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Toyota Camry: Problems & Solutions
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Unless you're saying that it behaves differently going from 2nd to 1st based on whether the "O/D OFF" light is on or off? Now that would be something new...
In my quest to correct a racing idle at cold engine temperatures, I have found info that points to the possibility of a bad intake manifold gasket(s). My question for everyone is, especially the mechanics out there, how big a job is this and how many hundreds can I expect to pay? I have Haynes/Chiltons manuals--should I even try to do this myself being good at oil changes/spark plugs etc. And the big question is, could there be any other causes of this racing idle problem? The car is an 89 Camry V6 2.5 liter. Thanks!!
Frustrated in Georgia
Thanks
Frustrated in Georgia
I had the ISS replaced once under warranty, but the problem recurs, so a periodic lubrication of the ISS is in order, NOT covered by GM.
The symptoms were a "loose" feeling while turning, along with various clunking and popping noises.
Sure hope Toyota keeps after this and offers lifetime ISS lubes (if deemed necessary).
Deke
I was so disappointed with the shifting quality of the 02 Camry V6 that I owned I traded it in for an 04 Camry V6. I started experiencing hesitation and what feels like sliding into gear (1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd). It usually gets worse after I get off the highway and into stop and go traffic. I had the car into the dealership about a month ago and they reset the computer. It seemed better for about a week and now it's starting to happen again. These problems are intermittent but seem worse in stop and go (city) driving.
The shifting quality (both Camrys) is terrible. I can almost relate the way the transmission shifts to the old Chevys that had the PowerSlide (OOPPSS, I mean PowerGlide) transmission (shame on you Toyota).
Is anyone else experiencing these sloppy shifting (sliding into gear) issues? I am sure this is all due to the new electronic shifting (fly by wire) system which Toyota has not perfected yet.
What is going to happen to us down the road as our warranties expire and real transmission problems start cropping up because of what's happening now.
I bought my 04 V6 Solara at the end of March and have faced some problems.
First: the acceleration is "harder" than before. I feel like I have to really press on the pedal for it to speed up. It used to be much easier and SMOOTHER. This problem occurred before but it stopped after I stopped switching back and forth from automatic to stick. This problem occurred again after the dealership tighten my gas cap.
Second: For the past week and a half, my car has been releasing this nasty odor that I can smell inside and outside my car. It's like something is burning. I'm not sure how else to describe it. As the days passed, the smell is less and less but it's still there.
Please help me if you can. Thanks!
I actually find that the stiff accelerator is better than the loose feeling I got from the 97. It is by no means a sports sedan, but it does add a little spice to driving. The same thing goes for the steering feel. It takes more effort to steer, imitating that of European cars (although I find it is still very light).
I believe, though not sure, that this generation's Camry LE's accelerator still has that lighter feel to it. Correct me if I'm wrong, LE owners! I also found that the door hinges on the LE are looser than those in my SE, that's for sure. It takes a bit more effort to open the doors now, but then it doesn't bounce back like the doors on the 97 LE I used to own.
Maybe I just like things a little tighter. To me, it feels more rigid.
Hope the odour goes away soon!
Did you try that route? Filing a complaint with NHTSA does not force auto manufacturers to recall the cars or make good on yours; you merely lodge a complaint which others can see and file their own complaints. Enough similar problems, then the NHTSA looks into it, Toyota maybe sends out a TSB for repairs. Further problems forces a recall.....
I hate to hear someone rant and rave against a complete company when there was a problem with one product. If you did nothing further than yell and scream at a service advisor at the dealership, you did nothing to help your cause. If you followed up with Toyota directly, you were heading in the right direction, but a visit with a Lemon Law attorney should have been your next move.
Hope whatever car you get will be more trouble-free than your Camry. Just stay away from GM products....and some Fords.....and...
oh.. and I'm not sure whether there was a plastic bad in my exhaust pipe but I will check that out. Thanks again!
If I were to sit with legs together the entire trip, I would have to move the seat back so that my legs are almost straight. That way my legs would be resting flat on the seat. But then I would find that my feet would be placed at an awkward angle and eventually causes stress on the ankles. However, I'm usually the driver so maybe I'm just too accustomed to the seat there.
Does anyone else find that they have the same problem in their Camrys? My old 97 Camry's passenger toe room was better, but still not the best. Wonder what the Accords and Altimas toe rooms are like.
