1989 camary

[usmarinej1]

Hello;
My 89 camary 4cyl. EFI runs well most of the time. The problem i am having is at times, not consistant, the engine will flood and the car will run rich and rough. When it happens while driving, I put it neutraul and let it idle for a couple of minutes it will lean out and will run fine. This happens at anytime, cold start, hot start, when engine is warm or cold. Once it smooths out, the car is great, run perfect. The only code that i get is for the coolant sensor, and i have replaced them. Problem is still there, Help...... Thanks

[Joe W]

Is the code for the coolant sensor still present after replacing the sensor? If so, check the connections and wiring. A faulty coolant sensor or circuit will cause moderate to severe drivability problems,but usually after the engine warms up. When was the last tune-up?

[usmarinej1]

Yes the code is still present, and the problem is there weather the engine is warm or cold. there is no consistenecy on when it acts up. Some have told me the coolant sensor[s] that's why i replaced them, others have stated the Mas air flow sensor. and still others are just grasping at parts.

[mystic67]

You mention sensor(s). There is only one Coolant Temperature Sensor.

[DeafBy30]

Mass airflow sensor makes since. my mass airflow sensor went bad and my car was running rich on fuel and come to find out it was because of a broken connection. I was able to figure it out by just shaking the mass airflow sensor and i heard something moving in it, so i just took the top off and resodered it and it ran fine after that.
but this is just a suggestion.

also you said that the same coding was still there. Was this after erasing the previous coding from memory after replacing the coolant sensor?

good luck

[Brian R.]

If I was a betting man, I'd bet your problem was the coolant temperature sensor wiring or connection. You'd have to give me odds though...

Make sure you haven't got any air trapped in your coolant system by removing the radiator cap when the engine is cold and then, with the car parked on a hill - radiator uphill - idle the engine until you get coolant circulation. Once the coolant is freely circulating and begins to overflow, replace the radiator cap. If the coolant level suddenly drops, fill the radiator to the top and then cap it.

Sometimes the ECT sensor is in a position that can trap air.