94 Toyota Camry Problem

[shagadelic_oz]

Hi,
I own a 1994 Toyota Camry V6 with 140,000kms (87,000 miles). I've had it around 9 months and it's purred like a kitten until very recently. I had a major service done to it around 2 months back when they replaced the air filter, fuel filter, oil change plus a couple new tyres.

I normally drive it with the overdrive on all the time.

In the last couple of weeks, I've noticed a problem. Firstly, it will intermittently idle quite roughly whilst paused at traffic lights. It doesn't do it every time, nor necessarily every day. It also does it whether or not the overdrive is on or not.

The other problem is that going at around 80-100km/h (50-65mph) up any form of incline, the engine appears to "cough", as though it is trying to drop back from top gear into the next gear, but something is preventing it from doing so. It only ever does it whilst going up an incline. As opposed to the intermittent rough idling, this other problem is now happening every single time I have the overdrive on whilst driving at that speed up an incline. It does not do it whilst I have the overdrive off. Thus, it makes me suspect there is a problem with the overdrive.

Anyone had this problem or know what the likely culprit may be?

Cheers
Ron J

[Bossman]

I'm thinking it's some kind of sensor but.....have you ever changed your spark plug wires? Ten years and 87,000 miles....you're ready. I hope the problem isn't any deeper than this but I'm no mechanic so I wish I could have helped you more.

[Joe W]

I'd have to agree with Bossman and go the tune-up route first.This don't sound like a O/D related problem,but a result of poor engine performance.

[don24mac]

Best to do what's suggested above. And while you're at it, change the EGR valve. It's around a $10.00 part.

Edited to Add:
Oooooops, I mean PCV valve. The EGR valve could also cause something like this, but it's a bit more than ten bucks. Check PCV valve first.

[shagadelic_oz]

cheers,

i appreciate the helpful advice...will let you know how i go

[vedaswank]

Hi im am just a tenager but on my van it does the same thing i think what it is is when you are in overdrive mode it automaticly changes gear and so it hits a like a microscopic point where it "coughs" back and fort i say just acelarate a little more or diving up hilla with you overdrive on is quite bad for you car my dad says hes a machanic.