How are Camries sold in California different (due to emission standards, etc.)?

[c627627]

Don't cars sold in California have to pass extra tests? I bought a used Camry originally sold there is why I'm asking.

Different question: What is Over Drive for, when do you guys press the O/D OFF button?

[touringcamry]

It's not just California, there is at least one other state that has the same requirements as California.

They don't have to pass extra tests. They have stricter emissions requirements because of the large(r) population and higher population density in California. In other words, the air quality in Los Angeles could be worse if the cars had the more lax standards that most of the country uses. California requires smog inspection for cars every two years aside from those 5 years or newer. Depending on location, the inspection may require the car to be placed on a dynamometer; but there are a few counties that don't require any smog inspection.

I'm not exactly sure what the difference is between California and other state cars, but my guess is a cat and maybe some sensors.

[xpeed]

Yeah, California definitely requires all cars to have a catalytic converter.

As far as I know, California has introduced numerous emissions laws for other states to follow.

[cwayne]

The United States has the STRICTEST emmissions standard than any country in the world. Our cars are cleaner than the snobs in europe, specially California cars.

Anyways, over drive is a gear below "D".

[GT-R]

Smoke check for used cars here in Cali.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by xpeed

Yeah, California definitely requires all cars to have a catalytic converter.

As far as I know, California has introduced numerous emissions laws for other states to follow.

All cars in the US have catalytic converters. I think the California cars have 1 more or something.

[xpeed]

Originally Posted by touringcamry

All cars in the US have catalytic converters. I think the California cars have 1 more or something.

Hmmm, I only saw one under my camry and one each for the dual piping on my Infiniti.

[lgcongbach]

Originally Posted by c627627

Different question: What is Over Drive for, when do you guys press the O/D OFF button?

L = limit on first gear
2 = limit on first and second gear
D = limit on first, second and third gear (overdrive OFF)
overdrive ON = you have all 4 gears

[touringcamry]

Here's a difference on the 07s. I don't know what I'm looking at though.

[c627627]

Thanks for your replies. Can someone explain what the long term differences practically mean for an owner of a California Camry vs. an owner of a Kansas Camry for example.


My question about overdrive is when do you typically engage it?

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by c627627

Thanks for your replies. Can someone explain what the long term differences practically mean for an owner of a California Camry vs. an owner of a Kansas Camry for example.


My question about overdrive is when do you typically engage it?

There really isn't much of a difference. California emissions standards are more strict. I'm guessing that the convertors for those vehicles remove more pollutants.

Leave your car in overdrive. Unless your towing or driving in steep mountains.

Did your car come with an owner's manual? If not, you can view one online. http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/

[Gellenole]

Originally Posted by lgcongbach

L = limit on first gear
2 = limit on first and second gear
D = limit on first, second and third gear (overdrive OFF)
overdrive ON = you have all 4 gears

I always thought it was like this

L = 1 only
2 = 1 --> 2
D = 1 --> 2 --> 3 --> 4
Overdrive = not exactly a 5th gear but it's another shift of some short.

[c627627]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

Did your car come with an owner's manual?

Why yes it did. The manual says:
(b) Overdrive switch
You can select either third gear (with overdrive off) or fourth gear (with overdrive on) by pushing this switch.

(...)

If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between third gear and overdrive when climbing a gentle slope, the overdrive should be turned off. Be sure to turn the switch on immediately afterward.


So basically, you press that button IF you're climbing a hill AND the gears are frequently shifting?


And as for California cars, I take it the extra parts don't have any effect on reliability of the car itself?

[pepperdanky]

Originally Posted by Gellenole

I always thought it was like this

L = 1 only
2 = 1 --> 2
D = 1 --> 2 --> 3 --> 4
Overdrive = not exactly a 5th gear but it's another shift of some short.

Gen 5 has a four speed transmission so D limits up to 3rd, and O/D goes up to 4.

Originally Posted by c627627

Why yes it did. The manual says:
(b) Overdrive switch
You can select either third gear (with overdrive off) or fourth gear (with overdrive on) by pushing this switch.

(...)

If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between third gear and overdrive when climbing a gentle slope, the overdrive should be turned off. Be sure to turn the switch on immediately afterward.


So basically, you press that button IF you're climbing a hill AND the gears are frequently shifting?


And as for California cars, I take it the extra parts don't have any effect on reliability of the car itself?

Basically, leave O/D on unless you are pulling a trailer.