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.
Hey all, just picked up a 1997 4 cyl Camry for my son, first car. 100k miles in great shape. However, it keeps tripping the check engine light. MY buddy had a diagnostic computer to use for a while and i was able to see the codes and replaced the faulty parts. One was the #1 O2 sensor, and thermastat. It said somthing about the heater loop closed. I thought we had fixed the problem until it came time to smog it. California BTW. The check engine light came on.. Mech was cool and did not charge me, but told me to replace the #1 O2 sensor... which was brand new.. I returned it and put a Bosch in.
After removing the battery cable, and resetting the light.. It runs great, seems to be good, until about 30 mins when its good and warmed up, the light comes back on. But i have no diagnostic computer to check the code. Cant get the one we used again... What else could it be? could it be the O2 sensor? Mech said the computer might be bad, and was willing to charge me 1500 for a computer... i heard that the computer might need to be flashed? i need to codekey or somthing to check the code.... PLEASE HELP!
I dont remember the exact code, but im sure it was the #1 O2 sensor... even the Mech confirmed it. he said the computer was bad, or needed to be reflashed.. i need to plug it back in to some one with a computer... but, no one here in california does it for free...
Sorry, I was thinking 6 cylinder. You are correct. You can buy a cheap code reader for under $50. Try Harbor Freight. We really can't do much without the code.
__________________ It worked fine until I fixed it!
The front O2 sensor's internal preheater is dead. Replace it with either a Toyota or Nippondenso sensor, even NGK will do fine. DON'T buy the Bosch, it's junk, and you'll wished you hadn't if you do. Make sure you get the OEM style, so it's plug and play. Disconnect the battery for 5 minutes after you are done to reset the ECU. Done.
Of course, Bosch is what it installed... no wonder it doesnt work... ill return it... the problem is finding one in stock that will snap in.. the plug seems to differ quite a bit..
OK, ill try n find one of the ones listed... expensive part.... 180 bucks.
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It worked fine until I fixed it! 
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