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2007 Toyota Camry Problems and Repairs

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Comments

  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    edited March 2012
    Disconnecting the battery for 10-15 minutes will always be a more sure, certain way to clear codes. Oxygen sensor (NOT A/F sensor) often means catalyst has failed or is in the process, intermittent code "throwing" is not altogether unusual.

    Using the OBDII tool only clears the specific code, disconnecting the battery causes the system to erase the previously "learned" control parameters, the system then reverts to the factory default parameters and restarts the parametric "learning" process.

    A/F ratio sensors (oxygen sensors upstream of the catalyst) will often throw codes due to consistently low battery voltage, <12.5V static, or Trac/VSC activation for non-DBW vehicles.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    HI West, this is a bank 1 sensor 2 downstream oxygen sensor. When you mention "catalyst" do you mean catalyst converter is failing?

    Thanks for any info. chuck
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Yes, the downstream sensor is used to continuously check, verify the efficiency of the catalyst. Be aware that a crack/leak in the exhaust pipe nearby the converter will allow oxygen to reach the catalyst while it is still warm from teh just previous operation. Trac or VSC operation in a non-DBW car will/might also result in oxygen reaching a HOT converter.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Thanks for the reply. Update on the car. Check engine came back on tonight while driving on Highway. Going to try to have my mechanic throw in the oxygen sensor tomorrow if he's not busy.
    I'm hoping the sensor will be the problem. I've already changed the upstream fuel/ratio sensor a few mothes ago. Car been fine up to now.
    If I don't get a chance to have senor installed should I disconnect the battery to reset the code so the car will run better until the sensor is changed?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I don't know, can't say, if the engine will run better, or not, with the code cleared. On the other hand the VSC will work that way.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Here the latest, had mechanic replace Oxygen sensor Bank 1 sensor 2 downsream. He cleared code. After about 15 miles of driving check engine came back on. Went to auto zone same code PO138 Oxygen sensor.
    My Mechanic will take a closer look and check with his computer Monday morning.
    West, you mentioned could be catylist converter. I wonder how Toyota will diagnose that. That would be a emissions warranty. I have trouble trusting Toyota, scared they will want to change other parts that aren't covered under warranty at high cost.
  • patty19patty19 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2012
    My engine light came on today. I thought maybe my gas cap was not screwed on tight so I checked it while the engine was turned off for a few minutes. But, after I put in gas in the car and started it up again the light came back on. I noticed that the performance of the car is sluggish. How long can I drive the car like this? I have no money right now to get it fixed not until two weeks. Will my engine be damaged if I drive the car with the engine light on for two weeks. Can someone please advise me on what to do? How much will this cost me if I take my car to the Toyota dealership. My car is a 2007 Camry XLE and has over 98,000 miles.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Hi Patty, I would go to auto zone first and ask ask them to read the code. They will do it for free. The code will tell you what part has failed. Check back on this post with the info form auto zone and you will get info on how to resolve the problem at a cheaper cost than the dealership. The car should be ok to drive but do your self a favor and get to auto zone.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    update, had mechanic check new oxygen sensor again. Computer said new sensor running high. He thought catylist converter was ok. Suggested that new sensor could have been bad. I ordered another Denso. Will see after replacement this weekend.
    Anybody have any thoughts what else could be triggering this code.
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2012
    The high oxygen sensor reading could be caused by a mass airflow sensor which needed cleaning; a throttle body which needed cleaning, spark plugs which have 50,000 or more miles on them; or which were previously replaced with unsuitable brands or plug models, a defective fuel pressure regulator could do it; a defective coolant or air temperature sensor for the ECU could do it, a restricted fuel filter could do it, and a defective or incorrect model engine coolant thermostat could do it.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Hi Zaken, thanks for that info. I know i didn't mention in my last post that the engine is a V-6 3.5 2007 Camry just in case you didn't remember. I have had to change 1 ignition coil never had the plugs changed. THe car has 58,000 miles. This weekend I hope to have my mechanic put in another oxgen sensor in case the previous new one is defective. I will have him check the other possibilities you listed. Thank you for all your help. I really appreciate it, chuck
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If the upstream oxygen sensor(s), A/F mixture control sensor(s) are not generating fault codes and and the downstream oxygen sensor, catalyst efficieny sensor, is...then...

