Assorted 3rd gen questions

[AngryRedneck]

As a new Camry owner (1994 V6 SE), I find myself with a couple questions for the helpful guys around here.

First off, the ABS and check engine lights have both been on constantly. My mechanic ran the engine code and it came out to be something EGR related. Didn't seem to concern him much then.

Due to mileage(103,xxx) I am also told that it is about time for the replacement of the timing belt. This is my main concern, mostly because the replacement work comes out to $1000+ according to my mechanic because of the fact I have the V6 rather than the 4 Cylinder.

My last questions relate to the audio system. It has the stock cd player/tape deck/synthesizer from what must have been the premium sound then. I'm assuming there are tweeters in the door from what it looks like. My question is how do I go about upgrading the audio of the car with the stock amp and deck there? Am I better off up grading the speakers and leaving the amp and deck alone? Or am I better off removing them? Sort of lost

Thanks a ton guys.

[LynchburgCSI]

1994 V6 SE. Must be a coupe, right? I hope you're taking care of her, especially at that low milage! That's a desirable configuration. Put up some pics if you get a second!

Anyways, EGR... yeah I wouldn't worry too much about it for now. But you're fuel economy CAN go to crap if you leave it alone. Maybe. See if you can grab the code from him. Usually PXXXX where X= a number, of course. Just to see what's going on... especially if the light is still on.

100,000 mile maintaince! IF regular oil changes have been done, all that you're going to need is a timing belt and water pump (while youre in there.) $1000 is a little high for my area (even with a V6 engine) but i'm in Virginia. Shop around and see what other prices you can get for a water pump and timing belt change. But yes, this should probably be done sooner or later if you want to take good care of your ride.

Tweeters in the doors usually means premium sound. Which means there's usually an amp under the passenger's seat. You can either bypass the stock amp and use your own head unit, or use your own headunit. Replace the speakers or don't Your choice. I will say that the facotry system is rather gutless compared to modern car's systems. But I'm not really a huge audio guy. I think money can be better spent else wear. (SUSPENSION!)

Good luck with her. If you have questions, ask 'em! And to TN.

[AngryRedneck]

Yes, a red coupe
I will post some pictures as soon as my usb ports on the computer start working.

A little update, i ran the ABS diagnostic posted here, comes up as a code 36, open circuit in right front or left rear speed sensor.

[Chris Crash]

Check the wiring for the speed sensors. Check they're even attached.

Then replace.

If you're mechanically inclined, you can knock out the timing belt in a weekend. You don't need skill, just patience...and time. And probably a 6 pack..or 12 pack if you're big.

As for the audio system, definitely upgrade your head unit. New speakers will do you wonders, but if yours aren't blown you should be able to get away without replacing them. It depends on your budget, if you've got the money, replace them and you won't look back. But if you're on the fence about it, just let it wait.

[bigbird]

sounds about right for teh timing belt, that is IF he is including the water pump replacement too, which you will want to do at the same time.

we do have premeium sound (94 SE myself), the quickest to upgrade the audio over all is to replace teh stock headunit (tapedeck/cdplayer) and replace it with a new one. most new ones come with a built in amp that will improve the sound a little. nothing compared to a full sound system, but kills two birds with one stone.

post some pics of ur SE if ya haven't already. ther are not many SE coupe drivers here...actually i think just us.

[allanlaw]

Toyota Pasadena (used to be Symes Toyota) quoted me $395 for the timing belt replacement last week - for a '95 V6 LE - parts and labor. They are on Foothill Blvd in Pasadena.

[korrupt1]

looking at putting the Avalon speaks in....midrange and tweets.....hopefully they fit...I am a 94 but a LE sedan......but the door config should be close....your glass is alot heavier as are the doors....but you may have more room than I do.....I havent looked yet. Also gonna see about a radio upgrade although I dont have the premium sound...I am looking at a factory upgrade....though I fear NO wire. LOL!

Timing be....not too hard really...if you have some savvy...you could pull it off.....basic hand tools and some time....though air is soooo much faster


Egr....that is not hard at all....its mounted right by the throttle body (TB)....you can pull it off.....clean it out with some scraping and carb cleaner......reinstall.....and voila'!!!!!!!! done!!!

gas mileage will increase


You got a great sounding car...keep up on it and will last you a gooooood long time....I should know....Im running 275,xxx miles!!!!!!!

[swagger_wagon468]

$1000 ??!?!!?!?!!?! wow, i got mine done at TiresPlus for about $450.(i also have the v6 1MZ) that included timing belt, water pump, and timing tensioner. go check them out. good prices. and i want

[bigbird]

wow, most of the shops here in md wouldnt charge less then 800 for a timing belt, water pump and labor. thats with parts included. they said it is because of the labor involved.

[Gothmog3VZ]

DIY. save money, bond with your car

shouldn't be as bad as doing an exhaust swap in the winter (brrrr cold concrete )

[Chris Crash]

Originally Posted by Gothmog3VZ

DIY. save money, bond with your car

shouldn't be as bad as doing an exhaust swap in the winter (brrrr cold concrete )

Which also shouldn't be as bad as doing an engine swap and transmission conversion in the winter... brrrr laying in snow for 10 hours a day

[LynchburgCSI]

Or a part out in January.

OP, do you have the skills to take this on yourself?

[AngryRedneck]

phew, been real busy lately so I haven't had a chance to get on here really.

A little update, ended up just having the mechanic do everything as far as the timing belt and egr code went. Got the water pump, belt, tensioners etc. taken care of for about 1200. A little pricey but I know it was all done right.

But of course you fix one thing, more pop up. Found a tiny crack in the tail light so it's filling up with condensation and whatever was holding the left part of the spoiler on rotted away/came off so it's loose. That and the door handle should be a diy project once I get some time.

Pictures to come soon.

[swagger_wagon468]

^^$1200!?!? Wow. I got all mine done(belt...water pump...tensioners...etc) for right at$ 400. And I also kno its done right.

[LynchburgCSI]

Glad she's running in tip top shape. Any for us?