Edmunds Answers questions

Need Toyota Vista User Manual in English

davejpw — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:27:55 GMT

I have Toyota Vista Etoile 1995, but with User Manual in Japanese. I need to get it in English version.

Warmest Regards,
Dave

Love my 08 Camry without body side moldings. but afraid I will get dings without. Opinions

colemanhinsc — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:25:31 GMT

I love the look of my 2008 Toyota Camry XLE without the body side moldings, but afraid if I don't install them I will get dings, which just makes me sick. Will the body side moldings keep my car from dings. Opinions. Just afraid that the body side moldings will detract from its appearance. Opinions

Thanks,

Coleman Hatfield

Oil light keeps coming on

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:27:25 GMT

1998 Toyota Camry oil light keeps coming on, but oil level is fine. How do I fix this?

What is transmission flare?

cardoc12 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:52:47 GMT

My Camry's transmission goes crazy between 3rd and 4th gears. I read that the problem is "transmission flare" but I wasn't able to find out what it is. What causes it and can it be fixed?

What causes oil to appear around spark plug in a 1994 Camry 4 cyl?

smpowe — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:44:42 GMT

I have a 1994 camry with a 4 cyl engine. The car wouldn't start, although the starter appear to be working fine. The spark plug wire, although not completely out, had disengaged? There appear to be oil on the extension that attaches to the plug.

Toyota 2000 Camry - bumper night time light not working - Help Please!

apoorvag — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 01:08:04 GMT

Hi there - i changed the bulbs. the turn signals , brake lights, reverse lights all work....except for the back light that should go on when you drive at night and have your headlights on....i think these bulbs are working otherwise..i dont understand why the same bulb wont work when i turn the headlights on....people are flashing me from behind !!!
help!!!

my gearbox in my 1989 camry broke down 2day. wont move with foot flat to floor in lowest gear.

noclue — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:02:24 GMT

had no trouble with it before
auto
had tuneup and stuff done

OIL LIGHT IS ON

samy4 — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:02:14 GMT

95 Toyota camry 4 cylinders/125000 miles.Car runs good.No oil leak.Oil light is on all the time.Mecanic at Sears wants to open the oil pan to find the source.Any other suggestions? Thanks a million.

Can a catalytic converter going bad cause an engine to throw a rod?

cynnosure — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 11:53:17 GMT

I have a 1994 Toyota Camry 2.2L 4 cyl. with 115,000 miles on it. I got it at 60,000 and have kept the maintenance done regularly. Most of the last 55,000 miles were highway. While I was driving the car made a noise started running rough and when I stopped at a light it died. After moving it off the road, I went back later and it started but made a horrible very loud 'clack' every turn of the motor. My mechanic said that the motor needs to be replaced it threw a rod and probably did damage to the crankshaft. While researching for a used/rebuilt motor and someone to do the work, I came across one mechanic who told me (without seeing the car)that it had to be the catalytic converter and if I replaced the motor it would just blow the new one unless I replaced it as well. Can anyone tell me their thoughts on my situation and anything they think might be helpful? I would really appreciate any input. I am having the engine replaced by AEI and just want some feedback before the job is done and I pick up the car.

Where is the transmission fluid level dip stick located on 2008 Camry XLE V-6

tango2003 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:48:00 GMT

The owner's manual indicates it is under a cap that screws out and the stick is attached. Can't find anything to match those instructions.

Does my 2001 Camry have a timing belt or chain?

gclausel — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:19:36 GMT

Does my 2001 Camry have a timing belt or chain?

2002 Camry-door locks snap shut when shift to Reverse/Drive but do not open when shift into Park. Fuse OK.

rpk1 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:53:27 GMT

Was working under hood changing plugs.Did not hink I disturbed anything but, after I finished, I noticed that the auto door locks locked when I shifted into Reverse/Drive; but did not snap open when the car wass put into Park. Fuse OK.

Does the 1999 Toyota Camry back speakers have a separate amplifier?

gilbertie — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:11:35 GMT

Dealer said head unit was the problem. Replaced head unit at Circuit City, didn't solve the problem. Installer found separate wire for the back speakers, no voltage on the wires.

2000 Toyota Camry rolled rear drivers side window down but would not go up. Neither master switch or rear switch works ??

blayne2 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:40:25 GMT

2000 Camry - power window repair. Rolled rear drivers side window down, but would not go up. Neither master switch or rear switch works. All other windows operate fine. No previous problems with the window.
Is it the motor, master switch etc.???
Any help appreciated.
Thanks

I am thinking of buying a 2008 Toyota Camry SE V6. The reviews seem to be mixed on transmission probs. Is there a transmission prob?

georgie2 — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:58:59 GMT

In reading Edmunds car reviews and Inside Line, there appears to be transmission complaints with 2008 Camry. But it is unclear whether these complaints affect the 2008 Camry 4 cyl, only, OR also affect the 6 cyl. I am interested in the 6 cyl but do not want to buy a problematic car. Please advise. Thanks.

What is bedding-down drum brakes and how is it done?

c_burds — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:59:58 GMT

I have a 1995 Camry and recently changed the front brake calipers and lines. I am still having problems and read that if you have work done to your brakes, the drum brakes needs bedding-down.

How do I get to the top side of the rear struts on my 95 Toyota Camry?

elixermixer — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:50:45 GMT

It appears that in order to get to the top side of the rear struts on my 95 Camry, I will have to remove the interior deck from my back window, and maybe even part of the back seat, is this correct or is there an easier way?

Does anyone know about Toyota's VIN numbers in the car's paint and having to pay for this? What is this.

nyc3 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:45:51 GMT

Camry Hybrid Purchasing and Leasing

2003 Toyota Camry loses oil, engine seized. Why?

jjfried — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:32:53 GMT

While driving yesterday, my 2003 Camry (4 cyl. 45,000 miles) suddenly emitted a puff of smoke. Oil lamp went on. Limped 300 yards to gas station. Engine seized. No oil in car.
This happened about three weeks after I had oil changed and had driven 300 or so miles (over many trips on city roads and expressway).
Oil change was by shop that has serviced my cars for 15 years and has been very reliable and fair.
Still, could this have been mechanic error (i.e. not replacing seal correctly?) Or is it an unpublicized Toyota problem. Or just bad luck?
Thanks for any thoughts.
John

Brake pulsing when slowing down on Toyota Camry.

gettyranks — Sun, 18 May 2008 19:39:00 GMT

my 2001 camry 2.2L brakes pulse when hard braking. A friend of mine replaced both front rotors and pads. any suggestions regarding this problem?

1997 Toyota Camry LE. Had a new stereo hardwired and now the radio and iPod (direct line to head unit) cut in and out.

crimbookexpert — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:06:23 GMT

Have a 1997 Toyota Camry LE, America Edition (don't know if that matters). I found your last answer helpful at a very desperate time. I now have an after factory headunit (stero) installed; however they had to hardwire it in; they then told me i had a factory amp that was right against the fire wall, so charged me a bunch to take apart full dashboard. Now the radio and iPod features cut in and out (almost sounds like a skipping CD might)every 30 sec - 1 minute, BUT only when the car is in motion. Sitting still seems fine. Also, the volunme I am having to continually turn up higher and higher each day to even hear it. I have a warranty on the wiring, but they tell me its the headunit. Any advice, of any type, would be greatly appreciated. Maybe they broke my amp when they had to hardwire it to the speakers? Could it just be a wiring issue (in which case it is under warranty)? Also, he told me I had no power or ground wire in there becuase that all went through the amp. Now i wonder if i even have an amp because the radio sounds like it is in a tin can (even with low treb, high bass, equal fade/balance). However, the stereo is also under warranty and was a decent buy, not a cheap one. Any advice or inkling if it is the wiring, amp, headunit? Thank you!! Any knowledge would help at this point.

Thank you Mr. Shiftright, according to the Toyota owners manual the Camry trunk release can be deactivated ... but.

noeled — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:24:10 GMT

the manual says that the trunk release can be deactivated by locking the rear folding seats , but this is not working . am i missing something? thank you .

1999 Toyota Camry radio losing station presets when I shut the car off. Not all the time. About 75% of the time. Any ideas?

chrisg43 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:24:13 GMT

Radio Losing Station Presets when I shut the car off. Not all the time. About 75% of the time. really aggravating. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

How do I change the back 3 spark plugs on a 2002 Toyota Camry v6?

joecam — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:07:27 GMT

The back three plugs appear to be almost inaccesable without some dissasembly. Can the plugs be changed without disassembly?

1997 Toyota Camry. I have replaced every brake part I can find and still have no front brakes. Any suggestions?

jwilburn — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:11:36 GMT

I have replaced master cylinder to the abs block to the hoses to the calipers to the caliper brackets and hardware to the rotors and pads. I have bled gallons of fluid thru the system, at the mas. cyl. at the abs block at the front and rear brakes. I have very little pedal in the front left and the back right brakes. I have no effect on the front right and back left, as if somewhere in the line there is a blockage. They wont even bleed? The only thing that will stop the car is the emergency brake and living in West Virginia mountains makes it a little scary. I haven't actually driven it in more than a month. I keep tracing lines and replacing parts with no success. Everybody I have spoken to about this is lost and has no further info for me. Is there any way to test maybe the computer to see if the abs is being told to do the wrong thing by the computer? There are no leaks anywhere on this car and when its turned off it feels like there is a solid pedal but when you turn the ignition the pedal goes to the floor and you have to use your toe to pull it off the floor. I am running out of time and need any help I can find.