    1.) The sensor has failed.
    2.) The catalyst efficiency is lacking.
    3.) The sensor is being exposed to atmospheric qxygen while still hot from previous engine operation....exhaust leak or even extended period of VSC/Trac operation for a non-DBW engine.

    You can buy a non-california catalytic converter on Ebay inexpensively.
  • patty19patty19 Member Posts: 11
    Hi Chuck,

    Autozone scanner said that I have an Ignition Coil problem. The man at Autozone said it could be from me needing the spark plugs replace to the spark plugs and up to the six coils replaced depending on how many are bad. I can't get my hands on that kind of money until next Friday and the car is starting to run more sluggish every day I drive it. I just need to be able to make it until next Friday. I hope by driving the car I'm doing more damage to it. Please advise where should I take the car besides the Toyota Dealer which will definitely cost more. Thanks for some advice anyone can give me.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    hi patty you need to get the # code it should be on the printout from autozone. The front coils are eas y to replace. Each coil has its own # even #s are front coils 302, 304, 306 if its the front coil it a 5 min easy fix and you can do it yourself or have somebody help you. The part can be bought on line cheaper at Rockauto.com they are good. toyoto sells the coil for $100 the brand you want is Denso. If you need more info just ask. ps u should be ok driving the car until u get the coil
  • patty19patty19 Member Posts: 11
    Hi Chuck,

    Codes are
    P0300 - Random Cylinder misfire condition
    P0301 - Cylinder 1 misfire detected
    P0354 - Ignition coil primary/secondary circuit fault

    Should I take the car to Toyota or let someone else fix it who know eactly what they are doing. How accurate is the Autozone scanner?
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Patty, do you have a 6 or 4 cylinder car. What year is the car.
  • patty19patty19 Member Posts: 11
    Chuck,

    I have a 6 cylinder.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    code PO354 Is a front middle ign coil very easy to change . you can also try to disconnect the battery for 20 mins and that will clear the codes and turn off the check eng lite. It may or may not come back
  • patty19patty19 Member Posts: 11
    Thanks, Chuck ! What are the other (2) codes PO300 and PO301. This is for a 2007 Camry XLE 6 cylinder.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Hi Patty, the other codes are probabally coming up due to the bad ignition coil. Good chance after replacing coil it will clear the codes. You may have to have the computer rest. Sometimes if you ask though they aren't supposed to autozone will reset code. Best to ask the guy while he is at your car checking the codes again. I would not take the car to Toyota. You can buy the part from them but they will charge you an arm and a leg for labor. Not sure where you live. There are other post by a guy name Zaken who is very helpful and may know a shop depending where you live. He also recommended a fuel addditive that help with carbon build up. It's made by Chevron. If I find the info from my old post I will send to you. Keep us informed.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    5566 Re: Stuck in Park [chuck28] by zaken1 Jan 23, 2011 (9:14 pm)
    Replying to: chuck28 (Jan 22, 2011 9:43 pm)

    I also wanted to suggest that this motor runs considerably better and more economically on premium fuel. There is a device called a detonation sensor on this motor; which automatically adjusts the ignition timing for the maximum possible spark advance without pinging. When regular gas is used; the sensor retards the timing, which stops the pinging, but also reduces the power, economy, and responsiveness. Camry owners tend to be practical people; which unfortunately often means being reluctant to spend money on premium fuel. But those owners who are knowledgable and performance oriented have found that premium makes it run much, much better. Sometimes a major brand like Shell, Chevron, Texaco, or Sunoco will further enhance the running over cheap fuel.

    You also might find that cleaning the fuel injection throttle body and adding a bottlefull of Chevron Techron fuel system and combustion chamber cleaner to the fuel tank just prior to filling it up will clear up running problems which have seemed inherent in this model. It often takes 50-75 miles of driving for this unique formula to take effect; so please don't settle on other brands of cleaner. This one is really different. (Available at Chevron gas stations, Wal Mart, Auto Zone, Checker, Shucks, Murray, Kragen, and O'Reilly Auto Parts.)
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    edited March 2012
    With the advent of EFI and wideband knock/ping sensors (~'01) came the ability to adjust, enrich, the A/F mixture if a knock/ping event was detected PRIOR to the ignition spark.

