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Official Gen 3 and 4 Camry / Gen 1 Solara DIY and General Information/FAQ Thread

326K views 0 replies 1 participant last post by  Eye8Pussies 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
For Gen 3 & 4 Camry owners who want to do-it-yourself with regular maintenance, repairs, and modifications, listed below are links that may provide the help you need. It would also be a good idea for any person doing DIY work to purchase a Haynes or Chilton manual that will answer most any repair question.

If you have something you think should be added to this sticky, or if you see something that is in error, please send a PM with the link/information to any of the Camry section Moderators.


Norm’s restoration thread of a Gen3 SE
Thread full of youtube DIY videos.
Norm’s Gen3 restoration thread

Speedkar's "How does it work" videos
How Power Door Locks Work
How Fuel Injectors Work
How the ABS Motor Works
How a Car Radio Works
How a Starter Works
How a Suspension Works
How A/C Drier & Condenser Works
How a Dual Zone A/C System in a Works in an Infiniti G35
How a Power Steering Pump Works
How Shock Absorbers/Struts Work



Engine

5S-FE Engine & Trans Swap (Gen4)
Engine swap - JDM 3S-FE in lieu of a 5S-FE
Gen 3 5S-FE Swap to GEN4 5S-FE Dogbone Mount (Bigger and less vibrations)
Motor Mount Replacement 5S-FE
Rear Motor Mount Replacement on a V6
Complete Motor Mount Replacement on a V6 (Gen4)
Oil Change on 1MZ-FE V6, and other routine maintenance & fluid level checks (great for noobies)
1MZ-FE V6 - How to make changing the oil filter a little less messy

Interference Engines & Timing Belt Replacement Recommendations from Gates.com (PDF file)
Timing Belt, Water Pump, Crank/Cam seals - Part I (1MZ-FE)
Timing Belt, Water Pump, Crank/Cam seals - Part 2 (1MZ-FE)

Part 1 - Timing Belt, Oil Seals Replacement (5S-FE)
Part 2 - Timing Belt, Oil Seals Replacement (5S-FE)
Timing Belt Change (5S-FE)
Timing Belt + Water Pump + Oil Seal Change - 5S-FE:
Part 1 - DIY: GEN3 Timing Belt + Waterpump + Oil Seal Change - Part 1
Part 2 - DIY: GEN3 Timing Belt + Waterpump + Oil Seal Change - Part 2
Oil pump o-ring and pulley instructions (5S-FE)

Rear Crank Sleeve info
Replacing/Adjusting the Power Steering and Serpentine Belts (5S-FE)
Valve Cover Removal & Painting on a 5S-FE
Valve Stem Seal Replacement Without Removing the Head (5S-FE)
Valve Cover Gasket - Video (4th gen 5S-FE)
^If you're doing that, be sure to also do this:
Resealing the Distributor Block-off Plug on Distributor-less 5S-FE (Gen 4)
Another thread on that...
Resealing the Halfmoon plugs & Distributor Block-off Plug on Distributor-less 5S-FE (Gen 4)
...and this:
Spark Plug Tube Removal / Cleaning 5S-FE
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - 3VZ-FE V6
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - 1MZ-FE V6
5S-FE Oil Pump Diagnosis
5S-FE Oil Cooler Seal Replacement (Gen 3)
How to Check Valve Clearances
How to run a Compression and Leakdown Test
Head gasket leak/cracked head testing
Alternator and power steering belt replacement
Adding an oil pressure gauge to the 5S-FE
V6 1MZFE - Top End Work: Spark Plugs, Knock Sensor, Bypass Hose, etc


Fuel, Intake, and Exhaust

Dropping Fuel Tank
Replacing gas fill door spring (Gen 4)
Fuel Filler Neck Replacement
Fuel rail & injectors removal - 4cyl i4 5S-FE gen4
Fuel filter replacement - (Gen 4)
Fuel schrader valve retrofit
Fuel Pump Replacement in a Wagon (Gen3)
Replacing fuel pump & sock filter, checking fuel level sender - (Gen 3.5)
Fuel pump removal - (Gen 3)
Throttlebody Disassembly & Cleaning (5S-FE)
Throttlebody Cleaning (5S-FE - other engines similar)
Throttlebody (TB) Coolant Bypass - DISCUSSION
Fixing cold start bogging on the 3VZ-FE V6
V6 P0302, P0304, P0306, or front bank running rich problem
5S-FE IACV Cleaning
Note: The IACV screws are M5x0.8x16 with a #2 JIS drive - They look like a Phillips drive, but they're not.
3VZ-FE IACV Cleaning
Exhaust system replacement
Toyota Injectors - detailed specs

