Plugs are easy as hell. They are about what, $5-7 apice and you can do that yourself. O2 sensors are about $60. All really easy stuff.

I'd say the plugs were causing the misfires.

 

Buy a $35 code reader while you are at it.

 

That dealer is taking you for a RIDE. GTFO and never go back to that scumbag ever again.

I did plugs and wires (used NGK Parts , same brand toyo uses) only 80$, 25 min to install.
The Oxygen sensor is under 150$ and pretty easy to replace.
Airflow meters dont go bad often and can be cleaned easily.

If you have to go to mechanic, go to a small good shop and this stuff will be all under 450. But the plugs and wires are simple and might solve your problems, so I would get that done first.

I would stay away from that stealership, your just gonna get shafted.

 

I asked about replacing the plugs first but the service guy said that they will immediately foul up (hinting that I should replace the O2 and Mass Airflow meter :disappoin

I have got hold of a CHILTON manual, but seems very generic and not being a wrench myself will take some time to learn unless there are any instructions/directions anyone can point to.

Thanks for the quick responses

 

Well, there's an exception to every rule, but it's usually cheaper to keep her. If you're content with the car other than this problem, and if it's in good shape otherwise, I'd keep her and get her fixed.

People freak out sometimes over having to pay several hundred on a car repair. They seem to overlook the fact that that's only equivalent to a couple of car payments (not saying you're overlooking it).

A new car, or newer pre-owned car is going to have additional costs in taxes, licensing and insurance over and above any new/increased car payments. So, if money is a concern...

Plus, ANY car is going to need some maintenance/repair, especially if you're buying pre-owned. You might buy into a worse problem unless you really know the car you're buying.

There are plenty of examples of people getting well over 200k miles out of their Camrys, but that doesn't mean they didn't have to do some repairs here and there. Sounds like you've been keeping up with the maintenance pretty well. You have to expect SOME repairs on a car with 100k+ miles, even if it IS a Camry.

If you can't trust the dealership where you're going(and trust me, I've been there), then talk to everyone you know and find a mechanic you can trust.

 

I have to agree with the other posters that #3 is your best bet. I would ask around if anyone else you know has a Toyota and has a mechanic they trust. I really think it's important to find a mechanic who has a lot of experience with Toyotas.

I would also suggest that the next time your check engine light goes on that you go to Autozone, if you have them in your area. They will read the trouble codes for you for free. Get the actual codes from them and then post them back here. Someone will be able to give you some direction.

Also, when I see codes like P0300, P0302, P0304 and P0306, I think of plug wires first, not spark plugs. I would think that your plugs were replaced by the dealer at the 90,000 mile service with the correct platinum double ground electrode plugs. They are good for at least 60,000 miles and many people have run them over 100,000 miles without any problems. Check your records and see when the last time was (mileage-wise) that the plugs were replaced. Also check to see if the plug wires were ever replaced.

Lastly, with reference to trading this car in and getting a new car, how does the body and paint look and how important are those factors to you and your wife? You don't mention those 2 things and you are in the rust belt. You seemed to have kept up on general maintainance, so mechanically the car should last to 200,000 miles; but what about the body?

Mike

 

im thinking maybe they pulled off the MAF plug..

its not going to be wires on a v6 with DIS...

plugs arent that easy on a v6...

definitely find a private mechanic that you can trust... the dealer is taking you for a huge ride... there is no way you need a new MAF at less than 225K

i;d buy the car for you for like 3 grand if i had the money to spend...

 

Fix it find a good local mechanic. Stop going to the dealer for service! Oxygen sensor will give a check engine light but your car should not run any different it will just effect fuel usage.

 

With all this info (and VTX forum), I think it might be best to have a "talk" with the service manager and/or owner to see if they can make it right - sounds like the dealership took me for a ride in my own camry :lol:. Will find a local guy too...if anyone nearby have any recommendations pls let me know.

BTW - the body is great (I wax/polish it couple of times in the year myself), very small rust spot outside the rear left wheel guard and as mentioned before regularly serviced. I fact after 90k I had been changing oil/filter every 3500-4000 miles at same dealership. Very smooth ride (until this point). Will post a pic later.

Should I just go ahead and change the plugs? or will they foul like they told me? Thanks all !

 

None of the listed repairs are difficult to replace. If you are not the machanic type you need to find a better source for your repairs. You shold be able to get all the parts and labor for half of that quote. You are getting robbed at those prices.

I have often wished I had the money spent on car payments when I traded because of some repairs. Even if you spend $1000-$1200 a year in repairs that is only 3-4 monthly payments.

 

Go ahead and change the plugs. Don't worry about them fouling.
Here is some help
http://www.wjowsa.com/?p=30

 

Here's a pic...

How can I sell this baby

Thanks again folks !

 

I know. It's too bad your dealer isn't doing their part. 135K is too young.

Here's a pic...

How can I sell this baby

Thanks again folks !

 

thats the spirit!

 

Yeah, the dealer is taking you for a big ride. Christmas time must be around the corner. Who knows if the EGR valve, which usually doesn't need replacing, was considered the problem in the first place. Besides, it can usually be cleaned.

At that mileage oxygen sensors are suspect, but check the following two first. You should check/test coolant temperature sensor and sure the MAP sensor BEFORE replacing other things. If these are good I'd be inclined to change out the three oxygen sensors.

Spark plugs are more likely victims than villains here. But you can pull them. I'd expect dry carbon coating in the fouled cylinders if not others. Advanced OBD-II scanner should show fuel trim pegged max add.

It would be very unlikely that multiple injectors start having problems at the same time. So I'd focus first on metering as mentioned above.

 

"its not going to be wires on a v6 with DIS... "

Good point. I forgot about that on the V6. Thanks for the correction.

Mike

 

^ if anything a problem can be pinpointed down to the DIS coil that is at fault... it'll rarely be the wires. but i dont think the problem is that extensive in this case.

 

Didn't u hear about the new gov program of trading junk cars and get 4-5k rebate to buy new car ?

 

This camry isn't eligible.

 

The car has a lot of life left in it. Also from the picture it looks in great shape. My 97 V6 runs just fine at 193k.

I would get it fixed at a local mechanic. It sounds like an easy fix, and the dealer is just ripping you off.