My 1996 Toyota Camry has a clunking sound on the right rear side. What part of the suspension needs replacing?

vmelodymcelroy — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:06:50 GMT

I have had two places look at my suspension system. A Toyota dealership recommended replacing sway bar bushings and sway bar links only. Midas recommended the sway bar links, strut mounts and struts. The problem is only in the rear. Front struts are okay. Dealership said struts didn't need to be replaced because they weren't leaking. My goal is to get rid of the clunking noise. I know nothing about the mechanics of cars so keep it simple, please.

I hv 1995 Toyota Camry. The car starts vibrating above 60 mph. Higher the speed, higher the vibration.

vikasgseth — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:08:51 GMT

I hv 1995 Toyota Camry. It has approx. 100,000 miles on it. The car starts vibrating above 60 mph. Higher the speed, higher the vibration. This problem started just some time back. On lower speed, the car runs absolutely fine. Can you please suggest might be the problem. I went to one of the car mechanic and I feel that he tried mis guiding me, as per him the rotors of the break needs to be replaced. I really can't understand what rotors of the break has to do while the car is running and having vibration because of a higher speed. I'll really appreciate your kind advice on this. Thanks and God Bless.

Why won't my 2007 Toyota Camry sync to my Palm Centro?

melou22 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:35:39 GMT

I am with Cingular, and recently upgraded my phone from the Razer to the Palm Centro, with the Razer my bluetooth in my 2007 Camry worked great! It was easy to sync, but with the Palm, I am having so much trouble! I have followed the directions from both the Palm AND my Camry, the Palm states it's up and running but the voice from the Camry says unable to pair or something to that affect. I put in the passkey and everything. I live in a state were you will get a ticket if you are holding your phone. HELP, I'm clueless!

1989 Toyota Camry Brakes

ramgoot — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:18:20 GMT

Parked my 1989 Toyota Camry on Friday.Try to use it on Saturday.no brakes,added fluid still no brakes.Can someone tell me what the problem is?

I can no longer pair my Bluetooth on my 09 Toyota Camry with Nav. Cannot even get "telephone" to appear on info screen.

utahpats — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:22:20 GMT

When I first purchased, was able to do it according to the manual. All of a sudden, two months later, cannot access bluetooth on nav system, or even get Telephone" to appear on info screen to access or pair.
Can anyone please help??????
Thanks

Will a Lexus SmartKey card work on a '09 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

cdn_tch — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:53:33 GMT

I'd like to get rid of the keyfob smrtkey off my key chain and use the credit card sized Lexus SmartKey card, but would like to know if it will work.

Thanks

Toyota Camry 07. Problem with bluetooth microphone.

caotmar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:59:25 GMT

Often time when I am using the bluetooth mirophone, the person I am talking on the phone with says they can't hear me even though I am talking very loud. At this point it's useless to try and talk. It happens quite often. I've already adjusted the volume down and make sure the a/c vents are not tilted upwards. Any ideas anyone?

Where can I get a moonroof installed on a 2009 Toyota Camry LE?

johnd38 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:35:29 GMT

Where can I get a moonroof installed on a 2009 Camry LE?

Where can I get a moonroof installed on a 2009 Toyota Camry LE in Simi Valley, CA? Just purchased today.

johnd38 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:44:45 GMT

Where can I get a moonroof installed on a 2009 Camry LE in Simi Valley, CA? Just purchased today.

Toyota Camry Parking Brake.

pollyo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:02:58 GMT

Have a 2000 Toyota Camty LE V6.
Page 99 of the Manual states to apply parking brake BEFORE shifting the selector level to Park.
Other technical advice suggestsd the reverse e.g. applying the parking brake AFTER shifting the selecter level to Park.

The latter practice I am told is especially helpful in preventing the ignition key being stuck in the lock postion when trying to start the car.

Which practice is recommended or doest it matter?

