New Camry Owner

[userdfdf]

Longtime Camry driver/fan, just purchased a '96. About as old as I want to go, but couldn't beat the price or condition. Clean leather interior, aftermarket stereo system, and garaged all its life.

I'm a DIY-type car owner, however, Chicago winter is putting a damper on the work I want to do on my new acquisition (this car).

Looking forward to cruising the forums to find some answers to some of this car's "quirks" and personality (disorders).

[TrailDust]

to Toyota Nation, we're glad to have you sign up with us....

[4Cyl'erThriller]

Welcome to TN!!! You chose a good car. They are about as solid as a rock IMO. I Love my 93. If you are a DIY'r you will fit right in here. There are very few major quirks/ personality disorders for this year range Camry if you ask me. Maybe a few minor things. What kinda mileage? What you got under the hood 4 or 6 manual or auto? You came to the right place.

[userdfdf]

Thanks...

163k for mileage....6 Cyl automatic...

All i've found is electrical stuff, like doors locking when I start the car, or put it in gear and such.. Parking brake warning light is also staying on, so I've got to look into that..I'll be doing extensive forum research tonight..

[4Cyl'erThriller]

Hmm... Yeah Ive had some minor electric stuff too. Like (R ) light not engaging. For the most part you'll find these cars are pretty stout tho. You got a 3vz or 1mz? Also you looking to keep it maintained or are you into the aftermarket/performance stuff? Either way good luck.

[userdfdf]

I'm assuming those are engine tags? I actually don't know the answer to that...I haven't actually really been able to get into the guts of this car and really research it because I started a new job exactly at the same time, plus, Chicago weather right now has had snow on the ground since I moved here. I have a contact with a car shop/garage facility that may allow me to use his lift or work space once or twice a month, but I have to maximize the time.


I'm a perfectionist though, so these issues are going to plague me until I fine tune them... Here's a list so far that I've made:

- "BRAKE" indicator light is on: reservoir seems high enough but i'm going to try adding fluid and seeing what happens, then check rear shoes and stuff, etc. etc. etc.

- Lighting behind temperature control knob (hot-cold) as well as airflow control (upper vents/defrost/feet air/etc.) is dead, so I'm assuming that whole panel comes off really and just requires a bulb swap.

- Doors locking when key is turned to start car and sometimes when car is put into gear ('D' on shifter) [fortunately made an extra key the day before this happened]


- Trunk spring/tensioner is shot so trunk lid falls on my head when I'm leaning in to grab something (multiple 'F'-bombs follow this every time)


- Driver's door open/close microswitch (to turn on overhead light, or to turn on beeper bell to alert driver that lights are still on as driver exits car) doesn't activate...front passenger's side works but with a delay

That's all I've found so far....engine compartment is surprisingly clean...Oil change is about 1500 miles overdue, tires are about 60% remaining, timing belt is due in 25,000 mi,

Time to start forum-digging.

[4Cyl'erThriller]

I have the same problem with the door solenoids not turning the overhead lights on for the back doors. Its one of those things I just tend to ignore although it is anoying and now that I have a baby boy going in and out of the back seat I may take the time to fix that. As far as the lights in the heat & a/c controls you sound like you can figure that one out. Brake light I would normally attribute to the emergency brake lever pulled up just a bit. Dunno In your case. & trunk lid?? boggles me unless spring is broken or over extended at some point.

[Kiwi-Corolla]

Welcome to Toyota Nation!

Congrats on the purchase! Feel free to browse around and make yourself at home

Enjoy!