3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I own a '98 Camry w/ 96,000 mi. Has always got 30-32 mpg. Last 3 tankfuls, dropped to 20 mpg. Tire pressure is o.k. Has never been tuned up, but have not noticed any performance loss (other than gas milage).
Anyone have a suggestion?
The spark plugs were due to be changed at 60,000 miles. Change those (stick with the recommended NGK's or Denso's) and check/replace the air filter. The timing belt was also due to be changed at 90,000 miles. That needs to be done, but shouldn't effect your fuel mileage. Also, it's time to change out all the fluids (coolant, trans fluid, brake fluid) if you haven't done those yet. Again, these things will effect the longevity of the car, but shouldn't effect fuel mileage.
That said, are you sure about those fuel mileage ratings you gave. I have a 98 Camry XLE 4 cylinder and get about 22 MPG in mostly city/surburban driving. I get about 29-30 for straight highway driving. Those figures go down about 10% this time of the year. That 20 MPG you are getting now seems about right to me for non-highway driving, this time of the year.
I have a 97 2.2 did the EXACT same thing.First i will say do your tune up then check your milage.After that if it remains roughly the same,replace the coolant temperature sensor. i did that it was like night and day solved my problem.Im guessing its no coincidence, see what happens let me know i would be curious.
I have a 97 2.2 did the EXACT same thing.First i will say do your tune up then check your milage.After that if it remains roughly the same,replace the coolant temperature sensor. i did that it was like night and day solved my problem.Im guessing its no coincidence, see what happens let me know i would be curious.
YZ,
If that was the problem, would it show up on the temp gauge? As in showing the coolant temp to be too cold all of the time?
I guess what I'm trying to ask is "Does the coolant temperature sensor send the signal to the temp gauge (on the dash)?
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Digger1
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hey, a fellow clevelander! welcome.
just my 2 cents on the issue - im chalking up my poorer gas mileage to colder weather. i drive mainly highway, and during the summer i got a consistant 32mpg. now with the colder weather (and a recent addition addition of a ski rack) im getting about 23mpg.
A tune up is a good idea, put probably not causing the significant decrease in mileage.
I would change the O2 sensor(s) as those can degrade significantly, without causing a "check engine light" and cause the car to run rich, affecting mileage.
Also, those are easy to do yourself. (Use "Neverseize" on the threads, just like you would with sparkplugs.)
Parts - you can get the sensors at any autoparts store. I doubt there is any quality difference from OEM, they are all likely made by Bosch.
Also, the parts stores can get O2s with the OEM connector on them, just make sure they are not giving you "universal" sensors - those require the OEM connector to be cut off (sometimes). I don't know costs specifically for the Camry, but other O2s that I have bought in the past were around $50 to $60.
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