    No harm is done to these high compression engines due to fueling with regular, just a slight derating, ~5%, of top end HP/torque.
  • mfhornmfhorn Member Posts: 3
    I started to add some antifreeze to the reservoir today, and noticed that I had the 'green' antifreeze that I was adding, but that what was in the reservoir was kind of a pinkish color. Is that going to cause any problems?
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    Not good - you should not mix them. ONLY use the long life Toyota pink.
  • mfhornmfhorn Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2012
    There's maybe 2 cups or so of the green in there. Should I get it flushed out at the dealer?
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    If you just added to the overflow container, just pull it out, and replace with long life pink. If I recall, it is pretty easy to remove the container, or you could even use a baster to suck it out.

    Do you see any pink residue below the water pump, or any splash up onto the bottom of the hood (the noise dampening black cover attached on the inside of the hood)? Just wondering why you are having to add coolant. Sometimes, it is normal evaporation, but could be a water pump leak?
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    I have changed my bank 1 sensor1 and bank 1 sensor 2 sensors. one upstrem and 1 downstream of the catylist converter. check engine lights gone until 100 miles later check engine light came back on. THe car is also smelling like rotten eggs that seem to point to a catylist converter problem. I'm wondering if I need to replace the converter and will toyota confirm its the problem even though the codes are saying sensor which have been replaced by my mechanic.
  • mfhornmfhorn Member Posts: 3
    The coolant level in the overflow was on the low side was all. My brother in law (mechanic) has worked on the car since my wife got it. I recently inherited it from her & just noticed the level was down a bit. He hadn't mentioned anything about water pump leaks last time he checked it, back in the fall.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If you read the shop repair diagnostic manual section you will note that it does NOT say the downstream sensor is defective, only that the sensor output readings are out of range.

    Since the sensor is less expensive, a lot less expensive, to replace I would also go there first. Non-California compliant catalyst are available (Ebay) pretty inexpensively.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Went to Toyota today to have then check out my sensor problem. I was hoping they would change out the catylic converter as it has been smelling like rotten eggs. The codes have been 2195 and 138 sensors. They want to charge me $1700 to apply the TSB 0114-08 which means they swap out the sensors and exhaust manifold. They said my Denso sensors which I bought from Rock Auto and installed by my mechanic were after market and they do not work in my car.

    I called Denso and Rock auto and they said I have the same sensor that was Original Equip for my car and many times dealerships say that because there is another problem maybe the Cat. or Ecu or electrical and they don't take the time to look for the real problem.

    If anyone has any insight on these sensor let me know. I'm considering selling the car as I'm not prepared to give Toyota that kind of money. This is a 2007 v-6 with 59,000 miles on it. Shouldn't have to be paying for the repair when Toyota has a design problem with there manifold. They new about the flaw while my car was under the 3year 36,000 warranty but of course if your check engine light comes on after the warranty period they won't warranty it. Bad bussiness!!!!

    Need help! chuck
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2012
    These codes are defined as P2195 TOYOTA - Oxygen Air/Fuel Sensor Signal Stuck Lean Bank 1 Sensor 1, and P0138 - Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor is producing excessively High Voltage.

    The two codes are caused by the same problem. The problem is created by a leaking exhaust manifold gasket, or a cracked exhaust manifold; which allows air to leak into the exhaust system. When the oxygen sensors detect excessive air in the exhaust system; they send a "lean mixture" signal to the computer; which responds by richening the fuel mixture. The rich mixture causes a "rotten egg" smell in the exhaust. IT IS NOT CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CONVERTER, AND REPLACING THE CONVERTER WILL NOT CLEAR THIS PROBLEM. IT IS ALSO NOT CAUSED BY A BAD OR UNSUITABLE SENSOR.

    Toyota redesigned the exhaust manifold to be less prone to leaks; which will solve this problem. They also had to redesign the air - fuel ratio sensor to work properly with the new manifold design.

    If you do not want to spend the cost of a new exhaust manifold; you can address this by buying a used manifold from an auto wrecker or EBay.

    If you do not want to buy a used exhaust manifold; you can have an independent mechanic or a qualified muffler shop thoroughly inspect the exhaust manifold on that bank and determine whether it is cracked.

    If the exhaust manifold is not cracked; it does not have to be replaced. In that case; all that would have to be done to restore the car to its original condition is to install a new exhaust manifold gasket, and properly torque the exhaust manifold mounting bolts. The leak can then be expected to remain sealed for another 50,000 or so miles, and then repeat itself. But if the exhaust manifold mounting bolts are found to be loose; and the exhaust manifold gasket is not damaged; the problem may be able to be corrected by simply tightening the manifold bolts; and having them retightened every 3 years.

