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Toyota Camry: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

5279 messages,  Last post on Aug 22, 2006 at 2:43 PM

You are in the Toyota Camry Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry Solara, Toyota Camry, Sedan

Messages Page 339 of 529

#3377 of 5279 Re: Camry Engine Problems [bunny2] by scoti1

May 21, 2005 (9:16 am)

Replying to: bunny2 (May 20, 2005 8:02 pm)
Sounds like you could have the dreaded engine sludge problem. Symptoms include what appears to be a loss of oil (it isn't really being lost, it is just turned into a goo that does not circulate), smoke coming out of your exhaust, and eventually the check engine light may come on. Sometimes people can see that the oil is thick, very black, and even chunky on the dipstick. There is a lot of information on the internet about this, including some old archived discussions here at Edmunds. Do an Edmunds search and internet search for "engine sludge" - several other makes have this problem too, like VW.
 
There are several 1997 - 2002 Toyota and Lexus models affected (including 1999 Camry) that are covered under a free repair policy that is for 8 years from the original purchaes date, unlimited miles. I am pretty sure buyers of used vehicles are covered too, however, to get your engine repaired for free, you are supposed to provide proof of reasonable maintenance -- unless you have the maintenance records of previous owners, i don't know how you would do this. To positively identify sludge, you will need to get someone to pull the valve cover.

#3378 of 5279 Re: Brake Light? [toyotaken] by jamisont

May 21, 2005 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: toyotaken (May 04, 2005 8:44 am)
Refilling break fluid is real bad idea.
If break fluid level is low it means couple of bad things, such as leakage or very thin break pad etc so usually technicians at autoshop see low break fluid level, they would also check those parts.
Refilling break fluid would stop them from doing that, it might be just masking the real problem.

#3379 of 5279 Shake, rattle, and roll by christielee

May 21, 2005 (10:08 pm)

My '97 has a rattle in the front end that I can't seem to find. I live in DC (we r potholes U.S.), and I hear the noise regularly when I am driving over a rough section of road. Unfortunately, there aren't too many sections of smooth road. I have shaken several parts of the front suspension in an effort to locate loose pieces. My boyfriend laughed at me He says that the struts probably need to be replaced. I bought the car from my mother and to the best of my knowledge, the struts are original. The car has 112000 miles on it and the service station quoted $350 to replace the front struts. Is this a job I can handle on my own? I know which end is the business end of most tools and am WAY more mechanically inclined than my boyfriend.
Is it likely the struts need replacing?
Is it a job I can tackle?

#3380 of 5279 Radiator Fan Switch problem or not?? by buckle

May 21, 2005 (10:25 pm)

I have a Camry 4 cylinder 94. It has an over heating problem when driving up hills but is ok around town or on the flat. I have changed the thermostat and water pump. The fans are coming on but not for very long and not always! Yesterday the car over heated and the fans wernt on. The air con fans work and warm air comes out of the heater inside. Would changing the Radiator Fan Switch solve this problem or are there other factors?

#3381 of 5279 Re: Shake, rattle, and roll [christielee] by 05camry33se

May 22, 2005 (12:14 am)

Replying to: christielee (May 21, 2005 10:08 pm)
If you want to do-it-yourself it, I can think of a lot worse projects you could undertake.
 
link title

#3382 of 5279 Re: Shake, rattle, and roll [christielee] by lmacmil

May 22, 2005 (8:26 am)

Replying to: christielee (May 21, 2005 10:08 pm)
" Is this a job I can handle on my own?"
 
Not without a spring compresser. Plus you can't do the alignment afterward either (I assume that was included in the quote you got.)

#3383 of 5279 Re: Shake, rattle, and roll [christielee] by yareck

May 22, 2005 (9:49 am)

Replying to: christielee (May 21, 2005 10:08 pm)
I have '99 Camry and experienced the same problem. You are not need to replace struts just top mounts. My car had this problem on 75k and mechanic said: "they all do"(Camry’s). After repair sound disappear, now I have 120k everything fine.

#3384 of 5279 Re: Check Engine Light [jsmack00] by peterpan

May 23, 2005 (12:07 am)

Replying to: jsmack00 (May 19, 2005 7:15 pm)
Check engine light can be caused by engine problems, or sensors acting up in extreme climate, like very high humidity etc...
 
Try resetting the sensors by removing the battery's negative terminal, waiting 10 seconds, then reinstalling it. If that will not clear up the warning light, you should bring the car to Toyota dealers who can diagnose the problems with their computerized test equipment.

#3385 of 5279 Re: Radiator Fan Switch problem or not?? [buckle] by peterpan

May 23, 2005 (12:17 am)

Replying to: buckle (May 21, 2005 10:25 pm)
May be caused by calcium deposit, from tap water, clogging the hoses in the radiator, which reduces the cooling capacity, especially during climbs.
 
You should try to clean the radiator innards with one of those calcium desolving detergent. It worked for me.
 
The dealer wanted to replace the water pump, radiator, fanetc.. which totaled about $2,000. My solution costed $5.00.
 
Always use only distilled water, never tap water, for your radiator.

#3386 of 5279 Re: 02' XLE "jerking?" by 94camryv6

May 23, 2005 (8:55 am)

Replying to: radarhog1 (May 18, 2005 7:24 pm)
Fuel filter does not help. I guess I will have to leave it with a machanic for a while and hope he can diagnose the problem. Maybe it is a fuel pump problem? If you find a solution, let me know. It is annoying.
Thanks.

Messages Page 339 of 529

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