02 Camry Water Noise

2k2camary · 11-10-2003, 11:10 PM

Hi guys,

First post. Have a question about my 02 Camry LE. Recently, it has started making sloshing noises when I turn. It sounds like it's coming from the engine area and it sounds like water being sloshed around. I have taken it to 2 dealships and they cannot find anything wrong or duplicate the problem. It is most apparent after the car has been sitting for a while.

One of the mechanics said it could be just the water collecting in the A/C condenser. I'm not sure if that's the problem b/c it did not happen last year. Also sometimes the noise occurs even when I have not used the A/C.

Any ideas here?

2k2camary · 12-03-2003, 04:02 AM

Anyone? I have heard of a Toyota 4 Runner having water in some heating part under the dash by the firewall. I have taken it to the dealer but they have no idea. It happens quite often. With the A/C, with the Heat, w/ nothing on. Most noticable at turns, sounds like water being sloshed around in the dash/firewall area.

csaxon · 12-03-2003, 09:42 AM

Water condensation in the A/C will not slosh. Only the heater core (a small radiator) is in the area you describe. It's unusual for it to slosh loudly as you describe unless the fluid level is low or you have trapped some air in te system. Was the cooling system flushed or changed recently.

2k2camary · 12-03-2003, 05:41 PM

Cooling system was not flushed or changed recently. If it is the heater core, shouldn't the dealer be able to check it out without duplicating the noise?

csaxon · 12-05-2003, 02:00 PM

Dealers can pressure check the system for leaks or try to purge the system of air. You can do both yourself. A simple check would be to leave the heater on for a while and listen for any changes in sound. You could drain the system with the heater on, into a clean container and then pour it back in. That may help purge the system

2k2camary · 12-08-2003, 02:41 AM

would the noise be there in any condition if it was the heater core? like i said, i have heard the noise in the summer when only the a/c was being used, when nothing was being used and when the heater was being used. today the noise sounded a little like gurgling. i am still hearing the sloshing noise too. usually the noise happens when i go from a stop or turn, i guess when the vehicle shifts the liquid moves.

kryptonite_1976 · 12-08-2003, 02:06 PM

I have never heard a heater core making sloshing noises as the coils are too small to make such a noise. You said that it is more apperant if the car has been sitting. Could ti be that you have a newley statred blowen head gasket and maybe and when you shut the car off cylinder pressure pushes coolant into the coolant resevoir. And it makes that noise till the car heats up and sucks the coolant back into the system? And when you bring it to the dealership the car is warm so it won't make that noise...........Just a thought

csaxon · 12-09-2003, 08:55 PM

2k2camary, it's possible that the valve on the heater core is partially open (not closing completely). That might explain the gurgling and if air is trapped in the heater core it doesn't pressurize and you'll hear a sloshing sound. It's actually quite common in Mercedes believe it or not. It could be corrosion or a defective valve. Just keep cycling it on and off (open and closed)and maybe you'll clear it up. With the system running and the heater full on you can squeeze the heater hoses. They should feel firm, if the exit hose is easy to squeeze then that's your problem.

csaxon · 12-09-2003, 09:02 PM

2k2camary, have you looked in the engine firewall area under the windscreen? You might have water trapped in there. Leaves, dirt, debris can clog up the drains.

2k2camary · 12-09-2003, 09:24 PM

i'll check the windscreen this weekend. i'll also check the heater. thanks for all the tips. will post an update later.

donald1039 · 12-22-2003, 11:32 AM

I have a 2002 Camry and I get the same noise. In addition the same thing is occuring on my father in-laws 2002 Camry. The noise is definitely water that appears to be trapped somewhere in the firewall on the driver's side. The noise sounds like water rushing through an opening when the car shifts due to a curve or acceleration. I have also noticed that the problem only occurs in the fall and spring when temperatures are more transitional. This leads me to believe that condensation is the culprit instead of a water leak. Don't know the answer yet, but if I find out I will return.

volley36 · 05-04-2004, 09:17 PM

I first noticed the water sloshing in the dashboard sound when I almost missed a turn and applied heavy braking in a turn. It sounds like a LOT of water in there.

Brian R. · 05-04-2004, 10:58 PM

Could be plugged drains in one of your doors. Leaves can plug them up and cause alot of water to be trapped inside the door.

2k2camary · 05-05-2004, 12:56 AM

the dealer after 3 trips determined it was air trapped in the radiator. all they did was let the car run for about 5 hours w/ the heater on and it got rid of the air bubbles, no more noise. you guys might want to try that.

edfrsd · 05-06-2004, 01:20 PM

I also have the same noise.. wow.. this only started happening after I got into my accident and they did have to replace the radiator. so im not sure if they even checked the pressure or flushed it out completely. the slushy sound usually occus when i come to a stop and it sounds like its moving from side to side. lol i thought it was just me....

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