How to get codes on 95 Camry

[studibel]

I'm new to the Toyota ownership experience. Bought a 95 V6 XLE with 169000 miles. The check engine light is on. Runs a little rough at idle but seems to run OK otherwise. Previous owners replaced rack/pinion steering, A/C and timing belt. I don't know when it last had a tune up, so I will probably need to tackle that sometime. But, the CEL...how do I jumper the data link to get the codes. I'm assuming this is OBD1 correct? I tried last night but the CEL didn't blink at all, just stayed lit. I tried with the under dash data link and the one under the hood near the pulley side of the motor. Can someone explain exactly how to get the codes read on this thing?

Also, any ideas on the rough idle? I read a lot about Camry and EGR valves...could it be that?

Again, I don't mind doing my own work but I'm new to Toyota.

Thanks for the help! Stu

[fenixus]

i think there's a good chance your car is OBD2 compliant already as some toyota vehicles has been meeting this standard since as early as 1994. check if you have OBD2 connector under dash or driver knee panel. once you have codes look here:
http://www.troublecodes.net/Toyota/

go to local Autozone and get the code scanned for free by them, just tell them you think it is OBD2 compatible and see what happens.

rough idle might mean dozens of things, first get the code read, it might point the guilty part. then try doing the tune up (NGK spark plugs and wires, new OEM fuel filter, new air filter) if that doesn't help it might be a good idea to clean the Throttle Body and IAC (it might be sticking):
How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

[93celicaconv]

In 1994, 3.0L V6 1MZ-FE Camry's became OBD-II compliant. So like Fenixus said, head to an auto parts store and have them put their code reader on your connector under the dash, and let us know what the exact DTC numbers are (P-xxxx).

[hill8570]

Yeah, that rig is OBD-II, but the connector is a bit hidden -- you have to remove the coin drawer (to the left of the steering wheel). Pull out the coin drawer and squeeze the two tabs on either side of it, then remove. The OBD connector is just to the right of the fuse box.

[studibel]

Thanks! It is indeed OBD2...behind the coin/ash try thing. The scan tool showed the following 4 codes stored: P0300-Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected; P0301-Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected; P0303-Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected and P0305-Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected.

I went ahead and cleared the codes to reset CEL. The car starts fine. Runs rough at idle ie: pulling up to a stop light etc. Can feel the roughness in the steering wheel, etc. But when running and accelerating, it sure doesn't feel like any kind of misfire! I'm leaning toward the throttle body cleaning that I've been reading about and maybe that will help things.

Any idea why one entire bank would show misfire? Is there something simple to check?

Being new to Toyota ownership, I'm really thankful for all your help!!

By the way...for my benefit...is the 95 Camry this Gen 3 or 4? How do you identify?

Stu

[LynchburgCSI]

Generations are denoted by body style changes. Half gens are mid-cycle refreshes (same overall body style, but different fasica, lights, A/C controls, etc).

Gen 3.0 92-94
Gen 3.5 95-96 <-- you
Gen 4.0 97-99
Gen 4.5 00-01

I'd say definitely clean out your throttle body and hope the idle issue clears up. If it doesn't, you may want to check your engine/tranny mounts. They may be worn out at 160k some miles.