Camry feeling sluggish, but don't know why

[Redline]

like the subject line says...

I'm not too sure what the reason is, but I've noticed a slight change in the performance of my car. Areas I've noticed some change in are:
- acceleration
- kick-down (lag)
- shift points (hanging on a gear longer than before)

I don't know if this is normal or if it's the computer adjusting to my driving habits, but it hasn't been this crappy...ever. The car is due for some spring maintenance, as I have been neglecting it during winter and for the last month. This only happened after I got my E-brake fixed (I hope those guys at the garage didn't fuck with my car....I'll kill 'em ).

Spring maintenance includes:
- complete oil change
- tranny flush or just fluid drain/change
- air filter clean/replace
- possible coolant flush
- spark plug replacement (any suggestions for brand/type?)

If anyone can help me out (suggest reasons for this problem, possible solutions, etc.), I'd appreciate it. Oh yah, I already did a SEARCH (too many threads, can't pinpoint specific causes), so don't ask me to do one. I'm not a noob Thx again!

Redline

[CrawlingEye]

It's probably just needing a tune-up.

I think you'll get it in the tranny flush and cleaning the TB.
The rest I'm sure would be good to do.

[calvic]

Well if it ran good before they adjusted e-brake, I'd damn sure jack up car and see if e-brake is dragging! Dragging brakes eat HP for lunch.

JJ

[Redline]

hey crawlingeye, how would I go about cleaning the throttle body? any specific procedure that I should follow?

[Phi]

Throttlebody cleaning instructions below. It's not model specific but works the same.
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...throttle_body/

[woshiagni]

I also vote for the tb cleaning... seemed to help on my '99. Maybe air flows more smoothly or something. However, the build up is so slight that it's probably just a psychological improvement... oh well.

[CrawlingEye]

Originally posted by woshiagni
I also vote for the tb cleaning... seemed to help on my '99. Maybe air flows more smoothly or something. However, the build up is so slight that it's probably just a psychological improvement... oh well.

I don't think it's placebo, at least with my '93. I cleaned it and the acceleration was much smoother and it even got me some extra power that I wasn't aware had been there all along.

[woshiagni]

Originally posted by CrawlingEye
I don't think it's placebo, at least with my '93. I cleaned it and the acceleration was much smoother and it even got me some extra power that I wasn't aware had been there all along.

okay good... it's not just me then. i did notice better response off the line and when trying to pass in the 2k-4k range, ie anything not WOT.

it's still odd to me though, how build up way less than the thickness of a fingernail can cause such a big drop in performance.

[Durrby]

Originally posted by Phi
Throttlebody cleaning instructions below. It's not model specific but works the same.
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...throttle_body/

good stuff with the link...I will definitly give this a try when I get some free time to do this. I have definitly felt a decrease in power and my gas mileage is terrible. (179 miles to my last full tank!!!)

[Redline]

thanks Phi! I'll take a look into that link...probably do it sometime next week.

[CrawlingEye]

Definitely worth buying a $3 can of TB cleaner that'll last you for a long time.

[woshiagni]

Originally posted by CrawlingEye
Definitely worth buying a $3 can of TB cleaner that'll last you for a long time.

Stop by your local Wallyworld and pick up their housebrand stuff for 98 cents....

[CrawlingEye]

Originally posted by woshiagni
Stop by your local Wallyworld and pick up their housebrand stuff for 98 cents....

I just went to Auto-zone, I don't trust walmart for anything other than basic cleaning products like armour-all, soaps and waxes.

[tater_tot]

you kno i wasa noticing the same prob ith my car. i believe it has alot to do with my trans. fluid, but i was also noticing my throttle body was grungy .... glad to see that.

[calvic]

I think you guys are just grasping at straws. Its all in your head! I agree it a good deal to clean your TB to keep the butterfly from sticking. To prove my point, go wash and wash your car and see how much better it'll run. I've cleaned my TB bunches of times because of sticky butterfly but never saw any improvement in performance. Your dreamin guys.



JJ