Engine Cooling System

V6 1MZ-FE - reseal the plate under the bypass hose
Coolant Flush/Change 5S-FE
Coolant Flush Method 5S-FE
Block Heater Replacement 5S-FE
Lower Temperature Thermostat For 1MZ-FE (An alternative to TRD)
Radiator & Thermostat Change on an I4 (Gen 3)
Thermostat Replacement - V6 1MZ-FE
Radiator Bracket Repair Gen3/4
Radiator Replacement (Video) - ES300 V6 1MZ-FE

Ignition System

Plugs and Valve Cover Pictorial for 1MZ-FE
Spark Plug Change 1MZ-FE Engine in a Solara
Spark Plug & Wire Replacement, 1MZ-FE v6 with waste spark system, with pics (Gen 4)
Spark Plug Wire Change on 1MZ-FE w/ waste spark system ('02 Solara)
Spark plug tube seals replacement (1MZ-FE)
5S-FE Distributor Diagnosis
1MZ-FE V6 coil connector replacement
Igniter testing


OBD I & II, Emissions, & Sensors

Has OBD I:
92-95 5S-FE 4 cyl
92-93 3VZ-FE V6

Has OBD II:
96-onward 5S-FE 4 cyl
94-onward 1MZ-FE V6

How to pull OBD I error codes and a list of OBD I and OBD II code descriptions
OBD II error codes explained and what could be causing them. Click on "Toyota" to find P1xxx codes.
Phone/tablet OBD2 live monitoring with setup example
3VZ-FE OBD I, Diagnostics mode II
OBD1 live monitoring (compatible with limited Toyota engines, see list in link)
REFERENCE - OBD 1 & 2 Diagnostic Port Locations
ECU Removal
Replacing ECU Electrolytic Capacitors

EGR Valve Replacement 5S-FE
Alternate Method of Removing 5S-FE EGR Valve
EGR VSV removal, diagnosis, & relocation (5S-FE)
1MZ-FE, EGR, code P0401 & P0402 diagnostic & repair
EGR vacuum modulator - how it works (video)

Narrowband A/F Gauges - DISCUSSION
Knock Sensor Replacement (5S-FE)
Knock Sensor Diagnosing & Replacing (3VZ-FE V6)
Knock Sensor Work Around (3VZ-FE V6)
Knock Sensor Work Around (1MZ-FE V6)
O2 Sensor (Downstream) Replacement, 5S-FE (P0141) Gen 4
Replacing Both Upstream Air/Fuel Sensors, 1MZ-FE V6, (Gen 4)
V6 P0302, P0304, P0306, or front bank running rich problem
O2 or Air/Fuel Sensor Replacement, 1MZ-FE Rear Bank Upstream (Gen 4)
5S-FE Vacuum Routing Made Easy (FEDERAL-Gen3)
Charcoal Canister VSV Replacement (P0446) Gen 4
P0450 & P0441
Checking the ECT Sensor Without Tools 5S-FE (Gen 3)

Denso O2/Air Fuel Sensor p/n Table:
Note: "OEM" means it comes with the proper connector for a Toyota. "Universal" means it has no connector, just wires to transfer your old sensor's connector to.



Engine Miscellaneous
Cam and Crank shaft tools
Engine Bay Cleaning

Starter & Electrical
Repair manual for Toyota wiring harness
OEM style battery terminals
Diagnosing alternator/charging problems
Starter Solenoid Contacts Replacement (Gen 4, 5S-FE)
Starter Solenoid Contacts Replacement (Gen 4, 1MZ-FE V6)
Alternator rebuild DIY
Camry Won't Start Checklist: 92-96 5S-FE
Replacing the 100A main fuse
Battery Group Size Chart Gen 3 & 4 Camrys take a group 35 size battery. Be aware there is a group 25 that is exactly the same size, but with the +/- terminals reversed. Don't use one of them by mistake!
Blown fuses: A Quick and Easy way to check for them.
Neutral Safety Switch Cleaning


Transmission

P1780 - Park/Neutral Position Switch Malfunction
5S-FE Engine & Trans Swap (Gen4)
Transmission rear main seal replacement - 5S-FE/A140E transaxle
Transmission mount replacement
Transaxle output shaft seal replacement
PWR Button and O/D Button Explained and Demonstrated
Diagnosing a Bad Differential A140E
Automatic Transmission Flush and Filter Replacement (5S-FE)
Manual transmission drain and fill plug locations (5S-FE)
Manual Transmission Breather Vent
Automatic Transmission Direct Swap/Replacement (5S-FE)
Clutch Replacement (Gen 3 - 5S-FE)
Fidanza Friction Plate Replacement
Differential Fluid Change
Shift Solenoid #3 (SL Solenoid) Diagnostic
P0500 - VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor replacement on 1MZ-FE V6 Solara
A140E (5S-FE transmission) valve body R&R


Brakes & ABS System

ABS - Retrieving error codes
Brake Fluid Flush
Brake Fluid Bleeder - Make your own cheaply.
PowerBleeder - Bleed your brakes the easy way
Bleed your Brakes the "Eric the Car Guy" way
Front Brake hose Replacement (Gen 3)
Brake Line Fabrication
Brake Lines (double flare): How To Make Your Own
Brake Pad Change
Brake Job: General Info (Gen 3)
Brakes: Master Cylinder Replacement
Master Cylinder Rebuild

Front brakes - caliper re-build, pad replacement Part 1
Front brakes - caliper re-build, pad replacement Part 2
Rear rotors, pads, shoes, caliper re-build, many pics. Part 1
Rear rotors, pads, shoes, caliper re-build, many pics. Part 2
Drum Brake/Shoe Replacement and Parking Brake Adjustment
Painting Calipers and Brackets (pics missing)
Rebuilding & Painting Calipers and Brackets

Parking Brake Cable Replacement Procedure (Gen 3 - 2.2L)
Parking Brake Cable adjustment on Camrys with foot brake pedal (Gen3)
Parking Brake Service w/ Rear Disk Brakes
Driveline

CV Boot Replacement (5S-FE) - Passenger Side
CV Shaft Replacement (3VZ-FE and 1MZFE) (Gen 3)
Passenger Side Axle Replacement 5S-FE (Gen 4)
Axle Replacement 92-96
92-97 Driver's Side Axle Replacement
Wheel Bearing Replacement (Gen 3)
Front: DIY - Front wheel bearing R&R
Rear: Rear wheel bearing R & R


Suspension

Diagnosing Bad Rear Lateral Arms
Camry lower ball joint replacement in situ PICS
A cautionary story about Mevotech ball joints
Springs & Struts Guide
Strut Replacement - Front End (Gen 3)
Strut Replacement - Rear (Gen 3)
Suspension OEM Part Numbers (Gen 3)
Sway Bar End-Link Replacement - Rear End
Sway Bar End-Link Replacement - Front End
Rear sway bar bushing replacement (Gen4)


Steering

Inner Tie Rod Replacement (Rack Removed)
Power Steering Fluid Change
Power Steering Pump Rebuild (1MZ-FE)
Power Steering Pump Rebuild
Power Steering pump kit (gasket rebuild) - 92-96 Camry (5S-FE)
Power Steering Hoses - Internal and outer diameters (gen3.5)
Rack and Pinion Replacement + Axles (No Pictures)
Rack and Pinion Removal/Install
Steering Rack and P/S Pressure Hose Replacement (Gen 3 1MZ-FE)


Lighting - Interior/Exterior, Maintenance & mods

List of bulb types (Gen3)

Exterior:
Headlight Lens Clearing (Gen 4)
Headlight dust covers
How To Remove Gen 3 Headlights
Installing side marker lights
2006 Accord Coupe Fog Light Retrofit (Gen 3.5)
Projector Headlights (Gen 4)
MORE LIGHT! 9006 to 9005 Bulb Conversions
Headlight Conversion For 00-01
HID headlight conversion(Gen 4)
Adding DRLs, Daytime Running Lights (Gen4)
Independent Fog Light Mod - Solara
Corner Lamp Blackout (Gen 4)
Corner Lamp Offset Fix (Gen 3)
Clear corners, Amber Removal, Custom silver Reflector (Gen4)

Interior:
Door welcome light installation
Trunk Cold Cathode Mod
"D" Bulb Replacement (Gen 3)
Cleaning Door/Dome Light Switch (Gen4)
Ignition Light Replacement (Gen 4)
Shifter (Gearbox) Lights Color Change (Gen 4)
Floor Lighting (Gen 4)
Climate Control Bulb Replacement (Gen 4)
Climate Control Bulb Replacement (Gen 3)


Exterior info, Maintenance, & Repair

Windshield washer fluid reservoir removal (Gen4)
How to remove and reinstall badges
2001 Camry XLE, remove and re-paint the front Grill
Front end collision repair (Gen3)
Door Panel Removal & Exterior Door Handle Replacement (Gen 3)
Hydraulic hood support replacement


Exterior Mods

Swapping in fan-pattern spray windshield washer nozzles
Installing heated mirrors (Gen4)
Front Grille - Custom (Gen 3)
Gen 4 to Gen4.5 Front End Swap
Installing Hood Struts on Gen4 Camry (Gen4 to 4.5 Conversion)
Bodykits and Accessories (Gen 3 and Gen 4) - Needs Updating
Gen 3 and 3.5 Interchange Guide


Interior Info, Maintenance, and Repair

Instrument cluster - odometer registering km instead of miles (Gen 3)
Instrument cluster - repairing inaccurate speedo/tachometer (Gen 3)
Speedometer/odometer cuts off when hot. (Gen 4)
Repairing inaccurate speedometer/tach - cluster removal & capacitor replacement (Gen 3 V6)
Tachometer - converting 6-4 cylinder
Odometer Reprogramming (Gen 4)
Resetting the airbag light (Gen 3)
Door Panel Removal & Key Code (Gen 4)
Door Panel Removal (Gen 4)
Door Lock Actuator Replacement (Gen 4)
Power door lock motor replacement
Power door lock repair (Gen 4)
Interior Door Handle Replacement (Gen 3)
Power Window Motor Repair, Replacing Brushes
Power Window Motor Repair, Replacing Brushes (Gen 4)
Gen 3 & Gen 4 Loose Seat Back (the back rest on the front seats) Fix - No Pictures
How to swap driver/passenger seat cushions
Child seat - adding tether anchor/mount
Gen 3 Center Arm Rest Guide (Squishy!)

Ignition Switch Removal
Reprogramming chip keys/immobilizer
VIP Security System Installation and Info
Programming Remote Entry (Gen 4)

Testing Power Window Switches
Power Window Master Switch
Power Window Motor and Regulator Replacement (Gen 3)
Power Window Wiring Repair

Steering Wheel Removal & Wiper/Turn Signal Switch Replacement
Changing out Head Light - Wiper - Turn Signal Switch
Steering Wheel/Airbag Color Change (and removal)
Factory Alarm Remote Battery Change (Gen 3)
Piezo Buzzer Removal (door Chime) (Gen 3)
Center Console Removal (Gen 3)
Headliner replacement (Gen 3)
Clock - Fixing Intermittent Display in a 2000 Camry
Trunk Release Cable Repair (Gen 4)
Fixing sagging trunk floor panels (Gen 4)


Interior Modifications

Back seat bed/storage area mod (Gen 4)
Replacing the Clock With a Digital Voltmeter (Gen 4)
Adding a Cabin Air Filter (Gen 3)
Automatic Shifter Installation With O/D
Change The Color Of Your Steering Wheel
ES300 Steering Wheel Swap
Leather armrest upgrade
Camry to Lexus ES300 Instrument Cluster conversion
Making a V6 tach work on an I4, or a V8 if you’d like (see post #13)
ES300 Sun Visor & Auto-dimming mirror
Cluster Needle Color Change (Gen 4)
Coloring The Gauge Needles
Install Reverse Glow Gauges (Gen 4)
Power seat swap and head unit swap (Gen 4)
Heated Seats Installation
Lexus seat swap with position memory
How to Change Your Shift Boot
Leather Shifter Stitching Color Change
White Reverse Glow Gauge Installation (Gen 3)
Installing keyless entry
Change your Speedometer from MPH to KM
Window Roll-Down Module Installation
Power Trunk Release mod (Gen 3)
Push Start / Kill Switch


Audio & Antenna

Upgrade/Change Door Speakers (Gen 3/3.5)
Speaker Replacement (Gen 3)
Speaker Replacement (Solara)
Installing 6.5" speakers in the rear of a wagon (Gen3)
How to Remove Your Stereo (Gen 4)
Sub-woofer Wiring Diagrams
Stereo & HVAC - LED Color Change
Rear Seats & Speaker Removal (Gen 4)
Add AUX input and AMP pre-out to your radio
Add AUX input to a double DIN stock head unit
Add AUX input to a JBL/Fujitsu Ten head unit
How to fix flaky controls on stock head unit (Gen 4)

OEM Power Antenna Replacement With Aftermarket Antenna
Power Antenna Mast Replacement
Power Antenna Disassembly
S2000 Antenna Conversion



Climate Controls, AC, Heater

Blower Motor Resistor Replacement (Gen4)
Blower Motor Replacement (Gen3)
Replace A/C Expansion Valve and Evaporator
AC - R134a Retrofit
AC system troubleshooting doc from Denso with pressure recommendations.
Receiver/dryer tear-down
A/C Compressor Magnetic Clutch Replacement
A/C Compressor Magnetic Clutch Replacement, in vehicle
Carpet wet?... How to unplug the evaporator drain hose
Airflow directional control servo (Gen4)
Fixing reduced airflow from center vents (Gen4)
Removing vents & getting rid of the foam chips that come from them (Gen4)

Miscellaneous

1996 Toyota Camry Specifications
Correct jacking points
Towing With a Camry


Performance Modifications and Installation Guide

DISCLAIMER:
The following modifications are to absolutely be done at your own risk. These are all only suggested modifications that theoretically work but are not endorsed by Toyota, Toyota Nation, or any other governing body of experts. Please be confident in your mechanical knowledge and abilities before attempting any of these modifications.


