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Toyota Camry Repair Questions and Answers

Answer: The only connection we can think of between the radiator and the transmission is the transmission cooler in the radiator tank. Check to see if the factory installed plugs that come on all new radiators are still covering the radiator's hose fittings. Remove the cooling lines and see if they are blocked or plugged not allowing the transmission fluid to flow through properly your car will not drive.

Question: 1998 Toyota Camry. Today my power windows stopped working. I checked the fuse box but nothing references the windows and the manual is no help. All other electrical systems are working, including the power door locks. The power window lock is not on. None of the 4 windows works. Is this a motor problem (1 motor for all 4 windows) or am I missing something?

Answer: Each window has a separate motor (4 motors). You most likely have a problem with the 12 volt power to the window switches. Check the main switch. If your car is equipped with a child safety switch, check that also.

Question:  1996 Toyota Camry  mileage: 156,211.  I was putting plugs in and like a dummy, I forgot to disconnect the hot terminal on my battery.  I dropped a wrench on alternator, it arced, and smoke came from fuse box under the hood.  Well I had alternator checked and was told it was no good so I bought a new one.  Now my car will start and run for about 5 to 10 seconds and die like it’s out of gas.  I checked and there is fuel in the tank and I can hear electric fuel pump running and there is gas coming from return line.  What is going on?  P.s. I ‘am getting good fire at pressure regulator; I hear a lot of air in that area.   Please help thank you!

Answer:  Check the bottom side of the fuse box for burnt or shorted out wiring.  Also, check all the fuses and the fuseable links.

Question:  1999 Toyota Camry mileage: 125,000  Last past two years, I have had problems with the electrical locks, seatbelts and windows.  I believe the problem my have originated in the driver's side panel.  If I open the driver’s side to fast, the seatbelt will not go forward all the way.  The passenger side window does not go up or down at all.   Now my car will not stayed locked.  If I lock it from the drivers side, when I shut the door it will unlock.  If I lock it from the passengers side it will stay locked, but not for long.  When I return to my car all the locks are unlocked.  I do hear a clicking noise in the panel just above the glove compartment when shutting doors.

Answer:  Electrical problems are nightmares to troubleshoot.  About all you can do is to check wiring for damage and or bad connections, especially the ground wires.  There also may be a faulty switch somewhere.

Question:  1992 Toyota Camry  mileage: 90,000.  My two front CV boots have both broken and I need to get them replaced.  They could have been broken for as long as 3 months, or as little as a couple of days.  The mechanic told me that they would cost at least $500 to fix but I think he was just trying to take advantage of me.  Also, it is normal for these boots to break or am I riding my car too hard.  Also, I live in the city of hills, San Francisco.

Answer:  If the CV joints are okay, you may be able to repack them and replace the CV boots.  This should be able to be done for less than $500.00.  If the CV joints are damaged for lack of lubricant, you may have to replace the CV joints.   In this case, $500.00 would be just about right.

Question:  1995 Toyota Camry  mileage: 89,000.  Guys, I have a brake problem with this car that has had me stumped for almost 5 years now, and honestly I've lived with it so long and put so much money into "fixing" it that my curiosity is the only thing that keeps me from getting rid of it.  But here's what happens: Every 3000-4000 miles the front brakes fry themselves (i.e. pads, rotors, calipers etc) literally turning black with a crystallized shine, and the rotors do not warp.  I have had this problem checked 10-15 times since the car had roughly 10K on it, and everyone from Toyota to my best friend (ASME Mechanic) is stumped.  The following areas have all been checked at one time or another...lug nut torque, caliper alignment in relation to the rotors, pad material (organic and semi metallic tried), high quality rotors, wheel bearings, axle shafts etc.  This car does not have ABS, and right now the front brakes sound like a lathe running at low speed with a dull cutting tool...so this means time to get out the wallet again.  This job should take the total money I've spent on this problem alone to about $2200.00, so any additional areas to check or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.  I thought the Camry was a great choice when I bought it, but I never expected this type of trouble.  Thanks again for your time.

Answer:   If the master cylinder does not return all the way when the brakes are released, pressure is held in the system.  This in turn causes one or more of the brake calipers to drag.  Check the brake pedal linkage to be sure that it allows the master cylinder to return fully.

Question:  1999 Toyota Camry  mileage: 93,000.  Are CV boots the same as "axle boots"?  During my 90,000-mile servicing, I was told that my two front axle boots are worn and need replacing.  The cost is $185.00 per boot, so total is $290.00 - does this sound high to you?  And, what should I look for to know that the work was properly done?   I am a woman, so I always worry about being taken advantage of.

Answer:  CV boots are the same as axle boots.  The cost of $185.00 per boot sounds a little high – talk with friends and neighbors to locate a professional auto mechanic you can trust.

Question:  1994 Toyota Camry  mileage: 118,000.  Great car, runs like a dream - but, without any obvious reason, I can no longer open the trunk: the key will not turn in the lock and the release latch by the drivers seat has also given up the ghost. Is this mechanical, electronics, or what and can you suggest a getaround to make me happy again.  This guy in London, England, would appreciate your help.

Answer:  Sounds like the locks and or the key is worn out.  A good locksmith should be able to help you out here by either replacing the worn key or the lock assembly or both.

Question:  2001 Toyota Camry  mileage: 100,100.  Had problems w/starter r & r'd starter hooked up booster cables wrong now it wont do anything checked fuses and fuse link?

Answer:  Use a 12-volt test light and start checking the circuit from the battery on.

Question:  1989 Toyota Camry  mileage: 140,000.  Hello, My timing is about 15 degrees too far advanced after retarding it as much as possible by rotating the distributor.  My question is: what is the most likely cause of this problem, a slipped timing belt, a distributor problem, or something else.  I would appreciate your insight in this matter.  Thanks, Mark

Answer:  If the timing belt has recently been replaced, there is a chance that the sprocket that drives the distributor was aligned incorrectly, or the belt has gotten loose and has jumped a tooth or two.

Question:  1995 Toyota Camry  mileage: 136,785.  I mailed you before about my car, which is apparently having transmission problems or something of that sort.  My car makes a clunking sound when in (Drive) at a stoplight and also in reverse.  I had a mechanic flush out the current trans fluid and replace the filter and a gasket.  Now the thing is that the filter was very dark and the fluid that was drained was not reddish like it is supposed to be but almost silver.  He even said that the fluid had little pieces of metal in it.  He told me that my transmission needed to be replaced...can you guys give me a second opinion?  And how much does a rebuilt trans usually cost?  Roughly...thanks.

Answer:    The silver color to the transmission fluid is metal particles from inside the transmission.  Unfortunately It is extremely likely that you will need your transmission rebuilt which could cost anywhere between $1,500.00 and $2,000.00.

Question:  1990 Toyota Camry  mileage: 150,000.  Intermittent starting problem. After a long drive and the engine gets hot, it can't be started.  The engine cranked but it won't turn over.  After about an hour or so, it can be started again and run great.  Whenever this car can't be started, it can be jumped.  The battery is new so is the timing belt.  What caused this problem?  Any suggestion will be appreciated.

Answer:    Check to see that the battery has a sufficient amp rating.  An amp draw on the starter is also in order here.

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