Air/Fuel issues in a 96 Camry

[MyOtherCar]

Several weeks ago, got a CEL on my Camry, a ’96 I4 (5SFE). Had it checked at AutoZone---readout indicated she was “running lean”. Tried some “Lucas” injector cleaner, and the guy reset the CEL. Also put some new plugs in (since I didn’t know how long it had been); the old ones didn’t look too bad. Within a few days, CEL returned. Threw in a new O2 sensor (the base of the old one looked like it might be cracked), and reset the CEL, which lit up again after about a week.

Gave up and took it into my mechanic. His diagnosis was that the fuel injection pressure regulator was definitely bad, and that the idle air control valve “might” be bad. He replaced the FIPR and said get back to him if the CEL returned, which it did about a week later. My question: If the car idles fine (it does), do I really need to worry about this? If there’s any question, I don’t mind replacing the IAC, but would love to do so myself and save a few bucks. Is this a DIY for a reasonably mechanically-inclined individual?

[MyOtherCar]

NOBODY has an opinion on this?

[Mike Gerber]

It's best to post the code number that Autozone pulled, not "readout indicated she was running lean." These guys are mostly clerks and many of them know little about car repair. Get the code read again and post it here and then someone can give you a logical direction to take.

The IAC valve (if that really is the problem) can be cleaned. You don't usually have to replace it. It is a rather expensive part.

As far as "do I really need to worry about this"? That depends on what is actually wrong and do they do emission testing in your area. In my area an OBD2 car (1996 and later) will automatically fail if the check engine light is on.

Mike

[MyOtherCar]

I will do that. While I'm "handy" and fairly mechanically inclined, I'm pretty new to working on my car (ie beyond oil changes and the like). Thank you.