Toyota Camry: Problems & Solutions

wwest · February 2006

My strong suspicion is that Toyota engineers have been concentrating on and working diligently to alleviate, reduce the duration of, the "designed in" engine/transaxle delay/hesitation. Having not experienced either of the delays, assuming both exist, I'm kinda shooting in the dark.

The "designed in" delay is likely relatively short in comparison, but will still be quite noticeable, even an irritant, for those having previously, say for a lifetime, driven automatic transmissions absent the delay enabled by the new DBW system.

It is entirely possible, from my viewpoint, that Toyota isn't even aware of the few drivers complaining of the extended delays of 1 to 2 seconds vs those that probably number in the thousands that complain of the 200 to 500 millisecond delay.

Look at all the postings here and elsewhere of individuals that readily acknowledge experiencing "the" delay but then go on to deny, oftentimes vehemently, its seriousness.

scoti1 · February 2006

I have always felt (no scientific basis, just my opinion based on the various descriptions of the problem and what I have experienced as a passenger in one) that the hesitation is present in all the subject models, but that it manifests itself to different degrees based on some unknown factor -- so that the description varies from "don't feel it", "feels a little funny", "hesitates but not a safety concern" to the extreme of "serious hesitation that is a safety concern". We knew about the designed in hesitation, so the unknown factor could be the accelerator issue you are talking about. Sounds like it is a simple fix, but how does one go about testing it? Mert2 could take your posts to his dealer and say "try this" but what are the chances that they actually would do it? I think he is still under warranty, so I don't think it would be smart to go to an independent mechanic for this. So... what next?

wwest · February 2006

I'm currently more concerned with what happened with me this morning than I am with any possible flaw in the accelerator pedal sensor voltage tolerance.

I most definitely had my left foot on the brake, firmly, as I shifted out of park and into reverse this morning. Assuming that the firmware designers used my logic, "the accelerator pedal will ALWAYS be fully released when shifting from park", then I could see how multiple drive cycles with the accelerator pedal at differing positions for each one would end up confusing the ECU as to exactly where "fully released" might actually be.

So at this moment I am more concerned with the possibility of unique actions of a few drivers that inadvertantly result in the ECU not having stored/computed the correct sensor voltage value for the "at rest" position of the accelerator pedal.

junepug · February 2006

My wife and I have a 2002 Camry LE V6 and a Highlander V6 and have never experienced any hesitation. Also, neither of us uses the left foot to brake nor do we hold the brake while pumping gas. Our driveway is also on a slight hill and we both use the right foot to slow the vehicle while backing out to the street.

I think we have this habit because these two autos are the first automatic trans cars we have owned. When one is driving standard shift cars it is impossible to use the left foot to brake.

johne417 · February 2006

I have a 4 cylinder 94 Camry LE.

I do not recommend anyone trying this, but here's a funny anecdotal story - we honestly got 100,000 miles on the original timing belt that came with the car.

In 97 I was 17, always borrowing my dad's 94 Camry. My dad bought a new car (97 Camry), and I got to drive his "old" 94. The next year one of my sisters got her license, and for the next 3 years the car was passed around (and fought over) by three teenagers, none of whom really kept up with the scheduled maintenances - we were teenagers, not car-savvy, too poor, and no single one of us really owned it anyways. Every now and then my mom would take it in for oil changes and whatnot, but she's not at all car-savvy.

Anyways, before going away for my third year of college, my parents basically decided to give me the car, and my mom and I took it in at just over 100,000k for a tuneup. The guy said the timing belt was so cracked he couldn't believe it hadn't snapped yet. Talked it over with my mom, and we realized the thing had never been replaced.

I still drive this car. Call him Old Faithful. This past December the replacement timing belt jumped a notch and had to be replaced, at 170,000 miles. "Only" got 70K out of that one.

At 130,000, in the summer of 2003, the battery failed and needed to be replaced. They said it just got too corroded. I can't ever remember replacing that either, but batteries can't last 9 years, can they? Maybe my dad had it replaced for some reason before my sisters and I got it.

I'm gettin ready to turn 175,000. Gonna get him to 200. Still runs smooth as ever. Likes to leak oil though.

pranrasvij · February 2006

Hi - hope someone can help here

I am feeling vibrations from the engine through the brakes when the car is stopped at a light (or when i use the brake with the Auto in D/R/L/3 any of these). When I brake and put transmission to Park/Neutral the vibrations are the least and almost negligible.

Can someone shine a light here? It is brand new car and just started this vibrations after 70 mile mark! BAD new car experience.

The vibrations are not present while driving or using accelerator. There is no rattling that infects so many of these.

thanks in advance, folks!

Mr_Shiftright · February 2006

Please let's try to limit technical back and forths on the engine hesitation issue, as it tends to dominate the topic and not give other Camry owners a chance to discuss various other issues.

If you'd like to have technical back and forths, try private e-mails. Thank you

Host

scoti1 · February 2006

Any chance you will be reopening the "Toyota-Lexus transaxle shift delay" forum that was intended for this type of technical discussion of the issue?

