98 camry...can't figure out problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

garyinpt · 07-31-2010, 05:54 PM

I have a 98 camry that after driving a mile or so it will not idle. I have changed everything imagineable. engine, wiring harness, transmission, ecm, u name it i have changed it. the car will run all day at idle. I have change the air/idle sensor, vsv, cleaned the egr valve, plugs, wires, everything. I'm convinced it must be something like a short after before the ecm. I'm getting no codes. Help. I'm have too much money invested to trash, but i'm real close. any suggestions. the motor and tranny came out of a running 98. I also took the ecm and wiring harness from that same car and I am getting the same results as the last motor.

chronoti · 07-31-2010, 06:52 PM

bad fuel pump? i know it starts it runs you drive it fatigues .... check light on?

garyinpt · 07-31-2010, 07:28 PM

forgot to mention, i did replace fuel pump assembly and filter. didn't help any.

chronoti · 07-31-2010, 10:49 PM

clogged exhaust? try opening the exhaust (prolly somewhere post o2) and see if that helps

garyinpt · 08-05-2010, 03:25 PM

Hey man, that was it. Put a new converter on and she runs like a champ. I guess since I wasn't getting a code or smell it never crossed my mind. Bless u.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 08-05-2010, 04:19 PM

I love a happy ending.

Anonsequitur · 08-07-2010, 11:35 AM

If I understood correctly, a "clogged" or defective catalytic converter was responsible for the engine malfunction.

What is the average life expectancy for a catalytic converter for this or similar vintage Camrys?

Even though the OP reports that there was no OBD2(MIL/CEL) error codes evident, is there any OBD2 realtime or baseline analysis/monitoring which would have suggested the imminent and specific failure of the catalytic converter?

If one were to perform a comphrehensive baseline profile of a "normal", well operating engine with the full performance characteristics that OBD2 can provide, can you "predict" acute or developing failures such as this catalytic converter?

I'm planning on getting a PC/OBD2 monitoring system to periodically monitor my vehicle status and performance. If I perform a full baseline profile, then "graph" or observe longterm deviations from the "norm", I hope to see as many problems before they arise and deal with them at the earliest, most cost effective way. TIA.

hardlymoving · 08-07-2010, 12:27 PM

Did you check all the vacuum tubes for leaks and cracks?