1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
the common denominator here is the ECU so leave that as the last fix.
With a DMM, measure the resistances of the AFM to see if it's within spec. I don't know what they are off the top of my head, but as soon as i find it, i'll post it.
Chances are, the Air temp sensor failed and just needs to be replaced. It will probably also be the cheapest fix.
If it were me, i would do diagnostic and fixes in this order
1) Air temp sensor testing and replace if fail
2) AFM test and fix/replace if fail
3) ECU test where possible and ask for help from TN [hopefully not having to succumb to the power of the stealership]
and now for the kicker.... cranked the engine and it started....
rechecked for codes.... codes gone....
What happened: best guess, is with the amount of rain w had.... the engine compartment was damp..... car sleeps in a garage.... I left the hood up.... and something dried....
I will have the DMM handy when next failure happens.
"best guess, is with the amount of rain w had.... the engine compartment was damp..... car sleeps in a garage.... I left the hood up.... and something dried...."
Glad you got the car running again, but you still have a problem. The car should start and run in any kind of weather. Most cars are outside year round and they start and run without a problem. I would continue looking for the problem. Are you the original owner of this car? What I'm getting at is could these codes you pulled have been old codes that were never removed? Usually problems in wet/damp weather are ignition system component related. How old are the spark plug wires, and the distributor cap and rotor? If these items are very old, change them out with new ones. If the problem continues go on to check the coil with a DVM and the specs from any manual. The coils on these early generation Camrys were known trouble areas. They have a tendancy to develope hairline cracks and can short themselves to ground on any metal area inside the distributor in wet/damp weather. A replacement aftermarket coil is around $40.
CEL codes usually don't disappear unless you disconnect the battery terminals.
This is what i thought...... troubles ahead.....
As for Mike's suggestions.... i agreed, we need to be on the look out....
wires and coil look good... they were replaced last year....
The AFM connector was a tad loose... so may be water had built up.... Yes most of my vehicle sleep outside.... and can start wo a problem (but these have barely any electronics.... except the ipod or the radio....)
"The AFM connector was a tad loose... so may be water had built up.... "
That may have been your problem. If moisture seeped in to that connector, you could get some very wierd things happening. I assume you reseated it. If there was any rusting at the connection I would clean that up with some spray contact cleaner, or at least try spraying some WD-40 on the connector and reseating it a couple of times.
"The AFM connector was a tad loose... so may be water had built up.... "
That may have been your problem. If moisture seeped in to that connector, you could get some very wierd things happening. I assume you reseated it. If there was any rusting at the connection I would clean that up with some spray contact cleaner, or at least try spraying some WD-40 on the connector and reseating it a couple of times.
Mike
Mike, thank you, I did the clean up, but did not spray w wd or other... but will put some dielectric grease....
It was funny that the connector unseated... it is even hard to pull it without pricking the spring.....
That is a good idea. If it is running good now and that was the problem, the dielectric grease should keep the moisture out. I mentioned the WD-40 since that will clean up any corrosion that got in there, and most people have some around the house. You may still want to use the WD-40 to clean things up and then use the dielectric grease as a preventative.
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