99 Camry Auto hard shifts

AFAIK you need an OBDII code reader to read the codes. You can get one for between $80 and $200.

Has anyone got a typical electronic circuit for one of these OBD11 readers I would like to make a one up to try.

Johnny UK

I think it's non-trivial; there's a physical layer (which I think is the same on every car) and at least 3 protocol layers which are different from make to make (for example, there's CAN [controller area network] on newer import cars).

I think it's one of those buy-or-build decisions where "buy" wins out!

The best solution, if you have a laptop, is to buy one of the software packages that will let you look at every sensor in real time, in addition to reading codes. One that's well spoken of is autotap.com . (I've never used it myself because I'm still waiting for my Camry to throw its first code!)

Hi There,

Thanks for that info.

I have had my 2.2ltr 4 Cyl now for 12 years

I replaced the battery at 9 and a half years and just 2 months ago the radiator. That's been it but for standard maintainance

Its been wonderful to be honest. But I feel the codes time maybe near. I have not seen one in all that time.

I am tempting providence here now

Johnny UK

Johnny UK

What you're saying is that the error codes cannot be manually read by shorting out the E1 and TE1 terminals? Too bad. I'll probably pick up a OBDII reader if it's not too expensive. Should any of these work with most any car after 96?

I was thinking that one would not need to even know what the codes is as the problem seems to be pretty specific. What controls the shifting on these things? Thanks!

david

I think I have the same 5sfe engine in my 8-year-old with 140 000 km.

With me, it was an alternator and a rear wheel bearing apart from the usual fluid/timing belt/battery changes.

The real question is why the auto makers don't print the trouble code on the LCD in the dash. Maybe they want it to remain a mystery so you have to take it to the dealer.

Right, your way worked until the changeover to OBDII.

Right. Some come with better manuals and resolution advice than others, but between Google and the experts in this newsgroup I think you can just buy the cheapest one you can find.

I'm not sure if the transmission will throw codes unless it can somehow detect if the solenoids are failing. The Check Engine Light mainly has to do with emissions, but manufacturers also put in "extra" codes.

I think there are solenoids actuated by the engine management computer, but I don't actually know anything about transmissions beyond how to take the pan off and clean it...

I don't know about things in the UK, but in the USA you can go to a couple of auto parts chain stores (like Autozone) and borrow their reader for free (just leave them a deposit or your credit card for security, and use it in their parking lot. Gratis. You might find out if any stores in the UK have this service. Autozone is good about lending specialty tools, too, like wheel pullers.

I took the car to the repair shop and the mechanic said that the car is running normally. It seems that he has repaired the Toyota by his mere presence. It must be his superpower. As a repair guy myself, I have seen this happen before.OTOH, I worry about letting my wife use the car as she has the opposite superpower!

david

You can go to your local parts store (AutoZone, PepBoys, etc) and see if they will help you read the codes. On 96+ cars you have to have an OBD-II reader. Some later ones with OBD-II/CAN. And tell us the code (or Google it).

Update - the hard shifting problem went away the day I took it to the mechanic and the check engine light went off yesterday. These self-healing cars are great! My cost was $20 tip for the mechanic. Dodged a bullet again it seems. :-)

david