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.
I bought a Camry CE in May of 2010.. It then had only 16000 miles it now has 39000 miles. I have been changing the engine oil regularly and just changed the plugs and fuel filter. since the car is 13 years old should the coolant and transmission fluid be changed? I checked into changing the transmission filter but the dealship parts man said they do not stock it. Said the strainer just needs cleaned and that could be done with a backflush at their dealership, of course. Does it have a paper filter or a permanent strainer or both? Thanks
If you drain the power steering reservoir/bottle and refill it, to the appropriate level, every oil change or so, you should avoid leaks in that system.
I buy a generic p/s fluid from the local Toyota dealer ... two or three dollars a bottle.
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98 Camry LE, 2.2L, automatic
50k miles, drop in K&N A/F recent timing belt, water pump
I bought a Camry CE in May of 2010.. It then had only 16000 miles it now has 39000 miles. I have been changing the engine oil regularly and just changed the plugs and fuel filter. since the car is 13 years old should the coolant and transmission fluid be changed? I checked into changing the transmission filter but the dealship parts man said they do not stock it. Said the strainer just needs cleaned and that could be done with a backflush at their dealership, of course. Does it have a paper filter or a permanent strainer or both? Thanks
wow great mileage.........create a detailed signature/profile of your Camry and I will be glad to help you.........feel free to use mine as a guide
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2006 Vibe, White, 1zzfe, auto ( Toyota type IV), AWD, PW, PL, CC, AC, 161,000(5/12/2012)
1998 Camry LE, 4 door, Puke Green, I4(5S-FE), CA Emissions, Auto(A140E), 122k(3/22/2012), AC,CC, ABS, Built in Japan 04/98. Grandmas old car(acquired 7/22/2011), work= precat Denso A/F sensor, NGK wires.
control panel->settings and options-> edit signature
How many miles? tranny? AC?...
........I don't know what "new tires-18,000 " means I guess you mean new tires@18,000 miles, but how many miles now?
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2006 Vibe, White, 1zzfe, auto ( Toyota type IV), AWD, PW, PL, CC, AC, 161,000(5/12/2012)
1998 Camry LE, 4 door, Puke Green, I4(5S-FE), CA Emissions, Auto(A140E), 122k(3/22/2012), AC,CC, ABS, Built in Japan 04/98. Grandmas old car(acquired 7/22/2011), work= precat Denso A/F sensor, NGK wires.
I'd use a better ATF than the plain dino Dexron III. For example, Mobil-1 ATF using discount coupon code from Advance Auto that should get you to about $5.6/qt. Or Castrol Import Multi-vehicles ATF and Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V. But as said, just siphoning out the ATF in the reservoir and adding new several times will do the same as the flush.
I'd also drop the transmission pan, wipe clean everything and install a new strainer/gasket. Make sure to do the differential oil too. Use the same fluids mentioned above. Make sure there is no lint/dirt in the system and make sure the fluid level is correct. I'd drain/refill every 15K miles.
You can get a Wix filter kit for about $20 locally (strainer+rubber gasket). Also check prices on rockauto.com. I'd use an inch-pound 1/4"-drive torque wrench to tighten the bolts in a star pattern. Check Harbor Freight for torque wrench discounts (~$12.99 mailing list coupon). AFAIK, dealers do fluid exchanges only and if mechanically inclined you can do better with drains/refills after a new strainer and pan cleaning.
What the condition of ATF fluid and level now?
Periodically check the back of the engine for valve cover gasket leaks. The spark plug tube nuts like to come loose and cause a leak back there.
And 2-year brake fluid flushes - I'd use a low moisture activity fluid like Castrol GT LMA or Valvoline Synthetic. The 2-person manual method is good.
The coolant should be changed every 2 years. Toyota Red with distilled water is the best bet. I'd do a cooling system voltage test. With the engine cold, remove the radiator cap. Set a digital multimeter to 2VDC range and touch the positive probe to the battery's negative post, and then dip the negative probe into the coolant in the radiator neck without touching the sides. What voltage do you read? Below 0.3V?
Quote:
Originally Posted by GARY WILSON
I bought a Camry CE in May of 2010.. It then had only 16000 miles it now has 39000 miles. I have been changing the engine oil regularly and just changed the plugs and fuel filter. since the car is 13 years old should the coolant and transmission fluid be changed? I checked into changing the transmission filter but the dealship parts man said they do not stock it. Said the strainer just needs cleaned and that could be done with a backflush at their dealership, of course. Does it have a paper filter or a permanent strainer or both? Thanks
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Thanks
to TN 
recent timing belt, water pump
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