AboutTim Expertise Any Toyota, especially Camry, Corolla, or Geo/Chev Prizm problems. Heavy experience with ECM,sensor,diagnostic issues, driveablilty, starting, fuel,charging, electrical, overall mechanical engine/transmission, and suspension problems. If I can't answer a question correctly in a timely manner I will search for the answer.
Experience I have 32 years experience in automotive field as a diagnostic technician. I analyze and correct problems on Toyota cars. I manage a car care organization for my church. The church has approximately 9000 members We provide diagnostic and repair services for low income individuals on a volunteer basis. I personally have owned and driven Toyotas for 27 years. My children, grandchildren, father and mother drive Toyotas. I have converted many friends to Toyotas.
Education/Credentials Unrelated; Computer Science Degree.
My experience has been self taught, always learning. I am not a parts replacer! I've seen way to many parts replaced by shops or individuals that don't have a clue, eventually I get called to resolve the issue. Most of the time its something simple like a bad ground, broken wire, gas cap, or dirty sensor(02 or MAF), etc.
Sensors are there to send a signal back to the computer that something is off slightly, that doesn't mean the sensor is bad!
Expert: Tim Date: 7/7/2008 Subject: Airflow 1997 Camry
Question QUESTION: When set on the 'Panel" setting, I have very weak airflow through the two center air ducts (the two just above the radio). The two near the doors have strong airflow. On all other settings, everything seems to work fine - but still very weak on bi level, also. Any Suggestions? Thanks
ANSWER: Kevin,
the cable and the trap door isn't moving far enough to change
the air direction. get a flashlight and look up under the dash
on the drivers side and watch the door and cable moving.
If need be get a Haynes or Chiltons repair manual from a local
auto parts store.
good luck
Tim
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Tim,
Thanks for your response. I, however, don't see the correct cable or a trap door. The only cable I see moves with the temperature control. I don't know if different models had different air flow controls, but mine is an XLE V6 that has a servo motor on it. The servo seems to working fine; it’s just that whatever is supposed to open for the center vents isn’t opening. I can see the linkage move, but can’t tell if it’s hooked to anything.
I have two other Toyota’s that I’ve been trying to compare with. My 1989 truck has the cable system – I can’t see a trap door there, either, but can feel and hear it open and close. I also have a ‘99 Solara – quite similar, but it has the pushbutton electronic controls. The servo and linkage on the Solara appear to do the same thing as that of the Camry – only difference being the center vents on the Solara work fine. It does seem, however, that high speed on the Solara blows more air than high speed on the Camry. Matter of fact – it seems that one speed up from low on the Solara is about equal to the output of the Camry, and the middle speed on the Solara (it has 5 speeds) is more than that of high speed on the Camry.
As far as books on the subject go, I went to the library and looked through about a half a dozen Haynes and Chilton manuals, none of which had any information on the servo. I think I would need something more sophisticated, such as an official Toyota Service Repair manual.
Any other ideas, besides taking it in to the shop?
Thanks again,
Kevin
Answer Kevin,
Go to Chilton manual #68201, page3-19. If you have auto air then go
through the procedures for checking error codes, see if it comes
up with 31,32, or 41. Go to a Toyota dealership and find a technician
that works with A/C units. If they don't have one go to a different
Toyota dealership and find one.