Mr_Shiftright · February 2006

that's a management decision at this point, I don't know really....I'll make a note to ask...

AND....back to Camrys!!

ewe2 · February 2006

I'm just surprised that going along at 75 mph. You approach the slightest of grades and it downshifts. I can alleviate most of the downshifts if I switch off the cruise and just use the pedal.
:-)
D

user777 · February 2006

Possibly is a stuck EGR valve. Ask for it to be inspected and replaced. There may be a way to clean one...if you could get at it.

210delray · February 2006

Batteries can last over nine years. I had a Sears DieHard battery in my old Volvo 240 that lasted just 2 months shy of 10 years: Nov. 1985 to Sept. 1995.

pat · March 2006

That means getting the engine started.

themoon77 · March 2006

Pat--which message were you replying to?

Edge

themoon77 · March 2006

Lately I have been losing coolant--I have to top off the radiator about every three weeks. There is also a "waterfall" sound coming from behind the dashboard directly in front of me whenever I accelerate from a stop. Could the issues be related? I hear the noise with the heat on and off. Car is an 89 Cam V6. No water leaking inside the car that I can tell, no leaks other than oil on the outside.

Edge

pat · March 2006

One that has been removed, apparently. Someone asked what was meant by the phrase turning the car over.

mike32 · March 2006

I have an 05 xle. The front end is too soft. Want to change shock / struts to firm it up. Any suggestions on what to use. Would prefer an adjustable type of shock.
MALIBU

rich27 · March 2006

Go to another dealership - quality of mechanics vary drastically.
Camrys are slow; get Altima - cheaper and MUCH faster -
0 to 60 mph in 5.9sec!!!

derekv2 · March 2006

I have the same issue, did you get any solutions?

crumpnasty · March 2006

I have a 2000 Solara SLE and when the dash lights come on they seem to flicker, almost looking like they are going to go out. Also any of the instrument panel lights seem to flicker as well. How do i correct a situation like this, The check engine light just came on also, I just tripped the 60,000 mile mark, Should i take it into the dealership?
Thank you

slagfysh · March 2006

I have a 99 Camry, 4 cyl, auto, with 112,000 miles. For sometime now I've been experiencing a noise that I can best describe as a course whine. It occurs when car is at a steady speed near coasting. A change in accerelator position either applying or releasing will stop noise temporarily. Any ideas?

Mr_Shiftright · March 2006

Sounds like a gear noise in the transaxle. Might want to check your transaxle fluids

njerald · March 2006

You want us to read your warranty policy for you??????????

210delray · March 2006

Why are you even bothering to respond to a nearly 2-year-old post?

winkey · March 2006

I just purchaed a new 06 XLE-V6 and cannot believe that I can't get an ash tray installed in the car! I love the car and bought it despite this silly practice that is so prevelant.

Does anyone know about aftermarket installation of a smoking package?

njerald · March 2006

$17 + shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=63691&item=802- 7413539

junepug · March 2006

Don't the new Camrys come equipped with ashtrays? Even though I don't smoke, I still use the ashtray for small items.

njerald · March 2006

$17 parts option for 2007 for a cup like device with a lid that sits in 1 of the cup holders. Lighter and Ashtray were over $50 List from the dealer for earlier Camrys.

junepug · March 2006

Our 2002 Camry LE V6 came with an ashtray and lighter along with another ashtray in the backseat area. Has Toyota stopped putting ashtrays and lighters in their cars? My 2003 Highlander base model also has an ashtray and lighter.

junepug · March 2006

I see what you mean now. I looked at the sticker from the car and it does show a $79 charge for the ashtray and lighter.

slagfysh · March 2006

Thanks for the tip. I changed the transmission fluid about 2500 miles ago using Valvoline high mileage fluid. The noise did start after that. I'll revisit that project and change back to Toyota fluid and see if that corrects the problem.

jdoyle1 · March 2006

I just replace the battery in my '02 V6 Camry and the engine refused to idle when I started it. It runs fine, but will die if you take your foot off the gas. I find it hard to believe that this could be connected to battery replacement, but it happened at that moment. Anybody have any ideas?
Thanks,
John

leem2 · March 2006

I have similar problem (see my posts earlier) and also have had the battery replaced a few month ago. The only difference is, my car will stall ocasionally, maybe once or twice a month. I wonder if it has something to do with the battery replacement. I'm waiting for these problems to be reported here before I attempt to fix it, as it seems to be an unknown problem to all mechanics I spoke to. But again, my problem is a bit different - it happends only a couple times a month. Please let me know if you get it fixed - leemelnikov@hotmail.com
Thanks.