    If the exhaust manifold is cracked; it would have to be repaired by welding up the cracked area. This procedure can sometimes distort the manifold, and make it difficult to seal properly upon re-installation. For that reason; I would recommend replacing the exhaust manifold with either another used one that is identical to yours; or with a used revised design from a newer vehicle.

    This type of flaw is not uncommon. It is certainly not justification for replacing the vehicle. Many, many vehicles have one or more components updated by the manufacturer during the first few years after their introduction. Those people who experience the flaw during the warranty period have the upgrade applied at no cost. Those people whose part does not malfunction until after the warranty period usually have to pay for the upgrade.

    The bottom line here is that Toyota is charging an outrageously inflated price for the part; and for their labor to install it. This kind of theft is a cash cow for dealerships; which is supported by sheepish owners who feel obligated to have the dealership perform all service procedures. It is becoming more and more common in the industry. But neither you, nor any other owner who learns the facts behind the situation, needs to submit to such thievery. If your car does not have a California specification emissions system; Rock Auto sells a brand new bank 1 exhaust manifold and integrated catalytic converter, under Dorman part #674847, for $387.79 plus shipping. This is the new design part.

    If your car does have California emissions; you'd have to buy a used part, as described above.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Zaken, Thank you very much. You are the only one i can coun't on to get the truth from. I will have my mechanic check for leaks.

    You have given me some hope, chuck
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
    If you think zaken1 is good here, you should check out his rock-star performance in our answers section. He is a real asset to our community and members here!

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  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    Gee, and I've never even communicated directly with Kirstie. Thank you both for the kind words. They came at a very opportune time; because I had just lost my cool with a new poster in the answers section; who appeared like he was determined to break every rule in the book, at a time when Stever was away on a road trip. It had really pushed my buttons, and I was feeling like quitting the whole show.

    When Karen straightened me out about what I didn't realize about this guy; I felt sheepish. So it was just the time for some warm fuzzies. NOBODY'S PERFECT HERE
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
    Nope, nobody is. I've been saved several times by the ability to delete my own posts... or the unusual moment of self control when I just walk away for awhile. We just appreciate the effort, even if sometimes it is imperfect!

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  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Hi Zaken, according to the TSB 0114-08 under required equipment there is a note that statesm: Software version3.01.000 or later is required. supplier ADE part # TSPKG1.
    DO you know what this is? Is it a reflash of the ECU? If so does it need to be done by a dealership?

    I was also wondering about your opiniomn on airtex/wells sensors? I noticed they are a lot more money. Wondering why?

    I am thankful for all your help, chuck
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2012
    Hi Chuck;

    The software version referred to in that TSB is for the operating system in the dealership scan tool which is used to check for codes. It is not a reflash of the computer.

    Airtex/Wells is trying hard to create an image of producing superior parts. Some of their stuff is indeed better than the competition; while others are not. Their prices are more often set by marketing people than being a reflection of their manufacturing costs.

    In the oxygen and AFR sensors listed for your car; Airtex comes in at the higher end of the price range; but NTK (part of the NGK spark plug company) is higher than they are on AFR (front) sensors. However; Airtex is the most expensive supplier of downstream sensors.

    I really can't say whether their sensors are all that much better. I haven't had direct experience with that.

    But I would like to further clarify the relevance of component quality (and sensors in general) with the problems you've been having. And the answer is ZILCH.

    The codes you've experienced have NOTHING to do with the sensors on your car!!! Sure; the code definitions include the words "sensor is stuck in lean mode"; but this does not mean that a part or circuit in the sensor is physically stuck or malfunctioning. All it means is that the sensor is continually generating a signal that the mixture is too lean; when it usually would be varying from lean to rich. The word "stuck" is inappropriately chosen here (which is not uncommon for automotive publications that are written by semi literate people)

    The sensor is basically a passive device, like a thermometer; which simply registers the percentage of oxygen in the exhaust gasses. If, for example, the fuel filter became plugged, and the engine became starved for fuel; the same class of code would be generated by the computer. But just because the sensor constantly reported that the mixture was lean would not, in that situation, mean that the sensor was defective. It simply means that the mixture is too lean and is not changing. It then is up to the diagnostician to determine why the mixture is lean and whether the cause has anything to do with the sensor's integrity or accuracy. If a vacuum hose or PCV hose broke or became disconnected; it would also lead to this same sort of code. So would an EGR valve that did become physically stuck open. And so would a cracked exhaust manifold, or loose exhaust manifold mounting bolts. And the oxygen or AFR sensor would be reporting the absolute truth in those instances.

