Ed’s question:
I’m trying to put a timing belt on my 2001 V6 Toyota Camry, but I can’t figure out how to reinstall the tensioner. It’s one of those hydraulic jobs and of course now it’s popped the whole way up. Give me some pointers, please.
Answer:
Yes, that tensioner on the V6 camrys is the only really tricky part. You need to have a hydraulic press or a large bench vice to squeeze the piston back into the hydraulic tensioner. Then put a small drill bit into the line up holes on the tensioner to hold it in place. If you don’t have this equipment, you can just buy a new tensioner that’s already pushed in with a holding pin in it. Which really isn’t that bad of an idea, then you don’t have to worry about the tensioner wearing out as it will be a new one.
Harry’s Question: I can’t get the key out of my 99 Camry. It’s stuck fast, I can’t turn it to drive it or get it out. HELP!
Answer: Yes, the lock tumbler assemblies on those Camrys often do break after years of use. Take the plastic cover off the steering wheel and there’s a small pin hole on the lock tumbler assembly. If you stick a small pick in that hole, and pull out on the key, the whole tumbler assembly should come right out. Then just go put a new one in, it’s a pretty simple job. I’ve done scores of them.
Dave’s Question: The AC on my 99 Camry went out. Not that I care about the AC in this freezing cold weather, but the windows now fog up all the time. The AC light flashes on and off, and when I hot wire the AC compressor, it will work then. So something’s gone electronically. What can I check next, all the fuses and relays are working?
Toyota Camri 1999
Answer: Yes, you’ve got an electrical short somewhere, since hot wiring the compressor makes the system work. Behind the glove box there’s a small computer called the AC amplifier. If they go bad, you’ll have no power going to the compressor. Check to see if power is going into the amplifier, but not coming out when you turn the AC button on. If this is the case, replace the amplifier. If no power is going into the amplifier, then check the switch itself for power in and power out. Somewhere you will be losing power, and that will be the culprit. Good Luck,
Question. Cedric asks: I’m thinking about having my 1999 Camry repainted. But I’ve gotten quotes from 250 dollars to three (3) thousand dollars. Why the big price difference?
Toyota Camri 1999
Answer: As in most cases, you get what you pay for. The low end price is probably one of those chain paint businesses. They paint a LOT of cars, so they get a break on paint and material costs. And generally for that price, they just tape over trim and such, and then spray the car. While a paint job that costs a LOT more will generally consist of stripping the old paint off, removing all the trim and bumpers, and doing a really professional job. SO, you decide what you want done, and what you want to pay. Just make sure that whoever you choose for the job will give you some type of guarantee against runs and drips and “orange peels” in the paint surface BEFORE you have them do the job. That way you’ll know what to accept when the job is done.
