Problems with '97 Camry

[Mikey von]

Not sure if this is the correct forum. Please move it if is in the wrong place.

I am having a bad week with my four wheeled friends. My suburban died and my wife's camry is not doing well. We need at least one working vehicle.

I posted over at toyotanation but can use some of the brotherhoods help. Instead of repeating myself, here is my questions/comments from that post. http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271198

Mikeyvon 97 Camry (4 cly) stumbles
my 1997 4 cylinder Camry has a stumble. The problem is new and my wife's car, so i do not have all the info. It does it intermittently, but almost always the first takeoff after starting. I have also had it do it while starting from a stop. It does not seem to have a problem with hard acceleration. She tells me it did it a few times while on the highway also. It does not stall, just a little stumble or real rough running and then on its way.

My thinking leads me to think it is a fuel delivery problem, most likely a fuel pump. I assume it could be a clogged fuel filter. I have wrenched on full size trucks my whole life and fix the little things (starters, alternators, ect.) on my other cars.

Do you agree that this is most likely fuel delivery?

I am hoping the fuel pump is electric and somewhere easy to get to (not in the gas tank).

Any ideas?

Mikeyvon
I would say it is a stumble. Start the car, put it in drive, step on the gas, and it stumbles (no increase in rpms, acting like it is about to stall, almost like dropping the clutch and lugging in a manual tranny). it does this for just a few moments and then it resumes as if normal.

The car has around 190000 miles on it.

Mikeyvon
so, i guess the problem is getting worse. it seems to be doing this almost every time from a stop. It last only a few seconds (3-10) then drivers normal.

I would like to be able to fix this problem this weekend. I will give the plug wires and plugs a look. Any other suggestions?

Mikeyvon

well, i have not had time to work on the car (we are building our own house), but since my truck just cracked a head it is a priority now getting the car running strong and reliable.

The problem has been getting worse. It now feels more like a miss and does it pretty much all the time under load. The check engine light has also came on.

Will Napa carry the Seafoam?

What is the easiest and cheapest way to get the codes read?

I know how to pull plugs and look for any fowling, do I use a continuity tester for the plug wires?

What else should I look for?

 

[stockk5]

anyway for you to get a hand on a code reader? i would def. change the fuel filter its prob in the back near the gas tank, and def. try out plugs/wires/coils even.

 

[Mikey von]

i am trying to locate a code reader right now. Are they brand specific, or can i just call and ask if they have a code reader? my dad thinks o2 sensor.

 

[stockk5]

drive down to autozone and they can plug it in for free.

 

[Jason4x4]

more then likely it sounds like a mis fire, easy way to check, have someone power brake it and see if it stumbles. if so, it could be bad plug wires, bad valve cover gasket that is letting oil into the plug wire holes and shorting out, or a bad distributor, they like to leak oil inside the cap.

 

[Mikey von]

thanks for the replies. Our only autoparts store (napa) only sells code readers. I will be taking it to the local auto repair and they will read my codes for $10.

I agree it is likely plug wires, plugs, dist cap, or perhaps o2. will know more tomorrow.

 

[Mike D]

Don't forget the throttle plate on the throttle body. Crud ( even a small amount ) on the venturi and throttle plate will prevent complete throttle plate closure, this makes the throttle position sensor give the wrong information to the computer. The computer then gives the injectors an incorect pulse width ( probable too lean ). When you step on the gas the sudden drop in vacuum causes a misfire ( too lean ). The computer quickly compensates.
With the engine off lightly spray the throttle plate area and wipe with a rag. With 190k miles I would also check the condition of the timing belt / chain. Replace the plugs, wires, Dist cap, rotor, O2 sensor, and check the vacuum lines for cracks or deteriation. I would also add a good fuel injector cleaner to several tanks of fuel.

 

[g_mo]

Check the ignition system. Does it have a dist? I was thinking in 97 the 2.2 Camry went distributorless, but maybe it was 98. Anyhow, we have seen Toyotas w/ a/m plug wires that don't fit quite right throw missfire codes. If it has a dist then throw some oem plugs and wires on there. go ahead and change cap and rotor while your at it. Distributorless, just change the plugs. Like Jason4x4 said check for leaking spark plug tube seals. If they're leaking you'll have oil on plugs when you pull em.

 

[Mikey von]

code read misfire in cyl #2 and various misfire.

I changed the plugs and wires (no distributor) and all is good.

Thanks a bunch for the advice!

 

[stockk5]

good to hear!