Thank you

Insurance wants to total our 2000 Toyota Camry due to a goof on an oil change. We want a new engine. Any suggestions?

defcarpenter — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:05:56 GMT

My husband took his 2000 Toyota Camry in for a routine oil change and they goofed. The wrong oil filter was used, it popped off, all the oil was drained, and the engine was immediately blown. It has been a great vehicle, but insurance is trying to total out the car due to the age and the cost of replacing an engine. We want a new engine! We feel that we were wronged, and it is not up to insurance to make this determination. If they total out the vehicle, we are going to be out thousands of dollars, as we can get another comparable vehicle for what ours was worth to us. Any suggestions? We just bought a new Honda Odyssey in June, so we were not prepared to have another car note. Would you fight insurance, settle for a comparable used car, or look at new vehicles? We would most likely be interested in a Toyota or Honda. I would appreciate any ideas, strategies, etc. Thanks, Dawn

Low idle on 2002 Toyota Camry

tywi — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:12:16 GMT

Last year I replaced my battery and I have a very low idle 400-500 rpm for the first 5 to 10 minutes that I drive every day.After that the idle goes up to 800rpm. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Where can I get a good car top carrier for a 2004 Toyota Camry, 4 door at a reasonable price?

yeagerb — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:56:18 GMT

i want to car top a 12 foot john boat (about 65 lbs.) so it must be sturdy

2008 Toyota Camry. No audio when pushing off hook for phone. Not all the time. Dealer replaced radio, still does it.

darylvb — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:31:30 GMT

When I push the off hook button to use the phone I don't get any audio. If answering the phone I can be heard by caller but I don't hear them. I know there's a problem when switching through the mode switch and I go to FM, AM or even playing a CD, I get no audio. Cycling through again it will come back, but phone audio doesn't come back until I turn the car off and back on. And a short time later I could lose the phone again but it does work sometimes. The dealer replaced the radio but it happened again afterwards on my way back home from the dealership. I tried synching up another brand phone and still same thing. Also I don't get signal strength bars either - not sure if that's related. Dealership is stumped. Anyone have an answer?

Will Verde Kaos rims fit an '09 Toyota Camry?

meganb0789 — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:55:10 GMT

i have black ones and my friend has a 2009 camry and would like to buy my rims but we dont know if they will fit. please let me know.

Hi, I have a 92 Toyota Camry with weak brakes. What gives? Pads are good, rear is adjusted. Thanks.

kemk — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:23:33 GMT

it takes long to stop from 25 to 20 miles the wheels will not lock up it does not have abs.

Does the timing chain on a 2002 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder need routine replacement?

skip23 — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:31:30 GMT

I have 95000 miles on my 02 Camry and I have had well meaning friends tell me I need to have the timing chain/belt replaced? True or not true?

2000 Toyota Camry V6 has noise in rear suspension.

spranz — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:29:41 GMT

I thought it was a loose exhaust but everything is secure. I checked the struts but can't see anything. Could it be the strut mounts?

What cell phones have best compatibilty with a 2007 Toyota Camry LE? Switching to Verizon Network.

Drums45 — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:49:10 GMT

I use my phone for calls and not much else, a few text messages from time to time. People complain about the clarity on my Sony Ericsson Cingular (AT&T)phone, although I hear them fine.

I am having trouble removing the harmonic balancer-crankshaft bolt to replace the timing belt. Toyota Camry

SteveJ556 — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:31:12 GMT

I want to replace the timing belt on a 1984 . 2.0L 4cyl. The bolt on the crankshaft pulley will not come loose. Is it 'reverse' threaded?

What kind of tool do I need to remove the nut from the rear strut and stablizer on a Toyota Camry 1999?

camery1999 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:33:30 GMT

i was tring to replace rear strut for my camery 1999 after i remove all bolt and nuts one small nut conecting strut and i think the steblizer bar
and i try unscru it and it is gust turning with out not coming out do i have to use diferent tool or i'm on the wrong doing?

When to change the front brake pads for a Toyota Camry?

rogis — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:04:52 GMT

Hi, i have a 99 Toyota Camry LE, 55k miles. i had front pads changed once several years back at about 25k. i don't seem to have any problems at all, or so i think. should i change them now? is it a good idea to change them periodically? thx!

How do I change the struts on my 1996 Toyota Camry?

Jacquie08 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:07:31 GMT

I need instructions on how to change the struts on my 1996 Toyota Camry. My dad changed the struts on his 1999 Dodge Neon, but when he looked at my car, he said that they were totally diifferent and he didn't know how to install the new struts that I bought. It will cost me $250 to go to the shop, so I really don't want to do that when my dad will do it for free! Has anyone done this before or know how to?

Where is the VIN located on the motor of a 1998 Toyota Camry LE?

notamechanic3 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:17:50 GMT

I am having problems with the mechanic where I had the motor replaced and I want to verify that the motor is legal.

I bought a 2009 Toyota Camry and on the first day I drove it on the highway the car wouldn't stop.

worstlucksam — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:39:06 GMT

The dealer refuses to take the car back he said oh it wasn't your fault it was the anti brake system and don't worry my insurance will cover it. I said that shouldn't have happened with a one day old car. i think i am being taking advantage of because i am a female.so now i have to find a lawyer to take my case what kind of lawyer should i be looking for. can anyone please help and advice me on what to do first