    Toyota has a 30 year history of building exhaust manifolds which crack or leak over time; and they still don't seem to have learned how to overcome this issue. The difference is that they didn't always redesign their mistakes in the 1970s; but now they are a lot more concerned about their public image.

    Toyota's fix for this problem is to replace the cracked or leaking exhaust manifold with a part that has been redesigned to not crack or leak, and to install an AFR sensor which was made to work in the new manifold design. However; if an undamaged original design exhaust manifold was used to replace the cracked one, and your existing AFR sensor was transferred to the replacement manifold; the results would be identical to the official fix (until the manifold cracked or began leaking in a few years).

    Many cars have misleading sounding trouble codes. My Geo Metro's computer will throw an "EGR system" code; if the ignition timing is incorrect; or if the fuel mixture is too lean. I used to beat my head against the wall trying to find the fault in the EGR system when I saw that code; until I eventually learned that codes are crude approximations of the possible reasons why sensors report what they do. This is why computer codes cannot be taken literally; and why a broad perspective of how an engine functions and how the various systems interact is indispensable for troubleshooting computer codes.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    edited March 2012
    "...learned that codes are crude approximations..."

    Not.

    Factory engineers put a lot of effort in creating a diagnostic flow chart for each "foreseeable" code condition that might arise. If you follow that chart upon having the system generate a fault code, or codes, my educated guess would be that more than 70% of the time the chart will take you directly to the cause of the fault.

    Are there exceptions, certainly.

    For over 10 years my '01 RX300 has had a "habit" of generating a "bank 1, sensor 1, fault code". Back many years ago, ~10, probably when it first happened, I went to Lexus and purchased a new oxygen sensor.

    Before I found time to install the sensor the fault cleared of itself and I put the new sensor away in the spare tire well. It has remained there until just last week.

    Over the interim years the RX has "thrown" that very same code at least 3-4 times. Each time, due to the first experience, I would wait for a period of time to see if the fault would clear, which it did.

    About a year ago I purchased a "generic" oxygen sensor to replace one of the downstream sensors in our '95 LS400. To assure myself that I would be connecting the 4 wires of the generic sensor correctly I heated the sensor on an electric range in order to find the proper connection polarity. The 2 wires for the sensor resistance heater was very easy to isolate.

    So having assured myself that the connection directions that came with the sensor were correct I installed the new sensor.....Oh PISS, I had the same fault code......

    Bad sensor?

    Within a few days I took the sensor I removed, heated it the same way to assure myself of the proper installation polarity of the new sensor. Strange....the "failed" sensor, except for having a higher heater resistance, 16 ohms vs 12 for the generic, seemed to produce an output voltage that equaled the new one when/while HOT and exposed to atmospheric oxygen.

    In the meantime the '95 LS400 sensor fault cleared of itself....

    Hmmmm....

    Had I somehow compromised the sensor element by exposing it to atmospheric oxygen while heating it...??

    It was about this same time that I ran across a post, LS400 oxygen sensor code, wherein a cracked exhaust pipe nearby the sensor had resulted in a sensor fault, seemingly.

    Apparently the crack was allowing atmospheric oxygen to reach the sensor element while it remained HOT even after the engine was switched off. Fix the crack, the sensor stopped "throwing" codes...

    Does this begin to sound altogether too familier...?

    But how could this be happening in my RX without a crack in the pipe, etc.

    Oh....In my '01 RX300 when VSC/Trac activates the engine MUST be dethrottled. Since the throttle plate is HARD attached to the gas pedal the only way the dethrottling can be accomplished is via EFI engine fuel starvation.

    TC activates, throttle OPEN, NO FUEL, HOT sensor, sensor exposed to atmospheric oxygen....

    Do my RX300 oxygen sensor failure code events correlate to VSC/TC activation..?

    Yes, YES.

