Symptoms my Camry (2.0 3SFE) had:
- after a cold start the engine would quickly idle very low (within 30 secs)
- idled rough and too low @500 rpm
- cold engine was holding back when pushed. Eventually you got launched.
- car jerked even at constant speed
- disabling the EGR valve helped a bit. No more jerking above 2500 rpm.
I bought this car from someone who had already spent some money at the local Toyota stealer to get this problem fixed.
The complete ignition was replaced which didn't help.
I checked the coolant temperature sensor which was within specs both cold and warm.
I also adjusted the inlet valve clearances. One cylinder was actually only 0.127 mm where 0.19-0.29 mm is required.
The engine responded slightly better afterwards but it didn't really solve my problem.
I disconnected and closed the EGR valve vacuum hose, which at least stopped the jerking above 2500 rpm.
Since I had ruled out everything else, I figured it was very likely the fuel mixture
was somehow way too lean, either because of the airflow meter not working correctly or because of a vacuum leak.
I tried all the tricks such as spraying the hoses with brake cleaner but never found a leak.
Next, since this engine has a mechanical airflow meter with a potentiometer in it, I figured the potentiometer is
probably adjustable, which would change the fuel mixture.
This is indeed the case, although I doubt any dealer would adjust this. They would obviously rather sell you a new AFM.
You will need to cut out the black plastic cap.
![Image]()
Allen bolt no.1 can be loosened, then you can adjust the slide contact (2) counter-clockwise. Then tighten the bolt again.
The resting position of my contact was off the circuit board. It's now on the circuit board.
The picture was taken after adjustment.
The results are nothing short of amazing. After a cold start the engine stays at increased rpm until warm.
When it's warm it idles very smoothly @700 rpms without misfires.
The engine is now very torquey and smooth. I can let it drop to idle rpm in 3rd gear. It will pick up without complaints.
Fuel consumption is now 1 liter per 12 kms (34 mpg) which has improved considerably.
I haven't connected the EGR valve back again. Perhaps I'll test it later.
- after a cold start the engine would quickly idle very low (within 30 secs)
- idled rough and too low @500 rpm
- cold engine was holding back when pushed. Eventually you got launched.
- car jerked even at constant speed
- disabling the EGR valve helped a bit. No more jerking above 2500 rpm.
I bought this car from someone who had already spent some money at the local Toyota stealer to get this problem fixed.
The complete ignition was replaced which didn't help.
I checked the coolant temperature sensor which was within specs both cold and warm.
I also adjusted the inlet valve clearances. One cylinder was actually only 0.127 mm where 0.19-0.29 mm is required.
The engine responded slightly better afterwards but it didn't really solve my problem.
I disconnected and closed the EGR valve vacuum hose, which at least stopped the jerking above 2500 rpm.
Since I had ruled out everything else, I figured it was very likely the fuel mixture
was somehow way too lean, either because of the airflow meter not working correctly or because of a vacuum leak.
I tried all the tricks such as spraying the hoses with brake cleaner but never found a leak.
Next, since this engine has a mechanical airflow meter with a potentiometer in it, I figured the potentiometer is
probably adjustable, which would change the fuel mixture.
This is indeed the case, although I doubt any dealer would adjust this. They would obviously rather sell you a new AFM.
You will need to cut out the black plastic cap.
Allen bolt no.1 can be loosened, then you can adjust the slide contact (2) counter-clockwise. Then tighten the bolt again.
The resting position of my contact was off the circuit board. It's now on the circuit board.
The picture was taken after adjustment.
The results are nothing short of amazing. After a cold start the engine stays at increased rpm until warm.
When it's warm it idles very smoothly @700 rpms without misfires.
The engine is now very torquey and smooth. I can let it drop to idle rpm in 3rd gear. It will pick up without complaints.
Fuel consumption is now 1 liter per 12 kms (34 mpg) which has improved considerably.
I haven't connected the EGR valve back again. Perhaps I'll test it later.
once happy with it, just some silicone sealant should do :thumbsup:
