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Hello everyone, I a newbie and have no much knowledge of the mechanics. Please help me with below.

I have a 2000 camry le and have about 156k miles on it. I need to do tune-up on my car. Would like to purchase the parts and go to a mechanic to do it for me. Please help me what parts (w/ brands) and services that I need to take care of tune-up. I use my car for drive to work and home and put on about 12-15k miles/year and most of the miles are not on highways. Use the car for personal use only. Would not want to go for any high end parts, but just want to make sure to keep my car in good driving condition. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BMR]

Sure. But first some questions:

Which motor?... 4 cyl or V6?

Has any significant maintenance been done recently?... plugs, wires, O2 sensors, air filter, oil change, transmission fluid change, coolant change, timing belt, serpentine belt, power steering belt?

 

[spblr]

Thanks

Its 4 cylinder. I have not done any major service other than regular oil change every 5k miles. When I purchased it, it had 95k miles and the 90k service was apparently done on it, but I am not sure. Is there a way to check if that 90k service was really done?

 

[BMR]

Its 4 cylinder. I have not done any major service other than regular oil change every 5k miles. When I purchased it, it had 95k miles and the 90k service was apparently done on it, but I am not sure. Is there a way to check if that 90k service was really done?

Two possible ways. If it was done at a dealership, they should be able to look it up based on its VIN, regardless of which dealership did it. The second way would be to look for a sticker on the timing belt cover somewhere... if the timing belt was replaced, independent shops will often place a sticker noting the mileage/date when it was done. The timing belt is the most expensive thing done at the 90k service.

So it sounds to me like it needs quite a bit of work. In order of priority and approximate parts cost. Some of these are quite easy, even for newbies. Here's a link to a bunch of DIY threads you can read thru to see if you're up to starting to DIY: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...irst-comprehensive-list-gen-3-4-info-diy.html

1) Spark plugs and wires. Use NGK or Denso plugs, NGK for the wires. $50 - $80, depending on what plugs you pick.

2) Air filter. Just about any brand will do. $15

3) Serpentine and power steering belts. Lots of good brands out there. I like Goodyear or Gates. $40

4) Coolant change. $40. Use Toyota's "red" long life coolant.

5) Transmission fluid change. Don't forget to drain the differential too. $60 - $80

6) O2 sensor. ~$100. A lot of folks would say these aren't a scheduled service item. And I would've agreed with them just a couple years ago. But I'm convinced they should be replaced at least every 100k miles. Maybe sooner.

If you find out the timing belt has never been changed, I'd stick that between #3 & 4 on my list. And it's highly recommended to replace the water pump, idler, and tensioner pulleys along with the belt. Use Aisin pump, Koyo idler & tensioner, and Mitsuboshi for the belt.

 

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Thanks

Thanks BMR for the prompt response. I may not have the necessary tools to DIY. If I purchase the parts and take it to a mechanic to do it for me, how much do think the labor cost should be? What brand and type of Oil should I purchase for step 5 and for motor oil?

Two possible ways. If it was done at a dealership, they should be able to look it up based on its VIN, regardless of which dealership did it. The second way would be to look for a sticker on the timing belt cover somewhere... if the timing belt was replaced, independent shops will often place a sticker noting the mileage/date when it was done. The timing belt is the most expensive thing done at the 90k service.

So it sounds to me like it needs quite a bit of work. In order of priority and approximate parts cost. Some of these are quite easy, even for newbies. Here's a link to a bunch of DIY threads you can read thru to see if you're up to starting to DIY: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...irst-comprehensive-list-gen-3-4-info-diy.html

1) Spark plugs and wires. Use NGK or Denso plugs, NGK for the wires. $50 - $80, depending on what plugs you pick.

2) Air filter. Just about any brand will do. $15

3) Serpentine and power steering belts. Lots of good brands out there. I like Goodyear or Gates. $40

4) Coolant change. $40. Use Toyota's "red" long life coolant.

5) Transmission fluid change. Don't forget to drain the differential too. $60 - $80

6) O2 sensor. ~$100. A lot of folks would say these aren't a scheduled service item. And I would've agreed with them just a couple years ago. But I'm convinced they should be replaced at least every 100k miles. Maybe sooner.

If you find out the timing belt has never been changed, I'd stick that between #3 & 4 on my list. And it's highly recommended to replace the water pump, idler, and tensioner pulleys along with the belt. Use Aisin pump, Koyo idler & tensioner, and Mitsuboshi for the belt.

 

[BMR]

Thanks BMR for the prompt response. I may not have the necessary tools to DIY. If I purchase the parts and take it to a mechanic to do it for me, how much do think the labor cost should be? What brand and type of Oil should I purchase for step 5 and for motor oil?

For the transmission, Toyota might have spec'd Dexron II for your 2000 (not sure), but that's been phased out so it's almost impossible to find. You can use Dexron III instead. I'm not too fussy about brands of fluids for most things. I believe it's far more important to change them on schedule, than what you use. So far that opinion has served me well, as you can see by the mileages on my Toyotas in my signature.

The labor costs for each of the things I listed shouldn't be much; less than $100 each, for sure. Except the timing belt can run $200 - $500 depending on where you go.

 

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Thanks BMR. Please clarify if it costs $100 each for step 1 through 6? That's close to $600 not including the timing belt.

 

[BMR]

...Just had a thought... have your brakes been checked recently? I'd put that at the top of the list. If they need work, I'd recommend Akebono ProACT Ceramic pads. And if needed Centric rotors.

 

[BMR]

Thanks BMR. Please clarify if it costs $100 each for step 1 through 6? That's close to $600 not including the timing belt.

I said "less than $100, for sure". I meant for each. Things like the air filter and serpentine belt should definitely be a lot less.

 

[importcar]

I had my 90K service done at a Toyota dealership for $600 back in 2007. It included:

Engine oil & filter
Transmission and differential oil
Engine coolant
Spark plugs
Air filter
Tire rotation
Clean and adjust rear drum brakes
Clean throttle body (fuel induction flush)
Timing belt, fan belt, alternator belt, power steering belt

They did not replace the water pump, idler pulley, tensioner

 

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Spark plugs

Which spark plugs should I buy? I am confused if I should go for copper, platinum or iridium? Should it be +4(Bosch Platinum +4 - Spark Plug) or Plus(Bosch Platinum Plus - Spark Plug) etc.

Should it be with gap or no gap? Please help.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ch_spark+plug_1364633_2432&keyword=spark+plug

 

[JohnGD]

People don't like Bosch aftermarket plugs like the Plus-4 kind. Use NGK Iridium-IX plugs and NGK wires. Check rockauto.com or Amazon for prices. The plugs should come pre-gapped and no adjustments are needed. See the catalog on http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/

As far as transmission fluid goes, Walmart Supertech dino costs about $12/gallon. Take two gallons to the shop (they'll use about 6 qts). Use the rest to flush out the power steering system. But Supertech Mercon-V or Castrol Import Multi-vehicle ATFs are suitable and more shear stable, for about $1-1.25 more per quart. If you want fully synthetic then Mobil-1 ATF with 40% coupon code at Advance Auto works (about $5.6/qt) which is a good deal.

Flush out the PS system too. See also:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...nging-power-steering-fluid-advice-needed.html

If you need to change the timing belt, consider a "complete" job, for example:
GATES K030295 Micro-V AT Power Steering Belt $5.14
GATES K050435 Micro-V AT Alt/AC Belt $14.10
FEL-PRO TCS45920 Crankshaft Front Seal Set $5.10
FEL-PRO TCS45641 Camshaft Front Seal $3.66
NATIONAL 221820 Polyacrylate Oil Pump Shaft Seal $2.86
GATES TCK199 (1 Belt, 1 Tensioner, 1 Idler) Timing Belt Component Kit
$52.89
STANT 48278 180° w/Jiggle Pin OE Type Thermostat $10.94
AISIN WPT010A Water pump w/o housing $30.79
FEL-PRO VS50304R1 Valve Cover Gasket Set w/Spark plug tube seals
$18.26
Subtotal $143.74
Shipping about $20

Consider changing out both upper and lower radiator hoses too. Another $20 in Gates hoses. As others mentioned, use Toyota Red coolant with 50% distilled water. No Toyota Pink and no Death-cool, uhhh I mean Dexcool clones like the low cost All-makes coolant out there.

Change the PCV valve and grommet too. Be careful, the grommet becomes hardened and brittle and pieces of it can fall into the valve cover. The only problem is finding a good mechanic.

Which spark plugs should I buy? I am confused if I should go for copper, platinum or iridium? Should it be +4(Bosch Platinum +4 - Spark Plug) or Plus(Bosch Platinum Plus - Spark Plug) etc.

Should it be with gap or no gap? Please help.

 

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Motor Oil

For Motor Oil which brand and what type should I purchase? Should it be 5/30, 10/40, 10/30, 20/50 or something else. Also how many quarts will I need to purchase?

Also, is it possible to replace the fuel filter on 2000 camry LE 4 cyl normally? If so which brand and type should I purchase? I remember very vaguely that for my 2005 camry I was told that we cannot replace the fuel filter. Please help.

Also, how much distilled water will I need? How much Toyota Red coolant should I purchase?

 

[JohnGD]

4-cyl takes about 3.8qts. So buy 4 qts of oil.

During the warmer months 10W-30 should work well. In the winter if it gets cold then 5W-30. Otherwise 10W-30 year-round works.

The price of dino oils are very close to synthetic blends these days. But the blends may have little synthetic content, too.

For about $25 for 5-quart jug, Walmart has a good selection of Mobil-1 (regular or High Mileage) products. Parts store run deals on Pennzoil Platinum too. O'Reilly had them for about $4.5/qt. Or Motorcraft Synthetic Blend at Walmart (~$4.30/qt). At those synthetic prices really no reason to use blend or dino.

Fuel filter - you can send a private message to ToyotaPartsMan and ask about the OEM fuel filter price. It's below the air filter housing and looks like:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=91308

1 gallon of Toyota red.

 

[importcar]

I've tried NGK Iridium spark plugs but I pulled them after 38K miles because they looked charred- like they couldn't handle the heat. I went back to NGK Double Platinums. Denso double platinums are equally good.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ck=Search_03435_1364633_-1&pt=03435&ppt=C0334

3.75 quarts 5w30 or 10w30 any brand would do as long as you change it every 3000 to 5000. I use 5w30 and change it every 5000 (filter replaced every 2500).

1 gallon distilled water, 1 gallon Toyota Red.

 

[JohnGD]

Not sure what happened in your case, but Iridiums worked fine over 60K-75K miles.

 

[importcar]

The NGK Iridiums are cheaper than the double platinums. I was surprised how charred they were. They're probably not designed to last that long.

The ones I tried were the Iridium IX, they were only $7 each. The Laser Iridiums cost more and probably better.

 

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Oil Filter

Which brand of Oil Filter goes well with 2000 camry le. Please advise.

 

[importcar]

Purolator and Toyota filters are good. I used Supertech filter and oil exclusively for over 150K miles with no problems.

 

[BMR]

Purolator and Toyota filters are good. I used Supertech filter and oil exclusively for over 150K miles with no problems.

Same here; been using Walmart's Supertech filters exclusively for about 6 years now. IIRC, I saw somewhere on the 'net that they're basically re-branded Purolators. Some guy cut open a bunch of filters and they were the same inside.