    Conclusion: Exposing the oxygen sensor element to a high oxygen atmospheric content while it remains heated, HOT, seems, appears, to modify the sensor characteristics for some extended period of time.

    Last week I heated, on the electric range, the NEW oxygen sensor that had remained in my RX300 trunk for the past 10 years and installed it. It took 3 days (daily driver) to clear the resulting oxygen sensor FAULT.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Just wondering, could the RX3OO have had a cracked pipe or manifold gasket leak that was not detected during this period?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    edited March 2012
    Might have been but since the new sensor seems to have fixed it for the moment..only time will tell.

    Plus which my memory seems to be that each past failure was the result of an extended VSC/TC activation.

    Additionally the periods between those failures have been measured in years. So it seems to me that a cracked or leaking exhaust manifold/pipe would have resulted in failures a lot more often.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Hi Zaken, I was wondering from the time I had code P2195 Fuel-air ratio code and changed that sensor it was 3 months until the P0138 oxygen sensor code kicked in. I was wondering when I replaced the first fuel -air sensor (2195) why did I not get a check engine light if the initial code was triggered by the defected exhaust manifold?
    I haven't got a chance yet to have ht manifold looked at.
    I appreciate all your help and wisdom.

    Thanks greatly, chuck
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Still waiting to have manifold looked at. This morning filled up tank with Premium and after pulling out of gas station Check engine light was gone. This is a first since the light has come on. It's never gone off by itself only when code was rest by disconnecting battery. Tonight as I hit the highway for a short trip lights came back on.

    Still thinking Zanken explanation about the manifold makes sense but wondering why light when off. Was it the fuel give a new reading to the computer?

    Looking for insight, thanks, chuck
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    This sounds to me like the manifold may have either been jarred or twisted slightly when the sensor was replaced; and that amount of movement temporarily sealed the leak. Then, three months later, the manifold moved enough from vibration for the leak to open up again. The likely cause of the light temporarily resetting just now was a combination of expansion and temperature changes during what I assume was the short drive from your home to the gas station.

    This all sounds to me more like loose manifold bolts than either a cracked manifold or a damaged gasket.
  • chuck28chuck28 Member Posts: 259
    Thanks Zaken, I appreciate your wisdom this makes sense. I will have the botls checked out. Will keep you updated. Might not get to it till next week.
    Thanks again, chcuk
  • sdizdabestsdizdabest Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2012
    Need help from the experts on my 2007 Camry LE V4 - 64K miles

    Went in for oil change to the Toyota dealer today and the service guy said that the water pump needs replaced. Per the service notes "Engine coolant seep" failed pressure test. The dealer quoted $560 for parts and labor (Southern California, Orange County).

    There is no leak on my garage floor and I could not find any leak around the engine. A lot of folks mentioned that they notice pink stuff when the water pump leaks.

    The car runs very smooth and I never had any issues with overheating and never noticed any leaks.

    How would I make sure that the dealer is really honest and in fact there is a real issue with the water pump ? (Dealer wanted $290 to change the indicator bulb, last month. Took it to a local mechanic and he replaced the indicator bulb for free, just paid $8 for the bulb.)

    Can the water pump be replaced by an outside mechanic, and how much would it cost if it's done by a local mechanic - can they test and confirm if there is indeed an issue with the water pump?

    Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
  • daveturnerdaveturner Member Posts: 25
    edited March 2012
    It could be possible that there is a cooling system issue with your 2007 Camry because my family owns a 2007 Camry and we are a Consumer Reports subscriber--back in 2006 we were reluctant to buy the first year of a new model redesign but we had no choice because our Chevy was basically dying (at less than 100k miles!) and we already had a Honda Accord so we decided to "gamble" and go with the '07 Camry. Anyways, we noticed recently that Consumer Reports shows that the 07 Camry overall is reliable (full red and half red marks for reliability--except for "Engine Cooling"--where it shows "half black"), so it got me worried--fortunately, if what you described is the extent of the "Engine Cooling" problem, then we can handle that (~$560). However, it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion, I've been burned three times by my local very well known Honda dealership, see this post here: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.efdf924/5611#MSG5611
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    edited March 2012
    I would be suspicious if there is no seepage visible around the pump. A pressure test failure could be faked if they interpreted a slight loss of pressure in 5 minutes to indicate a leak. This is nonsense! Virtually all cooling system pressure tests will find some degree of leakage; but the only valid indication that service is required is when liquid is visibly forced out under normal pressure.

