2000 Camry - Maintenance CheckList

[AppleGirl]

So i have a 2000 V6 - 5spd with 230,000 miles on it. I want to keep it as long as possible and need some help on things i should get checked/done in regards to a car with this many miles on it aside from the routine items. I've actually been very fortunate with this car.
Things I've had done so far are:

- 2 Complete tune-ups - (latest one was last year)
- Timing belt/water pump - changed @ 110,000
- 2 Coolant flushes (last one was 2yrs ago)
- New battery (July 2010)
- Oil changes every 5000 miles
- New O2 sensor (2years ago)
- New clutch kit (3 years ago)
- Replaced struts/suspension twice; last time was 1.5yrs ago

Just a note - I have had a CEL on for a couple years - i think its b/c the mechanic put in the wrong O2 sensor or it i have a feeling it might also be my catalytic converter (which i really hope i don't have to replace). My car has Cali emissions on it. Should i be concerned with replacing my alternator, tranny, starter, etc.... as well as any signs that my engine may be starting to fail. So any help in preventative maintenance to keep it going would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Mister_Perkins]

well for starters, its a good idea to change the timing belt every 60-90,000 depending on what your FSM indicates.

What CEL Are you throwing?

Your alternator / starter should be alright. You can bring your car to autozone and have them check your charging system for free.

You should get in the habit of changing out your transmission fluid in intervals too to help it last longer. If you haven't changed the pickup in it in a long time, or ever. I would recommend doing that. I can't remember what gear oil I used in my 5-speed, but I think it may be something like 90 weight??

As long as your motor / trans oil is changed out in intervals and you keep up on the tune-ups and timing intervals you should be okay.

Seems from what you've done so far your doing a good job already on keeping up with the car.. It should last you a really long time

For manual transmissions the oil isn't really as big of an issue since its gear oil instead of transmission oil. It still could affect the transmission down the road though.

Just something to keep in mind

[92alltrac]

I have a 2000 V6 5-speed and was it was purchased new in California.
It has federal emissions O2 sensors instead of A/F. It's my understanding that all 5-speed V6's have federal emissions.

[92alltrac]

Also if you have the part number of the NGK sensor that was installed I can cross check it.

[AppleGirl]

The last time i had the CEL checked it was a P0420 code. I just hope that it's not indicative of the CC - but rather faulty O2 sensor/s.

Also - i checked the Emissions label under the hood of my car and it says it's for USA & California.

[92alltrac]

Is it possible the hood has been replaced in the past?
As I said all 5 speed V6's have federal emissions and use O2 sensors California emissions use A/F sensors. Call Toyota customer service and give them your VIN number if you don't believe me.

[92alltrac]

2HO2S= 2 heated oxygen sensors also every part number listed for a 5-speed V6 ECU does not give a California spec option. If you had a true Cali spec Camry for 2000 it would use A/F sensors. Find out the part number your mechanic used on the O2 sensor and you can go from there.

[ajkalian]

Does the sticker look like this? Mine is a 2000 LE, 1MZ-FE, full Cali crap, A/F sensors on each exhaust manifold.





And one other thing you might want to look into for long term maintenance is the Coolant Bypass Hose. It's probably never been changed, and it sits on top of the engine, under the intake manifold. Impossible to see, but it's there, it's made out of rubber, and one day it will spring a leak. To make it more annoying it's a real PITA to get at to change. I'm guessing all V6's have one, not sure of the specific year models, though.


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[92alltrac]

Thanks ajkalian for posting a picture of yours. Now the OP can clearly see the difference between the two. Also all the V6's have the coolant bypass hose part# 16261-20010 you might as well do the knock sensors while you have the lower intake manifold pulled.

[ajkalian]

And here's where the Toyota engineers saw fit to put the Coolant Bypass Hose...


http://www.toyotanation.com/photos/s...cat/500/page/1


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[camryto]

To OP, get a reading like stated on first reply.

In fact, I want to factor in a purchase of a OBD reader on ebay. That's a post for another thread, though. I think getting a computerized diagnostic is key when the CEL is on. Perhaps, a bunch of readings will come out but maybe one can narrow it down?