5S-FE Performance Thread (of Doom)
Getting more power from the 5S-FE w/o boost, from the MR2OC forum
Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) Modification For V6s (2VZ-FE, 3VZ-FE, 1MZ-FE)
Adding Airflow
Alarm Remote Starter Install (Gen 4)
Automatic to Manual Transmission Swap
Automatic to Manual Transmission Swap (Tips) for Gen 3 1MZ-FE Swap
5 Speed - Flashing OD Light Fix
Better Aerodynamics
Walbro Fuel Pump / Regulator Removal / Return Install
Cheaply Monitoring A/F
Cheap Water Injection
Electronic Transmission Controller
Free Power: Toysrme AFM + Timing Mod (3S-FE, 2VZ-FE, 3VZ-FE)
Gen 3 Emanage Blue Settings & Install
Toyota Injectors - detailed specs
Gen 3 5S-FE Custom Cold Air Intake (CAI)
Gen 3 5S-FE Custom Cold Air Intake (CAI) (alternate source)

Gen 3 & Gen 4 Rear Drum Brake to Rear Disc Brake Conversion
Gen 3 Rear Drum to Disc Conversion Part 1 (with photos): Proportioning Valve
Gen 3 Rear Drum to Disc Brake Conversion Part 2 (with photos): Parking Brake Cables
Gen 3 Rear Drum to Disc Brake Conversion Part 3 (with photos): Backing Plate/Bearing
Gen 3 Rear Drum to Disc Conversion Part 4 (w/ photos):Install Brake cables & Calipers
I4 to V6 Rear Disc Brake Swap
Upgrade Front Brake Calipers to Dual-Piston Calipers (Alternative) LS400 Brakes
Brake Upgrades (OEM) for Gen 3/4 Camry & Gen 1 Solara
ES 300 Brake Upgrade Information
Highlander/RX350 Front Brake Upgrade Information

Gen 4 5S-FE Intake Installation
Gen 4 Short Shifter Install - ALSO, How To Install A Gen 4 Shifter Into A Gen 3 (No Pictures)
How to get 50% less forward shifter throw on a 5 speed
How to Install Cruise Control on a Non-Cruise Car
How To Turbo Your Camry - 5S-FTE Tips & Information
V6 (1MZ-FE) Turbo - DISCUSSION
How To Turbo Your Camry (Updated)
Info on 5SGTE Block: 3SGTE Cylinder Head Swap on Your 5S-FE Block
ARP Head Stud Install 5S-FE, 5SGTE, 3SGTE
Cam and valve specs for 3VZ-FE, 1MZ-FE, & 2JZ-GE
Install a Whiteline Rear Sway Bar (RSB)
Power Though Cooling
Quicker Automatic Transmission Shifting
Simple Tuning for Simple (Intake/Exhaust) Upgrades
Stand alone ECU for the 1MZ-FE
SMT-6 Wiring on 5S-FE (94-96)
Test Pipe (to Replace Catalytic Converter)
Bosal 1MZ-FE front pipe: smaller diameter warning & General 1MZ-FE Exhaust notes
1MZ-FE Cold Air Intake
5S-FE Intake Manifold Upgrade to 60MM 1MZ-FE
Relocate Cruise Control / Install Lightweight Battery - 5S-FE
Custom Oil-Catch Can (1MZ-FE)
Tires and Wheels

Getting The Right Size Tires For Your Wheels
IS300 Wheels & Gen3 4-cyl Camrys Fitment Problem
Tire Size Calculator (great when seeking information for what happens when you change tire size)
Tire Tech - Everything you want to know
Replacing your Wheel studs with limited tools


General ALL MODEL Maintenance and Common Sense

Maintenance / Parts -- 3rd & 4th Gen
Check your Oil
WINTER Maintenance Tips
Torque Specs For 2000 Camry
Old Recall notice for Loose Nut! READ

Miscellaneous Information and FAQ

Pictures of Camrys By Color
History of the Toyota Solara

Thanks to everybody who has helped out with this DIY. I won't list them off, since there is so many different people who created DIY threads, but it is by help from the community itself that we have such good information on Toyota Nation.
 
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