5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
2010 Camry LE, 2.5L. I'm wondering if anyone is experiencing acceleration lag/surge at low speeds? It's difficult to describe what is happening, but I'll try. The following will be from a dead stop, either initial startup or from a stop after movement. With the shift in D, S1 or R, depressing the accelerator pedal slightly usually results in a "surge" (meaning more engine power than expected/desired). When examined more closely, a very slight depression of the pedal does nothing, until a point is reached where the engine seems to "catch", but at a greater power level than desired. After much practice with great attention to the continued, extremely slight increase in depression, a slow, smooth movement can be accomplished, most of the time. However this maneuver is difficult, time consuming at traffic stops, and unusual to say the least. The Toyota shop folks don't consider it a problem, and they say there is no adjustment for the pedal to engine response.
>you mean depressing, as in letting go of the accelerator, results in the car jerking forward?<
No .... stepping lightly on the accelerator pedal, trying to move the vehicle from a dead stop to a slow, smooth acceleration .... results in no movement, then a sudden movement. It's as if the first bit of pedal depression stores fuel, then continued depression releases it to the engine all at once. A mild "jackrabbit start" might be another way to express what happens.
Well, Toyota's electronic throttle may not be as reliable as you think. See article below.
The cases starting in 2002 were for unexpected engine surges between 38-42 MPH on light throttle input. That's the beginning of drive-by-wires that Toyota issued TSBs to fix.
"Eric Weiss was stopped at a busy Long Beach intersection last month when he said his 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup unexpectedly started accelerating, forcing him to stand on the brakes to keep the bucking truck from plowing into oncoming cars." http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...,5254584.story
Quote:
Originally Posted by jomski
2010 Camry LE, 2.5L. I'm wondering if anyone is experiencing acceleration lag/surge at low speeds? It's difficult to describe what is happening, but I'll try. The following will be from a dead stop, either initial startup or from a stop after movement. With the shift in D, S1 or R, depressing the accelerator pedal slightly usually results in a "surge" (meaning more engine power than expected/desired). When examined more closely, a very slight depression of the pedal does nothing, until a point is reached where the engine seems to "catch", but at a greater power level than desired. After much practice with great attention to the continued, extremely slight increase in depression, a slow, smooth movement can be accomplished, most of the time. However this maneuver is difficult, time consuming at traffic stops, and unusual to say the least. The Toyota shop folks don't consider it a problem, and they say there is no adjustment for the pedal to engine response.
No .... stepping lightly on the accelerator pedal, trying to move the vehicle from a dead stop to a slow, smooth acceleration .... results in no movement, then a sudden movement. It's as if the first bit of pedal depression stores fuel, then continued depression releases it to the engine all at once. A mild "jackrabbit start" might be another way to express what happens.
If your dealer says it's normal, ask to drive another 2010 2.5 liter they have on the lot. The sales department should have several demos available to test drive. If the dealer's service department and/or the sales department refuse to let you drive another car, then call Toyota corporate at 1-800-331-4331 and discuss the problem and your experience at the dealership with customer service.
Odd, I never had this problem. All I notice about the 2010 model is that it requires more pedal control than the 07 model. I can feather it exactly what I need but I never had the sudden surge
__________________
1996 Beige Lexus ES300
2010 Blue Ribbon Metallic Camry LE
Thanks for the comments, tips and help from all who replied. I must admit to being a bit disappointed in this Camry (my first), but I'll probably get used to it's quirks .... and hope it lives up to it's reputation.
When you slow down to a stop.. And you step on the gas to accelerate again, it seems like your car's in neutral until your revs cilmb up to maybe 1K or 1.5K RPM, then it seems like your car was put back into gear and it lurches forwards?
It might be a solenoid. I had that replaced at 3K miles on my car, but problem still persisted. I then got my whole tranny replaced through warranty.
I had to argue and complain SO MUCH, since my dealership kept pushing me to the side telling me it was normal. i kept complaining, and they finally fixed it by replacing my tranny.
I'd recommend taking it to a dealer.
__________________ Do you need car parts? AdvanceSpeedShop I Am Parting Out: click! Questions about your own stupidity?: PM NJERALD
>When you slow down to a stop.. And you step on the gas to accelerate again, it seems like your car's in neutral until your revs cilmb up to maybe 1K or 1.5K RPM, then it seems like your car was put back into gear and it lurches forwards?<
Not exactly! Occasionally, at a stop, it will "lurch", but it's more like a sudden throttle action than a sudden transmission shift. The engine acceleration and car movement are simultaneous.
>I was gonna say maybe the lag of the DBW system<
That's what I'm thinking too. I read somewhere that manufacturers often reduce throttle sensitivity in the low-mid throttle range to make the car easier or safer to control - or to protect the drivetrain (gearbox, clutch, etc) from driver abuse. The feeling to the driver is that the throttle feels less responsive. There are supposedly aftermarket electronic kits to increase throttle sensitivity, to re-gain a more direct-feeling relationship between pedal position and throttle valve opening, but I'm not aware of who makes these kits. Do you, or anyone, know anything about modifying the electronic throttle control system?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
