1992 Toyota Camry O2 sensor/engine performance HEADSCRATCHE

Tiny
ANIMALFARM
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 TOYOTA CAMRY
Engine Performance problem
1992 Toyota Camry 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 185K miles

Recently developed Rough, hard idle, white smoke with heavy unburned fuel odor, triple misfires at idle.
Check engine light comes on, I cleared codes by pulling neg. Battery cable to "reset" computer. Of course, check engine light eventually comes back.
1. I pulled the OBD I codes using the "paperclip jumper" method on the inside diagnostic connector, spit out Code 28 - O2 Sensor. Same code over and over after resetting C.E. Light.
2. I replaced both right and left bank O2 sensors (single wire, factory plug), cleared codes again, and after 4 or 5 on/off cycles and driving the engine seemed to have "re-learned" the proper mix and was running about 95% better, but not quite dialed in.
3. HOLEY MOLEY, SAME problem re-surfaces after about one week, just no check engine light yet. Rough out-of-sync idle in morning, feels "off" when driving and has slight surge when at steady speed.
4. Called "Yota" dealer, and asked Do I have a THIRD O2 sensor, 'cuz I ain't finding one! Dealer sez, Yes, based on your VIN #, and it's in the area of your Resonator pipe.
5. Went hand over hand from before CAT to muffler tailpipe, and I'm NOT finding a senor or tell-tale wire leading to sensor. Hmmmmm. I do believe a do NOT have 3rd sensor.

I realize there are a gazillion things that could CAUSE these symptoms, but WHY would O2 sensor replacement "clear up" problem temporarily, then re-surface?
My last post was over Airbag light, went 3 pages with 29 posts, and I believe we all learned something. Soooo, let's do it again! I await input/opinions - Thanks!
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Monday, April 13th, 2009 AT 9:31 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
DREAMER1967
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Animalfarm I just want to say thankyou for that info you put on your page about how to reset your airbag light. Ive done every step you posted and it worked for my car as well. You save me a tone of money so once again thank you. Hitting you up from chicago.
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Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 AT 10:04 PM
Tiny
ANIMALFARM
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Dreamer - more than welcome! Surprised the AIRBAG thread was still there after all this time. Found the Answer here at the following Link (IF they still exist) - It's the ENTIRE Tech manual in pdf format for Factory Repair Guys.
1992 -1996 Toyota Camry Factory Service Manuals
www. Turboninjas. Com/camry

I downloaded the WHOLE thing onto disc.
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Sunday, July 24th, 2011 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Will need a DVOM ie. Multimeter. See diagrams follow flow chart and OHM connections from O2 to ECU. May have wiring problem and there is possibility the ECU ia faulty
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Thursday, August 25th, 2011 AT 7:00 PM

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