Hesitation, bucking - 2006 V6 Camry XLE

[Rob4226]

Hi,

My 2006 V6 Camry XLE feels like there is a delay between hitting the pedal and the car accelerating. I also notice it bucks (changes gears at the wrong time) occasionally when pressing the pedal than backing off of it a little. The hesitation has always been there but lately its been really bothering me because I drove someone else's car (Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder )and felt how smooth it accelerated and how responsive it was at lower speeds. I know this car has drive by wire which probably has something to do with the problem. I also read some similar stories around the internet. Does anyone know how to alleviate this issue?
Note: I don't think theres anything mechanically wrong. I baby this car and do all the maintenance myself.

[retiredgentleman]

There should not be any hesitation. My 2005 Camry SE V6 has no hesitation when accelerating.

I'm surprised you say the hesitation has always been there. You should have had that looked at by the dealer when it was new.

If it was OK when new and gradually got worse, I would have suggested getting the fuel injectors flushed.

If you find it annoying, then perhaps a visit to your dealer to allow them to troubleshoot the problem is in order.

[Rob4226]

I bought this car as a certified preowned toyota from the dealer after it was returned from a lease at 24,000 mi. so I don't really know if it was always there.

It's funny you mentioned the injectors because I just threw in a bottle of lucas injector cleaner with a full tank of "plus" grade gas. (I also switched over to Mobile 1 synthetic oil for first time today and replaced the PCV valve for preventative maintenance).

I've never dealt with fuel injectors before. Is it a job that I can do myself? Cleaning them sounds like a good idea even if its not whats causing the problem.

And to explain a little more what's happening: When I go to accelerate from a standstill to say like 55mph it feels as if I'm not gaining speed fast enough so I give it a little more gas which causes it to down shift (jerks the car sometimes). The amount of hesitation and jerking varies and it's not to the point where the car is unsafe. It just feels like at low speeds the car is not responsive enough to gas peddle.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Check the EGR Valve...mine did this, and it was the EGR Valve, i replaced it and it went away.

[Rob4226]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

Check the EGR Valve...mine did this, and it was the EGR Valve, i replaced it and it went away.

Is there a method to check/clean the EGR valve?

I think it's too expensive to replace without knowing for sure it's causing this problem.

[fatngs]

what condition is ur trans fluid in?

[retiredgentleman]

Originally Posted by Rob4226

I bought this car as a certified preowned toyota from the dealer after it was returned from a lease at 24,000 mi. so I don't really know if it was always there.

It's funny you mentioned the injectors because I just threw in a bottle of lucas injector cleaner with a full tank of "plus" grade gas. (I also switched over to Mobile 1 synthetic oil for first time today and replaced the PCV valve for preventative maintenance).

I've never dealt with fuel injectors before. Is it a job that I can do myself? Cleaning them sounds like a good idea even if its not whats causing the problem.

And to explain a little more what's happening: When I go to accelerate from a standstill to say like 55mph it feels as if I'm not gaining speed fast enough so I give it a little more gas which causes it to down shift (jerks the car sometimes). The amount of hesitation and jerking varies and it's not to the point where the car is unsafe. It just feels like at low speeds the car is not responsive enough to gas peddle.

You should eliminate some obvious problem areas such as the air filter. You do your own maintenance, so I assume you change the air filter as required.

It would be a good idea to have an injector flush done by a Toyota service department. They connect the flushing fluid directly to the fuel injector rail to thoroughly clean the injectors.

While at the dealer you could also have them check the cars computer for any error codes that may be set, indicating a failed input sensor.

[Rob4226]

Originally Posted by fatngs

what condition is ur trans fluid in?

Should be like new. Just replaced the pan gasket and filter and filled it back up with Toyota ATF three months ago (1000 mi.).

[Rob4226]

Originally Posted by retiredgentleman

It would be a good idea to have an injector flush done by a Toyota service department. They connect the flushing fluid directly to the fuel injector rail to thoroughly clean the injectors.

While at the dealer you could also have them check the cars computer for any error codes that may be set, indicating a failed input sensor.

I'm going to have to bring my car in for the new Nov. 8th recall anyway so maybe I will have them flush the injectors then. Whats the estimated cost of this procedure from Toyota? Thanks.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Originally Posted by Rob4226

Is there a method to check/clean the EGR valve?

I think it's too expensive to replace without knowing for sure it's causing this problem.

Tap it with a hammer, and then go for a drive, it usually has carbon build up.

But it is pretty cheap to replace, just order the part online and put it on yourself, i think it's only a few bolts.