monnn · March 2006

Okay.. I have a 1988 Camry LE. Two weeks ago I checked out my oil and noticed it was milky... great. I took it into my mechanic and they fixed a blown head gasket. I was cautious about getting the work done because it was real expensive and the car isn't worth more than about 2-3k. They fix it, and as I was driving home, less than two blocks away from the mechanic, the car is about to overheat. I turned it off and got it back to the shop, where they told me that they had forgotten to properly re-attach the radiator hose after they flushed it. They fix it. I drive it home, it's still getting too hot.... I know that the fans aren't coming on right, but I am able to keep it from overheating (by keeping the AC on) until I can take it BACK AGAIN to the mechanic. I just noticed huuuuuuge amounts of water leaking from all under the engine, and the engine itself is smoking some... (the part they fixed is smoking). Before I took it in it wasn't leaking water at all.... Kind of wondering how mad I should be at the mechanic or what is causing the loss of water this time...
-Monica :sick:

user777 · March 2006

ask the dealer or perform some research (google, or call to independants) to determine if your vehicle has some form of "IDLE LEARN" procedure when a battery has gone bad and been replaced. it's possible your vehicle might need the parameters for idle re-established. good luck.

mugupo · March 2006

Ok the 89 carmy is own by mom for a while, laterly is having alot of problems, only has like 130,000 miles but laterly wasn't pretty, one of serious problem laterlyt is the gauge light don;t light on, (only the 2 meter section don't show any light at all, the message(belt etc.. do has light) before is kinda weak but now is total gone? any suggestion? radio work, also currently accelation is a big problem in highway is getting slower and slower at a higher attitude such as hill size, everyone is like 60 and I in below 40 speed during those situation. Please help. Or email me.

emcqueen · March 2006

I have a 2002 Camry w/ 116k miles. On the road last nite while maintaining constant speed of 65, I heard a brief, loud screaching sound...last just a fews seconds. At first I thought it was a bird but it came again w/ less intensity a few mintues later then again in about 15 minutes. It sounded a little like a slipping fan belt or power steering pump but could it be an alternater or water pump going bad? Any other thought appreciated. Ed

mugupo · March 2006

Anyone know which side has 89 carmy maunal to view? my carmy dash board fuse light brown out? what is the volt of it? need help?

wwest · March 2006

A/C compressor clutch kicking in often results in the belt slipping for a few revs. Turn off the A/C to verify but remember it runs automatically in defrost/demist/defog with no indication to you.

cooldad24 · March 2006

I have a 94 with 2.2L I4 engine. Recently, typically when engine is cold, the engine stall right after it starts. I have to press the gas padle to sustain at around 800 to 1000 rpm to keep it running. As soon as I lift from the gas padel, the engine stall. It is not absolutely in early morning when the temp is chilling. It could happen in the afternoon after the car parked for several hours. It took me about 1/2 to an mile to have this problem disappear. It also surface when shift into Drive. Last week, this temp solution didn't work after 15 min. warm up and drive for one and half miles (by left foot on the break). This morning, the temp solution 9warm up + 1/2 mile) works again when I drove to garage. They will keep my car and try tomorrow morning. I suspect the temp sensor(air sensor?) failure (not dead completely so check engine light doesn't come up) since it happened before and I replace it at about 65k. I like to know if there is other possibility for this problem? Please help. Thanks.

tdfortw0807 · March 2006

I have a 93 camry and the temp gauge does not work. I thought maybe it was a fuse but I do not see from the owners manual where a particular fuse is linked to the gauge. any ideas on where to look next?

jonaty · March 2006

Am a new visitor to this site and are wondering if you found the problem. I have a 93 Camry and have experienced similar problems. We also have a problem with the front passenger door. Each time we use it the dome light flashes, the open door dash light flashes and the car will beep for about 30 seconds and then stop. Any ideas?

kaarona1 · March 2006

I just had my front struts and mount replace on a 99 solara SLE and WOW what a difference. They are so quiet and smooth now I can hear a small knock in my rear strut. Does anyone know how to get to the rear strut mount?? I was going to try to tighten it up before replacing. I looked in the trunk but did not see access to it. Is is behind the back seat? Thanks!!

stevedevo · March 2006

Hi; I'm new to this post, so I hope to learn a lot about my "new" camry. I have a 92 camry LE 3.0. There's no instrument or back light for my heater/ac controls. Does anyone know if I pull the trim and control panel out, is there a "mini" bulb I can replace, or is the light built into the control cicuitry board???Thanks in advance for your help. Steve....

stevedevo · March 2006

Hi. I have a 92 camry LE 3.0. Anyone know the location of my thermostat? The Chilton's manual sketch seems to put it righ along side the water pump intake hose. Is this right? Thanks. Steve.

cam2003 · March 2006

You should be able to replace the bulbs if you can access to control pannel

emcqueen · March 2006

Thanks for your response - the air was probably on since it was warm that evening (we had returned from a week in FL to Ohio). On my next trip OOT, I'll leave it off to see if the sound comes back.
Ed

lmacmil · March 2006

I scraped my alloy wheel on a curb today. It's pretty bad, into the bare aluminum. Can anything be done to make it look not so ugly. I'm so upset

Mr_Shiftright · March 2006

they can be repaired but you have to send it somewhere. It's not a home garage kind of job. First thing, find out how much a new one is and balance that against repair costs.

another_person · March 2006

Try http://www.guidetodetailing.com/articles.php?articleId=30

I haven't personally done this, but a friend of mine's done it with good results.

Toyota Camry: Problems & Solutions

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Toyota Camry: Problems &amp; Solutions

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Toyota Camry: Problems & Solutions