    BTW, www.rockauto.com sells all major brand new water pumps for this vehicle for between $21.79 and $61.79 plus a modest shipping charge.

    You can calculate a shop's labor charge for replacing the water pump by phoning one or more local shops and asking them what the flat rate time estimate is for replacing the water pump on this car. They should give you a figure in tenths of an hour (eg; 1.7 hours). Once you have that figure; which should be the same at all shops, find out what the hourly labor rate is at the shop you're considering, and multiply that figure by the time estimate. That should give you the labor charge. Bear in mind that some shops will either refuse to install a part you bought yourself; or will add an additional fee to do so. Shops make a profit by buying parts at wholesale and marking them up 40% to 100% when sold to customers. So you would be undercutting their profit by buying the parts yourself.

    When describing your car's motor to mechanics and to stores; it will facilitate the communication if you understood the symbols used to indicate engine designs. Engines are most commonly made in 4, 6 and 8 cylinders; but there are 4 different block configurations which any engine can be made in. The "V" shaped engine block is the most common (although not universally used) in 6 and 8 cylinder motors; and those motors are called V-6 and V-8. But 4 cylinder motors like yours are rarely made in a "V" shaped block. Most 4 cylinder blocks, including yours, are made in an inline configuration; where all 4 cylinders are in a straight line. This engine type is called an L4.

    Other block configurations include horizontally opposed (also called Boxer type); as used in some VW and Subaru engines. This configuration is assigned the prefix "H." There are also "W" design engine blocks; used in some exotic engines. But many people mistakenly believe that all engine designs have a "V" prefix. And that is confusing to mechanics and parts clerks.
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    Very easy to see the water pump on this car - right under the alternator. You would see two things - pink or red crystals on the bottom of the pump, and on the bottom of the hood, on the black hood liner, you would see a white spots right above the spot where the serpentine belt is. This would be from the leak (it drops onto the belt then is thrown up onto the bottom of the hood).

    This coolant does not puddle on the garage floor - it turns to a solid (crystals).

    Yes, on the 2007 I4 Camry, this is a problem area. Toyota is now using a different pump on this due to the many problems. It is covered under the 5 year, 60k mile powertrain warranty. Most failed before that point.

    Consumer Reports is again spot on. This is a common problem, and it shows on their chart as a 1/2 black spot.
  • sdizdabestsdizdabest Member Posts: 5
    I am so happy to see the response to my question on this forum. I appreciate zaken1's detailed response on calculating the price to pay and the explanation of the V shaped engine. I always refer to the car as V4 and will stop doing that as it clearly shows that it's an I4.

    Thanks a lot mcdawgg - I did follow your instructions and took a second look at the car and white stuff over the serpentine belt and some pink crystals as well.

    So took it to the local dealer and had them run a pressure test and it failed. Then the service guy checked the water pump and he confirmed the leak and pointed the pink stuff.

    The local mechanic wants $330 + tax for the water pump and labor and an additional $charge of 99 for coolant flush. The local mechanic said that coolant flush is required so that the old dirty coolant is removed from the radiator.

    I called back the Toyota dealership and talked to the part guy - they sell the water pump kit that comes with a thermostat for $180 - this is original Toyota stuff. I will go back to the local mechanic and ask him to provide the details of the water pump and see if I can have him install the stuff, if I buy it from rockauto or some other local parts supplier.

    This is the first major repair on this car not counting the 2 sets of tires, 2 sets of front brake pads and 3 sets of rear brake pads with a new rear brake rotor set that was installed 2 months ago. I am still happy with this car because it drives very smooth, absolutely no noise and feels like it is just off the showroom.

    I will post my status back here tomorrow - and really appreciate all the help from the experts on this forum.
  • sdizdabestsdizdabest Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2012
    Thanks to zaken1 for the breakdown of the cost, I was able to shop around and get a better price. I got the water pump replaced this morning and here is what I paid:

    -- labor for 1.8 hrs = $150
    -- water pump = $85 + 7.75% tax
    -- coolant = $25 + 7.75% tax

    They applied an internet coupon for $20 - so that total was $260 including taxes. Thanks to the experts once again for all your help.

    BTW - the mechanic who replaced the water pump mentioned that his 2008 Tundra's water pump broke, within the first year.
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