B
B
I intend to purchase a new car for the next 2 weeks. Currently, I have 3 cars in my mind. They are 05 Toyota Camry XLE V6, 05 Honda Accord EX V6 or 05 Lexus ES 330. I have done my research for all those vehicles. But, I still could not decide. Here are the problems.
1. Both Camry and ES 330 have the transmission problems (based on the owners' testimonies at Edmunds' board). The word 'hesitation' accelaration scares hell of me. I don't want another Dejavu!!!
2. Honda Accord adopted DOHC technology for its inline 4, but SOHC for its V6. I always think that DOHC is better. Am I right about this?
Currently, I own 2002 Honda Civic EX. My complains for it are underpowered engine, hesitation accelaration, bumpy suspension, and loud road noises. I plan to trade my Civic in. Good idea? Any advise.
I just assume that 05 models will still inherit the tranny problems, just because there are no news or press release that Toyota (and Lexus) improve their mechanical spec. I might be wrong though.
Thanks for the info, Motownusa.
Ray
Bottom line stay away from Honda. My friend is a mechanic, he said "Honda tramssion, do have issues when the car ages".
I drive the car really hard, changed the oil very 3k. Still very disappointed. I think the bottom like better off with a stick shift. I never had problem with my Acura Integra GSR '97.
It was a cold night, -3 degrees, and I got into my car as usual. I closed the door firmly so that the dome light and the "door ajar" light turned off, indicating that the door had been fully shut.
However, when I was about to come to a stop at a traffic light few blocks down the street, I heard a "pop" and the dome light came on! Then I heard all these road noises and I looked at the dashboard and found that the "door ajar" light came on! The door popped open by itself!
I came to a complete stop at the traffic light, wondering what might have caused the door to open but couldn't come to any conclusions. I pulled the latch to open (Although the door wasn't fully shut, the door couldn't be opened without pulling the latch. Just like when we all sometimes forget to use more force to close the door) then close the door firmly again. It was fine for the rest of the way home.
I was definitely SURE that the door was shut firmly, or else the dome light and "door ajar" light would be lit. Also, the automatic lock probably wouldn't have been able to lock the doors when I shifted into reverse if the door was still open (not sure about this though). It shouldn't have been the cold weather either because the car had been through two harsh Canadian winters with temperatures well below tonight's, yet the door was fine.
I am going to bring this issue to the dealer's attention next time I go for maintenance. But I am pretty sure there should be nothing wrong with the lock. Or am I really that unlucky to own a Camry with a defective lock? Nah, afterall, it's a Toyota. It was assembled in Japan too. There might be some rattling here and there, and a little clicking in the steering wheel, but I am sure that they won't build a car with such a major defect.
Will post the results after going to the dealer.
Again, the dollar speaks: folks don't want the extra effort of a real clutch, shifting forks (or cables) coordinating the synchros and CONTROLING gear changes...
..just listen to my high school buds come up with why they drive an auto. "Well, I hurt my left foot in an industrial accident"; "I'm tired of shifting: I can afford it, why not?"
You made you bed; now sleep in it (as my Dad was fond of saying)
There are a lot of improvements in the 2005 model that I'd like to have, but the 5-speed AT isn't really one of them. Just more opportunities for problems. And who wants to be the guinea pig for a new tranny? (not that the 4-speed is so great, but new models can be iffy).
1. Wipers: The wipers suddenly only work on fast (i.e. intermittent settings don't work). So I only have fast, fast and super fast. Is this a problem with the wiper switch or motor?
2. Starting problems on a cold engine: When started, I take my foot off the gas, the engine dies. This can happen 2-3 times. But if I keep my foot on the gas (at high rpm) for about 30 secs, the slowly remove foot, the engine keeps running. Is this a problem with air intake, manifold, ..?
Thanks.
It appears your cold start mechanism inside the fuel injector unit is sticking. Fill the tank with premium gas and add a bottle of injector cleaner. That solved the problem for my Camry I4.
If that doesn't solve it, remove the air inlet rubber hose from the fuel injector. Spray in 2 bottles of injector cleaner while revving the engine at various RPM.
If that still doesn't work consult a few reliable and competent dealers and shops before making the next move.
NY state inspection calls for depressed pedal at
1/3 of pedal height..Pedal should not fade or sink for one minute ..did car meet these specs
Any Ideas?
Thanks!