'91 Camry - losing accel uphill

[wz0scp]

All,
My 91 Camry (~$199K miles) runs just fine except when I try to go uphill - loses accel and is unable to cross over 45 mph. No issues on a relatively flat road.

Any suggestions on what to look into?

Thanks

[akfx0]

have you tried using your power mode? if you look at where the e-brakes are theres a small button that says ECT or something. press it. if makes your car shift later, so you can push your car a little more. this should give you enough speed to go uphill.

[MayesToy2k4]

If your Camry is a 4-cylinder, then it could be simply a lack of power because the engine's age. But then the 3SFE was never too powerful to begin with!

PS--I used to own a 1988 Camry 4-cylinder when I lived in CT, so I know it's probably just a power issue.

[wz0scp]

I guess you are right. I did not have this problem until a few months ago. Is there anything I could do to improve this now?

Originally Posted by MayesToy2k4

If your Camry is a 4-cylinder, then it could be simply a lack of power because the engine's age. But then the 3SFE was never too powerful to begin with!

PS--I used to own a 1988 Camry 4-cylinder when I lived in CT, so I know it's probably just a power issue.

[fwerd]

My camry 1989 basically the same had that exact same problem until i had it checked out. The accelerator cable comes loose on these cars and can be fixed relativly easily but will cost about 100 bucks. It was so nice to have that fixed after running without it since i bought the car 4 years ago.

[DFBonnett]

Originally Posted by wz0scp

All,
My 91 Camry (~$199K miles) runs just fine except when I try to go uphill - loses accel and is unable to cross over 45 mph. No issues on a relatively flat road.

Any suggestions on what to look into?

Thanks

What is the condition of the plugs, wires, cap rotor, etc? Often ignition problems will only exhibit symptoms under load. If those are fine, you might want to do a compression test to see what you still have at 199K.

[nick bamberger]

Is the transmission not down-shifting?

[WhiteBomber]

Turn the overdrive off on the shifter...it hurts your mileage so make sure when you over the hill to turn it off

[RIP]

Old thread (started Sept 03) but, for anybody else - check compression and timing. Fairly common problem in older cars.