them to replace it, I will see if they let me do the work, if not, I will possibly not allow them do it.
  • jetjockgjetjockg Member Posts: 80
    Insist that they put on a sticker which, by the way, are the same for all TSBs. All they do is write on it with the TSB info. Every time I take my car to the dealer I ask the tech to walk around the car with me and check for dents ETC. and have him note it on the invoice. It saves alot of arguments later and only takes a minute.
    What did the dealer write up for the problem and what did they write up to repair it. I bet neither one mentions delay or hesitation of the transmission.
  • santhon2santhon2 Member Posts: 6
    They only wrote drivability and the invoice says recalibrate ECM. I was really pissed when they told me it was already up to date knowing full well that it wasn't AND having to educate them on their own TSB is rediculous. They only decided to check the TSB after they saw how pissed i was, i'm wondering now if it was even done correctly.
  • drjamesdrjames Member Posts: 274
    "I bet neither one mentions delay or hesitation of the transmission. "

    Does it matter? If the TSB was applied correctly, and I hope it was for santhon2's sake, then who cares what they wrote. The point would be that the 'hesitation' and gear hunting are gone... except unfortunately for yours, no?

    santhon2, other forums including this one (except one) have reported rave reviews about the recent TSB and what it has done for their 'hesitation' issues. So, if you feel it is still a problem, go to another dealership and ask them to confirm the current ECM code. Doesn't take long at all. good luck.
  • romans9romans9 Member Posts: 5
    Yes, my 2007 Camry V6 XLE has been back to the dealer now, 3 times, the first trip, they replaced the tranny, the second trip, the computer was replaced, and now the third, because of slipping and hesitation (which they can not find). The car has a chronic transmission problem. I guess I'll have to learn to live with it. I refuse to go and spend money to envoke the "Lemon Law". I'll use it now till the dang thing burns up.
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