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Intermittent Problem

Sent to Car Experts September 30, 2006 10:39 a.m.

Hello,

My wife is at wits end and ready to place her eternal soul in danger by having me reset the check engine codes and trading in the car to Toyota and letting them deal with the problem.

Her 2001 Toyota Camry, four cylinder, automatic has an intermittent problem. The engine misfires and sometimes dies. It has happened stopped at an intersection and on the interstate. It has happened in cool and hot weather. In April while the engine was stalling I got codes indicating misfire in cylinders 1 & 2. In August while the engine was stalling I got the codes indicating misfire in cylinders 3 & 4. We took the car for diagnosis to the dealer and they wanted to do a "major" tune-up, replace the egr valve, egr modulator and egr switch valve. I tested the egr valve and it holds a vacuum with the line disconnected and the engine runs poorly. Air passes through the modulator and I cleaned the element. The switch Toyota wanted to replace is almost impossible to access so no tests have been performed. I have replaced the spark plugs and wires. I have not changed the coils. I do not know what else to test and do not want to randomly start changing parts, Toyota wanted about $1,200 to change parts that I do not believe would have solved the problem. Thanks in advance for any assitance that can be provided.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
September 30, 2006 11:08 a.m. (29 minutes and 4 seconds later)

REPLIED

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__________________
Please click on the accept icon in the top right side if your satisfied with my answer. Bonus and positive feedback are thanks enough Thanks 32dmadden

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Reply to 32dmadden
Sent September 30, 2006 11:35 a.m. (26 minutes and 30 seconds later)

Is there a way to test the ECM component functioning to determine if it needs replacement?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
September 30, 2006 11:40 a.m. (5 minutes and 2 seconds later)

REPLIED

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Answer
September 30, 2006 11:52 a.m. (12 minutes and 13 seconds later)

REPLIED

Yes you can test the outputs on the ECM. Do you want me to send the test proceedures?Images available only to Customers.

__________________
Please click on the accept icon in the top right side if your satisfied with my answer. Bonus and positive feedback are thanks enough Thanks 32dmadden

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Reply to 32dmadden
Sent September 30, 2006 11:53 a.m. (1 minute and 12 seconds later)

So there is no function test for this component? No voltage reading or vacuum test or disconnect a line or anything to determine if I will be replacing to correct part? As you are aware many parts cannot be returned and I do not want to replace parts unecessarily.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Reply to 32dmadden
Sent September 30, 2006 11:56 a.m. (2 minutes and 40 seconds later)

Yes, please I hope you understand my delimma. Toyota wanted ALOT of money to just start changing parts.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
September 30, 2006 12:23 p.m. (27 minutes and 24 seconds later)

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32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Answer
September 30, 2006 12:34 p.m. (10 minutes and 18 seconds later)

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32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Answer
September 30, 2006 12:45 p.m. (11 minutes and 31 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Answer
September 30, 2006 12:53 p.m. (7 minutes and 51 seconds later)

REPLIED

That's all the scans. Remember that the fuel injectors are covered under warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles witch ever comes first. The ECM is covered for 96 months or 80,000 miles. Sometimes they have to be reminded that warranty is covering a certain item. Hope I did you some good.

__________________
Please click on the accept icon in the top right side if your satisfied with my answer. Bonus and positive feedback are thanks enough Thanks 32dmadden

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Reply to 32dmadden
Sent September 30, 2006 12:55 p.m. (2 minutes and 10 seconds later)

Thanks, I appreciate a direction and the data. I will let you know how it works out.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
September 30, 2006 1:06 p.m. (10 minutes and 33 seconds later)

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32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

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